This episode is a bit different. You’re going to hear a lot about sacred spaces, ritual, and prayer today … but in more of a spiritual sense, not a religious one.

Dr. Tom Garcia describes himself as a shamanic teacher and spiritual guide with a unique gift for helping people clear away the blocks that keep them from reaching their dreams and experiencing peace and happiness.

Through wisdom born of personal experience and genuine humility, he helps people awaken, strengthen and deepen their connection within to rediscover their true voice and unearth their deepest calling.

With the help of the mystical guides who led him to his own spiritual awakening, he uses clear guidance and gentle presence to move past fear and uncertainty into the light of your own wisdom. 

He lives with his family in the mountains of Colorado.

Topics discussed in today’s episode:
* EST (Erhard Seminars Training), a personal growth program from the 70’s.
* Tom’s transition from a Chiropractor to starting to develop fire ceremonies.
* The roles of ritual and ceremony and importance of safe spaces in inner / personal growth work.
* How our own views and biases distort how we see and interpret the world.
* The importance of support system and familiar / comfortable activities in supporting one’s personal growth & development work.
* Imposter syndrome and how it can impact and hinder our growth and development.

Links:
“We see the world not as it is, but as we are” - https://quoteinvestigator.com/2014/03/09/as-we-are/
EST (Wikipedia) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erhard_Seminars_Training
Marianne Williamson (author, spiritual leader, creator of A Course in Miracles) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marianne_Williamson
Our Greatest Fear (poem by Marianne Williamson) -https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/our-deepest-fear-5/
Gary Renard - http://www.garyrenard.com
Lynne McTaggart - https://lynnemctaggart.com

Connect with Tom:
Web - https://reclaimthesacred.com

Connect with Steve:
Email - [email protected]
Web - https://sensitiverebel.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7zd5kba1SQZOyM5sKKiVA
Instagram - https://instagram.com/thesensitiverebel

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stevemccready.substack.com

My guest for this episode of The Sensitive Rebel is author Milda De Voe. In addition to founding  Pen Parentis, a literary nonprofit that helps writers stay creative after having kids, Milda (also known as M.M. De Voe), is a Pushcart-nominated author of short fiction, with work in the Shirley Jackson Award-winning anthology Twisted Book of Shadows and in literary journals in Israel, Great Britain, Canada, and the US, and in the anthology Delirium Corridors. Nominated for her fourth Pushcart in 2021, her first full-length nonfiction —  Book &Baby: The Complete Guide to Managing Chaos & Becoming a Wildly Successful Writer-Parent (Brooklyn Writers Press, 2021) — is an instructional guide that Midwest Book Review called “a mandatory read.” This book won first place in the 2021 Indie Awards for writing/publishing books. She is a Columbia University MFA graduate (and fellow) who studied under Michael Cunningham. She has also co-written the book of a sci-fi dance musical, won a NYC poet-tweet contest judged by the mayor’s wife, and has danced for the Pope in Vatican City. She lives in Manhattan with her husband, kids, and an urban rabbit.

In this episode, we discuss her rebellion against 'anti-curiosity' (indifference is the word neither she or I could think of during the interview), the impact of growing up as the child of a scientist and an educator on her as it relates to her curiosity and her attitude about mistakes, her career progression to becoming a writer, the impact of 9/11 on her life, her new book, upcoming projects, and more.

Related links:
College Station TX (Wikipedia) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_Station,_Texas
Aggie Bonfire collapse (Wikipedia) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Aggie_Bonfire_collapse
Maria Montessori (American Montessori Society) - https://amshq.org/About-Montessori/History-of-Montessori/Who-Was-Maria-Montessori
Christopher Durang (Wikipedia) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Durang
Alexander Calder (SF MOMA) - https://www.sfmoma.org/artist/alexander_calder/
Scribente Maternum - https://www.scribentematernum.com
Tiny Owl Press - https://tinyowl.co.uk
Domenica Ruta - Last Day (Goodreads) - https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/41794726-last-day
Sarah Langan - Good Neighbors (Goodreads) - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54304088-good-neighbors
Helen Phillips - The Need - https://www.helencphillips.com/the-need

Connect with Milda:
Web - https://mmdevoe.com
Web (Pen Parentis) - https://www.penparentis.org
Twitter - @mmdevoe

Connect with Steve:
Email - [email protected]
Web - https://sensitiverebel.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7zd5kba1SQZOyM5sKKiVA
Instagram - https://instagram.com/thesensitiverebel

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stevemccready.substack.com

Regina Graziani, my guest for this episode, describes herself thusly: “I’m an attorney by education and training, and a mentor by passion. I love nothing more, if you don’t count calorie-free ice cream, than to assist learners to successfully transition into the legal profession and reach their professional goals. I am an advocate of, and have extensive experience, with paralegals and paralegal students, which is why I was chosen for my current role - Program Director, Paralegal Studies Program - at the University of Hartford. I regularly present on topics of interest to paralegals and attorneys, locally and nationally. I am a proponent of doing something that is difficult, challenging, and outside your comfort zone, every single day.”

Regina’s story illustrates so many important things about finding success, from the importance and power of advocacy, whether it’s for oneself or for others, why persistence is essential for success, and how the right perspective on failure can make all the difference when life knocks us down.


Topics discussed in today’s episode:
David Goggins (Wikipedia) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Goggins
Lymphatic Malformation (NORD) - https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/lymphatic-malformations/
Apraxia (NORD) - [Apraxia - NORD https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/apraxia/
Non-verbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) (Wikipedia) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonverbal_learning_disorder

Connect with Regina:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginagrazianiesq/
Email - [email protected]

Connect with Steve:
Email - [email protected]
Web - https://sensitiverebel.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7zd5kba1SQZOyM5sKKiVA
Instagram - https://instagram.com/thesensitiverebel

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stevemccready.substack.com

My guest on this episode of The Sensitive Rebel is Krysta Dancy. Krysta is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has over seventeen years of experience in the field of psychology and trauma. In her office in Roseville, CA she provides compassionate and evidence-based care for a variety of fertility-related mental health issues with special emphasis on trauma and birth (for both provider and patient). She also serves as Co-Director and Clinical Supervisor at The Place Within (a nonprofit that makes community counseling affordable for those who may not otherwise have access.) Krysta founded The Birth & Trauma Support Center- a nation-wide organization dedicated to providing trauma-informed training to providers and professionals. From her lens as a certified birth doula and mental health professional, Krysta holds great optimism and warmth for each person in the birth room. Her work and passion is to see trauma-informed medical care become the norm, and to see providers and patients thrive.


Topics discussed in today’s episode:
Trauma-informed care - https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/trauma-informed-care-what-it-is-and-why-its-important-2018101613562
EMDR (EMDR Institute) - https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/
Brainspotting - https://www.brainspotting.com
NICU (March of Dimes) - https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/the-nicu.aspx


Connect with Krysta:
Birth & Trauma Support Center - https://birthandtraumasupportcenter.org
Private Practice - https://www.counselinginroseville.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/krystadancymft/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DancyTherapy


Connect with Steve:
Email - [email protected]
Web - https://sensitiverebel.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7zd5kba1SQZOyM5sKKiVA
Instagram - https://instagram.com/thesensitiverebel

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stevemccready.substack.com

Today’s guest on The Sensitive Rebel is Bruce Ross.

Bruce operates in the realm of the “inner game of leadership”.

His proprietary approach to leadership development is research-based and has been honed over 37 years of working directly with the full spectrum of leaders: from emergent through to established.

The resulting Flowpreneur framework integrates brain science and Optimal psychology directly into business to help leaders and teams tap unsuspected reserves of human performance, intelligence and potential.

Bruce has spoken at over 30 annual conferences and been published internationally on the topics of leadership and accessing peak performance states. In addition, he has personally coached over 1200 business owners, leaders and entrepreneurs.

Connect with Bruce:
[email protected]
Flowpreneur - https://flowpreneur.co
Ignite Business Leadership - https://ignitebusiness.co.nz
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucesross/

Connect with Steve:
Email - [email protected]
Web - https://sensitiverebel.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7zd5kba1SQZOyM5sKKiVA
Instagram - https://instagram.com/thesensitiverebel

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stevemccready.substack.com

My guest on this episode of The Sensitive Rebel is Walt Hampton. Walt is the Founder and CEO of Summit Success International, a global personal and professional development firm. He is also the President and COO of Book Yourself Solid® Worldwide. He’s an executive business coach, management consultant, and leadership trainer. Founder of the Consultant’s Success Formula®, Walt helps entrepreneurs and business professionals make the impact they want and the income they deserve. He’s the best-selling author of *Journeys on the Edge: Living a Life That Matters*, a two-time winner of the North American Book Awards. He’s also the author of *The Power Principles of Time Mastery: Do Less, Make More, Have Fun*.

Topics discussed in today’s episode:
Tony Robbins - https://tonyrobbins.com
Terrence Real - https://terryreal.com
Abraham-Hicks - https://www.abraham-hicks.com
Mount Everest (Wikipedia) - [Mount Everest - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Everest)
Seven Summits - [Seven Summits - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Summits)

Connect with Walt:
Web - https://walthampton.com

Connect with Steve:
Email - [email protected]
Web - https://sensitiverebel.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7zd5kba1SQZOyM5sKKiVA
Instagram - https://instagram.com/thesensitiverebel

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stevemccready.substack.com

My guest on this episode of The Sensitive Rebel is Anthony Stoker.  With over 25 years experience in the footwear industry, Anthony Stoker takes inspiration from the world of art and music, and works closely with an Italian family-run factory, to produce shoes worth cherishing. A collection imbued with captivating elegance, and founded on the values of longevity and reverence. Longevity; a quality that will last both physically and emotionally. Reverence; to inspire awareness and respect; for the craft and the craftspeople, and customers too.

I first met Anthony a few months ago when I began my podcast journey. He has his own podcast, "The View From A Shoe", which is definitely worth a listen. In our conversation we talk about Anthony's journey into shoe design, the evolution of his own line of shoes, how he's balanced going with the flow and listening to his gut, and the role a children's book may have played in his career choice, among other things (like, for example, the band New Order and their album covers). Enjoy!

Mentioned / discussed in today's episode:
The Elves & The Shoemaker (Wikipedia) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Elves_and_the_Shoemaker
Alexander McQueen - http://alexandermcqueen.com
Vladimir Kush - https://vladimirkush.com
New Order - https://neworder.com
Power, Corruption & Lies (New Order album - Wikipedia) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power,_Corruption_%26_Lies
Temptation (New Order song - Wikipedia) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temptation_(New_Order_song)
Peter Saville - https://petersaville.info
Bauhaus (Wikipedia) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bauhaus

Connect with Anthony:
Web, Podcast - https://anthonystoker.com

Connect with Steve:
Email - [email protected]
Web - https://sensitiverebel.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7zd5kba1SQZOyM5sKKiVA
Instagram - https://instagram.com/thesensitiverebel

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stevemccready.substack.com

My guest on this episode of The Sensitive Rebel is David Martin. David is a consultant and business coach with over 25 years of experience helping entrepreneurs and executives achieve results that previously eluded them. Whether or not you're an executive or entrepreneur, David shares a lot in our conversation that will help sensitive rebels navigate the sometimes rough waters of life more effectively. We had a lot of fun riffing on business, humans, and spirituality and I think this episode will have you both learning and laughing. Enjoy!

Mentioned / discussed in today's episode:

• ‘Behold the turtle…’ quote - https://quoteinvestigator.com/2019/09/13/turtle/
• Psychological Safety (Wikipedia) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_safety
• James Hillman / "the oak lives in the acorn" (Wikipedia) -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Hillman
• San Francisco Zen Center / Shunryu Suzuki: https://www.sfzc.org
• Thanks for Sharing (Official Movie Website) - https://thanksforsharingmovie.com
• Daniel Siegel / hand model of the brain (YouTube) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-m2YcdMdFw 
• What Steve is rebelling against

Connect with David:
Web - https://davidmartinco.com

Connect with Steve:
Email - [email protected]
Web - https://sensitiverebel.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7zd5kba1SQZOyM5sKKiVA
Instagram - https://instagram.com/thesensitiverebel

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stevemccready.substack.com

My guests on this episode of The Sensitive Rebel are Karen Betts & Hannah Howerton, the mother-daughter duo behind Lionel's Place and co-creators of the book The Little Lemon that Leapt. I've known them for a number of years and love what they're doing and the important messages they're bringing to the world about identity, self-acceptance, and value.

Karen Sanders is the wordsmith and visionary behind Lionel’s Place. She is a bookworm from way back, and proudly touts the fact that she became a published author at age 7, when Wee Wisdom Magazine printed one of her poems. Karen has her BS in Journalism, with a minor in English. She is currently working on the second book in Lionel the Lemon’s series. Karen loves spreading her dad’s message of acceptance as she continues to use a little lemon to make a big difference.

Hannah Howerton is the illustrator and creative director behind Lionel's Place. She is a lifelong doodler who finds inspiration in the great outdoors. After graduating from UC Berkeley, she knew she wanted to launch a business that would make a difference in this weird and wonderful world. She loves using pop art to promote messages near and dear to her heart.

Topics discussed in our conversation:

• The story (and inspiration) behind Lionel the Lemon
• The ups and downs of creating (and promoting) their book & how their collaborative process works.
• Why 'dead ends' still have value
• The importance of 'embracing your weird'
• The question they ask themselves that helps them keep their motivation up
• The impact of their school presentations on both students and on them. 
• Why their book has been a hit with the neurodiverse crowd
• What's next for Lionel the Lemon
• Mr. Rogers - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Rogers
• Kickstarter - https://kickstarter.com
• PBS - https://pbs.org
• Meet the Robinsons - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meet_the_Robinsons
• ...and more!

Connect with Karen & Hannah:
Web - https://lionels.place

Connect with Steve:
Email - [email protected]
Web - https://sensitiverebel.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7zd5kba1SQZOyM5sKKiVA
Instagram - https://instagram.com/thesensitiverebel

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stevemccready.substack.com

My guest on this episode of The Sensitive Rebel is Ann Sheybani. Ann is the founder of Summit Press Publishers. She helps service professionals and entrepreneurs write and publish expert-positioning books that matter, that get read from cover to cover. A sales and marketing certified coach, Harvard-trained writer, Amazon bestselling author, and ghostwriter, she knows which stories get results, and which should be soaked in gasoline and burned on the lawn (her words, not mine!)

Connect with Ann:
Web - https://annsheybani.com
Email - [email protected]

You can also get her free guide to the 4 Obstacles Between You and a Finished Book here: https://summitsuccess.lpages.co/4-obstacles-between-you-and-a-finished-book/

Connect with Steve:
Email - [email protected]
Web - https://sensitiverebel.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7zd5kba1SQZOyM5sKKiVA
Instagram - https://instagram.com/thesensitiverebel

Books & Topics mentioned in today's episode (links may be affiliate links):
Adult Children of Alcoholics - https://adultchildren.org
Tony Robbins - https://tonyrobbins.com
Vipassna Meditation - http://www.dhamma.org
Shadow (Jungian psychology) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shadow_(psychology)
Michael Bungay Stanier - https://mbs.works
The Coaching Habit - Michael Bungay Stanier

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stevemccready.substack.com