Powerful And Unpolished

Veterans often see real progress during a 12-week course of care, then wait an average of 16 weeks for approval of the next one. Many slide backward in that gap. First responders face a different barrier: their insurance rarely covers alternative care, and mental health copays can run $100 to $150 per session.

Mariah Tritz runs a wellness practice offering acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, and physical therapy. She founded Hands Helping Heroes to close these gaps. The Colorado nonprofit has served more than 300 veterans and awards $1,000 grants that go straight to approved providers.

In this episode, Mariah and host Tim Salmons cover:

• Why care works best when it is continuous
• How the grant model keeps providers paid and heroes invested
• Which modalities are in demand, from acupuncture and reiki to sound therapy and brain mapping
• Upcoming fundraisers and volunteer opportunities
• How to join as a donor, provider, or founding board member

Learn more at handshelpingheroesinc.org

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Yoga therapist and Create Calm founder Lisa Danahy joins Tim for a conversation about energy, ego, and the nervous system. Lisa explains why self regulation has to come before you can help anyone else steady theirs, and breaks down her framework for understanding ego as three layers: essential, essence, and dominant. She also shares the story of a four year old on the verge of being expelled from preschool who learned to calm himself with balloon breaths, then taught the technique to his own mother. It is a grounded, practical look at how playful movement and a little self honesty can help anyone reconnect with who they really are.

Key takeaways:

• Co-regulation means consciously meeting someone's energy before you can guide it toward balance.
• Self-regulation has to come first — Lisa practices reading her own stress signals in low-stakes moments so the skill is there when it counts.
• Ego shows up in three forms: essential (survival), essence (your unique gifts), and dominant (the shame-and-guilt-driven one).
• Lisa's go-to gut-check for a harsh inner voice is simply asking, "Is that true?"
• PLAY — Practicing Life's Authentic Yes — uses playful, opposite-extreme movement to help people notice when they've drifted from themselves.
• A 4-year-old facing expulsion learned to self-regulate through "balloon breaths" and "turtle shells," then taught the technique to his own mother.
• Redefining "work" to include rest and daily life dissolved Lisa's productivity shame without making her less productive.
• Lisa's core belief is that everyone is a "same size soul," whole and complete from day one, simply cycling through forgetting and remembering who they are.

www.CreateCalm.org
[email protected]

* A Gift to You - What Leadership Style are You? Check it Out:  https://insights4choice.com/leadership-style/

** Powerful & Unpolished was Created and Sponsored by Timothy Salmans and Insights4Choice:  https://insights4choice.com/

*** Remember, Life is about Transformation; Growth. Transformation is a practice; it's not a transaction.

Want to hear more? Visit our website for Powerful and Unpolished to listen to more episodes!

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Tim Salmans sits down with Teri Karjala, business success therapist, coach, author, and entrepreneur, for a wide-ranging conversation about fulfillment, personal growth, intuition, manifestation, and learning to trust the journey. Teri shares how difficult experiences, including what she calls her “dark night of the soul,” helped her stop trying to control every outcome and become more open to what life was showing her.

They explore the difference between asking “Why is this happening to me?” and approaching challenges with curiosity, how our thoughts can reinforce either limiting or empowering patterns, and why focusing on possibilities can change the way we move through life. Terri also shares practical exercises, including her 33-second practice, generative questions, gratitude, and using movement to shift your energy.

Connect with Terr Karjala

• Talking With Teri: https://talkingwithteri.com/
• Talking With Teri TV: https://tv.talkingwithteri.com/

Book

• Be the Magic of You: Tools to Transform Your Life by Teri Karjala
  Foreword by Jack Canfield
   https://www.balboapress.com/en-au/bookstore/bookdetails/748608-Be-the-Magic-of-You

Key points

•  Moving from the hustle mentality toward working smarter, conserving energy, and creating more space for life. 
•  Reframing challenges from “happening to me” to “happening for me.”
•  Using curiosity and generative questions instead of negative assumptions and limiting beliefs. 
•  Why focusing on Plan A rather than constantly preparing for Plan B can influence where your attention and energy go. 
•  Practical tools for shifting your state, including the 33-second exercise, gratitude, intentional planning, and physical movement.

From Teri:  Free mindset guide: https://calendar.talkingwithteri.com/connection-call

* A Gift to You - What Leadership Style are You? Check it Out:  https://insights4choice.com/leadership-style/

** Powerful & Unpolished was Created and Sponsored by Timothy Salmans and Insights4Choice:  https://insights4choice.com/

*** Remember, Life is about Transformation; Growth. Transformation is a practice; it's not a transaction.

Want to hear more? Visit our website for Powerful and Unpolished to listen to more episodes!

Connect with Tim on Facebook!

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What does it take to build trust in a world filled with conflicting information, fear, and constant distractions? Tim Salmans sits down with educator, respiratory therapist, and wellness coach Renee Ochsner to explore how personal responsibility, curiosity, and healthy habits can help us navigate uncertainty with greater confidence.

Drawing from experiences in education, healthcare during COVID, entrepreneurship, and competitive horseback riding, Renee shares practical insights on simplifying life, making informed decisions, and leading by serving others. Together, Tim and Renee discuss the importance of listening without judgment, recognizing reactive patterns, and creating meaningful connections that inspire growth.

Key Points

•  Renee's YES Effect framework: Why, Embrace Simplicity, Search for More. 
•  Building trust begins with trusting yourself instead of relying solely on outside voices. 
•  The 3D Model for reducing overwhelm: Delete, Delegate, Do. 
•  Leadership is about creating environments where others can grow and thrive. 
•  Listening with curiosity instead of judgment strengthens relationships and personal growth. 

Want to hear more? Visit our website for Powerful and Unpolished to listen to more episodes!

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Former fighter pilot and leadership expert Christian Boo Boucousis joins Tim Salmans to explore what truly separates effective leaders from managers. Drawing on his military background, humanitarian work in Afghanistan, and leadership consulting, Boo shares why curiosity, accountability, and continuous learning outperform authority and ego.

The conversation dives into debriefing, decision making under pressure, technology's impact on human connection, and why leadership begins with self-awareness rather than titles. Together, Tim and Boo discuss relationships, purpose, followership, and practical ways leaders can build trust, navigate uncertainty, and create lasting impact both at work and at home.

Key points:

• How fighter pilot training develops leaders through mindset, discipline, and continuous feedback.
• Why followership is an essential leadership skill and how it strengthens organizations.
• The ORCA debrief framework for improving decision making, accountability, and growth.
• How technology, bias, and distraction affect leadership, relationships, and human connection.
• Why destination driven leadership creates stronger teams, healthier cultures, and better results.

https://callmeboo.com
https://www.afterburner.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-boo-boucousis/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/afterburner/
https://www.instagram.com/christianbooboucousis/

* A Gift to You - What Leadership Style are You? Check it Out:  https://insights4choice.com/leadership-style/

** Powerful & Unpolished was Created and Sponsored by Timothy Salmans and Insights4Choice:  https://insights4choice.com/

*** Remember, Life is about Transformation; Growth. Transformation is a practice; it's not a transaction.

Want to hear more? Visit our website for Powerful and Unpolished to listen to more episodes!

Connect with Tim on Facebook!

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What happens when a professional stuntman faces the very real possibility that his career, and even his future, could end in an instant? In this episode, Tim Salmans welcomes back longtime friend and stunt performer Daniel 'Duke' Jackson for a powerful conversation about risk, resilience, and the moments that force us to reevaluate our lives.

Daniel shares stories from more than three decades in the stunt industry, including a life changing accident that left him questioning everything he thought he knew about himself, his work, and his future. Together, Tim and Daniel explore fear, trauma, faith, personal growth, and the importance of continuing to challenge ourselves rather than settling into comfort.

This conversation is a reminder that fulfillment is rarely found in avoiding discomfort. Growth often begins the moment we decide to trust ourselves enough to take the next step forward.

Key Points

•  Daniel's journey into professional stunt work and the challenges of breaking into the industry. 
•  The severe accident that became a turning point in his personal and professional life. 
•  Overcoming fear and trauma when returning to high risk stunt performance. 
•  How philosophy, spirituality, and quantum physics challenged long held beliefs. 
•  The relationship between discomfort, growth, purpose, and living a fulfilling life.

* A Gift to You - What Leadership Style are You? Check it Out:  https://insights4choice.com/leadership-style/

** Powerful & Unpolished was Created and Sponsored by Timothy Salmans and Insights4Choice:  https://insights4choice.com/

*** Remember, Life is about Transformation; Growth. Transformation is a practice; it's not a transaction.

Want to hear more? Visit our website for Powerful and Unpolished to listen to more episodes!

Connect with Tim on Facebook!

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In this episode of Powerful and Unpolished, Tim Salmans sits down with Carrie Rene Thomas, co-CEO of Becoming Irresistible, to explore the intersection of authenticity, visibility, entrepreneurship, and AI. Carrie shares how her experiences with dyslexia, personal growth, and overcoming challenges shaped her mission to help people amplify their impact without losing themselves in the process.

Together, they discuss the importance of storytelling, creating meaningful customer experiences, building businesses that support freedom rather than burnout, and why the most effective use of AI starts with understanding people. The conversation also highlights the power of mentorship, culture, resilience, and the ripple effect each person can have on the world around them.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or someone seeking greater fulfillment, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring perspectives on becoming more visible while staying true to who you are.

Key Points:

•  Carrie's journey from dyslexia and early struggles to entrepreneurial success. 
•  Why human first thinking is essential when implementing AI. 
•  The role of storytelling in business, leadership, and personal growth. 
•  Building systems that create freedom instead of dependency. 
•  How visibility and authenticity help people expand their impact and influence.

* A Gift to You - What Leadership Style are You? Check it Out:  https://insights4choice.com/leadership-style/

** Powerful & Unpolished was Created and Sponsored by Timothy Salmans and Insights4Choice:  https://insights4choice.com/

*** Remember, Life is about Transformation; Growth. Transformation is a practice; it's not a transaction.

Want to hear more? Visit our website for Powerful and Unpolished to listen to more episodes!

Connect with Tim on Facebook!

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In this episode of Powerful and Unpolished, Tim Salmans sits down with photographer and video storyteller  Monique Eckes to explore the deeper meaning behind authentic visual storytelling. From photographing rescue animals to creating testimonial videos that build trust, Monique shares how photography can capture far more than appearances. It can reveal personality, connection, and the human experience itself.

Together, Tim and Monique unpack the growing importance of authenticity in business, why genuine testimonials matter more than polished marketing, and how people often miss opportunities to preserve meaningful moments. The conversation also dives into the emotional bond between humans and animals, the evolution of pet photography, and why showing up honestly, both in life and in business, matters more than perfection.

Whether you are an entrepreneur, creative, animal lover, or someone learning to embrace your own story, this episode offers practical wisdom and heartfelt perspective on connection, trust, and being truly seen.

Key Points

•  How Monique transitioned from the veterinary industry into professional photography and video production 
•  Why authentic headshots and testimonials build deeper trust than polished marketing alone 
•  The emotional value of printing and preserving meaningful family and pet photographs 
•  The rise of testimonial videos as a powerful tool for connection and credibility in business 
•  How photography can capture the essence of a person, not just their appearance

Monique would like to offer our listeners:

Free "Testimonial Video Posting Plan"

June 12 Win-Win-Win Marketing with Testimonials Masterclass in Fort Collins, Colorado
* Check out the website or reach out to Monique directly.

Monique Eckes Contact Info:
Website: https:  https://silverpawstudio.com/
[email protected]
970-286-3198

Social Channels: 

https://www.facebook.com/silverpawstudio/

https://www.instagram.com/silverpawstudio/

https://www.youtube.com/c/SilverPawStudioFortCollins

* A Gift to You - What Leadership Style are You? Check it Out:  https://insights4choice.com/leadership-style/

** Powerful & Unpolished was Created and Sponsored by Timothy Salmans and Insights4Choice:  https://insights4choice.com/

*** Remember, Life is about Transformation; Growth. Transformation is a practice; it's not a transaction.

Want to hear more? Visit our website for Powerful and Unpolished to listen to more episodes!

Connect with Tim on Facebook!

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In this powerful episode of Powerful and Unpolished, Tim Salmans sits down with Dr. Stephen Paul Edwards for a raw conversation about trauma, toxic relationships, emotional addiction, and personal transformation. Stephen shares the deeply personal experiences behind his memoir, The Venus Fly Trap: Sex, Lies and Repercussions, revealing how one intense relationship forced him to confront the darkest parts of himself.

Together, they explore why success does not always create fulfillment, how unresolved childhood patterns shape adult relationships, and why vulnerability is essential for true freedom. From addiction and attachment to self-worth and awakening, this episode dives deep into the human condition and the difficult process of breaking destructive cycles.

If you have ever struggled with control, emotional dependency, identity, or the feeling of losing yourself in relationships or achievement, this conversation offers honest insight into what it means to face your patterns and reclaim your authentic self.

Key Points

•  Why toxic relationships often reflect unresolved internal patterns 
•  The difference between knowledge, experience, and true wisdom 
•  How attachment to identity, possessions, and validation creates suffering 
•  Why vulnerability and authenticity are necessary for personal freedom 
•  The role of pain, breakdowns, and “dark night of the soul” experiences in transformation

Guest Stephen Edwards Contact Info:
Website: https://vft23.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephen_sapereaude/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemiracles/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vft23_official?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575468609762

Gift to our listeners - The First 3 Chapters [https://bit.ly/4ciR1W0]

* A Gift to You - What Leadership Style are You? Check it Out:  https://insights4choice.com/leadership-style/

** Powerful & Unpolished was Created and Sponsored by Timothy Salmans and Insights4Choice:  https://insights4choice.com/

*** Remember, Life is about Transformation; Growth. Transformation is a practice; it's not a transaction.

Want to hear more? Visit our website for Powerful and Unpolished to listen to more episodes!

Connect with Tim on Facebook!

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In this episode, Tim Salmans sits down with developmental editor and author strategist Nanette Levin to explore what it really takes to write a book that resonates. They unpack the gap between having a powerful message and delivering it in a way that truly connects with readers. From early-stage clarity to structural decisions, this conversation reveals why writing is as much about transformation as it is about communication.

Nanette introduces her Book Camp concept, a guided and collaborative approach designed to support authors before they get lost in the manuscript. Together, they dive into common traps like falling in love with your own words, struggling with writer’s block, and overlooking the reader’s perspective. The discussion highlights how early feedback, intentional structure, and consistent writing habits can dramatically elevate the final outcome.

This episode goes beyond mechanics and into meaning, reminding aspiring authors that their voice matters, but only when it’s shaped with clarity and purpose. Whether you're starting your first book or refining your next, this conversation offers grounded insight into creating work that leaves a lasting impact.

Key Points:

•  Why writing from the reader’s perspective is essential for impact 
•  The hidden challenges first-time authors face and how to navigate them 
•  How early guidance can simplify and strengthen the entire writing process 
•  Practical strategies to overcome writer’s block and build consistency 
•  The importance of aligning your message, structure, and audience from the start

Guest Nanette Levin Contact Info:
https://bookconductors.com/

** Powerful & Unpolished was Created and Sponsored by Timothy Salmans and Insights4Choice - https://insights4choice.com/
*** Remember, Life is about Transformation; Growth. Transformation is a practice; it's not a transaction.

Want to hear more? Visit our website for Powerful and Unpolished to listen to more episodes!

Connect with Tim on Facebook!

Cheers!