Kelly talks to Jenny Raymond from the Harnish Foundation and Julie Dumais Osborne from The Second City Training Center to talk about a new partnership that offers free improv-based leadership training for girls in grades 3 through 8 in Chicago called Funny Girls. The best part: IT’S FREE! For more information or to sign up your school, go here: https://thehf.org/funny-girls/secondcity/

“Improv is a warm hug for girls.”

 “Improv teaches girls that there’s no right or wrong, fostering a sense of confidence and belonging.”

  “By using improv, we’re helping girls discover their voices and build the confidence they need to lead.”

Kelly welcomes futurist Bob Johansen back to the podcast to discuss his book “Navigating the Age of Chaos.” Bob introduces us to the term BANI, which describes the world we live in now: Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible. Spoiler alert – improvisation is a skill one needs to navigate this world.

“In the mid-2010’s, everything started to get a little crazy.” 

“Improv allows you to practice in low-risk ways for nonlinear futures and unpredictable environments.

“The best leaders will be great storytellers.” 

Kelly talks to Harvard professor Leslie John, whose research into self-disclosure provides a rich source of insights into how we can better build relationships, foster connection, and lead a more purposeful life when we are willing to be vulnerable and share details of our lives with others.

“If in doubt, transparency is the safer bet.” 

“Today, the illusion of reciprocity thrives on social media.” 

“Like most hangovers, the pain of TMI is often short-lived.”

In this engaging conversation, Kelly connects with Paul Eastwick to discuss his new book, ‘Bonded by Evolution,’ exploring misconceptions about love and connection. He critiques the outdated ‘Evo script’ that shapes our understanding of attraction and relationships, emphasizing the impact of modern dating practices. Eastwick highlights the fluidity of attraction, the importance of close relationships, and the science behind breakups and attachment. He advocates for a constructive approach to building relationships, recognizing the role of change and the power of listening and validation in fostering connection.

“We like different people for different reasons, which just adds to the chaos of it all.” 

“Learning your place in the dating pool can be a brutal process.” 

“No one enjoys being stuck in the friendzone.” 

Journalist Kate Murphy has a compelling conversation with Kelly about her new book “Why We Click: The Emerging Science of Interpersonal Synchrony.” In this conversation, Kelly and Kate find a direct line between improvisational training and the kind of synchrony that leads to better relationships, more effective teams and the superpowers that flow from human to human interaction.

“Synchrony between humans is nothing short of a superpower.” 

“Our interactions with people are what make us most happy and most miserable in life.” 

“We are born to sync. We yearn to sync. And we suffer when we do not.” 

In this conversation, Kelly welcomes best-selling author Daniel Coyle back to the podcast. His new book, “Flourish: The Art of Building Meaning, Joy and Fulfillment,” emphasizes the significance of meaningful moments in life, particularly in fostering relationships and collaboration. He discusses how these moments often occur during ritual-like pauses where individuals reflect on their purpose and connection to something greater. This reflection allows for deeper engagement and collaboration among individuals, ultimately leading to more meaningful relationships.

“The type of attention we bring to the world changes the world we find.” 

“If you can’t say no, your yes is worthless.” 

“People mistakenly think life is a treasure hunt. And it is not a treasure hunt. It’s more like a treasure creation.” 

Kelly talks to former Obama White House EPA official Judith Enck, whose new book is called  “The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It’s Too Late.” 

“Don’t microwave food in plastic.” 

“Plastics are on track to surpass coal emissions in the United States.” 

“Get rid of all black plastic in your kitchen.”

In this engaging conversation, Kelly Leonard speaks with the Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde about her experiences as a leader, the nature of courage, and the lessons learned through parenting, grief, and improvisation. They explore the importance of speaking truth to power, the challenges of navigating loss, and the role of risk in personal growth. Budde emphasizes the need for safe spaces for open dialogue and the significance of embracing the journey of life, rather than focusing solely on outcomes.

“We learn who we are by telling stories.” 

“Stepping up to the plate when you aren’t ready is the price of starting.” 

“Our blind spots are dangerous precisely because we can’t see them.” 

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Anne-Laure LaCunff discusses her book ‘Tiny Experiments’ and explores the themes of curiosity, purpose, and personal growth. She shares her own awakening experience that led her to question her life choices and emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfection and experimentation. The discussion also delves into the dangers of having a singular purpose, the duality of time (Kronos vs. Kairos), and the significance of self-observation in understanding one’s life. Through practical advice and insights, the conversation encourages listeners to approach life with curiosity and openness to change.

“Uncertainty has so much to teach us.” 

“Our brain is uncomfortable in the in-betweens.” 

“All it takes is the courage to be curious.”

In this podcast episode, Kelly interviews Juan Bendana, a speaker and author of ‘Confident by Choice.’ They discuss the impact of early experiences on self-esteem, the importance of building a relationship with fear and discomfort, and how confidence is shaped by our experiences rather than innate traits. Juan shares insights on the confidence cycle, the significance of self-efficacy, and the power of small changes in personal transformation. The conversation emphasizes the role of storytelling, play, and self-compassion in learning and growth, culminating in Juan’s personal ‘Yes, And’ moment that sparked his journey of transformation.

“Confidence is a verb.” 

“Most of us speak very harshly to ourselves.” 

“The battle for your mind is a precious one.”