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Our biggest shifts sometimes elevate entire communities. My guest on this episode of Shift Out Loud has built an award-winning career around uplifting those who need it most. I’m joined by Alison Anthony, the President and CEO of the Tulsa Area United Way. Among her many recognitions, she’s been inducted into the Tulsa Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma State University Diversity Hall of Fame, and is the 2025 recipient of the Leadership Oklahoma Distinguished Graduate award. 

Our conversation digs into Alison’s enduring passion for justice and inclusion, and the importance of meeting your own needs while helping others. Tune in as we explore her decision to play bigger in a way that aligned with her deeper values, her journey to grow as a leader while dealing with personal challenges, and the incredible bar fight story that reveals her hidden superhero side!

Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover: 

• How to set healthy boundaries and detach lovingly when helping others hurts you
• The enormous impact of older women in our families and communities 
• How Alison is shifting into a new chapter of reflection and self-expression

Guest bio: Alison Anthony serves as the President and CEO of the Tulsa Area United Way. A number of non-profit organizations are proud to name her as a member of their Boards of Directors, including the Tulsa Community Foundation and the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce. To all her roles, Alison brings a passion for inclusion, justice, innovation, and a belief that we can join our talents together to make our community a place where we can all flourish and thrive. 

Timestamps:

01:57  Intro

03:58  Meet Alison Anthony

07:16  Growing up & over-helping

10:57  Fly fishing story

14:07  Ear biting story

18:55  Shift to corporate

22:37  So shall it be or better

28:52  Shift to United Way

30:42  Al-Anon & codependency

35:22  Setting boundaries

40:22  The ‘Shift Happens’ 60s

43:44  Next shift

47:59  Sharing a stage

49:08  Conclusion

Links:

Alison Anthony

tauw.org/team_member/alison-anthony 

tulsahistory.org/halloffame/alison-anthony 

linkedin.com/in/alison-anthony-14a76a6 

—

Connect with me:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears 

Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker 

Twitter: @tracylspears 

Instagram: @tracylspears Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: exceptionalleaderslab.com 

Visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog

Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Visit tracyspears.com 

Podcast support:

theultimatecreative.com 

copymagic.agency 

If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game! 

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My guest for this episode of Shift Out Loud has spent much of her career exploring how we can make one of the most profound shifts imaginable: choosing to live a life for the things that matter most, without waiting for a crisis to occur. I’m joined once again by Dr. Jennifer K. Clark, whose book Suffer. is a fascinating reflection of her experiences in Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Dr. Clark challenges society’s definition of health and has shaped a new standard of innovative, community-based end-of-life care. 

This episode is a powerful invitation to show up and truly see yourself. Listen in as we discuss the power of transpersonal experiences and the gift of mortality salience, and Dr. Clark shares how to honor the mind-body connection, find peace during times of stress, and recognize the modern markers of adulthood.

Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover: 

• How to reintegrate tough memories and become whole through shard work
• Why we shouldn’t stop assessing developmental milestones after childhood 
• How to get out of the anxiety spin cycle when meditation feels impossible  

Guest bio: Dr. Jennifer Clark is the author of Suffer., a reflection of her nearly 25-year practice as an allopathic physician trained in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. From the bedside to the boardroom and beyond, she has served to heal, educate, and innovate toward the relief of suffering and promotion of well-being. She volunteers as a medical liaison at Clarehouse and serves as a board member for the Omega Home Network.

Timestamps:

01:55  Intro

03:37  Meet Dr. Jennifer Clark

06:14  Holding space

10:20  “Suffer well”

13:53  Developmental milestones & shame

15:59  Accepting the invitation

19:26  Taking a pause

23:00  Anxiety & dissociation

28:01  Memory, shard work, and life review

36:33  Self-identity & death experience

40:35  Mortality salience & grief

44:20  Internal voice & sense of self

51:23  Transpersonal experiences

59:12  New website  

Links:

Dr. Jennifer Clark

thegiftofchoosing.com 

Suffer. 

Suffering, Well-Being, and the Redefinition of Health | TEDxUTulsa

—

Connect with me:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears 

Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker 

Twitter: @tracylspears 

Instagram: @tracylspears 

Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: exceptionalleaderslab.com 

Visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog

Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Visit tracyspears.com 

Podcast support:

theultimatecreative.com 

copymagic.agency 

If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game! 

Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe and ring the bell for notifications, so you never miss an episode

Send us a text

Playing bigger often means speaking up about things society would prefer to be left unsaid — and that often includes women’s experiences. Whether writing or speaking, bestselling author Meg Myers Morgan works to unravel the knots that form while being a woman navigating through everyday worries, meaningful working, and the relentless pursuit of self-worth. 

In this episode of Shift Out Loud, I sit down with Meg to get an exclusive behind-the-curtain look at her incredible new novel, The Inconvenient Unraveling of Gemma Sinclair — and explore why she shifted to fiction after making a name for herself in the non-fiction world. Tune in as we discuss Meg’s fascinating writing process, the decisions that led to a unique and memorable book launch event, and the key to showing up authentically online.

Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover: 

• What inspired Meg to start playing bigger in the lit space - and how she turned rejection into motivation
• A behind-the-scenes look at the publishing process and the advice that made the difference
• How Meg assembled and leveraged a book launch team that turned a novel into a movement

Guest bio: Meg Myers Morgan is a professor by title, teaching and mentoring graduate students into careers they love; a writer by dedication, using humor and heart to process modern life and work; and a keynote speaker, equipping audiences to reclaim their self-worth as the ultimate lesson...and plot twist.

Timestamps:

01:00  Intro

02:58  Meet Meg Myers Morgan

03:46  Parenting

07:01  “It doesn’t matter” & TikTok

13:24  Shift to fiction

18:20  Shifting out loud

20:33  Publishing & reception

23:04  Meg’s launch team

28:08  Book launch event

36:59  About Gemma Sinclair

40:04  Biggest shifts

43:22  Dr. Fox & “trying something”

46:53  Writing from truth

50:42  Eddie & head-hopping

56:20  The Unravelers

58:59  Trailer Park University

1:00:23  Busy Philipps

Links:

Meg Myers Morgan

megmyersmorgan.com 

The Inconvenient Unraveling of Gemma Sinclair

—

Connect with me:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears 

Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker 

Twitter: @tracylspears 

Instagram: @tracylspears 

Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: exceptionalleaderslab.com 

Visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog

Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Visit tracyspears.com 

Podcast support:

theultimatecreative.com 

copymagic.agency 

If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game! 

Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe and ring the bell for notifications, so you never miss an episode!

Send us a text

In this episode of Shift Out Loud, Tracy Spears sits down with master coach and corporate leader-turned-mentor Mina Brown to explore the powerful, personal, and far-reaching impact of coaching. From boardrooms to virtual training rooms, Mina’s journey is a testament to the deep change that’s possible when we shift from giving answers to asking the right questions.

Together, they unpack what makes coaching so effective—including the science of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), the strategic use of metaphors and humor, and the art of creating safe spaces for real transformation.

Mina shares how our environment shapes our beliefs, how the pandemic revolutionized coaching, and why curiosity, purpose, and values matter more than ever. Whether you’re a leader, a learner, or simply someone who wants to live more intentionally, this episode will leave you thinking differently about the power of conversation.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Coaching is not about answers—it’s about discovery.
• NLP can accelerate learning, growth, and transformation.
• Humor and metaphor help unlock deep insight and emotional resonance.
• Coaching is a partnership grounded in trust and respect.
• Leaders with coaching skills can radically impact culture and connection.
• Beliefs drive our behavior—challenging them drives change.
• Transitioning from corporate to coaching demands vulnerability and mindset shifts.
• The virtual coaching boom is here to stay—and it’s opening new doors.
• Everyone deserves a coach. The ripple effect is real.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Coaching and Personal Journey

02:54 Transitioning from Corporate to Coaching

05:46 The Role of Neuro-Linguistic Programming in Coaching

08:42 Understanding Coaching vs. Consulting

11:47 The Importance of a Coaching Relationship

14:27 The Power of Metaphors and Humor in Coaching

24:57 The Power of Curiosity in Coaching

25:52 Challenging Limiting Beliefs

28:50 Understanding Values and Purpose

31:43 The Impact of Environment on Beliefs

33:48 Navigating Information in the Digital Age

36:26 The Evolution of Coaching During the Pandemic

39:32 The Value of Coaching Beyond Profession

42:24 The Multiplier Effect of Coaching

45:23 Connecting with Mina Brown

Connect with Mina

Website: www.positivecoach.com

Connect with Tracy

Instagram @tracylspears 

TikTok @tracyspearsspeaker

Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: www.theleaderlab.com

Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at http://www.tracyspears.com

For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my blog: https://tracyspears.com/blog-2/

Send us a text

In this inspiring episode, Tracy sits down with Dana Day, a Tulsa-based custom home builder, remodeler, and HGTV alum. With a background in psychology and art, Dana shares how she carved a unique path into the male-dominated construction industry—and how creativity, grit, and heart have shaped both her work and her life. 

Dana opens up about her experience as the only woman featured on HGTV’s Build It Forward, the realities of running a remodeling business, and the lessons she’s learned about setting expectations and maintaining accountability. But the conversation goes far deeper than blueprints and budgets. Dana reveals how devastating personal loss, financial setbacks, and moments of reinvention taught her the value of resilience, vulnerability, and the healing power of storytelling. 

Together, Tracy and Dana explore how purpose can rise from pain—and how creativity and compassion can build more than just homes.

Key Takeaways: 

• Resilience is something you build—like a house—one intentional step at a time.
• Vulnerability isn't weakness—it's a bridge to connection and healing.
• Women can (and do) thrive in male-dominated spaces, especially when they show up authentically.
• Realistic expectations are the foundation of any successful project—professional or personal.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dana Day

02:15 Dana's Journey into Building

05:02 Challenges in the Remodeling Industry

07:58 The HGTV Experience

10:40 Navigating a Male-Dominated Field

13:32 Personal Shifts and Life Challenges

25:05 Overcoming Adversity: A Journey of Resilience

28:57 The Power of Perseverance and Stress Management

35:01 Creative Expression and Future Aspirations

35:53 The Impact of Vulnerability and Sharing Stories

Connect with Dana

www.danabuildanddesign.com

Connect with Tracy

Instagram @tracylspears 

TikTok @tracyspearsspeaker

Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: www.theleaderlab.com

Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at http://www.tracyspears.com

For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my blog: https://tracyspears.com/blog-2/

Send us a text

In this flavorful and fearless episode, Tracy Spears sits down with culinary entrepreneur Makenna Held, the powerhouse behind the Courageous Cooking School and the bold new platform Recipe Kick. Makenna opens up about her extraordinary leap of faith—buying Julia Child’s summer home, La Pitchoune, sight unseen—and the revolutionary path she’s carved in the world of food since. 

From embracing recipe-free cooking to redefining the culinary classroom, Makenna shares how creativity, courage, and criticism have shaped her journey. She reveals the magic (and madness) behind running an immersive cooking school in the South of France, the challenges of building a sustainable food business, and the pressure of being tethered to Julia Child’s legacy. 

Get ready for a refreshingly honest conversation about what it takes to cook, live, and lead on your own terms. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

• Why Makenna bought Julia Child’s home without ever seeing it
• How a movie (The Hundred-Foot Journey) inspired her life-altering move to France
• The philosophy behind her recipe-free approach to cooking
• What it’s like to run a cooking school inside a culinary icon’s home
• The deeper meaning behind The Courageous Cooking School
• How Recipe Kick is shifting the future of food education
• The unexpected impact (and pitfalls) of fame and TV exposure
• Why sustainable business models are essential 
• How Makenna is building a legacy of culinary creativity and personal empowerment

00:00 Introduction to Makenna Held and La Pitchoune
02:52 The Journey to France and Buying Julia Child's Home
06:01 Risk-Taking and Culinary Aspirations
08:57 The Courageous Cooking School Experience
11:53 Immersive Culinary Experiences and Cooking Philosophy
14:51 Recipe-Free Cooking and Creativity
17:58 The Evolution of Recipe Kick
20:47 The Cookbook and Culinary Education
29:24 The Spirit of Julia Child
30:43 Sustainable Business Models in Culinary Education
31:51 The Journey to Television Stardom
32:49 Navigating Fame and Criticism
40:03 Future Aspirations and Business Shifts
47:04 Defining Legacy Beyond Julia Child
51:54 Looking Ahead: New Ventures and Opportunities
 

Connect with Makenna

Instagram
@makennaheld @recipekick.tv @lapeetchfr

https://okay-perfect.com/

See Makenna on Tour: MakennaHeld.com

Connect with Tracy

Instagram @tracylspears 

TikTok @tracyspearsspeaker

Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: www.theleaderlab.com

Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at http://www.tracyspears.com

For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my blog: https://tracyspears.com/blog-2/

Send us a text

In this inspiring episode, Tracy Spears sits down with Dr. Deborah Gist, former superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools, to explore what it means to lead with purpose, courage, and compassion. Dr. Gist shares the story of how her passion for teaching shaped her career and how transformational leadership demands a steadfast commitment to integrity and change. 

From navigating public scrutiny to building trust within a divided community, Dr. Gist opens up about the challenges and triumphs of leading a large school district. She emphasizes the importance of being present, listening deeply, and staying anchored in one’s values—even in the most turbulent times. 

As she looks to the future, Dr. Gist reflects on the necessity of self-care in sustaining leadership and her growing focus on mentoring the next generation of leaders. This conversation is a powerful reminder that effective leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about how you make people feel. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Transformational leadership requires courage, vision, and integrity.
• Community trust is earned through transparency and accountability.
• Listening and emotional presence are powerful tools for any leader.
• Self-care is not a luxury—it’s essential for longevity in leadership.
• Leadership is ultimately measured by the positive impact on others.

Highlights

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Deborah Gist

02:50 Dr. Gist's Journey in Education

05:31 Transformational Leadership and Change

09:55 Navigating Challenges in Leadership

12:51 Addressing Allegations and Integrity

17:38 The Importance of Community Trust

21:10 Personal Reflections on Leadership

30:46 Future Aspirations and Self-Care

37:40 Lessons Learned in Leadership

________________________________

Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: www.theleaderlab.com

Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at http://www.tracyspears.com

For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: http://www.tracyspears.com/blog

Send us a text

In this powerful conversation, Tracy interviews Kelley Scott, a seasoned nurse and the Executive Director of Clarehouse, a pioneering social model hospice in Oklahoma. Kelley shares her journey into nursing, the challenges of providing end-of-life care, and the importance of creating meaningful connections with patients and their families. She emphasizes the need for boundaries in caregiving, the sacredness of death, and the necessity of having open conversations about dying to avoid regrets. Through personal anecdotes, Kelley illustrates the profound impact of this type of work and the importance of supporting individuals and families during the dying process. She shares her journey from bedside nursing to founding Clarehouse and creating the Omega Home Network, which supports similar initiatives nationwide. The discussion underscores the significance of community, education, and advocacy in enhancing the experience of dying and caring for loved ones. 

Highlights

00:00 Introduction to Kelley Scott and Her Journey

02:25 Early Influences and Nursing Career Beginnings

04:49 Shifts in Nursing Focus and Specialization

10:37 The Importance of Boundaries in Caregiving

12:28 The Sacredness of Death and Dying

16:43 Personal Experiences with Death and Regrets

22:54 The Work of Dying and Conversations Around It

30:19 The Challenge of Timing in End-of-Life Decisions

32:00 Normalizing Conversations About Death

35:07 Transitioning to Hospice Care

39:55 Creating a Home for Dying People

42:18 The Birth of Claire House

47:16 Reinventing Community and Self

50:29 The Omega Home Network

54:48 Education and Advocacy in End-of-Life Care

Guest Bio 

Kelley Scott 

As Founder and Executive Director of Clarehouse, Oklahoma’s first community home for people who are dying, Kelley’s leadership is informed by her 22-year history with this innovative non-profit and her expertise from the ground up with the model. After 38 years as a nurse, she still cherishes time at the bedside with guests and families. Kelley also serves as the Executive Director of the Omega Home Network, a national membership organization fostering the growth the model. She believes that every community should have a home like Clarehouse and loves to quote Margaret Mead – “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has."

Learn more about Clarehouse. 

Learn more about Omega Home Network 

________

Discover your tactical leadership toolkit:  www.theleaderlab.com

Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com

For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog

Connect with me:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears
Instagram: @tracylspears
TikTok: @tracyspearsspeaker 

If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential. 

Send us a text

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Tracy Spears welcomes Mica Chavez, a private chef and passionate advocate for recovery, education, and mentorship. Mica shares her remarkable journey from addiction to transformation, revealing how a single moment of desperation set her on a new path—one rooted in purpose, healing, and the culinary arts. 

From cooking for U.S. presidents to teaching the next generation of chefs, Mica’s story is about more than food—it's about nurturing growth, building safe spaces, and empowering others through compassion and community. She opens up about her vision for a future farm where young people can learn life skills, grow fresh food, and rediscover their worth. 

Key Takeaways: 

• The pivotal moment that sparked Mica’s recovery journey
• Her deep belief in cooking with love and fresh ingredients
• Why mentorship and education are central to her mission
• How gardening became a metaphor for personal growth
• Her dream to create a farm as a refuge for youth

Mica’s honesty, resilience, and passion will leave you inspired to cultivate your own growth—and support others along the way.
 
🎧 Listen now to hear how Mica Chavez turned struggle into strength—and how she’s planting the seeds for a more compassionate future.

Hightlights

03:36 The Gift of Desperation: A Turning Point
06:50 Rebuilding Life: From Rock Bottom to Recovery
09:51 Education and Mentorship in Culinary Arts
12:50 Transitioning from Teaching to New Opportunities
15:38 Setting Intentions and Spiritual Growth
21:50 Finding Higher Power and Self-Reflection
23:05 Journey from El Paso to Santa Fe
27:09 Transitioning Careers in Culinary Arts
30:11 The Impact of Recovery on Life
35:04 Future Aspirations and Community Support

Connect with Mica
Website:  www.micachavez.com

________


Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: www.theleaderlab.com

Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at http://www.tracyspears.com

For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: http://www.tracyspears.com/blog

Send us a text

In this inspiring episode of Shift Out Loud, host Tracy Spears sits down with Jennifer Alton, a trailblazing leader in the medical device industry, to explore the power of imperfection in leadership and life. Jennifer shares her personal journey from a small town to the global stage, including the pivotal moment she delivered a TED Talk about embracing imperfection. 

Together, they dive into the damaging effects of perfectionism in the workplace and how the practice of "working in draft" can unlock innovation, growth, and resilience. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of letting teams learn through failure, celebrating small wins, and fostering a culture of curiosity by asking powerful questions instead of offering quick fixes. 

Listeners will gain valuable insights into authentic leadership, the role of vulnerability in personal development, and why progress—not perfection—is the real goal. Whether you're leading a team or navigating your own growth journey, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on what it truly means to lead, learn, and shift out loud.

Connect with Jennifer Alton
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-alton/

Discover your tactical leadership toolkit:  www.theleaderlab.com

Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com

For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog

Connect with me:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears
Instagram: @tracylspears
TikTok: @tracyspearsspeaker 

If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential.