Small Changes Big Shifts

Whole-person health starts with whole-family care—and that begins with a provider who sees you, hears you, and truly walks beside you. Dr. Marion Pierson brings decades of heart-led pediatric experience to the conversation, showing how health is more than check-ups and prescriptions—it's about relationships, rest, and raising kids in rhythm with both structure and freedom. Her passion for serving her Kansas City community is palpable, and her insight into direct primary care reminds us that when families are empowered with knowledge, time, and trust, they don't just survive—they thrive.

• Community-based care thrives when families feel seen, supported, and invited into the healthcare process.

• Simple habits like sleep, hydration, and nutrition can dramatically shift a child's mood, focus, and overall well-being.

• Transitions, like summer break, can be both freeing and disruptive—maintaining flexible routines helps children stay grounded.

• Parents' self-care directly impacts how children experience structure, safety, and emotional regulation. The right healthcare fit is like a good relationship—it's built on trust, time, and open communication.

Resource Mentioned:

Sherrie Ortiz is the owner of Just One Day Travel Tours and a passionate advocate for creating memorable experiences through local travel as KC travel guide. With three years in business, she's passionate about helping individuals and teams reconnect through shared experiences that spark joy and connection. Website link: https://justonedaytraveltours.com/

About Dr. Marion Pierson:

Dr. Marion S. Pierson is a Board-Certified Pediatrician currently practicing in the Kansas City area. She received her medical degree from The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) in 1993. After graduating from medical school, she completed her residency at Georgetown University Children's Medical Center in Washington, DC. Since 1996, Dr. Pierson has been serving the Kansas City community. She started at Metropolitan Multi-Specialty Physician's Group (MMPG) in Kansas City, KS. There, she provided care to children living in underserved communities. Later, she served as a pediatric partner at Cradle Through College Care and Village Pediatrics. Her dedication and exceptional patient care has earned her multiple "Top Doctor" awards over the years. Most recently, she received the "Top Doctors of 2023" award by "KC Parent" magazine. She is also a Fellow of The American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP).

Over the years, Dr. Pierson has achieved a number of awards and recognitions not only in her field, but also within her community. These accolades include:

--Featured on PBS, Fox 4 News, KSHB-41 News and The Missouri Times

--Served as "Doctor of the Day" for the Missouri Senate

--Served as a Board Member in several community organizations

--Advocacy and volunteer work for "March of Dimes" and "SIDS Awareness 5K Walk"

--Partnering with "Boys Hope Girls Hope of Kansas City" to provide pro bono care to students in need

In her spare time, Dr. Pierson enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. She also is the founder and board president of MO Hives KC, a non-profit community organization that converts vacant lots into honeybee farms across the state of Missouri. In 2022, she was named "Missouri Beekeeper of the Year" by Missouri State Beekeeper Association.

www.elitecarepediatrics.com

Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts

https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts

https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco

Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

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Transformation doesn't begin in a wellness plan—it starts with one honest moment of saying, "I want more for myself." Frank Ferrante's raw and remarkable story is a powerful reminder that healing is rarely linear and never perfect. Through addiction, regret, radical self-awareness, and rediscovery, Frank reveals that the heart of wellness is not about fixing what's broken—it's about reconnecting to love, service, and soul-level authenticity. His journey invites us to slow down, stop chasing illusions, and start showing up for ourselves and others with compassion, courage, and a deep sense of gratitude.

• Healing is an emotional and spiritual process that requires honesty, not perfection.

• Connection—with yourself and with others—is the antidote to addiction, loneliness, and despair.

• Regret doesn't have to define you; it can become a teacher when met with grace and accountability.

• True wellness is simple: kindness, presence, and treating everyone (including yourself) like they matter.

• Gratitude grounds you in the present and softens even the hardest parts of the past.

About Frank Ferrante:

At 54 years old, Ferrante was the least likely candidate for a major personal transformation. He weighed close to 300 pounds and suffered from a slew of issues that were his unhappy legacy as an ex-junkie and ex-alcoholic: hepatitis C, chronic fatigue, joint pain, respiratory issues, depression, suicidal thoughts, and a libido that had gone into early retirement. He thought that "vegan" was a planet, "wellness" was not in his vocabulary, and he couldn't be bothered with self-help. He was for those very reasons the best candidate for a major personal transformation.

One day, he stumbled into Café Gratitude—a vegan raw food restaurant run by three 20-something hipsters. Unbeknownst to him, they'd been thinking about finding someone to put on a raw food diet and making a documentary that would be the polar opposite of Super Size Me. Ferrante was looking for something, anything, to create a shift in his life. As he says, "Like zillions of people, I was hungry not so much for food, but for love."

Never mind that he was old enough to be the boys' father or that he'd ridiculed the New Age herd for years—he accepted them pretty much on the spot as his new "transformational cheerleaders." With the young men's unexpected support and guidance, Ferrante began a redemptive odyssey that included a plant-based diet, yoga, and daily affirmations—but then faced a battle for his life when his underlying addictions rose up to claim him. May I Be Frank chronicles Ferrante's experience of being the subject of a physical, mental, and spiritual makeover and also describes what happened next, post-transformation: he learned to love again.

Social media:

https://www.facebook.com/mayibefrankmovie

https://www.instagram.com/ferrantefrank

https://www.youtube.com/@ferrantefrank

[email protected]

Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts

https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts

https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco

Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

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Healing starts when we give kids the words to express what's in their hearts. Vladimir Sainte's journey—from a childhood where emotions were silenced to becoming a powerful voice for emotional literacy—is a testament to the impact of breaking generational cycles with compassion and intention. Through his work as a therapist and children's book author, he's helping families create space for real conversations, teaching young minds that their feelings are valid and their voices matter. His story is a moving reminder that when we lead with connection, community, and care, we not only raise resilient kids—we change the future.

• Emotional literacy begins at home—using simple check-ins and daily conversations builds trust and awareness.

• Storytelling is a powerful tool for helping kids feel seen, heard, and understood, especially during difficult times.

• Parents and caregivers can shift behavior patterns by choosing connection before correction.

• Busy doesn't always mean better—intentional time and boundaries support healthier, happier families.

• Supporting children's mental health starts with adults doing their own healing and showing up with grace.

About Vladimir Sainte:

Vladimir Sainte was born and raised in Queens, New York, to Haitian immigrant parents. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience and has significantly contributed to the Kansas City community as a child therapist and children's book author. In 2022, Mr. Sainte won Best Local Author from The Pitch magazine for his efforts to promote emotional literacy among young children. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Drawing on his experience, he now writes and illustrates children's books that convey messages of resilience and hope. His first book, "Just Like a Hero," was featured in a video by KCPT – Kansas City PBS, and he has conducted numerous author visits at schools throughout the area. He hopes to share his stories with children nationwide.

vladimirsainte.com

Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts

https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts

https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco

Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Real strength shows up when life knocks you down and you choose to rise with gratitude, faith, and community. Dr. Douglas Burton shares how a life-altering diagnosis transformed not just his health journey, but his entire perspective on what it means to truly live well. From the operating room to the other side of the patient experience, he opens his heart about the emotional weight of caregiving, the spiritual awakening that came through illness, and the small, intentional shifts that have brought him greater peace than ever before. His story is a powerful reminder that joy is not found in doing more—it's found in slowing down, showing up, and surrounding yourself with love.

• Slowing down and creating space for joy can be more healing than constant striving.

• Practicing daily gratitude builds emotional resilience and a deeper sense of peace.

• Community support is a critical part of mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

• Faith and surrender can bring clarity and calm when facing uncertainty or illness.

• True healing isn't just physical—it's also spiritual, relational, and deeply personal.

About Dr. Douglas Burton:

Douglas Burton, M.D. is the Marc and Elinor Asher Spine Professor and Chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He received his undergraduate degree from Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS and his MD from the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, TX. He completed his residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center and completed spine fellowships at The Texas Back Institute in Plano, TX and at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. In 2003 he was awarded the Marc and Elinor Asher Spine Professorship.

Dr. Burton's clinical practice is focused on the diagnosis and treatment of complex spinal disorders in both pediatric and adult patients. In addition to his primary practice location at the University of Kansas Hospital, he also travels to both Hutchinson and Salina, KS for a monthly outreach clinic to provide health care to patients in rural parts of Kansas.

He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Orthopaedic Association, the Interurban Orthopaedic Society, the North American Spine Society and the Scoliosis Research Society, where he is the incoming Chair-Elect of the Research Council and member of the Board of Directors. He served as President of the Federation of Spine Associations from 2018 to 2019.

In 2019, The American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons announced a new partnership, the American Spine Registry (ASR), which will be jointly owned and developed by both organizations. Dr. Burton currently serves as co-chair of the Data Use Committee for the ASR.

His research interests include the development of disease specific health related quality of life instruments and the study of complications and outcomes associated with spinal deformity surgery. He has authored or co-authored over 236 peer reviewed publications and serves as a Deputy Editor of Spine Deformity, the official journal of the Scoliosis Research Society.

In 2006 he helped found and remains on the Executive Council of the International Spine Study Group. This is a consortium of spinal deformity surgeons and researchers at over 15 top academic centers in the United States and Canada with collaborators in Europe and Japan. They have been performing prospective and retrospective studies on surgical and non-surgical Adult Spinal Deformity patients since their inception.

Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts

https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts

https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco

Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

The path to healing doesn't begin with a protocol—it begins with a story. Andrea Nakayama's powerful journey from caregiver to trailblazing functional nutritionist is a reminder that true wellness is personal, rooted, and deeply interconnected. Through loss, love, and resilience, she discovered that lasting health requires more than symptom management—it calls for curiosity, compassion, and the courage to slow down and truly listen to your body. Her message invites us to stop chasing quick fixes and instead embrace the transformational power of understanding our own biology, one small shift at a time.

• Slowing down your healing process helps you learn what truly works for your unique body.

• Mental and physical health are inseparable—connection, belonging, and digestion all influence the mind.

• Food is personal; learning how it interacts with your physiology empowers you to nourish rather than restrict.

• Chronic conditions aren't your identity—they're signals, and real healing starts at the root.

• Simple practices like balancing meals with fat, fiber, and protein or tuning into how food makes you feel can create major health breakthroughs.

About Andrea Nakayama:

Andrea is a Functional Medicine Nutritionist and educator, who has led thousands of clients, and now teaches even more coaches and clinicians around the world in a revolution reclaiming ownership of both their own and their clients' health.

As the host of the 15-Minute Matrix Podcast and the founder and former CEO of Functional Nutrition Alliance, Andrea draws on systems biology, mental models, root cause methodology and the therapeutic partnership to offer long-awaited solutions for the rapidly growing chronic illness epidemic.

After losing her young husband to a brain tumor in 2002, she discovered a passion for using food as personalized medicine and is now regularly consulted as the nutrition expert for the toughest clinical cases in the practices of many world-renowned doctors. She trains nearly four thousand practitioners each year in her methodologies so that they too can become the last stop for their clients and patients as well as a trusted referral partner for doctors in their area.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

• Website

• Functional Nutrition Alliance Website

• Instagram: @andreanakayama

• YouTube: Functional Nutrition Alliance

• Pinterest

• Facebook

• LinkedIn

Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts

https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts

https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco

Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Sometimes the most powerful shift you can make is simply choosing to show up—messy, overwhelmed, uncertain—and still commit to your own growth. As Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh navigate their own life transitions, they open up with honesty, humor, and heart about what it really takes to maintain mental and emotional wellness during chaotic seasons. Through reflection, grace, and intentionality, they remind us that well-being isn't about perfection—it's about alignment, commitment, and learning to nourish yourself from the inside out, one small change at a time.

• True mental wellness begins with self-awareness and the courage to meet yourself exactly where you are.

• Small, consistent actions—like hydration, movement, and gratitude—create meaningful long-term change.

• It's okay to ask for help or say no; boundaries are a form of self-care and self-respect.

• Transitions are invitations for clarity—use them to reflect, release, and reset your vision.

• Self-commitment fuels transformation; you can't lead others well if you're not caring for yourself first.

Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts

https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts

https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco

Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Lasting change begins when you decide that your well-being matters enough to prioritize. Kiona Sinks returns to share how the Shift Experience didn't just influence her habits—it completely reframed her relationship with herself. From vitamin routines to food choices, energy levels to emotional presence, she's living proof that when you start showing up with intention, everything changes. Her journey reminds us that healing isn't just physical—it's mental, spiritual, and emotional—and when those parts align, you unlock a version of yourself that's not only healthier, but more powerful than you imagined.

• Intentional living creates a ripple effect—when you prioritize small daily choices, everything from energy to clarity improves.

• Healing is holistic; physical health, mental focus, emotional regulation, and spiritual peace all work together.

• Creating consistent habits doesn't require perfection—just progress, grace, and awareness of what your body is telling you.

• Knowing yourself is key to showing up fully in your relationships, work, and purpose-driven life.

• Investing in your health now prevents burnout later and opens the door to greater impact and alignment.

Resources:

Join us in celebrating Dr. Michelle Robin's birthday by supporting the Small Changes Big Shifts scholarship fundraiser—help us empower the next generation with the tools for lifelong well-being!

Embark on a transformative six-month journey with the Shift Experience, a holistic wellness program designed to empower young adults aged 18 to 30 to discover their best selves through comprehensive health practices. This program offers a blend of education, personalized assessments, one-on-one wellness coaching, monthly group learning circles, and access to various wellness services. The upcoming program runs from June through December. For more details and to apply, visit: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com/discovery-program/

About Kiona Sinks:

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum - Director of Marketing + Community Engagement

Kiona Sinks by trade is a social and civic innovator setting the standard for how young leaders should model in action community engagement, bringing forward generations of all sectors of professions to change the perspective on what community activism should model in our modern day world. Kiona takes pride in giving back, Kiona is a community minded connector with 10 years of consistent volunteerism and community engagement. She is both mission -driven and passionate about diversity and inclusion and promoting social, and civic engagement. During her Undergraduate career, Kiona helped spearhead the founding of the inaugural African American Student Union (AASU) at Central Methodist University. The AASU's mission is to promote positive images of African Americans and to stimulate the cultural, intellectual and social growth of all CMU students faculty, and staff. As a Student Ambassador, Kiona was selected as one of the top ten students by the Jefferson City, Mid Missouri Higher Education Board.

In her short time in Kansas City, Kiona has advanced the agenda for many diverse and marginalized groups here in Kansas City, and has begun to make an impact by helping to educate the next generation of leaders on the importance of diversity and inclusion, civic engagement, and social justice. Multi -task oriented, flexible, positive, and able to adapt effectively to challenging situations. Kiona is a speaker and conducts conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion. Proven success in initiating, promoting and maintaining strong interpersonal relations with many in different sectors.

https://www.instagram.com/kionasinks/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/KionaSinks

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiona-sinks/

Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts

https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts

https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco

Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Transformation begins the moment you trust yourself enough to ask for help. When Kiona Sinks vulnerably reached out to Dr. Robin, unsure of what was wrong but certain she needed support, she unknowingly sparked the creation of what would become The Shift Experience – Scholarship Program. Her courage and curiosity laid the foundation for a movement that now helps others reclaim their well-being. Through honest reflection, faith, and a deep desire to grow, Kiona shares how embracing discomfort and building community led her into greater alignment with her purpose. Her journey is living proof that healing isn't linear—and the simple act of asking for help can ripple out and change lives.

• Learn how trust and vulnerability can be the doorway to radical personal transformation.

• Understand the power of community in normalizing healing and offering support through shared experiences.

• Recognize that well-being is never "one-size-fits-all"—it's about tuning in to what works personally.

• See how shifting your mindset around health can spark generational impact and long-term change.

• Discover why timing and patience matter—and how honoring your own pace can lead to meaningful growth.

Resources:

Join us in celebrating Dr. Michelle Robin's birthday by supporting the Small Changes Big Shifts scholarship fundraiser—help us empower the next generation with the tools for lifelong well-being!

Embark on a transformative six-month journey with the Shift Experience, a holistic wellness program designed to empower young adults aged 18 to 30 to discover their best selves through comprehensive health practices. This program offers a blend of education, personalized assessments, one-on-one wellness coaching, monthly group learning circles, and access to various wellness services. The upcoming program runs from June through December. For more details and to apply, visit: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com/discovery-program/

About Kiona Sinks:

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum - Director of Marketing + Community Engagement

Kiona Sinks by trade is a social and civic innovator setting the standard for how young leaders should model in action community engagement, bringing forward generations of all sectors of professions to change the perspective on what community activism should model in our modern day world. Kiona takes pride in giving back, Kiona is a community minded connector with 10 years of consistent volunteerism and community engagement. She is both mission -driven and passionate about diversity and inclusion and promoting social, and civic engagement. During her Undergraduate career, Kiona helped spearhead the founding of the inaugural African American Student Union (AASU) at Central Methodist University. The AASU's mission is to promote positive images of African Americans and to stimulate the cultural, intellectual and social growth of all CMU students faculty, and staff. As a Student Ambassador, Kiona was selected as one of the top ten students by the Jefferson City, Mid Missouri Higher Education Board.

In her short time in Kansas City, Kiona has advanced the agenda for many diverse and marginalized groups here in Kansas City, and has begun to make an impact by helping to educate the next generation of leaders on the importance of diversity and inclusion, civic engagement, and social justice. Multi -task oriented, flexible, positive, and able to adapt effectively to challenging situations. Kiona is a speaker and conducts conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion. Proven success in initiating, promoting and maintaining strong interpersonal relations with many in different sectors.

Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts

https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts

https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco

Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Success isn't about waiting for the perfect moment—it's about stepping into the unknown and building the confidence to make things happen. Bayleigh dives into an inspiring conversation with Brittany Connor, who shares her journey of embracing fear, taking bold action, and proving that the biggest breakthroughs happen outside of your comfort zone. From leaving behind limiting beliefs to redefining success on your own terms, this episode is a powerful reminder that the life you want is within reach—you just have to be willing to go after it.

Key Takeaways:

• Confidence isn't something you wake up with—it's built through action. Start before you feel ready, and growth will follow.

• Fear will always be there, but it shouldn't hold you back. Success comes from moving forward despite uncertainty.

• Success looks different for everyone. Define it on your terms, and stop chasing someone else's version of it.

• The right people can elevate you. Surround yourself with those who challenge, support, and inspire your growth.

• Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Embrace challenges as stepping stones to your next level.

Resources:

Sleep Course - https://onlineprograms.smallchangesbigshifts.com/courses/rejuvenating-sleep/

Join us in celebrating Dr. Michelle Robin's birthday by supporting the Small Changes Big Shifts scholarship fundraiser—help us empower the next generation with the tools for lifelong well-being!

Embark on a transformative six-month journey with the Shift Experience, a holistic wellness program designed to empower young adults aged 18 to 30 to discover their best selves through comprehensive health practices. This program offers a blend of education, personalized assessments, one-on-one wellness coaching, monthly group learning circles, and access to various wellness services. The upcoming program runs from June through December. For more details and to apply, visit: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com/discovery-program/

About Brittany Connor:

Brittany Connor, PhD, is a strategic leader dedicated to mission-driven initiatives, leveraging over a decade of experience in nonprofit, sports, and entertainment. She currently serves as the Director of Corporate Partnerships at United Way of Greater Kansas City, where she builds impactful relationships, engages donors, and develops innovative solutions to drive collective change.

A recent doctoral graduate of the University of Kansas' Sport Management program, Brittany is passionate about the collective impact of sports in fostering physically and psychologically safe spaces. A 2022 graduate of the Shift Experience, Brittany has remained committed to her own health and well-being while advocating for holistic wellness in her community.

Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts

https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts

https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco

Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Success isn't about waiting for the perfect moment—it's about stepping up, even when doubt creeps in. Bayleigh and guest Veronica Caldwell dive deep into the mindset shifts that turn fear into fuel and setbacks into stepping stones. As a past recipient of the Small Changes Big Shifts scholarship program, Veronica shares how the support and resources she received helped her embrace discomfort and step into her potential. Her journey proves that growth comes from action, not just planning, and that confidence is built in the doing. The path to success isn't about having it all figured out—it's about taking the next right step, no matter how uncertain it feels.

Key Takeaways:

• Fear doesn't mean stop—it's a signal that you're stepping outside your comfort zone, where the biggest growth happens.

• Clarity comes from taking action, not waiting for the perfect moment, so start where you are and trust that the next step will reveal itself.

• Setbacks are not failures but lessons that build resilience, strengthen your mindset, and guide you toward something even greater.

• Self-belief isn't about having all the answers—it's about trusting yourself to learn, adapt, and keep moving forward no matter what.

• True success comes from small, consistent actions over time, proving that steady progress is more powerful than a single big leap.

Join us in celebrating Dr. Michelle Robin's birthday by supporting the Small Changes Big Shifts scholarship fundraiser—help us empower the next generation with the tools for lifelong well-being!

Embark on a transformative six-month journey with the Shift Experience, a holistic wellness program designed to empower young adults aged 18 to 30 to discover their best selves through comprehensive health practices. This program offers a blend of education, personalized assessments, one-on-one wellness coaching, monthly group learning circles, and access to various wellness services. The upcoming program runs from June through December. For more details and to apply, visit: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com/discovery-program/

About Veronica Caldwell:

Veronica Caldwell is a dedicated Site Coordinator for before and after-school programming and a growing entrepreneur based in Kansas City, MO. She holds a Bachelor's of Science in Child and Family Development from the University of Central Missouri (UCM). With over a decade of experience in social work, early education, and holistic wellness, Veronica is passionate about empowering resilient families by creating meaningful resources and fostering a growth mindset rooted in genuine love.

Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts

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