Spark Something New

In this episode of the Spark Something New podcast, Katie explores authenticity as the key to a meaningful life. She encourages listeners to shift from a mindset of being "good enough" to a mindset of being "true enough". It's about aligning with your true self to find peace; to live authentically and not perfectly.

It starts with a question… “What would it look like to live not based on winning the approval of others but instead living in truth?”

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Jonathan Fields' Substack post, “Don’t try to be good, be true.”
• Research Article: “Thine Own Self: True-Self Concept Accessibility and Meaning in Life” by Schlegal et al.
• Book Recommendation: “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also get free resources to help you on your purpose journey at www.katiesandoe.com.

In this episode of the Spark Something New podcast, Katie chats with Jessica Ulmer, founder of Crossing Paths Counseling, about the intricate world of setting and maintaining boundaries. 

Jessica, with years of experience in healthcare and counseling, highlights the importance of understanding boundaries, their misconceptions, and how they help individuals maintain a sense of self in relationships. 

The discussion includes steps for identifying, communicating, and evaluating boundaries in personal and professional contexts and tackles common challenges faced when boundaries are violated. Practical examples, insightful advice, and recommended resources further illuminate the path to healthier relationships.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Connect with Jessica Ulmer at Crossing Paths Counseling LLC
• Download Setting Healthy Boundaries worksheet
• Recommended Read: “Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No, Take Control of Your Life” by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
• Recommended Read: “Boundaries with Kids: How Healthy Choices Grow Children” by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
• Recommended Listen: “Boundaries” podcast with Dr. Henry Cloud

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also get free resources to help you on your purpose journey at www.katiesandoe.com.

In this episode, Katie delves into the challenges of making authentic friendships in adulthood amidst the backdrop of a modern epidemic of loneliness and isolation, as highlighted by the U.S. Surgeon General. 

She discusses societal expectations and the superficial nature of many social interactions, exacerbated by social media and the pandemic. Drawing on insights from the book 'The Courage to Be Disliked,' she explores the importance of embracing authenticity, possible rejection, and the notion that self-worth is not determined by others' opinions. 

Katie encourages listeners to seek genuine, trust-based connections, inspired by the Japanese concept of 'Ibasho,' a space of belonging and authenticity. 

The episode urges courage in being oneself and forming deeper, more meaningful relationships.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on the Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation in the United States
• Ikigai Tribe podcast on the Japanese concept of “ibasho” (place of belonging)

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also get free resources to help you on your purpose journey at www.katiesandoe.com.

In this episode, Katie interviews Nick Kemp, an expert in the Japanese concept of Ikigai (translated "a live worth living"). 

Having spent significant time in Japan, Nick shares his journey of understanding and applying Ikigai in the Western world. He discusses the origins of the term, its misinterpretations, and how integrating it can transform one's life. 

Nick also provides insights into how Ikigai offers meaning in both major life pursuits and everyday activities. The conversation delves into the cultural nuances and the personal and professional impacts of embracing Ikigai. 

Tune in to explore a deeper understanding of what makes life worth living.

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also get free resources to help you on your purpose journey at www.katiesandoe.com.

In this episode, Katie dives into the widespread feelings of burnout and lack of direction that many are experiencing. She shares findings from various studies highlighting a global human energy crisis. 

Katie also recounts her own journey of feeling stuck and discovering the concept of Ikigai, or 'reason for living.' She encourages listeners to explore their passions and take small, meaningful steps toward living a more fulfilled life. 

Katie caps off the episode with an inspiring quote from Howard Thurman and a practical exercise to help listeners connect with their true selves and community.

00:00 Welcome

00:41 Identifying the Struggles

02:39 Research Insights on the Human Energy Crisis

06:35 Story of Overcoming

09:09 Finding Your Ikigai

10:04 Howard Thurman's Wisdom

13:30 Practical Steps to Change

15:59 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• State of the Heart: 2024 Report. New data from Six Seconds on the state of global emotional intelligence, wellbeing, and the emotional recession.
• Gallup Global Workplace: 2024 Report. Annual findings from the world’s largest ongoing study of the employee experience. 
• Cigna Loneliness & The Workplace. The latest research study by Cigna from more than 10,400 adults in the U.S., using survey questions based on UCLA’s Loneliness Scale.
• Glassdoor Employee Confidence Index. The Glassdoor Employee Confidence Index is a new report that provides a real-time pulse on the economy from the lens of employees.

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also get free resources to help you on your purpose journey at www.katiesandoe.com.

Welcome to the Spark Something New podcast! A place for finding that SPARK you need to live, work, and lead differently. It's about burning with passion without burning out.

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also get free resources to help you on your purpose journey at www.katiesandoe.com.