Spark Something New

What if the thing you think food is doing for you—it actually never could? 

This week on Spark Something New, Katie sits down with the powerhouse that is Michelle Petties—TEDx speaker, food story coach, and author of the Amazon bestseller Leaving Large: The Stories of a Food Addict. But don’t get it twisted—this isn’t a conversation about what to eat or the latest food trends. It’s a deep, raw, and sometimes hilarious dive into the emotional work behind our eating behaviors.

Michelle unpacks the real reason diets fail, why “relationship with food” might be the most misleading phrase ever, and how we’re asking food to solve problems it was never designed to fix. (Spoiler: hunger is the only thing that food can actually solve.)

Whether you’re stuck in a cycle of emotional eating, blaming your hormones, or just saying you’re “too busy” to eat well—Michelle’s message will shake your perspective, in the best possible way.

Get ready to:

• Learn the Brand New framework for food and life transformation
• Reflect on the real source of your cravings
• Start asking: “Why THIS food? Why NOW?”

Hit play and prepare to feel seen. This episode might just change the way you think about food—and yourself—forever.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn
• Explore more on Michelle's website
• Get Michelle's book

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.

Tough love alert. If you’re listening to this on Memorial Day while still checking your email, chauffeuring kids to sports, or planning your next Pinterest-perfect to-do list—pause. Because this solo episode is your wake-up call.

Katie is coming in hot this week to drag the word we all love to hate: “busy.”
She’s not just unpacking it—she’s beating it up, burning it down, and setting you free from its grip.

We’re diving deep into:

• Why “busy” isn’t a flex—it’s a red flag.
• How it’s ruining your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health.
• The real reason you're burned out (spoiler: it’s not because you're doing too much...in fact, quite the opposite).
• The “should” trap—especially for parents (yep, we're talking about you, overbooked moms).
• And how one small shift this week could help you stop surviving your schedule and start curating a life that feels wildly abundant.

Plus, you'll learn the powerful Japanese concept of "yarigai"—things worth doing—and why your calendar needs a serious reset.

So no, this isn’t your average self-care chat. It’s a soulful smackdown on the cult of busy and its lies.

Listen in, take a breath, cancel something, and reclaim your time—because you don’t have to earn your rest.

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 heart-expanding episode, Katie welcomes Jules Kuroda—corporate hippie, wanderer, and author of The N8 Self—for a conversation that blends humor, depth, and soul-level truth. Together, they explore a profound yet often overlooked part of our existence: the N8 self—our spiritual essence that lives beyond mind, heart, and body.

Jules invites us to ask the big questions, but in bite-sized, tangible ways:
 🔹 What if fulfillment isn’t found in success, but in soulful connection?
 🔹 What if creativity isn’t childish, but a sacred spark?
 🔹 What if the language of your spirit is connection—not logic or emotion?

Drawing from coaching, cultural wisdom (including her time living in Japan), and real-life stories—including an unforgettable Cinderella-sized pumpkin carving moment—Jules reveals why Western culture struggles with the spirit, and what we can reclaim if we dare to dream, play, and connect.

This episode is for the thinkers, seekers, and soul-led humans who suspect there’s more to life than hustle, goals, and checklists. It's a reminder that you are more than your mind and body—and it's time we talked about that.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Get a copy of Jules' book: The N8 Self
• Learn more on Jules' website: N8self.com

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.

“Emotional Intelligence: It’s Not A Thing, It’s THE Thing”

In this transformative conversation, Katie sits down with the EQ Sensei himself—David Cory, founder of the Emotional Intelligence Training Company (EITC), celebrating 27 years of global impact. From creating national EQ programs in Botswana to dodging elephants in Zambia (yes, really), David brings heart, humor, and unmatched insight into why emotional intelligence (EQ) isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of everything.

David breaks down what EQ actually is (hint: it’s not just empathy or soft skills), why emotions are central to how we function as humans, and how ignoring them—especially at work—comes at a cost. You’ll learn why EQ is misunderstood, how gender and culture shape our emotional socialization, and what we can do—today—to build emotionally intelligent workplaces, relationships, and communities.

From psychology to parenting, leadership to loss, this is a masterclass in how emotions shape us—and how to honor that truth with courage and clarity.

Listen If You’ve Ever Wondered:

• Why do people say emotions don’t belong at work—and what’s the real cost of that mindset?
• Are women really more emotionally intelligent than men? (Spoiler: it’s complicated.)
• What’s the connection between emotions and trust, courage, mental health, and… elephants?
• How can parents, leaders, and anyone start building EQ today—even without certification?
• How can grief, vulnerability, and therapy become powerful tools of emotional growth?

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Connect with David on LinkedIn
• Learn more about EITC
• Book Recommendation: "Emotional Intelligence - Why It Can Matter More Than IQ" by Daniel Goleman

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.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered if being kind makes you soft (spoiler: it doesn’t). In this soul-stretching, sass-laced convo, Katie sat down with the wise, radiant, and slightly magical Deb Crowe — coach, educator, yoga teacher, and bestselling author — to talk about a leadership philosophy that flips the script on old-school power games.

✨ What You’ll Learn (While Laughing + Crying a Little):

• Why leading from the heart is not weakness — it’s advanced-level humaning.
• The difference between servant leadership (others-focused) and heart-centered leadership (you-focused… first).
• Why we default to efficiency over empathy — and how the Industrial Revolution may still be haunting your calendar.
• The magic of “white space” in your day and why heart-led leaders need it like oxygen.
• That it's okay to wear pajamas all day, drink tea, read books, and not apologize for any of it.

✨ So hit play, Spark Fam. Because leadership from the heart? That’s where the real power lives. And if this hit you in the feels (or the funny bone), leave a review — it helps others find their spark too.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Connect with Deb on LinkedIn
• Visit Deb's website: www.DebCrow.com
• Buy Deb's book: The Heart-Centered Leadership Paybook
• Book Recommendation: Into the Magic Shop by Dr. James Doty
• Book Recommendation: Heart-Centered Leadership by Susan Steinbrecher and Dr. Joel Bennett

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.

On this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Katie introduces listeners to the concept of toxic perseverance, a term coined by Dr. Michael Scarano. 

Toxic perseverance is defined as the conscious or subconscious mindset that prevents a person from attaining inner peace, contentment, and joy—even while appearing outwardly successful. Michael explains that while perseverance is often celebrated, it can become harmful when driven by a relentless inner critic or societal pressures to constantly achieve without ever feeling "enough."

Michael shares his personal story, including the heartbreaking loss of his best friend, Fotis—a tragic event that inspired his deep exploration of toxic perseverance. He emphasizes that perseverance becomes toxic when it’s fueled by unresolved inner wounds like shame, pride, anger, or a lack of vulnerability, leading people to sacrifice true joy and relationships in pursuit of endless achievement.

Together, Katie and Michael explore how toxic perseverance shows up differently for everyone and can be rooted in childhood experiences, cultural conditioning (especially the American emphasis on productivity as worth), and unresolved traumas.

Michael outlines a 3.5-step process to begin healing from toxic perseverance:

1. Urgent Curiosity – Reflect on your behaviors and inner dialogue with urgency and a desire to grow.
2. Self-Gratitude – Release shame and guilt by offering yourself grace, forgiveness, and compassion.
3. Wild, Authentic Vulnerability – Own your story and be open about your struggles with trusted people.
4. (The Half Step) – Begin defining your personal purpose, because true fulfillment comes from purpose-driven living, not from external achievements.

Throughout the conversation, Katie and Michael highlight that healing from toxic perseverance is a lifelong process, but one that is deeply worth it—and available to everyone willing to do the inner work.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

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.

On this episode, Katie sites down with the remarkable Rahwa Teklai—SVP and Market Leader at Key Private Bank. She's a certified financial planner, ultra-endurance athlete, and radiant force of optimism. Rahwa shares her powerful life story, starting with her early years in East Africa and her family’s immigration journey from Eritrea to the U.S., emphasizing how resilience, mindset, and community helped shape her path.

Key Themes and Insights:

• Optimism vs. Positivity: Rahwa defines optimism as long-term hope and positivity as the daily practice that helps you get there. Both are necessary—and deeply intertwined.
• Leave Your Fear at the Mountain: Drawing from her experience as a mountain climber and ultra-runner, Rahwa introduces this beautiful metaphor: fear will always be there, but we can choose to leave it behind when we decide to climb.
• Acclimatizing to Growth: Just like mountain climbers must ascend and descend to adapt, personal growth requires dips and failures to prepare us for greater heights.
• Pursuit Beyond the Summit: Rahwa and Katie explore the idea of the “second mountain” from David Brooks’ book—moving beyond personal success to purposeful contribution. Rahwa is on that journey, seeking to give back in the same way others poured into her life.
• Purpose-Driven Mindset: Whether in finance, fitness, or life, Rahwa attributes her progress to desire, intention, persistent practice, and a community of supporters. She challenges listeners to find their mountain and start climbing, setbacks and all.
• Unconventional Truth Bomb: Rahwa questions the saying “time is more valuable than money,” suggesting that without resources, time alone can be limiting. She believes in the harmony of time, money, and adventure as essential to a fulfilling life.

This episode is a beautiful fusion of personal story, practical wisdom, and deep encouragement. It reminds us that our comfort zone isn’t where growth happens, and that mindset, like a muscle, gets stronger the more we stretch it.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Connected with Rahwa on LinkedIn
• Book Recommendation: "The Second Mountain" by David Brooks

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 heart-opening episode, I sit down Jim "JR" Rinere, an entrepreneur, c-suite executive, professional speaker, and author of There’s Coffee in the Fridge, to explore the courage it takes to stay, heal, and to find joy again. 

It's an honest and powerful conversation about the pervasiveness and impact of mental health on our boys, young men, and adult men in the U.S.

JR shares his journey through childhood trauma, depression, and a suicide attempt—and how small, sacred moments like a simple message from his wife became lifelines of love and hope.

Together, we explore:

• The pressures men face to suppress emotion—and what it costs them
• How trauma can show up decades later, disguised as success or numbness
• Why self-forgiveness and emotional honesty are revolutionary acts
• The life-changing power of mindfulness and meaningful connection
• The metaphor behind “There’s coffee in the fridge”

JR’s message is clear: Healing is possible. Joy is possible. And love—especially for yourself—is always within reach.

Whether you’re walking through your own hard season or holding space for someone else, this is a story that reminds us: it’s okay to not be okay, and it’s more than okay to ask for help.

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes references to depression, sexual abuse, and suicide. These moments are shared with care and compassion, but may be difficult for some listeners. Please take care of yourself as you listen. If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the free and confidential Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Connect with Jim on LinkedIn
• Connect with Jim on Facebook
• Connect with Jim on Instagram
• Buy the book, "There's Coffee in the Fridge"

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.

She’s baaaack. On this week's episode, Dr. E returns to drop truth bombs, bust myths, and lovingly drag us all into better health. If you’ve been gaslit by your doctor, living off caffeine and good vibes, or Googling “is brain fog normal?” — this episode is your wake-up call. And spoiler: no, it’s not normal.

We’re talking health optimization — not in the “buy this overpriced supplement” kind of way, but in the “how do I not feel like trash every day” kind of way. Dr. E breaks it all down: why you shouldn’t be talking longevity when you can’t even get off the couch, how dementia is basically slow-motion inflammation, and what your body is actually trying to tell you when you’re bloated, foggy, or moody.

You don’t need fancy trackers, overpriced adaptogens, or a morning routine that takes 3 hours. You need honesty, clarity, and maybe a little tough love. So let’s stop chasing fads and start listening to our amazing bodies.

Hit play if you’re ready to go from surviving to thriving.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Connect with Dr. E on LinkedIn
• Connect with Dr E. on Instagram
• Connect with Dr. on Facebook
• Connect with Dr. E on TikTok
• Follow Dr. E on YouTube
• Visit Dr. E's website: www.drefratlamandre.com
• Get Dr. E's Book: It's NOT In Your Head

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, we're diving into the power of social emotional leadership with the brilliant and joyful Future Cain—CEO of Future of SEL and a nationally recognized expert in social emotional intelligence and workplace wellness.

We explore what it really means to lead from a place of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and positive relationships—whether you’re managing a team, raising a family, or showing up for your community. Future shares her signature "Four A's Framework" to help you grow as a socially emotional leader: Awareness, Acknowledgment, Apology, and Action.

We talk candidly about the wellness crisis so many are facing, the chasm between how leaders think they’re perceived vs. how they actually are, and how small shifts—like hydration, sunlight, and reflection—can spark big transformation.

If you’ve ever felt drained, disconnected, or unsure how to show up as a better leader (in any part of life), this episode will leave you inspired, equipped, and energized.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Connect with Future on LinkedIn
• Learn more about the Future of SEL
• View Future's video on Mental Health Awareness

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.