Spark Something New

In this heartfelt and thoughtful conversation, Katie explores the concept of connection with psychologist, executive coach, speaker, podcast host, and author, Dr. Adam Dorsay, whose new book Super Psyched dives deep into how connection shapes fulfillment, happiness, and resilience. Against the backdrop of rising loneliness, exhaustion, and societal disconnection, they explore how reconnecting to self, others, the world, and something greater can transform our lives. 

Connection isn’t about removing things from our lives—it’s about adding the right things back in. The journey toward reconnection is less about restriction and more about rediscovery and expansion. 

Listen now and let this conversation spark something new in how you view connection in your own life!

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Connect with Adam on LinkedIn
• Connect with Adam on Instagram and Facebook
• Learn more about Adam on his website

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 week, we're diving deep into the power of creativity, storytelling, and personal agency with the incredible Ophelia Chambliss—fine artist, visual communicator, and community change agent.

Ophelia shares her journey as a self-taught artist, her passion for realistic cubism, and how she uses art as a tool for storytelling and empowerment. She also opens up about turning a side hustle into a sustainable business, the barriers many creatives face, and why she felt called to create Ophelia’s Making Agency—a nonprofit dedicated to helping creatives build sustainable careers.

We talk about:
✨ How to discover the thing you are called to do
✨ The importance of self-worth in putting your work into the world
✨ Why your internal dialogue shapes your success and how to shift it
✨ The intersection of art, identity, and community impact
✨ Practical steps for creatives to monetize their passion

Ophelia’s wisdom and energy will inspire you to step into your creative power and bring your unique gifts into the world. This is an episode that will leave you reflecting on your own personal mission and how you can make an impact.

Listen now and let this conversation spark something new in you!

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Connect with Ophelia on LinkedIn
• Visit Ophelia's Artist Website
• Learn more about Ophelia's Making Agency

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 of the Spark Something New podcast, Katie chats with Dr. Pedro Rivera, the President of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology and former Pennsylvania State Secretary of Education. 

They discuss Dr. Rivera's journey as a lifelong learner, his passion for equitable education, and his five-step process for intentional learning. The conversation also delves into the impact of AI on education and the necessity of embracing new technologies. Dr. Rivera emphasizes the importance of taking risks, adjusting along the way, and finding your own unique learning path. 

Tune in to learn how to spark something new in your own approach to learning and growth.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Connect with Pedro on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

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 kicks off Women's History Month with the incredible, Dr. Amber Sessoms, a professional speaker, facilitator, consultant, and school psychologist. We discuss the principles of living authentically, the importance of knowing oneself, and the steps needed to unlearn harmful narratives. 

Amber shares her insights on the need for curiosity, finding supportive communities, and setting boundaries. They also touch on how leaders can model authentic leadership in their organizations. 

This episode is filled with practical advice and heartfelt stories aimed at helping you embrace your true self and lead courageously.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Connect with Amber on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Amber's work at Natural Inclination LLC
• Amber's Favorite List
• Amber's Substack + Podcast

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 chats with Dr. Elizabeth Tisdell, also known as Libby, a distinguished professor emerita in lifelong learning and adult education. Libby shares her vast knowledge on embodied learning, a concept that emphasizes the importance of learning and experiencing life through our bodies. 

She talks about her journey, from being a massage therapist and a campus minister to her academic achievements and spiritual practices. They delve into the significance of embodied learning, how our bodies can provide wisdom that our heads can't figure out, and explore practical ways like heart rhythm meditation, yoga, and even singing to connect more deeply with ourselves. 

Tune in to spark something new in how you think about learning through your body!

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Connect with Libby on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Libby's research and extensive career
• Breath & Heart Meditation App

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 dives deep with the incredible Dr. E (Efrat Lamandre, PhD, FNP-C), a medical disruptor known for her work against medical gaslighting. Dr. E shares her journey into functional and integrative medicine.

They unpack into why medical gaslighting predominantly impacts women and minority groups and how we can advocate for ourselves within the healthcare system. Dr. E explains the differences between conventional, functional, and integrative medicine while urging providers to be open-minded and collaborative. 

They also discuss the importance of listening to our bodies and not accepting dismissive diagnoses. Spoiler alert: there's a part two coming on how to thrive and prevent Alzheimer's. Can't wait for you to hear it!

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.

On this episode, Katie chats the kind and thoughtful Mark Maynard. He's a consultant, leadership coach, keynote speaker, and author who transitioned from decades in the hospitality industry to the entrepreneurial world. 

Their conversation dives deep into leading with love and living with purpose. Mark shares his profound belief in combining purpose, strategy, and action in business, and how these principles help leaders and their teams thrive. 

They also discuss his personal and professional retreats for goal-setting and reflection, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, optimism, trust, and patience in leadership. Plus, we talk about creating and repairing bonds within teams.

Mark's insights are sure to enrich your week and spark something new in you, whether you're in a management position or not. So join us, and let's light up your life and leadership journey together!

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Connect with Mark Maynard on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Maynard Consulting
• Book Recommendations:
  • Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans
  • How to Know a Person by David Brooks
  • The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle

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 chats with Carrie Johnson, an entrepreneur and thought leader with 30 years of experience in business and organizational strategy, founder of Girls on the Run of Lancaster-Lebanon, and an inspiring community leader. 

They dive deep into what it means to discover and be your truest self in a world obsessed with perfection. Carrie shares her wisdom on finding true self-awareness and the importance of a supportive village. They also explore the metaphor of uncovering the 'diamond' within us and practical ways to reconnect with ourselves. 

Get ready for an enriching conversation that will help you reflect on your own journey and maybe spark something new in you!

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Connect with Carrie Johnson on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Drop Below the Surface Retreats
• Morning Pages Exercise by Julia Cameron

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 chats with the super cool Dr. A.J. Merlino, Executive Director of Learning Innovation & Workforce Solutions at Thinking Through AI. A.J.'s got an impressive background in professional music, endurance athletics, and higher education. 

They dive deep into getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. Need a blueprint? A.J.'s got you covered: reframe failure, don't take things personally, stay curious, appreciate your growth, and find your flow state. It's a fascinating convo about pushing limits and celebrating the messy journey of learning and growth. 

Tune in to discover actionable steps to thrive through discomfort and continuously spark something new in your life.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Connect with A.J. Merlino on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Thinking Through AI

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 dives dive deep into why 2025 has been HARD for so many of us. It's been "brutiful" (both brutal and beautiful) in many ways. She explores the different types of hard and why THIS hard is different, yet essential to living a meaningful and fulfilling life.

She also touches upon the concept of "grateful yearning" and why this calls us to choose our hard. Including how it conjures a fear that often keeps us stuck, much like a chained elephant. The only way to break free is to face the truth that is within us and untether ourselves from fear.

We hope this episode inspires you to choose the hard that leads to freedom and joy. And know that you are not alone in this journey. Choose your hard.

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.