Speaking From The Heart

The end of the year is almost here…almost 40 weeks in! Goals that were set 366 days ago may not be the same shape, form, or even mindset, of what they were once formulated. If they are not the same as they used to be, are they still worth fulfilling? This episode covers this important question, but more importantly, examines how to “wind up” to the unlimited possibilities of seeing those goals through to the very end, even if they are not achieving what we once thought.

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Intro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

Throughout time, it has been stereotyped that anyone that has a differing thought about a person, concept, theory, or even the world, was ridiculed and thought of as a "radical thinker." Even inventors, philosophers, and other composers have been heavily criticized for their level of forethought and ability to think of ideas that challenge what the traditional, "conservative" thoughts are that society (or culture) have. However, are they really "radical thinkers?" Have we lost our touch, or ability to rationalize in a way that creates curiosity? Today's impactful, eye-opening episode with the Owner of Dr. Lulu's Coaching & Consulting Lounge, Dr. Lulu, who has been featured on notable programs such as Oprah Daily, CBS This Morning, NBC, and other networks, describes what it means to have challenging thoughts and still be accepted by those around us. If we are willing to challenge the status quo, and be willing to have open conversations that shift perspectives, it can challenge many of the debates that we are having today about society, ourselves, and even the world for that matter.

*PLEASE NOTE: Speaking From The Heart, from the very beginning, is accepting of all backgrounds, viewpoints, and perspectives. This episode features discussions of transgender, LGBTQ+ rights, and other related conversations that are openly accepting, and does not discriminate or tolerate hate. We are appreciative of the viewpoints that are always covered on our show, and encourage you to seek out ways in which you can learn from today's episode how to have conversations about these types of subjects with your loved ones.

Guest Bio

Dr. Lulu is a multiple award-winning Queer, Nigerian-born pediatrician, LGBTQ+ educator, corporate consultant, CEO of Dr. Lulu’s Coaching & Consulting Lounge and chief host of Moms 4 Trans Kids Podcast. She is a mother of 3, one of whom is a transgender young adult woman. In addition to her family-centered gender-affirming coaching & consulting practice; Dr. Lulu’s PRIDE Corner (which helps families navigate the psychosocial aspects of raising gender-diverse youth), she also helps support employee-parents at the workplace. Her “Allies in White Coats” program trains culturally competent physician-allies to help mitigate health inequities plaguing the LGBTQ + community. 

@Drlulutalkradio on Instagram

@Drlulu69 on Twitter

Website: https://www.dr-lulu.com

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Intro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

It is so easy to forget that you have the ultimate power to either succeed or fail. Many famous celebrities, both off & on films, television and other expressive mediums have all struggled with this, whether they are public about this or not. What does it mean to believe in yourself, especially with the world that is ever-changing? How can we keep the faith when it is tougher some days over others? In this powerful episode digging deep into this manifestation, we challenge your beliefs on how to hold on to what you are passionate about.

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Intro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

We are all designed in various ways. Whether we are wired to be more analytical, more creative, or a combination of both, we all bring different perspectives, knowledge, skills, and abilities to the table. Even with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), there are cases to be made of the vast importance of human ingenuity. Humans, however, have limits. Where can we divert our attention to in order to ensure that burnout does not occur? Today's unique guest, owner of River City Virtual Assistants, Katie Santoro, shares her story of burnout from multiple jobs in various careers and how this startup became a way to empower others, not only through her team, but the clients that she serves, to become more focused, energized, and attentive to what their ultimate purpose of their businesses are. Through the help of virtual assistants, a lot can be accomplished, but the mindset of learning and expanding our opportunities also goes along with the same drive and determination that we have to be successful. Diving into what is truly important, this episode will leave you with a sense of fulfilled purpose, knowing that there will always be a team that will "have your back."

Guest Bio

Katie is a burnout survivor on a mission to help others avoid the same by offering virtual assistance to business owners and busy professionals, while simultaneously creating employment for individuals needing flexibility. In 2019, Katie left her corporate job in the insurance industry to run her first business, a yoga studio, after experiencing burnout. When she closed her yoga studio during the pandemic, she began considering a return to corporate life. Knowing she couldn't return without risking another burnout, she used her experiences in the legal and insurance industry, with running a small business, and began assisting clients as a freelancer. As she grew, she recruited from her network of friends who were leaving the workforce due to the struggles of childcare during the pandemic, and River City Virtual Assistants was born. The company is dedicated to providing assistance to clients and is committed to providing meaningful employment to parents and caretakers within the USA.

@rivercity_va on Instagram

Website: https://rivercity-va.com/

Visit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/

Visit Our Business Website: https://www.yourspeakingvoice.biz

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Intro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

The sense of panic and fear as you are being summoned into the bosses’ office (or in a virtual meeting) can be intimidating, especially when you know that the deepest, darkest fear that would happen would come true: being told that there is a problem with your performance. Whether it is happening across a vast expanse of a conference room table, or staring at the camera on your screen making eye contact, it can be a very intimidating conversation to address private matters that have public consequences. Today’s episode acknowledges these concerns, and comes up with strategies to turn around these challenging conversations into opportunities for not only growing, but being determined, connected, and resilient in the quest of being a better version of yourself.

Visit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/

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Intro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

We belong in community! Period. Figuring out what those identities that we align with when finding a community will look different for us, and finding that acceptance will help us to be vulnerable, unleash our true potential, and find ways to navigate obstacles that come through life. Regardless of what that may look like through religion, small groups, book clubs, civic organizations, non-profit volunteering, we all have different languages that align us in being able to find our true purpose. In this vulnerable, raw conversation, True Man Life Coaching Founder/Owner Mike Van Pelt shares his story of finding his religion, but how he specifically aligns with helping men that need help the most in becoming open to change on their own terms. Through his own story of self discovery, you can align with our guest's story today and create your own version of becoming connected with your passion & purpose of doing what you were always meant to become.

Guest Bio

Mike Van Pelt is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and men’s life coach leader. He is the founder of True Man Life Coaching and host of the popular men’s podcast, True Man Podcast. Mike’s experience and passion for coaching, guiding, and mentoring men has come from his involvement in leading Christian men’s groups along with his own journey to take his life back and achieve success. In addition, Mike has served in leadership roles for most of his career, bringing over two decades of engagement and expertise in account management, consulting, and leadership development. Mike has authored numerous articles and is a three-time International Best Selling Author. In addition, Mike is completing his first book entitled, True Man True Ways, A Roadmap of Discovery to the Masculine Heart.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CoachMikeVanPelt/

@truemancoaching on Instagram

@truemancoaching on Twitter

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@truemanpodcast

Website: https://truemanlifecoaching.com/

Visit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/

Visit Our Business Website: https://www.yourspeakingvoice.biz

Support The Mission Of The Business! Donate Here: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/support

Intro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

If you have ever played truth or dare (any version of it), the consequences of each choice (and its corresponding answer) can be challenging to decide which choice to make. When others then challenge you to act on the choice you make, even though you may be waffling on that choice…do you still act on it, regardless of what happens, or do you hesitate to carry through? Today’s episode “challenges you” to keep your commitment to the choices that you make, even if you feel unsure if it is the best one, to maximize the results and/or lessons learned. By being able to pursue opportunities that challenge our position and help us to keep pushing forward, there are opportunities that open up that we would otherwise not been able to do before.

Visit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/

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Intro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

In a world of interconnectivity, finding the right communication medium is truly important to not only help you get your message across effectively, but to help others get to know who you are. The last part, personal connection, is vastly important in the relationships, confidence, and determination that we are building to become huge advocates in our ever-changing, ever-evolving growth, particularly when it comes to the connections that we need to foster. How do we foster them, especially in a variety of challenging situations? Today's guest, author of Text Messages To My Sons, Tammy Cohen, shares how this idea of interconnectivity begins, and how it helped foster a deeper appreciation of not only her family, but with the people she wished to grow with. It is not only about seeking out new ideas and sources of information, but also projecting growth through these activities that foster opportunities for more well-rounded development to occur!

Guest Bio

Tammy Cohen has been partnering with top-tier corporate executives and entrepreneurs to develop personal and professional brands for more than 20 years. Today, she understands her role as a connector and sees opportunities for women to thrive and grow exponentially. She founded Women Beyond the Table, a business network with a soul. Tammy also launched the Beyond the Table Podcast, leveraging her ability to connect with audiences by sharing her guest’s stories and wisdom. In her consulting work, Tammy connects her clients to their mission, vision and core values statements and utilizes her networks to develop brands. Tammy is a frequent podcast guest and speaker on topics ranging from branding to leadership. When she is not helping brands or women stand out, Tammy lives in Manhattan, NY with her husband and 3 sons and owns Eighteen Restaurant on the Upper Eastside. Text Messages to My Sons is Tammy’s first book where she connects deeply with her family in a world of devices.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Textmessagestomysons/

@textmessagestomyson on Instagram

Website: https://tcbrandconsulting.com/

• Text Messages to My Sons: Connecting Deeply In a World of Devices - Tammy J Cohen (https://tcbrandconsulting.com/text-messages-to-my-sons-connecting-deeply-in-a-world-of-devices/) - To pick up a copy of Tammy's book featured on today's episode, visit this website.

Visit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/

Visit Our Business Website: https://www.yourspeakingvoice.biz

Support The Mission Of The Business! Donate Here: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/support

Intro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

How we see the world and whether the goals, aspirations, dreams, and other areas of life that we strive to develop is a process of the old adage, “seeing is believing.” However, being able to speak into existence the opportunities that we are manifesting sometimes seem out of our control, out of reach, and out of the realm of possibility…until it materializes in front of our eyes. In today’s episode, we will discuss how to manifest what you don’t see right now into a visionary opportunity not just through physical manifestation exercises, but putting into practice what you want to achieve in all parts of your life, business, and areas of empowerment.

Visit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/

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Support The Mission Of The Business! Donate Here: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/support

Intro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

If you ever attended a basic economics class, the old saying, "There is no such thing as a free lunch." rings true in the exchange of value that we have on a daily basis. Putting in a hard day's work is what we often have to create in order to provide opportunities that will become available down the road, even if it is earning a paycheck. However, what if you were able to take that energy and apply it to a passion that not only fulfills the best version of what you are becoming, but also allows you to help others in their dream getaways? Todays guest, co-owner of Wanderful Rentals, Julie Thomas, shares her passion from being a teacher to becoming a successful entrepreneur with her husband with over six rentals located across the western United States, and how consistent hard work paid off into a lucrative adventure that allows them to experience opportunities others dream about. Through their program, learn how turning hard work into reward can be helpful in not only your personal endeavors, but attaining freedom of different kinds to also help others to do the same.

Guest Bio

Julie lives in the Twin Cities of Minnesota with her husband, 3 year old daughter, and a fur baby. She taught 7th grade English/Language Arts for 16 years and saw herself retiring in this amazing profession, but 10 years ago, she, along with her husband, invested in an Airbnb, loved it, invested in 4 more and never looked back. Now, they have both "retired" from their 9-5 jobs and are working full time to expand their business.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/wanderfulrentalsco

@wanderfulrentals on Instagram

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_4affoNFEgMn4Lc4SbKUg

Website: https://www.wanderfulfieldguide.com/

Visit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/

Visit Our Business Website: https://www.yourspeakingvoice.biz

Support The Mission Of The Business! Donate Here: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/support

Intro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs