Stacked Keys Podcast

Organizational projects can be artistic. For this guest, she sees the building process as creative. A tough bossy broad who swears a lot is how this guest describes herself. She brings a level of communication to her clients and jokes that she is actually a mediator. She’s a quick study and if she’s interested in it, then she learns it throughly. This entrepreneur is functioning in what is typically thought of as a man’s world. Meet Judy Gates who says women can bring a level of communication to her industry that is something more like a concierge level of service with what is a huge life purchase. She and her husband own the company and they create a rewarding and positive experiences specifically geared toward their customer and their unique needs. It is obvious that they are a different kind of building company because they provide education and assistance throughout the whole process.Days never go like she plans — everyone needs something all of the time and that means no two days are exactly the same. Judy is a professional problem solver…from what tile you use or what paint color looks right.Follow through in Judy’s business is everything and you being able to do what you promise, is the foundation to business. Judy works in nonprofits in giving back to the community. Hearing Judy talk about some of the nonprofit projects she has aligned herself with definitely show a compassionate side. In all this she has had to learn how to balance and not overwork even with a flexible schedule. There have to be imposed boundaries on what can or can’t be done in a day. She has some tricks in how to control clients and how she communicates as she is a big believer in expectation management.Being goal oriented and teaching the follow through are lessons Judy took seriously in raising her daughter. We talk about the importance of a trade. Tune in and get inspired!Music “STOMP” is used by Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Relationship Panel One—It’s Not Just About YouLet’s talk love languages and how relationships run the gamut from romantic relationships to relationships in the work place to students in the classroom and even relationships with art. There are plenty of levels to relationships that involve communication and understanding individual perspectives and needs. Our panel discusses the beliefs that relationships should be mutual, an equal playing field and they should improve the lives of those involved. This one specific word touches everything in life with many aspects and when you understand then you are more equipped to convey your love and appreciation. Relationships are connections.The guests on this panel discussion have been guests on the podcast before and bring vast life experience to the table—Traci Weafer is a doula creating strong bonds with those families she helps. (Episode 24) Zoe Kakou is an educator to the core (Episode 54) and Ann Carney (Episode 60) is in the midst of parenting young boys and works in marketing The idea of the love languages is that each person wants love in their relationships expressed a particular way and author Gary Chapman coined the phrase 5 Love Languages and dove into expressing how to be equipped to build a foundation to explore. The various categories are— Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch. Each individual has at least one language that they prefer above the other… and this is where it gets interesting. Tune in!The music “STOMP” is used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Meet Kay Bryant — a mom, a wife, a professional translator and a practitioner of jiujitsu.Kay was a stay at home mom until recently when the roles changed and her husband retired from the military and came home to be a house husband. She then became the main source of income. We talk about the role reversal and the stress that comes along with switching places, but also finding the chance to realize how valuable the other person was all along.Kay experienced anxiety and depression and through counseling she learned it was okay to take time for herself. Music and a spiritual conference led her into figuring out that there was more to life and she deserved to figure it out for herself and the good of her family. Life skills developed tenacity for Kay. She noticed positive changes when she became intentional and put actual work into it. Exercising and eating healthy were caught by her example to her family With a heart for mothers, Kay’s message is simple. Moms need to know how beautiful that they are and to leave what society says about a mom behind.Kay is the first to tell you that you’ve got to take care of your mind.It was a process and she realized she was a really good mom, but she was not healthy mentally. There was weight gain and the house environment became dark and she soon realized she was affecting children. Seeing that something was lacking, she worked on her mind and climbed out of the darkness. Through music she found that being different is good. Her culture doesn’t embrace differences, so her accepting herself for who she is and being different were huge steps.Little things become the big things when you don’t give upJiujitsu is the beast and Kays says that the feeling of being physically and mentally strong is empowering and she won’t let anyone toss her around. Being in a small city she sometimes encounters racial prejudice, but she no longer feels victimized by what people say to her.In this episode we talk about kids and the jiujitsu sport and how one of her own children handles bullies after being in martial arts. This sport is not for the faint at heart. Jiujitsi is a battle within and is constantly poking your ego. Not everyday is a success in jiujitsu—you are actually defeated by someoneLife skills developed tenacity for Kay. She noticed positive changes when she became intentional and put actual work into it. Exercising and eating healthy were caught by her example to her family With a heart for mothers, Kay’s message is simple. Moms need to know how beautiful that they are and to leave what society says about a mom behind.We talk about her calendar and how she manages her time hour by hour using this calendar method. It’s called "The 5 Second Journal: The Best Daily Journal and Fastest Way to Slow Down, Power Up, and Get Sh*t Done"https://www.amazon.com/dp/168261722X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_pbocGbQGVFBRQTune in for a powerful podcast episode.Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donna Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

For years Molly was a ballet dancer, but at 14 years old she switched sports and Molly Rogers fell in love with a sport that’s male dominated and one that takes a mindset to not let a practice or a competition break you. It can be tough, but she presents tougher and is ready to win a competition with an arm bar or guillotine. Every single day Molly can be found on a Jiujitsu mat. When she first started, it was for the aspect of self defense and she advanced quickly — with good kicks. Jiujitsu is a humbling sport according to Molly, she says it will break your ego. We talk mental health in this episode and Molly shares some aspects of coping with anxiety and how that creeps onto the mat. “Don’t let day one or day five intimidate or defeat you,” is a bit of advice that she shares. If her head’s not in the fight, then she can’t win it. But Molly wins because of her mindset and how she speaks positivity like “You’ve done this, you’ll be okay.” We dive into some of her experience and strategy and we talk dating, women in the sport she admires and some of her favorite gear.Molly encourages parents to look into this sport for their kids. She sees patience and self control begin to form in the kids she teaches and thinks it translates back to home. It’s good physical exercise and the environment is a healthy place for kids. Molly's dedication and talent are taking her places and she is someone to watch.Tune in!The song “STOMP” is used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

This episode features Kim Thomas who is a seasoned Lifestyle blogger and photographer out of Tennessee. She covers fashion, style, beauty tips and she inspires people as she connects. Her blog is called KPFusion and it is indeed a blend of ideas, concepts, products and life that has spanned a decade. We talk of life path numbers, astrology and blogging in a way that lets you peek into her life. Being a blogger is work, but when it reflects the life you actually live, then Kim says that it shares your experiences as you go about your regular day. Knowing your audience is imperative. Kim shares the story of her brother’s heart transplant and how that drew her family closer together. You’ll hear her talk of job loss and the process to climb back after she hit a financial bottom. Mindset is another topic in this conversation because Kim believes that you can set that and prepare for what might happen in life through the comings and goings of a day. Tune In!Song “STOMP” used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Meet Ines Beltran who is -- today -- the woman she wanted to be 20 years ago. She’s mature, patient, understanding of situations and calmer then she use to be. She is happy and she got there through decisions that gave her opportunities to work with the community and to help others. She’s an educator and that means she helps others find their best life. Tap into a day in the life of Ines and you’ll be sure to walk away inspired. This guest gives insight into what life is like to one who came to America and pursued a new life and she now helps one discover the tools to function within the system and learn the different cultures and issues within the family. With a long career that incorporates a bilingual aspect — with population in Georgia changing — she finds herself even more busy. Communication and love are the key elements Ines points out in the classes she teaches on family life and in her own daily life and being involved with rules helps to navigate your teenagers. Checking in and talking can sometimes get the answers in parenting. We discuss what it’s like to balance a schedule and put restrictions in place with all of the easy access to constant outside pressures.There were some cultural shocks Ines experienced coming to America that puzzled her early years. She believes that everyone can and should go for a college education to grow and achieve. When it comes to a professional bit of advice, Ines encourages finding a mentor. With her mentor, Ines had the opportunity to have someone grab her by the hand and navigate—life is hard enough, but having someone telling you in your ear do this or advice on that, it makes it easier.We talk about trust, open communication and dive into marriage and what life was like coming to a new country and depending solely on your spouse. Concerns that stay with Ines include immigration and expressing that moving to a new country is hard because of the language, the culture, the way you move around, the way you dress and so much more. People would do well to think about how hard it is for people to come and blend into the culture. Her advice is to be supportive and understanding as many people come into this country because they have no choice because of a bad situation. Educating ourselves about what is happening in the world can help us to understand the person, the situation and what and why something is happening.Ines is an amazing resource.Song "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

A professional career, married and new mom makes for a busy life for this episode’s guest.Meet Wendy Parliament. We talk about her balance of work and being a new mom. Wendy has wrestled at times with mom guilt, but when it creeps into her mind she can look at the time she dedicates to her family and the messages to grow and follow your dreams and passions that she wants to convey to her daughter and all is good. Her philosophy is to put your mind in motion and do what you want to do in your life. The perfect sentiment lies in the idea to not allow yourself to be confined to a box and go after whatever drives you. Wendy is an engineer — a male dominated field — she finds herself in situations that make her either the “first” or in a small group to unify and she goes head strong to meet the goals she sets. Her day-in-the-life varies, but she is responsible for 120-plus personnel in their safety and the job supervision. Her typical day is anything but typical and is always too much to accomplish in a day and that’s where prioritization comes into play…have to do, nice to do or shove it off the day is a format Wendy embraces. She has a great leadership style that involves her team by asking questions and solving problems group style. There are so many people who can provide feedback or knowledge and she sees it as her job is to leverage that experience.When we talk about life struggles, Wendy considers herself blessed and she looks for opportunities. Her attitude is one that she says where it’s important to not see mistakes as such, but to learn whatever lesson that is in the moment. Upfront conversations and being aware is key in her marriage as she pursues a stressful career.Wendy is married to a man who works in the electric industry and we dive a little into what it is like to know the dangers of that career. There is always an aspect of worry, but if you are assured that your spouse, according to Wendy, is not the one to shrug off and cut corners then it is easier to settle your concerns. Being able to say that I’m the reason that you don’t take short cuts is an important conversation have with your spouse.Wendy tries to give back and volunteer throughout high school and college and now in her career with Exxon. She encourages young girls to get interested in science and math and engage in activities that grow the passion. Tune in to this episode.Song used by permission “Stomp” written by Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Meet an inspiring lady who accomplishes much in her day and authored a book —Fear No Distance— to share her story that you can redefine yourself many times throughout life. Labeling yourself in just one way can be a danger zone in life because if that label gets taken away, then you are left with nothing. We get deep into the emotions of an athlete in this episode. Wife, entrepreneur, and athlete makes a busy day at the start. Meet Danielle (Dani) Grabol. This episode is the perfect inspiration to get moving as we end one year and head toward another. The world changed for Dani, both personally and professionally, and we dive into the emotions of the day to day. She’s in a business that helps older adults to live more independently and this year proved a challenge. If you have an older parent in your life, you’ll find interest as we talk about the geriatrics field and some of the motivations.Dani took her own health, not just how she looked externally, rather she thought of her work and people who have taken care of themselves and that’s when she had a major shift on what she wanted her life to look like. When Dani began she wasn’t confident enough to go to a gym, but she’s worked her way into triathlons and she pushes to the next limit. Motivated and driven—pushing and competing with herself.Reframing how she saw food, Dani began to see the relationship between food and how she felt helped her break through the barrier of deprivation. As an athlete, she is fueling her body with food as she puts good things in her body and expects it to perform. The focus is on balance.Want to figure out how you will age? You can look at your parents and see what the likelihood of your health will become. There is a lot in life that we can’t control, but you can control what you put into your body. We might not have eating disorders but we might have disordered eating.As an athlete, Dani is the first female to participate in the Epic Five. The race is five days, five islands of Hawaii and five full iron-distance triathlons. 12 miles of swimming, 560 miles of biking and 131 miles of running over five days. There have been more races and she shares the thought process and training regimen and priorities.Committed to the Kyle Pease Foundation, Dani serves on their board of directors. Kyle Pease Foundation was founded in 2011 by brothers Kyle & Brent Pease after they completed their first triathlon. Kyle says that there are no excuses and he uses his life to accelerate other people and we can all do so much. How we frame situations is in our control. Tune in to this episode.

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Meet Jaide….she’s an international college student studying in the United States with a whole range of emotions and amazing talents. Jaide is from the Bahamas. She deals with the whole nine yards explaining life, cultures, foods, race and what goes on in the life of a young student with goals set in motion. We learn a little about civil engineering and her thought process for her life plan which she says is based on faith, trusting in God and working hard. We talk about life’s expectations, how humbling much of life can be and the foundation that started as a very young child for her. Jaide says that her story comes through a lot of tears, work and frustrations. Obviously she is not the same girl today that she was five years ago. She’s getting closer to meeting her goals and making sure she has accountability friendships.Siblings, relationships and what makes the tough bonding okay — where do the emotions come from—love, hate, jealousy? We talk about those dynamics and the personalities of the roles that siblings play. We talk about dating and the standards and expectations.You’ll hear about the traditions Jaide grew up with that aren’t too different from what so many experience. Jaide advices to learn in the moment, that doesn’t mean not to plan, but don’t get caught up in the plan — without being reckless.

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Meet Ashley Altman — an amazing mom of two and a professional in the mental healthcare world where she passionately believes that recovery is achievable. Both she and her husband set career goals coming out of school for jobs that you could immediately see a difference in helping someone. That challenge she meets everyday. Advice to keeping your work passion kindled is to remember why you are in your career and have friends within your field. She finds herself constantly in the mode of educating and looking at situations from different angles.Her balance of family and career sometimes spill into one another and she creates the dynamic for her kids to see that a mom can have a career that she’s passionate about and serve others while having family as a priority. Ashley bridged the two aspects of her career as a nurse practitioner and CEO of the Lee Side Wellness. In this episode you’ll relate to some of the issues of the pandemic and how it has affected many facets of our mental wellbeing. We discuss levels of trauma, how labels can affect an individual, communication, aspects of marriage and looking at tough times in general. You will certainly connect with Ashley and she’s bound to touch on a thought that has run through your mind. Tune in!Song "STOMP" used by permission from Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff