Staying Power

Episode 098: "That Awkward Bridge Between Chapters"

We all know that strange emotional space between life chapters — when something has ended or changed, but the next thing hasn’t quite begun. It’s awkward, disorienting, and often filled with doubt, waiting, and mixed feelings. In this episode of Staying Power, JDK and Ashley explore what happens inside us — psychologically, neurologically, and emotionally — during those “in-between” periods. Together they unpack why transitions can feel so heavy, how to navigate uncertainty without forcing clarity, and how to build trust in what’s still unfolding.

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Episode 093: "Where Shall We Begin...Again!"

This week, Ashley and JD grant the requests of listeners to play another round of “Where Shall We Begin”, the game created by famed relationship therapist, Esther Perel. They give on-the-spot answers to questions ranging from the deeply serious to downright silly, all revealing a great deal about the hosts as they build an even deeper connection! This conversation shows the power of asking, considering, and answering thoughtful questions meant to open us up to curiosity and vulnerability. What would your answers be to the questions they share? 

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Episode 097: “The Space Between My Truth and Yours”

Disagreement doesn’t have to mean disconnection. In an age of constant polarization, we’re quick to assume that difference equals danger — but it doesn’t have to. In this episode of Staying Power, JDK and Ashley explore how two people can both “be right” from their own lived experience, and still stay curious, compassionate, and connected. They unpack what psychology and neuroscience say about cognitive flexibility, emotional safety, and why the brain craves certainty even when it costs us closeness. Learn practical ways to hold space for “two truths” in your relationships — from partners and coworkers to friends and family — and why the capacity to do so might be one of the most important resilience skills of our time.

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Episode 096: “Letting People Be Themselves (Without Losing Yourself)”

Why is it so hard to stop trying to “fix” or “improve” other people — even when we know it rarely works? Whether it’s a partner, co-worker, or family member, most of us try to shape others to meet our comfort zones, beliefs, or needs for control. In this episode of Staying Power, JDK and Ashley unpack the deep human drive behind this habit — from nervous system survival patterns to attachment conditioning — and explore how we can build healthier, more authentic connections through acceptance and self-awareness. Learn how to recognize manipulation (even subtle, well-intended kinds), set compassionate boundaries, and shift your focus from control to connection through both mindset and somatic tools.

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Episode 095: “The Bright Side Has Clouds Too”

We often think of “happy” people as immune to bad days — or that those who struggle with sadness or stress can’t genuinely embrace positivity. In this episode of Staying Power, JDK and Ashley explore why both ideas miss the mark. True happiness isn’t about constant positivity; it’s about balance — the ability to hold space for hard emotions and good ones without falling into toxic positivity or hopeless pessimism. With insights from psychology and neuroscience, they unpack how resilient people manage emotional ups and downs, what happiness actually means in research terms, and how to cultivate emotional flexibility in daily life.

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Episode 094: "When Inner Turmoil Hijacks Your Best Habits"

We all know the feeling: endless tasks, heavy responsibilities, and the pressure to perform—while at the same time trying to honor our health with sleep, exercise, food, connection, and calm. In this episode, JD and Ashley explore what happens inside us when inner turmoil disrupts our routines, why our brains make bad trade-offs under stress, and how to reset without guilt. We’ll share practical, research-based ways to prioritize, protect your well-being, and keep resilience alive even when life is relentless.

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Episode 092: "The Advice Filter: Friends, Pros, and the Internet" 

When life gets messy, who should we turn to - and who should we avoid? This episode breaks down how to pick trustworthy advice-givers (and why that's harder than it sounds), the psychology of why we sometimes chase the wrong voices, and a nuanced look at what online forums like Reddit get right and wrong. Hear about research-backed filters, questions to ask before acting on advice, and simple practices to build your own "inner board of directors."

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Episode 091: Values in Action: How to Align Our Lives with What Truly Matters | Staying Power

In this week's episode, JD and Ashley dive into the importance of learning and knowing our values in building a better life. They introduce the VIA Strengths and Values Assessment, discussing their own results in depth. Join them as they reveal their top and bottom-ranked values, the introspection these rankings encourage, and how understanding these values can improve both personal growth and all sorts of relationships. Starting with values - rather than our shifting emotional states - is a key to creating viable life direction and purpose, so be sure to click the VIA link below to do your own Assessment!

List of Resources:

VIA: https://www.viacharacter.org/account/register

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Episode 090: “The Courage to Act (When You’d Really Rather Not)”

Big decisions aren’t just choices – they are also actions. This week, JDK and Ashley unpack why moving from intention to action with difficult decisions can feel so hard, biologically and socially, and how we can make courageous follow through more reliable. They explore the brain’s “freeze” response, why uncertainty always feels so uncomfortable, and various tools that anyone can apply at any time. You’ll leave with a decision-to- action “bridge” that you can use the next time a necessary change brings big feelings– plus get a frank look at the emotional and physical costs of not acting when you know you must.

https://www.personality-quizzes.com/via-character-strengths

VIA Character Strengths Test Free (2025 Edition) - Personality Quizzes

Take the Free VIA Character Strengths & Values Test and Unlock Your Top and Bottom Strengths. Discover How You Rank on 24 Strengths. VIA Assessment Backed By Science.

www.personality-quizzes.com

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Episode 089: “Healing is Hard, Healing is Worth It”

First responders see and experience trauma daily — and often carry those wounds long after the sirens fade. In this episode of Staying Power, JD Wyneken and Ashley Knebel talk with trauma psychologist Dr. Denise Haselwood about how trauma rewires the brain, why it changes thoughts and behavior, and most importantly, how it can be healed. Denise shares practical insights, science-based therapies, and real stories from her work with firefighters, police, EMTs, and more. If you’re a first responder — or someone who loves one — this episode offers knowledge, hope, and proof that healing is possible, even if it feels a little “weird” along the way.

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