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In this episode of Stress Mess: A Stress Less Podcast, I sit down with Krista Hayes, founder of Zone Walk Solutions, to explore how a simple but powerful mindset—assuming good intentions—can transform workplace communication and trust.

We cover:

• Why “assuming good intentions” is a game-changer for leaders and employees
• HR’s evolving role and the challenges of trust, anonymity, and demographic data collection
• How perception shapes relationships, including Krista’s story of a misunderstood note-taking habit
• The difference between the Golden Rule and the Platinum Rule in building stronger connections
• Why organizations should hire for culture addition rather than assimilation
• How linking employee, client, and partner experiences creates healthier ecosystems

This episode will give you fresh perspectives on communication, culture, and trust that you can bring back to your own workplace.

Connect with Krista Hayes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/engagekristahayes/

Samantha Elizabeth Coaching & Consulting LLC
samanthaelizabeth.com

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My guest this week is my friend and bright shining star, Traci Shannon — aka Star Traci.

In this conversation, we dive into the heart of Suicide Prevention Month and explore what it really means to show up for each other. From her show The Pebble, where she tosses positivity into the sea of negativity, to her candid take on toxic positivity, Traci brings warmth, wisdom, and the courage to tackle tough topics.

We talk about:

• Why suicide is about mental illness, not selfishness
• The surprising truth about ‘attention-seeking’ behavior
• Why toxic positivity often does more harm than good
• How a simple, genuine question like ‘How can I help you?’ can make all the difference
• The lasting impact of words — and why emotional scars often cut the deepest

This episode is a powerful reminder that even the smallest actions — like a phone call, or a kind word — can save lives.

✨ Connect with Traci on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StarTraci

Samantha Elizabeth Coaching & Consulting LLC
samanthaelizabeth.com

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What if “success” is less about you and more about the community you help thrive? In this episode, Wesam Samour shares a purpose-first mindset: your life’s job is to serve — and small, consistent contributions count. We explore emotional intelligence you can actually use, from reading real-time cues like a Sims status bar to the “100 excuses” strategy that stops stress spirals before they start.

We also talk leadership: respecting people’s time, ditching micromanagement, hiring for ethics and purpose fit, and why the chain of command protects your focus and your team. Plus, a practical approach to work-life rhythm — intense, focused work time followed by fully present family time.

In this episode:

• Purpose beyond self: contribution > individual achievement
• Reframing success: happiness, safety, and community > fame/wealth
• The Sims for EQ: reading plus/minus cues in conversations
• The “100 excuses” mental health hack for texts & delays
• Text tone traps & clarity tricks (exclamation system, emojis)
• Anti-micromanagement leadership & chain of command
• Respecting time, paying through personal crises, hiring for values
• Work-life integration: concentrated work, fully present weekends

Resources & Mentions:

• Key & Peele: Text Message Confusion — https://youtu.be/naleynXS7yo?si=V86ZaaHFwo9OX4mk

Samantha Elizabeth Coaching & Consulting LLC
samanthaelizabeth.com

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What does it take to build a thriving community that lasts for more than a decade?
 In this episode, I sit down with my friend and mentor, Kami Huyse, co-founder of Social Media Breakfast Houston and CEO of Zoetica Media, to find out.

We talk about:

• The grassroots origins of SMBHOU (and its first 30 attendees on a coffee shop patio)
• How the format evolved to interviews, livestreams, and virtual “Coffee” sessions during COVID
• Launching Smart Social Secrets and Smart Social Mastery to support small business owners
• The philosophy of building community through collaboration, not competition
• What persistence and consistency look like over 16 years — and why they matter

Whether you’re leading a business, a nonprofit, or just trying to grow your network, Kami’s wisdom about resilience and community-building will inspire you.

Samantha Elizabeth Coaching & Consulting LLC
samanthaelizabeth.com

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What does it look like when medicine slows down long enough to actually listen?
 Dr. Wael Aboughali — or “Dr. A” as his patients call him — is a family physician with over 22 years of experience and the founder of My Doctor Primary Care Clinic in Pearland, Texas.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The rise of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Tirzepatide — and why they work for some patients but not all.
• The role of motivation and mindset in real weight-loss success.
• How the Direct Primary Care model changes the game for chronic condition management.
• Why discipline, not quick fixes, drives long-term health.

If you’ve ever felt rushed through appointments or left with more questions than answers, this conversation will give you a new perspective on what healthcare can be.

Learn more about Dr. Aboughali’s clinic here: https://www.mydoctorprimarycareclinic.com/

Samantha Elizabeth Coaching & Consulting LLC
samanthaelizabeth.com

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Networking fails, true crime obsessions, and the universal fear of presenting in front of people — this episode has it all.

My guest, Libby Magliolo, is a presentation coach, slide wizard, and self-proclaimed introvert who knows what it’s like to feel awkward… but also how to show up with confidence in front of an audience.

We cover:

• Networking tips (spoiler: people won’t just come to you!)
• The psychology behind society’s obsession with true crime
• What to do when you choke during a presentation (been there 🙋🏻‍♀️)
• Libby’s best tips for presenting without panic — from exposure therapy to wearing “one hat” at a time

Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or someone who’d rather hide under the table, you’ll walk away with practical advice and a few laughs.

👉 Find Libby online at https://www.buildbetterslides.com/
— where she helps individuals and companies create presentations that actually work.

Subscribe to Stress Mess:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachSamanthaE
Buzzsprout: https://stressmess.buzzsprout.com

Samantha Elizabeth Coaching & Consulting LLC
samanthaelizabeth.com

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Episode 11 of Stress Mess is here! In this conversation with Nancy May, we dive into family, food, and the quirky traditions that tie generations together. From Chinese takeout on Christmas to the meals that carry our stories forward, it’s not just about what’s on the table — it’s about the memories, connections, and meaning that come with it.

Nancy is a seasoned storyteller and podcast host whose work ranges from boardrooms to family kitchens. She shares insights from her own journey, her book Family Tree Foods & Stories, and the projects that continue to inspire her.

✨ Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Family Tree Food & Stories: https://podcast.familytreefoodstories.com/
  Eldercare Success: https://www.eldercaresuccess.live/
  Boardrooms Best: https://shows.acast.com/boardroomsbest

🎙️ Listen in, laugh a little, and reflect on the meals and memories that matter most.

Samantha Elizabeth Coaching & Consulting LLC
samanthaelizabeth.com

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Today’s episode is one you’re going to love. I’m joined by my friend, Mila Clarke — founder of Hangry Woman and a voice reshaping how we think about health and nutrition.

We dive into her journey through a diabetes misdiagnosis, the mindset shifts that helped her move forward, and how she’s turning her story into support for others. You’ll also hear about her app, Glucose Guide — a resource designed for people living with diabetes and their caregivers. And yes, her cats made sure to chime in along the way. 🐾

Check out Glucose Guide here: https://community.glucoseguide.app/

👉 Subscribe so you never miss an episode:
 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachSamanthaE
Buzzsprout: https://stressmess.buzzsprout.com

Samantha Elizabeth Coaching & Consulting LLC
samanthaelizabeth.com

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In Episode 9: Habit Magic!, I’m joined by my friend and Feng Shui Wizardess, Julie Britt, for a conversation that blends productivity tips with life’s little joys. We talk about energizing morning routines, the power of time blocking, turning errands into friend time, and why “always leave a place better than you found it” might just be the best life rule ever.

We also dig into the magic of decluttering, the peace that comes from “a place for everything and everything in its place,” and how small, intentional habits can completely transform your day.

Books we mention in this episode:
 📚 Atomic Habits by James Clear — https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits
📚 The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg — https://charlesduhigg.com/the-power-of-habit/

Whether you’re looking for a fresh start or just an excuse to buy new storage bins, this episode’s got the inspiration you need.

Samantha Elizabeth Coaching & Consulting LLC
samanthaelizabeth.com

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Change is hard. And fast. And usually happening at the worst time.

In this episode of Stress Mess, I talk to my friend Pam — a dynamic, tell-it-like-it-is change leader — about how she got started in the world of change, why transitions come with emotional whiplash, and what managers are seriously missing when it comes to guiding people through disruption.

We also talk about what it means to feel “not that exciting,” why serendipity brought us together, and the messy feelings that show up after the shock wears off.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by change or wished your manager had a clue… this episode gets it.

Samantha Elizabeth Coaching & Consulting LLC
samanthaelizabeth.com