By Brian Berneman
We believe that connection is the key to taking conscious action as individuals and to creating a better world. We're podcasting to raise awareness and inspire meaningful action and bring you stori
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The podcast currently has 196 episodes available.
On this Episode Brian talks with guest Jana Stern about how to navigate the spiritual landscape in current times.
Jana shares her personal journey, including her early connection to spirituality and crystals, her struggles with mental health issues like eating disorders and borderline personality disorder, and her path to embracing her psychic gifts and using them to help others. She emphasizes the importance of honoring one's intuition and inner voice, rather than suppressing it.
The Mental Health Crisis and Societal Conditioning:
The discussion explores how societal conditioning and the education system often discourage people from connecting with their true selves, leading to mental health challenges. Jana and the Brian agree that reclaiming ancient wisdom and practices like conscious breathing can help address the global mental health crisis.
Navigating the Spiritual/Conscious Community:
They discuss the challenges of the spiritual/conscious community, including the tendency for some to use it as an escape rather than doing the inner work, and the importance of staying grounded and focused on one's own path rather than judging others. Brian emphasizes the need to find balance and integrate ancient wisdom into modern life.
Finding Guides and Mentors:
They advise listeners to find trustworthy guides and mentors to support their spiritual/conscious journey, while also being discerning and not idolizing them. As well, they emphasize the importance of integrating learnings and not getting lost in any one practice or teacher.
For more about Jana find her on Instagram and https://www.janastern.com/.
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On this episode Brian Berneman talks with Russell Harvey, The Resilience Coach.
Russell's background and journey:
Russell shares his background and how he became interested in human behavior and resilience. He started in training and learning & development roles, and eventually became a resilience coach after helping clients at the Co-op organization navigate challenges during a difficult time.
Understanding resilience and adaptability:
Russell defines resilience as "springing forward with learning" - the ability to adapt and grow from adversity, rather than just bouncing back. He explains the importance of having a purpose, being open to change, and understanding that discomfort is a normal part of growth.
The VUCA framework for navigating change:
Russell introduces the VUCA framework (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) as a way to conceptualize the constant change and challenges organizations face. He explains how the counterpart VUCA Prime (Vision, Understanding, Clarity, Agility) can help leaders and teams develop the capabilities to thrive in a VUCA environment.
Strengths-based approach to resilience:
Russell emphasizes the value of a strengths-based approach to building resilience, both for individuals and teams. He discusses how understanding and leveraging one's natural strengths can help expand comfort zones and adapt more effectively to challenges.
Optimism as a key resilience trait:
Russell highlights optimism as a critical component of resilience, distinct from toxic positivity. He explains how grounding in reality, while maintaining hope and focusing on strengths, can foster the kind of optimism that supports resilience and growth.
For more about Russell find him on LinkedIn, Facebook & https://www.theresiliencecoach.co.uk/.
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On this episode Brian explores the importance of unlearning in personal growth and transformation.
Key Takeaways:
The Significance of Unlearning:
Methods for Unlearning:
Challenges and Benefits of Unlearning:
Unlearning as a Spiritual Concept:
Next Steps:
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On this episode, Brian and Rosemary explore allowing changes in one's path as well as incorporating different perspectives to transform and grow.
Rosemary's Background and Journey:
Starting with a legal education that didn't suit her personality, then discovering a passion for mediation and alternative dispute resolution. This led her to explore human behavior, trauma, child development, and eventually becoming a counselor and writer focused on self-improvement and personal growth.
Limitations of the Traditional Legal System:
Rosemary discusses how the traditional legal system for family disputes is often not user-friendly, focused on individual interests rather than the bigger picture, and lacks a trauma-informed approach. Mediation provides a more flexible, open, and family-centric process.
Strengths-Based Approach vs. Deficit Lens:
Rosemary contrasts the strengths-based approach she adopted, which focuses on people's capabilities and positive attributes, versus the more common "deficit lens" that emphasizes weaknesses and problems. This shift in perspective had a significant impact on her own self-confidence and career.
The Power of Reflection and Rewriting Narratives:
Rosemary discusses how her observations of people managing adversity, combined with a strengths-based approach, led her to write a book focused on self-reflection and rewriting negative narratives. She explains the practical tools and exercises she provides to help readers shift their mindset.
Rosemary has been in alternate dispute resolution for over 15 years, specialising in family mediation and restorative justice practices.
Merging her experience as a family mediator with her study of neuroscience and trauma, she explores ways to live in a trauma-informed and strengths-based way, which is the subject of her first book.
As a chronic over-thinker, Rosemary experienced first-hand the transformative impact of rewriting overthinking into strengths-based reflection and is committed to sharing this with the world.
For more about Rosemary find her on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & https://www.rosemarygattuso.com/
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Robbie's personal journey:
Robbie shares about her path into the healing and counseling space, including how the experience of helping her aunt pass away from cancer led her to pursue a master's in counseling with a focus on narrative therapy. She discusses the importance of connecting with the body and somatic experiences in the healing process.
Bridging different healing modalities:
Brian and Robbie discuss the challenges of bridging the "mainstream" cognitive/talk therapy approach with more holistic, body-based healing modalities. They emphasize the importance of meeting clients where they are, using accessible language, and finding ways to integrate different perspectives.
The power and wisdom of the body:
They emphasize the importance of developing a loving, grateful relationship with the body, as it is a powerful vessel for healing and transformation. They encourage listeners to connect with the body's innate wisdom and intelligence, rather than judging or resisting it.
Robbie Fear is a trauma-informed somatic therapist & narrative counsellor with a deep love for movement, creative expression and deepening the connection to the body, working in 1:1 and groups. Somatic bodywork, Spinal Attunement and Internal Family Systems are some of the modalities Robbie uses for both in-person and online offerings. Robbie is also the Co-Founder of Leaders of Love, hosting retreats worldwide for heart-centered leaders.
For more about Robbie find her on Instagram.
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Caring about what others think:
Brian explores why people care so much about what others think of them, explaining that this is a survival mechanism developed from the need to belong. He shares his own experience of not succumbing to peer pressure, and encourages the audience to question their assumptions about what others might be thinking.
Overcoming the fear of judgment:
Brian delves deeper into the root of caring about others' opinions, emphasizing the importance of developing a strong sense of authenticity. He suggests actively inquiring about whether others are truly judging us, and considering the actual consequences if they do.
Balancing care for others and self:
Brian shares how he was able to find a balance between caring about people and caring more about himself, allowing him to be open to others' perspectives while not changing his behavior to fit in. He encourages the audience to do the same, and to test the boundaries of what happens if others don't accept them.
Overcoming the fear of public speaking:
He uses the example of public speaking to illustrate how the fear of others' judgments can hold people back. He suggests actively asking others if they are actually thinking negatively about you, and considering whether their opinion is truly the "worst thing in the world."
Cultivating mindfulness and self-inquiry:
Brian emphasizes the importance of being mindful and self-aware, rather than constantly assuming what others are thinking. He encourages the audience to deeply inquire into their own experiences and thought patterns around caring about others' opinions, in order to overcome this limiting mindset.
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Stress and the importance of presence:
Brian Berneman discusses the topic of stress and how the antidote to stress is being present in the moment. He explains that most people are not fully present, as they are often caught up in thoughts about the past or future, rather than focusing on the present. He emphasizes the importance of practices like mindfulness, meditation, and conscious movement to help cultivate presence.
Understanding the roots of our lack of presence:
Brian delves into the reasons why people struggle to be present, noting that it is often due to conditioning from our upbringing, past experiences, and societal norms that encourage constant activity and productivity. He encourages exploring the underlying causes to become more self-aware and open to change.
Embracing the discomfort of presence:
Brian acknowledges that being fully present can sometimes be uncomfortable, as it requires allowing ourselves to fully experience our emotions and sensations, rather than trying to control or repress them. He emphasizes the importance of being kind to ourselves and recognizing that our past coping mechanisms were necessary for survival.
Choosing a new way of being:
He emphasizes that being present is a choice, and that we all have the capacity to shift our patterns of behavior and learn to live in a more balanced, supportive way. He encourages listeners to be courageous in exploring new practices and perspectives that can help them become more present and reduce the negative impacts of stress.
Presence as a catalyst for collective change:
Brian explains that when we become more present, we not only create positive change for ourselves, but also have the potential to inspire and influence others, leading to a ripple effect of transformation. He invites listeners to explore the practices and perspectives that resonate with them the most to cultivate presence and awareness.
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Chelsea's background and journey:
Chelsea shares her personal story, including growing up in a dysfunctional family, struggling with addiction and eating disorders, and finding healing through practices like yoga, meditation, and somatics. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and embracing one's full experience, both positive and negative.
The mind-body connection in recovery:
Brian and Chelsea discuss the significance of the mind-body connection in the recovery process. They highlight the value of listening to and honoring the body's wisdom, rather than just relying on the mind. This allows for deeper self-understanding, regulation of emotions and sensations, and sustainable healing.
Reframing identity and shame in recovery:
Chelsea and Brian explore the importance of not over-identifying with the "addict" label, which can perpetuate shame and prevent people from seeking help. They emphasize the need for a more expansive, compassionate view of oneself as a whole, evolving person, rather than being defined by one's struggles.
Advice and resources for those in recovery:
Chelsea and Brian offer advice and resources for those on a recovery journey, including the importance of self-acceptance, accessing support systems, and educating oneself about the nervous system and its role in healing.
Chelsea Rappel is first and foremost a grateful sober human journeying through Life School with as much compassion, humor, and tenderness as she can muster. Chelsea is also a bunny mom, wife, and lover of rock climbing and dancing. As a Somatic Practitioner and Yoga Therapist, Chelsea is committed to supporting folks on their recovery paths in a way that addresses the underlying dysregulation and trauma in the nervous system.
Chelsea's work integrates her extensive study of naturalistic, trauma-aware embodiment practices, helping her clients and students experience true freedom from unsupportive coping strategies (including addictions of all kinds).
Chelsea is the founder of Awakened Recovery, and is the co-founder of Resilient Recovery. Both organizations provide empowering somatic support to individuals, groups and treatment centers all over the San Francisco Bay Area and online.
To learn more about working individually with Chelsea, visit www.AwakenedRecovery.com, or to join a Resilient Recovery Circle, visit www.Resilient-Recovery.com.
For more about Chelsea find her on Instagram and LinkedIn.
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Importance of finding the right practices:
Brian discusses the importance of finding the right experiences and practices that can support each moment in our lives and help us be well. As we change and grow, we need to be open to exploring new and different practices, perspectives, and traditions to continue expanding and developing.
Adapting practices to different moments:
Brian shares how some practices he started practicing as a teenager he still does, but not in the same way every day. He learned to adapt the practices based on his energy levels, physical state, and mental state in each moment. Different moments may require a more physical, mental, or energetic approach.
Staying present and open to change:
Brian cautions against becoming too attached to a single practice, even if it has been beneficial, and encourages staying present, aware, and open to exploring what will be most supportive in each moment. Practices that once worked may need to change as we change.
Applying this approach to all areas of life:
Brian explains that this principle of adapting practices to the moment applies not just to spiritual or wellness practices, but to everything we do in our lives, including our work. Even if the activity seems the same, we can approach it differently based on our current state.
Trusting your inner experience:
Brian encourages to tune into your inner experience in each moment and discern what would be most beneficial - whether that's meditation, a walk, creative work, or time with others. By doing this consistently, we can sustain our growth and wellbeing.
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On this episode we talk with Malti Bhojwani, transformation facilitator, Coach & Author.
Malti's personal transformation journey:
Malti shares how her own personal challenges and struggles in her 30s, including being overweight, divorced, and financially unstable, prompted her to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. She discusses how realizing she had created her own "mess" led her to become a "self-help junkie" and explore various modalities to shift her perspective from victim to master of her life.
The importance of awareness and responsibility:
Malti and Brian discuss the concepts of privilege and responsibility, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and taking responsibility for one's reactions and choices. They highlight the value of creating space and pausing before responding, rather than reacting out of habit or conditioning.
Transitioning to leadership roles:
The conversation explores the challenges people face when transitioning into leadership roles, such as feeling like an imposter or not having the necessary skills, and the importance of understanding the unique needs and motivations of the team members they are leading.
Worthiness and self-acceptance:
Malti and Brian delve into the topic of worthiness, discussing how many people struggle to feel worthy and how this can impact their ability to step into leadership and transformation. They emphasize the importance of recognizing one's inherent worth and the need to balance humility with self-acceptance.
Challenges in organizational transformation work:
They share some of the key challenges they face in their work supporting organizational transformation, including clients' desire for quick fixes and the difficulty in conveying the importance of taking the time for deep, lasting change. Also discussing the importance of humility and seeing the potential in others.
For more about Malti find her on Instagram, LinkedIn and https://maltibhojwani.com/.
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The podcast currently has 196 episodes available.