The Cycle of Care Podcast

Hard emotions are inevitable—but emotional hijacking doesn't have to be. Join us as we explore the neuroscience of emotions, practical regulation strategies, and how the Cycle of Care can help us move from reaction to thoughtful response.

In this episode, we explore how authentic goals can be created when we align our mission, vision, and values through a lens of care. Through research, reflection, and real-life examples, we discuss how to move beyond performative achievement and toward values-driven goals that energize and sustain us while bringing care into the world.

In this episode, we explore how to navigate both digital and in-person feedback. Drawing on current research, we talk over feedback that is genuinely constructive versus what’s unhelpful. Through personal stories and science, this episode offers a reminder: our value isn’t defined by unsubscribes.

What happens when someone tries to dim another’s light just to make their own shine brighter? In this episode of the Cycle of Care podcast, we explore how grandstanding and posturing show up in our meetings, trainings, and academic spaces—and we provide solutions to stop grandstanding in its tracks. This episode is full of personal stories and deep reflections. When we let our light shine—and create space for others to shine too—we don’t just transform conversations. We transform the culture around us. Tune in for tools, stories, and reflections to help you live with clarity, courage, and care.

In this episode of the Cycle of Care Podcast, we explore how negative rumination can hijack our minds and stall our movement forward. Through research, personal experiences, and practical strategies, we unpack the four types of rumination and offer a compassionate path forward. Whether you're caught in worry, self-criticism, or emotional exhaustion, this episode offers clarity, tools, and care to help you move forward.

In this episode of the Cycle of Care Podcast, we explore the meaning of emotional labor and how it shows up in our everyday lives. Through personal stories and practical reflection, we examine how emotional labor can strengthen relationships—but also lead to burnout when boundaries aren't in place. Tune in to learn how to balance the rewards and challenges of emotional labor to build healthier, more sustainable connections at work and at home.

In this episode of the Cycle of Care Podcast, we explore the powerful relationship between intentional listening and care and learn how deep listening helps us avoid "Data Distress." Additionally, in this episode, we explore deeper listening through the "Notice and Reflect” activity. We’ll also hear the inspiring story of Matthew, a true Cycle of Care Superhero who demonstrates empathy and attentive listening in action.

This episode explores how our brains operate in two distinct modes—the instrumental brain, which handles tasks and goals, and the relational brain, which fosters emotional connection and meaning. In this episode, we discuss how an imbalance between these modes can lead to "brain traps" that disrupt care and prevent growth, both personally and in relationships. Through neuroscience, storytelling, and practical reflection, listeners are guided to find a healthier balance that supports sustainable change and deeper human connection.

Every action we take creates ripples—some we see, many we don’t. In this episode, we explore the science behind ripple effects, emotional contagion, helper's high, and mirror neurons. We investigate how our small acts of care can spread far beyond what we imagine. Plus, a special highlight on Dr. James Comer and an interactive reflection activity to help you recognize your own impact. 

In this episode, Mona Zignego dives into how biases like optimism, pessimism, and reliance on partial information impact care and relationships. Through personal stories and reflective activities, learn how to identify and overcome biases to create meaningful connections and foster growth.