The Difficulty: Creativity, Meaning & the Hard Work of a Life

Kevin M. Johnson’s work is on the recovery of the space outside of ego, so our work in Big Self School swims in the same waters. Kevin is a teacher, retreat director, and co-host of the podcast Encountering Silence. Having spent years achieving a number of advanced degrees, speaking at large academic conferences, and even presenting at prestigious schools like Yale and Harvard Universities, he discovered he needed to walk a bit outside the halls of the Academy to explore deeper.

Although he continues to teach at the university level, he now jokingly refers to himself as “a recovering academic” who teaches online and in various settings outside the university that often crosses boundaries into spaces that are not currently on our cultural maps.

Kevin is looking to recover a space for holistic wellness and wisdom. Somewhere in the intersection of spirituality, psychology, wellness, self-help, and philosophy. A space that does not fit in easily on our current cultural maps. 

Find out more about Kevin at his website and at his podcast, Encountering Silence.

Time Stamps:

2:15 Kevin explains why he refers to himself as a recovering academic 

6:15 Kevin talks about the mental map and the difference between how we think about things today versus the past 

12:06 We discuss Seneca and Stoicism 

14:23 The philosophy conversation continues

17:36 Kevin shares the essential parts of what it means to be human and how it has been left out of our cultural map 

21:06 Kevin talks about silence and why it is so essential 

22:41 Kevin leads us through an exercise 

26:01 Silence and our inner critic 

28:23 Kevin answers the question ‘what makes us ready for silence?’ 

34:48 We discuss the intimacy of silence with ourselves and others 

37:43 What silence actually allows us to see 

41:34 Kevin shares two simple things you can do to help you feel more connected 

45:20 Shelley shares a Parker Palmer quote that she loves 

47:37 Where to find Kevin 

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Caterina Kostoula is an executive coach and founder of The Leaderpath. Her mission is to coach pioneering leaders and teams for meaningful impact and fulfillment.

​Prior to The Leaderpath, Caterina was a Global Business Leader at Google. She managed some of the company's largest C-level partnerships. She was also an internal coach, awarded a 5-star-rating distinction from her coachees. 

Caterina has coached leaders from Google, Amazon, Vodafone, Ferrero, ArcelorMittal, Workable, and several entrepreneurs. She collaborates with INSEAD, coaching Executive MBAs and alumni. She is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council.

Caterina has lived in more than seven countries across America, Europe, and Asia. She now lives in London.

https://www.theleaderpath.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6741992273124433920/

https://www.theleaderpath.com/single-post/2019/11/04/Success-feels-easy-when-you-are-on-the-right-track

Freebie: www.theleaderpath.com/mindset

Time Stamps: 

2:17 Caterina shares how team coaching set her on the path to writing her book 

5:17 She explains the idea behind her 4 D’s Framework for meetings

8:13 Caterina discusses the importance of trust in meetings and how to foster that trust 

11:14 The most common mistakes people make in meetings 

13:02 Caterina shares about the myth of the lonely genius 

15:19 Caterina outlines 3 reasons not to have a meeting 

18:20 We discuss ego management 

21:07 Caterina answers how she coaches her clients on the difference between when to push through the hard and when to opt out 

23:04 Shelley shares a quote from her favorite book and how it relates to the illusion of struggle 

25:45 We discuss burnout and the dangerous myth of associating struggle with success

28:03 Caterina shares how she coaches about failure 

32:05 Caterina explains Leaderpath

33:48 Caterina shares about her book, Hold Successful Meetings, available now for pre-order

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A large part of holistic healing and being an upper cervical chiropractic practitioner is helping people manage pain, often chronic pain. What role does stress play in people’s pain? What is something Chris sees again and again and that he sees as vital to helping people manage their stress (and their pain)?

Today’s guest is Dr. Chris Collins. He received his doctor of chiropractic degree from Sherman College of Chiropractic in Spartanburg, SC. He received his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from University of Southern Mississippi, and has a background in exercise physiology and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Chris has advanced training in Knee Chest Upper Cervical Technique, which is one of the most researched, and advanced applications of chiropractic today. 

We met Chris through the Big Self School, so we can honestly say that Chris is a verified Big Selfer. Chris has a big heart and wants to help build communities where people have access to everything they need to lead a healthy life.

Time Stamps:

4:22 Chris shares his vision for his community in Chattanooga 

5:58 How to form connection mindfully 

7:22 We discuss community and the importance of boundaries 

11:58 The risk of connection and setting expectations 

14:08 Chris talks about how his practice changed when he discovered that his chiropractic patients with chronic conditions all had an underlying relationship with stress

18:22 Chris shares the story about when his morning started with a Tik Tok video and the impact it had on his day

25:17 Chris makes a powerful point about managing stressful moments 

26:33 We discuss emotional vulnerability 

31:46 Chad shares why he was reluctant to become a chiropractic doctor and what shifted for him 

36:04 Recommended healthy practices to process stress 

42:35 Where to find Chris 

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Michael Thompson grew up with severe social anxiety and a stutter. He tells us about what that was like, and then what he did when he finally decided to take on a job that was going to challenge him in a whole new way.

He applies his lessons in coaching his clients to overcome obstacles. Some people say maximize your strengths, Michael, on the other hand, takes the bull by the horns and addresses pain points as growth opportunities.

He also tells us the story about the day he lost $250,000. How did it happen? What was his response?

Michael Thompson is a career strategist who works with business professionals and entrepreneurs to open more doors and receive greater satisfaction from their work.

As a communication coach he helps business executives and entrepreneurs be successful by making the right connections. As a career coach, he’s worked with over 250+ individuals from recent college graduates to CEOs of multinationals and award-winning creatives to take the right small steps to reach their next big goal.

Time Stamps:

1:29 Michael tells his story of growing up with a severe stutter and social anxiety 

3:27 Michael shares what he learned about leadership from his experience 

5:59 How stuttering taught Michael the importance of giving people room to lead themselves 

9:10 Michael shares his advice for what builds confidence 

11:49 We discuss the necessary balance of living in our strengths but also doing the things that scare us 

15:20 the IKEA effect and the craftsman mindset 

16:23 Michael shares the story about the day he lost $250,000

21:10 What his experiences taught him about happiness 

22:59 Michael shares an update on how his coaching clients are doing through the pandemic in Spain 

26:50 How to develop your self-awareness in just 4 minutes a day 

32:55 Michael shares the practices and routines that keep him focused on growth in his life 

 38:18 Michael reveals a productivity tip he learned that serves as a reminder that we have a life and not a career 

40:02 Where to find Michael

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We talk about shifting your mindset into a lifestyle of sustained, healthy practices. From meditating to journaling, hot and cold water therapy to the outer impact of what we're doing to the planet, this conversation packs a punch. It's the very end of a wild and difficult year and this episode leaves you with lots to process and be hopeful for as we veer into a new year. Will it be a whole new you? Why not you?

Janna Breslin was born and raised in Southern California and is a former pharmaceutical representative for one of the leading Pharmaceutical companies in the world. After battling multiple health issues and realizing she could heal herself with food and nutrition, she discovered a passion for helping others achieve optimal health. Janna is now a well-known fitness model, certified personal trainer, health coach, and nutrition expert.

Evan DeMarco is a leading sports medicine and nutrition expert, published author, public speaker and frequent guest on television, radio, and digital platforms. Evan returned to school to study bio- and organic chemistry and went on to develop a vastly improved formula for prenatal supplements delivered in liquid form after finding out he was going to be a father. From there he worked to develop numerous ingredient technologies to improve brain function in infants, children and adults. 

https://completehuman.com/2019/12/23/aboutus/

https://www.amazon.com/Mia-Go-Away-Monster-Spray/dp/1098342798

Time Stamps:

2:14 Evan explains epigenetics 

3:44 Evan shares the four pillars of epigenetics 

6:33 We discuss radical responsibility 

9:04 Our ego and radical responsibility 

12:16 Evan and Janna share how to establish and maintain good habits 

14:17 The impact of reframing the idea of habits as creating a lifestyle 

16:07 Janna and Evan share their why and how they connect it to their daily practices

19:55 The impact of stress and suggestions to modify your lifestyle to decrease stressors 

21:53 Evan shares some scary stats about social media consumption and the impact it’s having on our stress levels and our health 

27:41 Janna and Evan share more about the inner work they do and how it translates into their outer work 

34:09 We talk about the practice of gratitude 

36:42 Janna discusses empaths and shares her recommendations for recharging 

39:40 The power of the negative ions of water for empathic people 

43:56 Evan shares about the children’s book he just published and about how the proceeds are going to fight human trafficking 

47:54 Where to find Evan and Janna 

48:07 Evan shares about their product line and their mission

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Today we bring you Melody Wilding, an executive and leadership coach for smart, sensitive high-achievers who are tired of getting in their own way. 

Through her private one-on-one coaching program, talks, small-group workshops, and articles, she helps you break free from self-doubt and overwhelm, master your emotions, and use your sensitivity as the superpower that it is. Recently named one of Business Insider’s “Most Innovative Coaches”, Melody coined the groundbreaking idea of “sensitive striving.” She has helped CEOs, leaders, and top-performers at the world’s most successful companies including Google, Facebook, JP Morgan, Verizon and more. Her work has been featured on The New York Times, The Oprah Magazine, NBC News, and dozens of other high-profile publications.

She currently teaches Human Behavior at Hunter College and is a columnist for magazines such as Inc. and Forbes.

Time Stamps:

2:50 Melody explains what it means to be a Sensitive Striver 

12:18 Melody shares the 1st of 6 key qualities that make up being a Sensitive Striver: Sensitivity 

17:02 Melody shares the 2nd key quality of a Sensitive Striver: Thoughtfulness 

17:57 Shelley relates the 2nd key quality of thoughtfulness to her Enneagram type 

20:00 We discuss the 3rd quality of a Sensitive Striver: Responsibility 

21:40 Inner Drive as the 4th quality of a Sensitive Striver 

24:19 Vigilance as the 5th quality of a Sensitive Striver 

27:13 Melody shares the 6th and final quality of a Sensitive Striver: Emotionality 

28:39 The number one challenge Melody sees in her client: Imposter Syndrome 

30:35 Melody discusses how she coaches someone to step into their power 

31:42 Melody shares her hack for dealing with negative self-talk 

33:51 The discussion dives deeper into Imposter Syndrome

37:25 Melody shares how her practices of theming her days, limiting decision fatigue and doing a weekly CEO report  help her flourish as a Sensitive Striver

41:05 Melody shares about her upcoming book: Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work 

42:00 Where to find Melody

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Melissa Gratias, a Ph.D. in organizational psychology, is an international speaker, coach, blogger, and author. For more than 20 years, Melissa’s coaching and consulting work has improved productivity for multinational, billion-dollar companies as well as individual solopreneurs. She creates workable systems so people can accomplish their professional goals in less time and with less stress. As a result, thousands of business owners, CEOs, and other overwhelmed professionals have become more focused, effective, and balanced in their lives and work. 

You know a lot of people listening may feel a sense of burnout already, and the very idea of trying to be more productive might sound off-putting. People don’t just want to be the sum total of what they get done. We also know--and what Melissa helps people she coaches to try and understand--is that productivity problems are basically people problems. We don’t always understand why we’re not getting more done with our time even when we want to. Melissa discusses how she helps people frame their “Why?” behind the issues that get in the way of their productivity.

Time Stamps:

2:27 Melissa shares what led her to organizational psychology, specifically the area of productivity 

4:46 Melissa answers why determining your why is so important to being productive 

8:36 Melissa reveals the biggest productivity problem that she sees: perfectionism 

11:26 Shelley asks Melissa how she would define being productive 

14:13 Your to-do list is crystal ball that predicts your future 

16:20 Melissa shares why she doesn’t use the word habits with her clients and how she relates habits to Shawshank Redemption 

18:08 Melissa explains the power behind rituals and why she encourages her clients to establish intentional rituals over habits 

19:19 How you can use rituals to launch you into tasks that you typically procrastinate 

22:13 Productivity as a mindset 

23:42 Shelley has an a-ha moment 

26:47 Melissa shares some recommended practices for productivity 

30:57 We discuss the concept of micro-moments and how to handle competing priorities 

36:46 Melissa shares the productivity tip that works best for her

37.48 Where to find Melissa

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Omar Itani thought he had all the time in the world, until one day he found himself blacked out on the street, broken from an accident, unable to walk. It shook him to the core and reminded him that there’s more to life than just merely living—there’s the unparalleled thrill of ‘feeling alive’. So as soon as he recovered, he took a leap of faith, he left his job at Google and stopped talking about starting a business, or traveling around the world, or becoming a writer. Instead, he just did.

Omar Itani is a writer, an ex-Google, founder of Lovers of The Sea, and an advocate for doing meaningful work that sprouts from purpose-driven creativity. His work has been featured in Thrive Global and major Medium publications such as Mind Café, The Startup, and P.S. I Love You. He has lived in six countries, traveled to over 40, and is a certified diver and sailor. He has a background in Marketing and holds a Master’s of Science in International Business from Ivey Business School & CEMS Global Alliance.

Time Stamps:

2:20 Omar shares how an accident that left him unable to walk shifted his perspective on life and helped him transition from always talking about the things he wanted to do in life  to actually doing them  

4:31 Shelley discusses the idea of mortality motivation 

6:35 Omar shares how reading Atomic Habits by James Clear made him realize that the transformation he was looking for needed to start with change on the inside 

9:28 Omar shares about his realization that in order to create sustainable change and master your craft, you have to be willing to stick with something for the long term 

11:17 We discuss the importance of falling in love with the process and not the outcome 

12:51 Omar explains his philosophy that real happiness comes from the alignment  between being and thinking and doing 

14:40 We discuss the struggle of just ‘being’ in a culture where we are always doing 

15:59 Omar gives advice and practical tips for getting into the ‘being’ state 

18:55 Omar explains his life philosophy of slow living 

24:50 We discuss the definition of success

30:34 The conversation continues to explore the idea of abundance when you are working within your purpose 

38:45 Omar shares his vision and dream for his writing 

40:33 Where you can find Omar

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Today we speak with Karen Nimmo, a registered clinical psychologist with a private practice in Wellington, working in adolescent and adult mental health. She also has a background in physical education. In a former life Karen was a print journalist and media consultant. Karen works primarily in performance and life coaching. As a clinical psychologist, she is able to assess, diagnose and treat psychological problems where required. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy but draws on a range of models and tools to match individual needs.

Time Stamps:

3:42 We start the conversation with a discussion of how to not just survive during this time but also thrive 

5:07 Karen shares her tools for coping with distress and  building resistance 

6:51 Karen explains the traffic light tool for managing what we can control and what we need to let go of

7:53 Shelley shares how she uses the PIIP - Put It In Perspective - method 

10:24 Karen shares her personal story of her husbands stage 4 cancer diagnosis and the plan that they came up with to help them navigate that time, which eventually turned into her current book 

14:33 We talk about the importance of recognizing the mind-body connection 

20:06 Karen talks about the challenging but therapeutic experience of writing her book, Fish Pie Is Worse Than Cancer

24:45 Karen talks about despair, desperation and disgust as motivators for change 

25:31 We dig deep into finding what’s stopping Shelley from going after her one big goal 

27:35 Karen shares a powerful story about living your life based on a story that no longer holds true for you

31:21 What is the story that you are living that you need some help to confront?  

32:24 Karen talks about listening as an art form 

35:15 Karen shares the reason behind her book ‘10 On The Couch Sessions to Diagnose, Explain and Treat Busy AF People Everywhere’ and her biggest takeaway from it

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How Top Medium Writer Megan Holstein went from young entrepreneur to discovering the life of a writer. How she works through resistance, what she advises on figuring out how to get paid to live the life you love, and how less is more when it comes to goals. She's also a big proponent for minimalism both in terms of her "to do" list each day, as well as her material possessions. She also discusses her productivity experiments. She offers a step-by-step for how she tackles the writing process.

Time Stamps:

3:29 Megan shares the story behind the apps she developed at age 15  

6:08 Megan shares the unique way she went from creating apps to being a published author 

10:41 We discuss how to find clarity on what you want to do with your life 

12:24 We discuss the idea of resistance as a psychological barrier, how resistance can give us clarity

18:14 Megan shares her insight on how the most productive people actually do less and have fewer goals 

20:46 Shelley shares the meaning behind The Big Self 

21:46 Megan talks about how to cut out overwhelm by looking at the daily commitment and not the larger goal 

28:16 We discuss Megan’s take on minimalism 

32:17 We discuss our views on self-help and what the end game of self-help is 

39:42 How to find Megan 

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