One of the most important takeaways from this inspiring episode of The Insomnicat Show is that storytelling is way more than the words we speak. Telling a story is about everything you are—whether you’re an individual looking to tell your own story or company looking to tell its origin story (as well as the ones of your founders and employees) there is way more to the art. Chief of Story, Lead Your Story, Hasani X (but just call him X) tells the powerful story of his journey (which of course, must include some pain and transformation). Now he’s on a mission to impact 100 million lives as a communication strategist. You’ll hear the difference between a mountain of facts and a real story when you listen in to this episode.

Is it just lawyers that need to de-stress? The answer is obviously NO, but Alex Montagu, a lawyer and meditation coach, discovered that he was at a breaking point and found the answer through meditation—the answer can be applied to those in high-stress professions or those who are in seemingly non-stressful ones. Why? Because the problem lies in our own minds, not our jobs or outside circumstances. He’s on a mission to help others incorporate the practice of meditation into their lives, as well as practice law. Listen in for his thoughts on the reasons we suffer from such anxiety as humans.

What a story Jeff Deskovic has to share with us. After being convicted of a crime he did not commit it took 16 years to be exonerated. Upon his release, he became a lawyer and founder the Jeff Deskovic Foundation for Justice where he helps other innocent people find freedom. Listen in—we’ll discuss his story, how he helps others, types of important evidence, investigative tactics and what he hopes will change in the justice department.

What happens when you set your mind to something? What happens when you have a goal and put in place all the necessary steps to achieve it and then actually put in the work? Not surprisingly, you’ll achieve it! Along the way, you may encounter hiccups along the way. People may try to stand in your way. Events may pop up that throw you off course, but when you tap into that strength within—amazing things happen.

We had a chance to chat with Lauren Fernandez, former Secret Service Agent and now Author of her book Talk Back Barbie: The Secret Service Edition to learn more about what it really takes to work in federal law enforcement, and why some believed that a Southern gal didn’t have what it takes. She showed them! Listen in to her humorous and exciting look at being a female secret service agent.

She’s now on a mission to empower others and let them know it’s OK to pivot in life, as it’s all part of your journey!

More About Lauren:

I graduated from Virginia Tech with my degree in Political Science: Legal Studies. Right after college I went to work for the Secret Service in Washington, D.C. After leaving the White House, I utilized my Top Secret: SCI/Full Scope Polygraph and accepted a job with a consulting firm in McLean, Virginia working with the Department of State, CIA, National Counterterrorism Center, and other Intelligence communities. Presently, I work for JRL Coal, an Energy company and promote my book.

My life motto is: "If you trip and fall, laugh first, then get up and keep going! Because the only way you fail is to never get up." “Talk Back Barbie: The Secret Service Edition” is about a sassy, ambitious, Southern blonde debutante who can’t keep her mouth shut. She joins the Secret Service and stirs up enough trouble to become a White House legend—the one and only “Talk Back Barbie.” “Talk Back Barbie” proved that no matter what life threw her way she would overcome it. She wanted everyone to understand that being a blonde, Southern debutante didn’t mean she couldn’t work for the Secret Service! Every obstacle, challenge, and disappointment made her grow stronger, fight harder, and laugh at her mistakes. Talk Back Barbie inspires women of all ages to push yourself, never give up, and accomplish your dreams (even if they change)! Don’t let a name define you. You define the name!

Everyone has days where they feel uninspired and unmotivated. We fall into slumps. We see only the negative aspects of our life. On those days, we need to summon our inner Randi Brown, a metastatic breast cancer warrior, peer support specialist and currently working on a breast cancer/creative individual specific program. In the midst of her fight against cancer, she's a metalsmith/jewelry designer and a Mother.

We chat with Randi about how to keep going, how to take care of ourselves in the face of challenges, and we gain some hope that no matter what's happening to us, we can thrive.

More About Randi:

My name is Randi Brown. Coffee is my lifeline. I could eat mexican for every meal for the rest of my life. Being called Mama and Auntie are my two favorite titles. I am a metastatic breast cancer warrior, peer support specialist and currently working on a breast cancer/creative individual specific program. I have been an entrepreneur for eight years as a metalsmith/jewelry designer and am the chief creative officer of my growing empire.

Here's a very different version of The Insomnicat Show for you! On this episode, we welcome Master Magician Dan Chan to do some magic and mind tricks for us. We'll learn about his shift from an in-person business, travelling around the world doing his magic, to becoming totally virtual over the 2020 year and into the present day. Dan admits virtual shows have been even more successful that in-person.

We promise this isn't your ordinary magic show though. From mind tricks to tech tricks, Dan puts a whole different spin on magic shows for a variety of audiences, from major brands to in-person family events, his magic touches everyone.

***This episode of The Insomnicat Show has a visual component. You may want to head over to YouTube to witness this cool magic for yourself!

We sat down with writer, editor, speaker, and most recently, CEO of Aurora Corialis Publishing, to chat about the writing, editing and publishing process. Tune in for some of Cori's best advice that will ease some of the worries that come along with the process. She'll also talk a bit about the company's recent book, Living Kindly (think back to our chat with Leigh Clark!), in which she also contributed a chapter.

From commonly asked questions to deep thoughts on kindness, this episode has it all.

Who better to talk data with than a Data Scientist?! On this episode of The Insomnicat Show, we chat with Jason Davis, Co-Founder/CEO, Simon Data, about digital transformation, how marketers use their data, and how to use data correctly. We'll even talk about the blend between data and intuition. This episode concludes with some great information about a timely topic-- data privacy.

We promise this won't be your traditional marketing and branding episode. Lauren's high energy and unique perspective make this an episode for those interested in brand marketing -- and even those who aren't. Told as a child that she had wordblindness and would never be able to read or write properly, Lauren went on to become a 5 time best selling author and multiple award winner, using her dyslexia as her greatest asset - helping others understand how the brain sees brands.

Learn about simplifying processes and services, the power of colors, and even a bit of insight into dyslexia.

What a powerful discussion.

More about Lauren:

The Brand Navigator, Lauren Clemett is an International award-winning Neurobranding expert. Told as a child that she had wordblindness and would never be able to read or write properly, she went on to become a 5 time best selling author and multiple award winner, using her dyslexia as her greatest asset - helping others understand how the brain sees brands. She has worked at leading advertising agencies and in brand management for over 30 years, has helped launch hundreds of global brands and appears in worldwide media and on podcasts and summits as the sought after branding specialist. Lauren will teach your audience how to overcome overwhelm and get a clear direction to brand, market and promote themselves to stand out from the crowd and be well known, well-paid and wanted business leaders.

Dive in to this clear introduction of Feng Shui. We chat with Feng Shui Expert, Jillian Rothschild-Scholar to learn about what Feng Shui IS and ISN'T, as well as how it can actually improve your life and help make those big life decisions. This isn't your typical primer! Listen now to learn more about the ancient practice in the modern day world.

More About Jillian:

Jillian is a classically trained Feng Shui Expert who has been working in private Feng Shui consultancy since 2010. She helps people who are feeling tormented with big, unanswered life questions but are unable to choose which direction to go so they are looking for someone they can trust to get clarity enabling them to confidently move forward. She specializes in collaborating with clients over time to awaken new possibilities and assist each client in achieving both personal and professional goals. As part of her Classical Feng Shui work, she consults for both residential and business properties worldwide. Jillian combines modern, practical solutions with the authentic Feng Shui perspective to successfully collaborate with her clients in personal and business matters.