The Sherpa & The Shrink

Show Notes:

In this episode of The Sherpa & The Shrink, Steve opens up about a major midlife pivot—his decision to return to school at age 47 after a decade of working as a leadership coach and trusted advisor. He shares the internal dialogue that came with the choice: the doubts, the judgments, and the quiet fear of being seen as unfinished.

Through candid reflection, Steve discusses:

• The emotional cycle of change that accompanies big life transitions
• How fear, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome tried to take the driver’s seat
• The critical role of his “life team” (his wife, coaches, therapist, and close friends) in offering perspective, support, and validation
• The very real tension of balancing school, work, and family—and how he half-jokingly suggests writing a guidebook on managing it all
• The importance of redefining success and choosing growth over comfort

Steve and Jim also explore how midlife transitions aren’t signs of failure—but invitations into deeper alignment. With humility and humor, they challenge the idea that growth has an expiration date and encourage listeners to embrace curiosity, trust the process, and keep evolving—no matter their age.

If you’re standing at the edge of a life or career pivot, this episode is for you. You’re not too old. It’s not too late. And you’re not alone.

🔗 Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this resonates.
Your decision to make your right next step might just start here.

💬 Connect with Jim and Steve to pivot and embrace the change that starts today:

🌐 www.coachsteveseay.com
🌐 https://upliftcounselingtherapy.com

Show Notes:

In this episode of The Sherpa & The Shrink, Jim dives into the creative and courageous process of writing his first book. Jim shares his personal journey of authorship—highlighting the thrill of starting, the weight of sustaining momentum, and the deeper "why" that keeps him anchored through the ups and downs.

We explore key elements of writing and publishing including:

• Managing the initial excitement that can sometimes lead to burnout
• Creating sustainable writing habits and rhythms
• Embracing the WORK, not the end product 
• Weighing the options between self-publishing and traditional publishing
• Reconnecting with your original purpose and setting meaningful goals
• The power of balancing passion with practicality

Jim also opens up about the lessons learned from working with his book coach and how structure, accountability, and clarity have shaped his process. Plus, Steve draws a parallel to launching his first Elevate Up group—proving that whether you're writing a book or building something new, the creative journey is rarely linear but always transformative.

Whether you’re an aspiring author or navigating your own big dream, this episode will inspire you to take the next step—and keep turning the page.

🔗 Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this resonates.
Your Life Team might just start here.

💬 Connect with Jim and Steve to begin authoring your life today:

🌐 www.coachsteveseay.com
🌐 https://upliftcounselingtherapy.com

In this episode of The Sherpa and The Shrink, we welcome Gary Mahler—a powerful life, business, relational, and leadership coach—who invites us into the sacred rhythm of his life and leadership that goes beyond coaching. 

Gary shares his journey of being and becoming, revealing how he creates his day each morning with intention, stillness, and presence. He openly shares and offers a deep dive into his daily declarations—spoken from a place of profound love and confidence—and explains how this shapes the way he lives, leads, and serves.

Together, we explore:

• What it means to live an untethered life
• How to access oneness with all things
• The discipline of stillness as power
• Designing your life before the world claims it
• Why presence is the most courageous leadership practice

If you’re hungry for a grounded, soulful way of leading yourself and others, this conversation is a masterclass in embodied wisdom.

🔗 Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this resonates.
Your Life Team might just start here.

💡 Connect with Gary Mahler:

🌐 Website: www.garymahler.com
📧 Substack: substack.com/@glmahler
💼 LinkedIn: Gary Mahler

💬 Connect with Jim and Steve to begin building your life today:

🌐 www.coachsteveseay.com
🌐 https://upliftcounselingtherapy.com

In our 3rd episode of The Sherpa and The Shrink, we’re joined by retired U.S. Navy sailor and author Brandon Dusanic, who shares his powerful journey of coming to faith as an adult and what it really looks like to build a relationship with Jesus after baptism.

Brandon’s book, Fresh Out of the Baptismal Pool, is more than a testimony—it’s a guide for new believers and church communities who want to walk with people beyond the altar call. We dive deep into the difference between relational vs. transactional faith, the practical steps that follow baptism, and why surrounding yourself with a solid life team can be transformational.

He also reflects on the impact of mentorship, highlighting how Jim’s presence in his life has been instrumental—and how God is using him now to pour into others.

If you’ve ever wondered what comes after the baptism… this one’s for you.

What You’ll Hear:
• Brandon’s journey from the Navy to faith
• How Fresh Out of the Baptismal Pool came to life
• Steps for growing in relationship with Jesus
• The importance of life teams and mentorship
• Encouragement for new (and seasoned) believers alike

https://a.co/d/fmy6LaA

🔗 Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this resonates. Your Life Team might just start here.

If you'd like to connect with Jim and Steve to begin building your life today, please go to our websites to learn more...

www.coachsteveseay.com

https://upliftcounselingtherapy.com/

In this episode of The Sherpa and The Shrink, we dive into one of the most underrated yet transformational success tools: your Life Team.

What is a life team? Why does it matter? And how can intentionally building one elevate not only your leadership but your family life, health, and sense of purpose?

Join Steve (The Sherpa) and Jim (The Shrink) as they unpack:

• What a Life Team actually is (hint: it's more than just your work crew or family)
• The essential roles every strong life team should have
• How surrounding yourself with the right people can help you lead with more clarity, show up more present at home, and become emotionally and physically healthier
• Jim’s personal story of transformation through leaning into his life team
• Simple, practical ways you can start identifying and strengthening your own circle

Whether you're a high-performing professional, a stretched-thin parent, or just someone seeking more alignment and support in life—this episode will help you get intentional about who’s in your corner.

🧭 Because no one climbs the mountain alone.

🔗 Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this resonates. Your Life Team might just start here.

If you'd like to connect with Jim and Steve to begin building your life today, please go to our websites to learn more...

www.coachsteveseay.com

https://upliftcounselingtherapy.com/

Is this episode of The Sherpa & The Shrink, Jim and Steve talk about 

Professional Pivots (Taking on a Beginner’s Mindset)
of Knowing—Unknowing (Do I have a child-like curiosity for what I don’t know?)

Being a Hero at Home #1 and Work #2 (Why that matters?)
or does it come from Faith? Morality? Society?

And approach to coaching & therapy: How to launch a new thrilling vision while simultaneously working through setbacks, failures that need time for healing and processing? (Is it possible to do both?)