We've all experienced it... that one behavior, habit, or interaction that instantly gives us the "ick." But what if those moments reveal something deeper about our boundaries, values, communication, and emotional intelligence?

In this episode of Touched and Empowered, Katie Miller and Ace explore the psychology behind life's biggest icks, from dating and sales to networking, friendships, business relationships, and everyday conversations. They discuss why certain behaviors instantly turn people away, how respect and trust are built, and what our own reactions reveal about us.

Along the way, they share funny personal stories, professional lessons, networking mishaps, dating experiences, and practical insights into creating healthier relationships through better communication and stronger boundaries.

Whether you're navigating business, friendships, romance, or personal growth, this conversation will help you understand why some interactions feel effortless, and why others leave you wanting to run the other direction.

In This Episode✔️ What an "ick" really is and why it happens
✔️ The psychology behind instant turn-offs
✔️ Why respecting boundaries builds trust
✔️ Sales mistakes that push people away
✔️ Networking without being pushy
✔️ Dating, friendships, and first impressions
✔️ Learning from awkward moments and social mistakes
✔️ Giving and receiving feedback with compassion
✔️ Building authentic relationships through emotional intelligence

If you've ever wondered why certain behaviors instantly make you uncomfortable, or how to avoid becoming someone else's "ick", this episode is for you.

👍 Like, Subscribe, and Share if this conversation helped you see relationships and communication from a new perspective.

Challenge what you believe. Choose who you become.

#TouchedAndEmpowered #PersonalGrowth #Boundaries #CommunicationSkills #EmotionalIntelligence #Relationships #SelfAwareness #Networking #Trust #Mindset

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In Touched & Empowered Episode 156, Ace and Katie introduce listeners to one of the podcast's most beloved companions—Midnight, a remarkable psychiatric service dog whose work goes far beyond what most people realize.

From managing anxiety and PTSD to providing deep pressure therapy and tactile interruption, Midnight has become an essential partner in navigating everyday life.

In this heartfelt episode, Ace and Katie discuss:

🐕 Midnight's incredible personality and journey as a psychiatric service dog

🧠 How service dogs assist individuals living with PTSD, anxiety, and other invisible disabilities

❤️ The emotional bond between handler and service animal

🚫 The biggest misconceptions people have about service dogs

✋ Why you should always ask before petting any dog, especially a working service animal

📚 The legal questions businesses are allowed to ask under service animal laws

🌎 Stories from traveling across the country with a service dog

🎯 The ongoing training, trust, and teamwork required for a successful working partnership

Whether you're a dog lover, someone interested in disability awareness, or simply curious about the life-changing role service animals play, this episode offers practical education, heartfelt stories, and meaningful insights into respecting working dogs and the people they serve.

Most importantly, this conversation reminds us that compassion often begins with understanding.

Challenge what you believe. Choose who you become.

👍 If this episode helped you learn something new, please Like, Subscribe, Share, and leave a comment to help spread awareness about psychiatric service dogs.

#ServiceDog #MentalHealth #PTSD #DisabilityAwareness #PersonalGrowth #Podcast

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Are you chasing what you want... or honoring what you truly need?

In Touched & Empowered Episode 155, Ace and Katie Miller explore one of the most important questions for creating a fulfilling life: How do we balance our needs, wants, and desires?

From discovering a new prebiotic soda that sparked unexpected joy to discussing emotional support animals, AI tools, daily habits, van life, entrepreneurship, and building passive income, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom and genuine laughs.

In this episode, you'll discover:

✨ Why small moments of joy can have a powerful impact on your mental health
🥤 The surprising connection between wellness and everyday routines
📚 Daily practices that build gratitude, confidence, and resilience
🐕 How service animals provide emotional grounding and support
🤖 The benefits—and limitations—of using AI for personal growth
🚐 Van life, travel dreams, and creating a lifestyle with flexibility
💰 Building multiple income streams while maintaining freedom
⚖️ How distinguishing between needs, wants, and desires leads to better decisions
🌱 Creating a life that supports both your personal well-being and long-term goals

Ace and Katie also discuss how routines, mindset, technology, and intentional living can help you create a life that's not only productive—but deeply meaningful.

Whether you're dreaming about travel, building a business, improving your daily habits, or simply looking for more balance, this episode offers practical insights to help you move forward with purpose.

Challenge what you believe. Choose who you become.

👍 If this episode encouraged you, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, Share, and leave a comment!

#PersonalGrowth #Mindset #EmotionalWellbeing #SelfAwareness #Entrepreneurship #Podcast

#TouchedAndEmpowered

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Book Your Interview: https://touchedandempowered.com/book-appointment

What truly motivates you?

In Touched & Empowered Episode 154, Ace and Katie Miller explore the surprising ways we reward ourselves, how our upbringing shapes our motivations, and why creating healthier reward systems can transform our lives.

The conversation begins with a lighthearted discussion about seasonal allergies and hilarious prank stories before diving into a deeper conversation about food, motivation, cultural traditions, and the psychology behind rewards.

In this episode, you'll discover:

🌿 How allergies can affect daily life (and podcasting!)
😂 The role of humor, practical jokes, and healthy boundaries in relationships
🍽️ Why food shouldn't always be used as a reward
🧠 Creating healthier motivation systems for long-term success
🌏 Cultural influences on food and family traditions
🏆 Building meaningful reward systems that encourage growth
🚗 Lessons about responsibility, driving, and earning trust
✨ Why investing in experiences often creates greater fulfillment than collecting possessions

Ace and Katie also share personal stories about family traditions, Filipino cuisine, bucket-list goals, restoring classic cars, and how intentional rewards can support lasting personal growth.

Whether you're working toward a major goal, building healthier habits, or simply looking for a good laugh, this episode offers practical wisdom, honest conversations, and plenty of fun along the way.

Challenge what you believe. Choose who you become.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, Share, and leave a comment!

#PersonalGrowth #Mindset #HealthyHabits #Motivation #SelfImprovement #Podcast #TouchedAndEmpowered

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What would your ChatGPT history say about you?

In Touched & Empowered Episode 153, Ace and Katie Miller take a lighthearted—but surprisingly insightful—look into the fascinating world of ChatGPT prompts, Google search history, AI-generated bios, and self-awareness.

What starts as a hilarious conversation about "unhinged" AI-generated biographies quickly becomes a deeper discussion about curiosity, validation, identity, and how the questions we ask reveal who we are becoming.

Along the way they explore:

✅ Funny ChatGPT-generated bios
✅ Weird Google searches we all make
✅ The truth about Demodex mites 👀
✅ How AI reflects our thinking patterns
✅ The psychology behind curiosity and validation
✅ Social media, Facebook jail, and digital life
✅ Why the questions you ask matter

This episode is packed with laughter, unexpected rabbit holes, and meaningful insights about technology, self-discovery, and embracing curiosity.

If you've ever wondered what your search history says about you—or laughed at something ChatGPT generated—you'll love this conversation.

Challenge what you believe. Choose who you become.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, Share, and leave a comment!

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Graduation isn't the finish line—it's the beginning of an entirely new journey.

In Touch & Empowered Episode 152, hosts Ace and Katie Miller dive into one of life's biggest challenges: transition. Whether you're graduating from college, changing careers, moving to a new city, or simply entering a new season of life, this conversation offers practical wisdom and encouragement for navigating uncertainty with courage.

The discussion explores the emotional shift from structured environments into adulthood, the realities of entering the workforce, career setbacks, unexpected life changes, and how personal growth often begins when we're willing to embrace discomfort instead of resisting it.

You'll also hear honest stories about job loss, career pivots, family businesses, personal wellness, and recognizing the subtle signs that life is preparing you for your next chapter.

If you're experiencing change—or know someone who is—this episode will remind you that every transition is an opportunity for growth.

Remember: Challenge what you believe. Choose who you become.

👍 If this episode encouraged you, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help inspire others.

Social Media Links

#TouchedAndEmpowered

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Book Your Interview: https://touchedandempowered.com/book-appointment

SUBSCRIBE and Stay tuned for future episodes where we dive into topics like budgeting. We value your feedback, so please leave us a note or ask any questions you may have. Don't forget to download our free guide for additional resources and support on your personal growth journey www.TeenSuicidePreventionSociety.com and click the "Get The Guide Here" button

Leave us a comment or a questions we would love to hear from you!!

🚗 Have you ever dreamed of taking a cross-country road trip but felt overwhelmed by the planning, safety concerns, or fear of traveling alone?

In this episode of Touched and Empowered, Katie Miller and Ace dive into the realities of planning a successful cross-country adventure. From navigating high-elevation mountain roads and wildlife encounters to managing energy levels, hydration, and safety, they share practical lessons learned through experience.

Ace opens up about overcoming fears rooted in past travel challenges while emphasizing the importance of preparation, awareness, and courage. Together, they discuss how travel can become a powerful catalyst for personal growth, confidence, and self-discovery.

Whether you're planning your first road trip or looking to improve your travel strategy, this episode offers valuable insights that can help you stay safe, enjoy the journey, and embrace new adventures with confidence.

✨ Key Topics Include:

✔️ Cross-country road trip planning

✔️ Travel safety essentials

✔️ Managing energy and fatigue while driving

✔️ Wildlife awareness and mountain driving

✔️ Solo travel confidence

✔️ Personal growth through adventure

✔️ Creating a sustainable travel schedule

✔️ Preparing for unexpected challenges

🎧 Listen now and discover how preparation, courage, and awareness can transform your next road trip into a life-changing experience.

👉 Don't forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more empowering conversations that inspire positive action.

#RoadTripTips #CrossCountryTravel #PersonalGrowth #TravelSafety #SoloTravel #TouchedAndEmpowered

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#TouchedAndEmpowered

Instagram: @touchedandempowered

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SUBSCRIBE and Stay tuned for future episodes where we dive into topics like budgeting. We value your feedback, so please leave us a note or ask any questions you may have. Don't forget to download our free guide for additional resources and support on your personal growth journey www.TeenSuicidePreventionSociety.com and click the "Get The Guide Here" button

Leave us a comment or a questions we would love to hear from you!!

🎉 150 Episodes. Three Years. Countless Transformations.

In this milestone episode of Touched and Empowered, Katie Miller and Ace celebrate reaching Episode 150 and reflect on the incredible journey that brought them here.

What started as a simple idea evolved into a platform for authentic conversations, personal growth, empowerment, healing, and meaningful connection. Through life changes, challenges, moves, new opportunities, and countless lessons learned, they have remained committed to showing up week after week for their audience.

In this special episode, Katie and Ace share reflections on authenticity, communication, boundaries, entrepreneurship, personal development, and the power of creating a safe space where people can grow without judgment.

They also discuss the evolution of the podcast, the expansion of their community resources, future goals, and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Whether you've been listening from the beginning or you're discovering Touched and Empowered for the first time, this episode is a celebration of resilience, consistency, and the courage to keep growing.

In This Episode:

✅ Celebrating 150 podcast episodes
✅ Lessons learned over three years of podcasting
✅ The power of authenticity and vulnerability
✅ Communication and healthy boundaries
✅ Building aligned partnerships and relationships
✅ Personal growth through life transitions
✅ Creating safe spaces for healing and transformation
✅ Future goals and exciting opportunities ahead
✅ Gratitude for the community and supporters

If you've ever wondered what happens when people consistently choose growth, honesty, and service, this episode is for you.

🎧 Subscribe and join us for more empowering conversations that inspire positive action and meaningful change.

Social Media Links

#TouchedAndEmpowered

Instagram: @touchedandempowered

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SUBSCRIBE and Stay tuned for future episodes where we dive into topics like budgeting. We value your feedback, so please leave us a note or ask any questions you may have. Don't forget to download our free guide for additional resources and support on your personal growth journey www.TeenSuicidePreventionSociety.com and click the "Get The Guide Here" button

Leave us a comment or a questions we would love to hear from you!!

Are your dreams still alive?

In this inspiring episode of Touched and Empowered, Katie Miller and Ace explore the power of dreaming, visualization, manifestation, and staying open to new possibilities—regardless of your age or stage of life.

Inspired by a thought-provoking quote about living beyond age limitations, they discuss why so many people stop dreaming, how society often discourages bold visions, and why reconnecting with your dreams can reignite purpose, creativity, and personal growth.

Through personal stories of travel, studying abroad, modeling opportunities, vision boards, TEDx aspirations, and life-changing experiences, Katie and Ace share practical ways to align your actions with your goals and create a future that excites you.

Whether you're pursuing a lifelong dream, redefining success, or simply looking for inspiration to take the next step, this episode reminds us that dreams are not reserved for the young—they're available to anyone willing to believe in what's possible.

In This Episode:

✨ Why dreaming matters at every age
✨ How visualization supports manifestation
✨ The connection between dreams and creativity
✨ Overcoming fear and limiting beliefs
✨ Creating opportunities through openness and flexibility
✨ The power of vision boards and future planning
✨ Learning from small wins and life experiences
✨ How your dreams can inspire others

Dreams aren't meant to stay in your imagination. They're invitations to grow, explore, and create a life that feels meaningful and exciting.

🎧 Subscribe for weekly conversations designed to inspire positive action, personal growth, and empowerment.

Social Media Links

#TouchedAndEmpowered

Instagram: @touchedandempowered

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SUBSCRIBE and Stay tuned for future episodes where we dive into topics like budgeting. We value your feedback, so please leave us a note or ask any questions you may have. Don't forget to download our free guide for additional resources and support on your personal growth journey www.TeenSuicidePreventionSociety.com and click the "Get The Guide Here" button

Leave us a comment or a questions we would love to hear from you!!

What if the biggest thing standing between you and your next level of success is your self-awareness?

In this insightful episode of Touched and Empowered, Katie Miller and Ace celebrate another podcast milestone while diving into one of the most important personal development skills: self-awareness.

From time management and communication to emotional intelligence, accountability, and professional relationships, this conversation explores how understanding yourself can transform every area of life.

Katie and Ace share personal stories about missed opportunities, professional setbacks, learning from mistakes, setting boundaries, respecting other people's time, and developing the emotional intelligence needed to thrive in both business and life.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, professional, leader, coach, or someone committed to personal growth, this episode offers practical wisdom for building stronger relationships, increasing accountability, and becoming more intentional with your actions.

In This Episode:

✅ Self-awareness and why it matters
✅ Time management and respecting others' time
✅ Accountability in business and personal life
✅ Emotional intelligence and professional success
✅ Learning from mistakes and setbacks
✅ Setting healthy boundaries
✅ Professional communication skills
✅ Building trust and stronger relationships
✅ Mentorship, growth, and leadership development

If you're ready to challenge your assumptions, improve your communication, and develop a stronger foundation for success, this episode is for you.

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations that inspire positive action, personal growth, and empowerment.

Social Media Links

#TouchedAndEmpowered

Instagram: @touchedandempowered

TikTok: @touchedandempowered

Facebook: @touchedandempowered

Book Your Interview: https://touchedandempowered.com/book-appointment

SUBSCRIBE and Stay tuned for future episodes where we dive into topics like budgeting. We value your feedback, so please leave us a note or ask any questions you may have. Don't forget to download our free guide for additional resources and support on your personal growth journey www.TeenSuicidePreventionSociety.com and click the "Get The Guide Here" button

Leave us a comment or a questions we would love to hear from you!!