What I Know So Far

In the first episode of What I Know So Far with Lisa McNees, I'm sharing a bit of my life's journey and the lessons I've learned along the way. As a woman in my 50s, I’ve gained some wisdom, perspective, and knowledge, but I also recognize how much more there is to learn. I'm endlessly curious and this podcast is my platform to share, learn, and engage in interesting conversations. Tune in as I navigate through life's uncertainties, ask tough questions, and learn from fascinating people. Despite many challenges, I've cultivated resilience, found a renewed purpose in life, and discovered the power of blooming late. I hope my story inspires you to chase your dreams, no matter where you are in your life.

Follow me on Instagram HERE and HERE.

Are you interested in 1:1 Coaching?  If so, I invite you to explore my website to discover how we can work together to achieve your goals and unlock your full potential - LisaMcNees.com

I sit down with Wes and Brittany Burian and explore the ebbs and flows of their life together, from their optimistic early days together to the trials of navigating Wes's diagnosis of Fabry disease. They bring to light the struggles and revelations that come with managing a rare genetic condition. Hear how they grapple with the physical limitations and the hereditary implications that affect their family dynamics.

We discuss how creativity serves as an outlet for pain and passion. We delve into the importance of acknowledging our limitations and finding fulfillment in love and connection. The discussion also emphasizes the necessity of rest and play, including the powerful role of laughter in pain management.

You can follow Wes on Instagram HERE. You can contact Wes directly using his email address - [email protected].

You can read about Brittany's services here - Brittany Burian Psychotherapy. You can contact Brittany directly using her email address - [email protected].

Follow me on Instagram HERE and HERE.

Are you interested in 1:1 Coaching?  If so, I invite you to explore my website to discover how we can work together to achieve your goals and unlock your full potential - LisaMcNees.com

Join me and my guests, Liz Ball and James Obert, as we explore pop culture and its indelible impact on our lives. Our conversation ranges from the influence of iconic franchises like Star Wars and Sesame Street to the personal connections fostered by shared cultural experiences. We share our unique perspectives, reminding us of the profound ways in which TV shows, music, books, movies, and games shape our individual narratives from a young age.

We believe pop culture is more than just entertainment—it's a catalyst for creating bonds and a source of comfort during life's ups and downs. The conversation also tackles the idea of "guilty pleasures" and how embracing our eclectic tastes contributes to our personal ecosystems. Our stories illustrate how pop culture can connect us with our families, bridge the gap between strangers, and forge lasting friendships.

In a plot twist, this episode offers more than just an exploration of cultural connections—it brings the thrill of live recording to the forefront when Mother Nature unexpectedly shakes up our discussion!

Liz Ball spends her professional days working in science communication in addition to publishing Heart Eyes, a weekly recommendations newsletter that provides connection and an outlet for her most benevolently bossy impulses. She enjoys cooking, reading, crafting, traveling, and looking forward to things.

Be sure to check out Liz's weekly substack/newsletter. You can follow her here:  https://hearteyes.substack.com/

James Obert is a hugger, and hugs well, but doesn't make a thing of it. When he isn't working, he spends his time immersed in pop culture, gaming, and previewing menus of restaurants he is going to. He has been blessed with great family and friends.

Be sure to check out his Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/johkurr/

Follow me on Instagram HERE and HERE.

Are you interested in 1:1 Coaching?  If so, I invite you to explore my website to discover how we can work together to achieve your goals and unlock your full potential - LisaMcNees.com

Join me and life coach Lucas Katz as we share our personal experiences and professional wisdom around the topic of regret. We look at the nuances of guilt and shame and reflect on how past choices, sometimes dictated by fear or external influences, can shape the person we become. 

• Regret, shame, guilt, and the impact of upbringing and outside influences on decision-making.
• Making choices with uncertainty and allowing ourselves freedom to course correct.
• Taking our future selves into consideration and pondering decisions that won't lead to regret in the future.

Lucas is a business and leadership coach whose goal is to disrupt the status quo by empowering his clients to forge a new model of leadership based on emotional intelligence and a human-centered approach. Neurospicy himself, Lucas loves working with other folks on the spectrum and guiding them on their journey of self-empowerment. You can follow him on Instagram HERE.

For those of you who missed it, Lucas was a guest on my podcast earlier this year. You can listen to them here: Episode 3 & Episode 4. 

Follow me on Instagram HERE and HERE.

Are you interested in 1:1 Coaching?  If so, I invite you to explore my website to discover how we can work together to achieve your goals and unlock your full potential - LisaMcNees.com

What does turning 50 truly mean in today's world? I’m honored to welcome back my first-ever guest, Christine Gough, as we discuss reaching this significant milestone. From laughing at the idea of a funeral themed 50th birthday party to discussing Christine's incredible journey through cancer and personal loss, we celebrate the sense of renewal that can flourish with age. Christine's infectious zest for life offers a refreshing perspective on aging and that the best may be yet to come. 

This episode is a heartfelt conversation about personal growth, the importance of flexibility in our once rigid beliefs, and the profound realization that extending grace to ourselves and others can lead to a more fulfilling life.

We also reflect on the emotional significance of Mother's Day, the unexpected joys of parenting, and the gratifying challenge of guiding our children as they carve out their own identities. We honor all forms of nurturing, whether or not one has children.

You can follow Christine on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE.  For those who missed it, here’s Christine’s first time on the podcast - Navigating Loss and Health Challenges with Christine Gough

Follow me on Instagram HERE and HERE.

Are you interested in 1:1 Coaching?  If so, I invite you to explore my website to discover how we can work together to achieve your goals and unlock your full potential - LisaMcNees.com

When the unimaginable happened, Doug and Laurie Bunnell’s world was forever altered. They share their intimate journey through grief, offering a look into the aftermath of losing a child. We reminisce about Zachary's vibrant life and the indelible mark he left on those who knew him. The Bunnells' story is not just one of sorrow, but also of profound love and the complex decisions they faced as parents navigating their son's illness, offering a somber yet deeply touching narrative that resonates with anyone who has faced a similar challenge.

Grief can be a solitary path, yet in our conversation, Doug, Laurie, and I uncover the power of community and the importance of sharing stories in the healing process. We delve into the courage it takes to confront grief, the challenges of finding support in a culture unequipped to handle such profound loss, and the transformative experience of finding joy amidst pain. This episode is a testament to the strength of families bonded by shared heartache and the solidarity that can emerge from openly talking about our most vulnerable experiences.

Finally, we confront the complexities of mourning, touching on the recent DSM addition concerning prolonged grief and the therapeutic value of presence for those in mourning. We discuss the delicate balance of expressing grief, especially in the presence of children, and emphasize the lasting nature of loss. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, we underscore the significance of honoring loved ones and the crucial step of allowing ourselves to feel, to cry, and to remember, as part of the journey toward healing.

Doug and Laurie live in the most northwest portion of the Pacific Northwest in Bellingham, the fair city of subdued excitement. Doug is one of the Pastors at First Presbyterian Church. Laurie is one of the Preschool teachers and Directors at Kids Central Presbytery. They love to hang out with people, read, walk, and play with their new kitties.

The parenting organization who the Bunnell's work with -  The Light Collective
Contact Doug & Laurie - [email protected]
A book about Zachary written by Doug & Laurie Bunnell's daughter Zoe - Brown Bear & Me: A Story of Sibling Love & Remembering

Follow me on Instagram HERE and HERE.

Are you interested in 1:1 Coaching?  If so, I invite you to explore my website to discover how we can work together to achieve your goals and unlock your full potential - LisaMcNees.com

I welcomed Sita Severson, a yoga therapist with a rich background in mindfulness and healing practices, for a compelling discussion on the practical aspects of energy and intuition. These are often-misunderstood concepts, and Sita illustrates their scientific basis and their palpable presence in our daily lives. 

We explore the delicate dance between intuition and fear, drawing parallels with animal instincts and the nervous system's role in energy perception. Sita shares an experience where a dog sensed danger well before it became apparent, sparking a conversation on how trauma can sharpen our energy sensitivity and the profound gut-brain connection.

We navigate the realms of intuitive intelligence in sports and beyond, delving into how athletes and business leaders tap into an unseen energy for split-second decisions. Discover the role of emotional intelligence in achieving greatness and how we might deprogram automatic responses to better align with our intuitive selves for more conscious decision-making. 

Sita Severson is an Ayurveda counselor and Yoga Therapist. Sita has helped countless clients navigate some of the toughest of life’s obstacles. She works one on one, in groups and speaking and teaching format as well.  Formerly known as Katy Bray, Sita began her career in the wellness industry in 2000 as an Esthetician. By 2005 Sita Severson was ready to take her own growth and education further by studying with The Chopra Center. She had the intention of becoming an entrepreneur and to share wellness with anyone who would listen. She first became a yoga instructor. She then went into extensive study of the Ayurvedic Lifestyle, Meditation and breathing techniques, receiving certifications in all three.

Sita's Website: Live with the Lights On

Follow me on Instagram HERE and HERE.

Are you interested in 1:1 Coaching?  If so, I invite you to explore my website to discover how we can work together to achieve your goals and unlock your full potential - LisaMcNees.com

Join me as I sit down with Dionne Makila, a fellow Iowa native with an insatiable case of wanderlust. We journey through her remarkable travels, spanning all 50 states and 37 countries, reflecting on the transformative nature of travel. From a childhood dreaming of California to studying abroad in Paris, Dionne shares how early adventures with our alma mater's study program ignited her lifelong passion for exploration. Listen in as we uncover the profound impact of travel on personal growth and identity, discussing everything from grocery shopping in foreign countries to finding confidence in navigating new cultures.

Dionne and I recount the instant bonds formed with strangers, the serendipity of friendships on solo trips, and the universal longing for belonging that transcends borders. We celebrate the small yet significant ways we relate to others, recognizing that despite cultural differences, we all seek to share and connect.

As we wrap up, we touch on the practicalities and joys of globetrotting. Dionne and I discuss the importance of personal safety measures, like family check-ins and creative tactics for handling unwanted attention, without dampening the spirit of adventure. We also reminisce about a shared experience closer to home – a Billy Joel concert that left us with a sense of camaraderie and the eagerness to make more memories. So, whether you're a seasoned traveler or an armchair explorer, this episode is a testament to the beauty of shared experiences and the enriching power of travel.

Dionne Makila is an Iowa native who loves to travel. She has lived abroad, and has visited all 50 US states and 37 countries.

Dionne is Mom to Matthew, a college senior, and two tuxedo cats, Felix and Oreo. She tries to bust stereotypes everywhere she goes and is always in search of chocolate and a great mocha! Dionne currently lives in the Washington D.C. area and works in Business Administration.

Follow me on Instagram HERE and HERE.

Are you interested in 1:1 Coaching?  If so, I invite you to explore my website to discover how we can work together to achieve your goals and unlock your full potential - LisaMcNees.com

I’m honored to welcome Joanne Lin, Executive Director of Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs. Ms. Lin is a seasoned attorney and fierce advocate for civil and human rights. She shares the challenges and rewards of a life committed to serving others in a contentious world. The relentless tide of global news can be a harsh reality to confront daily. Yet, amidst this, Joanne is deeply motivated to improve the lives of others. We discuss the challenges of polarization and the need to decompress and care for ourselves. We scrutinize the ironies of the digital age, where information abundance oddly narrows our worldviews, often shutting out both nuance and complexities. Finally, we underscore the sustaining power of hope and purpose.

Joanne Lin brings 25 years of experience in advancing civil and human rights at every level of government – from the local to the national to the international arenas. She started her career in San Francisco representing women and children in family law, restraining orders, and immigration matters. She later joined one of the nation’s premier immigration firms where she handled complex immigration cases, including appeals in the federal courts. She later moved to Washington, D.C. where she has led policy advocacy on women’s rights, civil rights, immigrants’ rights, and international refugee protection, at several leading human rights organizations.

At Amnesty International USA, Ms. Lin tripled the size of the advocacy team that organized Capitol Hill lobby days and a 2020 presidential candidates’ forum. She was recognized as a top grassroots association lobbyist by The Hill for four consecutive years, from 2018 to 2021. In 2021, she received the Women’s Leadership Award from the National Asian-Pacific American Bar Association.

Before joining Amnesty, Ms. Lin was senior legislative counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union for 10 years where she led ACLU’s federal immigration policy advocacy program with a focus on protecting refugees and asylum seekers, keeping immigrant families together, curtailing profiteering in immigration detention, and preventing sexual assault in immigration detention. She worked closely in concert with ACLU litigators to develop campaigns promoting prison reform, education equity, and immigration due process.

Ms. Lin is a graduate of New York University School of Law, Stanford School of Education, and Stanford University.

Joanne is Executive Director at The Washington Lawyers' Committee.

Follow me on Instagram HERE and HERE.

Are you interested in 1:1 Coaching?  If so, I invite you to explore my website to discover how we can work together to achieve your goals and unlock your full potential - LisaMcNees.com

Join us as we navigate the “globally mobile” experience with my dear friend, Jessica Wright. In this enlightening discussion, Jessica, a parent coach, professional editor, and spouse to an American diplomat, shares her profound connection to the world of third culture kids (TCKs) and adults (ATCKs), reflecting on the complex blend of identities these individuals often possess. Our conversation unpacks the challenges and nuances of raising a family in constant motion, the cultural juggling act of fitting in, and the profound search for belonging that defines the TCK journey.

Jessica opens up about the subtleties of parenting adolescents in a globally mobile lifestyle. We touch upon the varying cultural norms that shape milestones of independence, from driving to work, and the shifts in identity that come with such a life. Jessica's personal stories of assimilation and re-acclimation bring to light the different markers of identity and the profound sense of 'home' that can be felt when one has roots in many places. We also delve into the complexities of ensuring safety and stability in diverse environments, highlighting the unique parenting challenges and decisions faced by families like hers.

Jessica's journey, though personal, resonates universally with anyone who's faced the emotional rollercoaster of change, whether through parenting abroad or embarking on new ventures. Her path to becoming a coach, while balancing the demands of a diplomatic life, offers inspiration and guidance for those navigating similar paths.

Jessica is an internationally certified parent coach and professional editor with a background in nonprofit management and youth development. She is a third culture kid (TCK) and fluent Arabic speaker, a graduate of Princeton University, and has been co-parenting with her US diplomat husband of their globally mobile family for the past seventeen years in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and East Africa. She has former experience as a college admissions coach for high school students, and has served on the boards of international schools in the countries where her family has lived, giving her a strong understanding of the particular challenges and opportunities of educating and parenting children in international settings. Jessica founded Equilibrium Parent Coaching to support parents of tweens and teens to resolve challenges and form positive and connected relationships with their adolescent children.

Equilibrium Parent Coaching - www.equilibriumparentcoaching.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/equilibriumparentcoaching/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/equilibriumparentcoaching

Follow me on Instagram HERE and HERE.

Are you interested in 1:1 Coaching?  If so, I invite you to explore my website to discover how we can work together to achieve your goals and unlock your full potential - LisaMcNees.com