What I Know So Far

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? Need someone who’ll truly listen? I offer practical, compassionate support and guidance. If you resonate with me, I’d love to see how I can be of service to you. Please check out my website for more info.
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? Need someone who’ll truly listen? I offer practical, compassionate support and guidance. If you resonate with me, I’d love to see how I can be of service to you. Please check out my website for more info.
LisaMcNees.com

Could the secret to navigating life's highs and lows lie in managing our expectations? Join me as I discuss the profound impact of finding the balance between what we hope for and what reality delivers. In this episode, I open up about the emotional rollercoaster of my niece's wedding—an occasion of pure joy overshadowed by the sudden health crisis of my father. Through this personal story, I highlight the beauty that persists even when our best-laid plans take an unexpected turn. I also recount the challenges I faced volunteering at an orphanage, grappling with the sensory overload and my inability to adapt. This intimate narrative not only mirrors our own struggles with reality versus anticipation but also serves as a comforting reminder that self-compassion and recognizing our true capabilities are invaluable.

Are you interested in 1:1 Coaching? Need someone who’ll truly listen? I offer practical, compassionate support and guidance. If you resonate with me, I’d love to see how I can be of service to you. Please check out my website for more info.
LisaMcNees.com

Follow me on Instagram HERE and HERE.

This week, I’m taking my own advice from a previous discussion on the pressure to be constantly productive. I'm sharing why sometimes it's essential to prioritize self-care over ticking off that next task on the to-do list. This means there won't be a full episode this week. But fret not! This break isn't a sign of disappearing but a necessary pause for my well-being—something I advocate for each of you, as well. In the meantime, I encourage you to check out other episodes. Thanks for your ongoing support, and I'll be back soon with more stories and conversations that I hope will resonate with you. Take care!

Are you interested in 1:1 Coaching? Need someone who’ll truly listen? I offer practical, compassionate support and guidance. If you resonate with me, I’d love to see how I can be of service to you. Please check out my website for more info.
LisaMcNees.com

Follow me on Instagram HERE and HERE. 

Have you ever caught yourself equating busyness with self-worth, or felt the weight of societal expectations pushing you to fill every moment with activity? This episode looks at our productivity-obsessed culture. I question the merit of ceaseless work and suggest that pausing to enjoy the stillness could be the most daring act of self-care you undertake. In navigating the complexities of our lives, we examine the pressures to maintain the perfect facade, like that impeccably manicured lawn, and challenge you to consider if these tasks truly bring joy or are merely obligations disguised as achievements.

Together, we dissect strategies to manage our towering to-do lists and share insights on how to spread tasks out, creating a harmonious blend of work, rest, and play. The art of taking it slow, listening to our inner needs, and learning to unapologetically refuse commitments that drain our energy takes center stage. Whether you're seeking solace in the car during your daily routine or contemplating your weekend leisure, join me in redefining the pace of life.

Are you interested in 1:1 Coaching? Need someone who’ll truly listen? I offer practical, compassionate support and guidance. If you resonate with me, I’d love to see how I can be of service to you. Please check out my website for more info.
LisaMcNees.com

Follow me on Instagram HERE and HERE. 

Highlights:

• Consider pausing or bowing out of commitments that no longer serve you to prioritize rest and play.
• I suggest taking breaks from technology to decompress and recharge.
• I reflect on physical and mental limitations, prioritizing tasks based on energy levels.
• Self-care is redefined as allowing oneself to do nothing, rather than adding something to one's life.

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? Need someone who’ll truly listen? I offer practical, compassionate support and guidance. If you resonate with me, I’d love to see how I can be of service to you. Please check out my website for more info.
LisaMcNees.com

Highlights: 

• Sita explains energy as what we're made of, from physical mass to subtle levels, and shares an analogy of boiling water to illustrate how energy transforms and transitions, with molecules still present in the next form.
• Intuition is a subtle, unseen force that registers in the nervous system, similar to an animal's instincts.
• Practice is needed to distinguish intuition from fear in a world that prioritizes rational thinking.
• I share a personal story about overriding my people-pleasing conditioning and saying no to an opportunity, highlighting the importance of listening to one's body and intuition
• Sita explains how athletes and businesspeople can tap into their intuition to gain a competitive edge.
• I share my intuitive sports predictions that were surprisingly accurate, months in advance
• Sita believes that intuition is a natural aspect of human intelligence, not limited to specific professions or practices.

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? Need someone who’ll truly listen? I offer practical, compassionate support and guidance. If you resonate with me, I’d love to see how I can be of service to you. Please check out my website for more info.
LisaMcNees.com

Highlights

• Lisa and Dionne reconnect after following each other on social media for years, bonding over their shared Iowa roots and love of travel.
• We share our experiences in the Central College study abroad program in Paris and Wales, mentioning the program's helpfulness in broadening our horizons and teaching us how to travel.
• Dionne reflects on her ability to navigate and plan trips independently, realizing she is more resilient and capable than she thought.
• Dionne agrees that there is potential for things to happen to women while traveling alone, but also that instant friendships can form through shared experiences and connections.
• Dionne shares her mantra of traveling now while she can, as we never know when it might be our last sunrise or sunset.

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? Need someone who’ll truly listen? I offer practical, compassionate support and guidance. If you resonate with me, I’d love to see how I can be of service to you. Please check out my website for more info.
LisaMcNees.com

Highlights

• Jessica explains the term "Third Culture Kid" (TCK) and how she is now raising her own TCK children.
• Jessica shares her curiosity about other people and experiences, having lived in many different cultures and constantly adapting to new environments.
• Jessica discusses challenges faced by globally mobile families, including cultural identity and assimilation.
• Parents of globally mobile families grapple with balancing personal ambitions and children's well-being.
• Jessica discusses the challenges of raising a globally mobile family, including managing the emotional impact of constant transitions

Have you ever considered the lasting impact your words can have? Join me for an exploration into the power of our voices, drawing from my personal encounters with two very different high school teachers—one who cut deep with harsh words and another who uplifted with encouragement. These stories highlight the weight our words carry. It's a reminder to myself and to all of us that whether we're sharing a piece of our mind, standing up for what's right, or simply having a chat, our voices are potent tools that can either heal or harm.

The discussion reveals how our approach in these moments can ripple out, influencing not just immediate outcomes but our broader social discourse and online engagements. I invite you to reflect on how you can use your voice to foster connection and positivity in a world that's all too often filled with noise.

Follow me on Instagram HERE and HERE.

Are you interested in 1:1 Coaching? Need someone who’ll truly listen? I offer practical, compassionate support and guidance. If you resonate with me, I’d love to see how I can be of service to you. Please check out my website for more info.
LisaMcNees.com


Episode Highlights

• I reflect on the power of our voice, sharing stories of two very different teachers who used their voice and authority in very different ways with me. 
• I ponder responsible use of voice in podcasting and social media.
• I reflect on the impact of my words and tone on others, encouraging listeners to consider how they use their voice in all interactions. 

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? Need someone who’ll truly listen? I offer practical, compassionate support and guidance. If you resonate with me, I’d love to see how I can be of service to you. Please check out my website for more info.  LisaMcNees.com

Summary

• Formative experiences. 1:57
• Civil rights and human rights challenges. 6:03
• Raising children in a complicated, rancorous world. 8:35
• News and technology, our capacity to take things in. 10:51
• Rewards of civil and human rights work. 15.34
• Seeing and sharing both nuance and complexity in issues. 20:41
• Human rights work and self-care. 34:17
• Seasons of life, purpose, and hope. 40:38