Wild and Precious Conversations

Creativity — Welcome to a Wild and Precious conversation with Jae Hermann, Badassery Advocate.

Our conversation began with my curiosity around Jae’s stint as a Military Police Officer. As soon as I saw that in her bio, I knew I had to ask for more on that story. Our conversation flowed into recommitting to your platform, recommitting to what you stand for on a daily basis, and being willing to change as needed. To reinvent what you do, how you show up.

We talk about wanting to ensure that this moment in history, where we’re gaining momentum to really want permanent change, becomes just that. Not a fluke, not a moment in the sun where we promote black and brown and non-white businesses for a few weeks and then stop, but we permanently look for ways to make more black, brown and non-white businesses and creative projects get center stage.

And we talk about how important it is now for GenX women and men to rediscover their why, rediscover their energy, their playfulness, their story.

What we talked about:

* First, Synchronicity, creativity, flow — How life unfolds for us.

Second, What does it mean to recommit to your platform every day?

* Third, How can we ensure that black, brown, and non-white businesses stay at the top of our minds? How can we keep the momentum going?

* Fourth, The importance of helping Gen Xers rediscover their playful side, rediscover their power.

Notes:

* Jae Hermann

Onward to peace! Look for the Monday morning newsletter, and a conversation from the Wild and Precious podcast episode with Kimberly Weeks, Trauma Recovery Coach

The Underbelly Project: A weekly workout for your emotional strength and flexibility. If you’re not afraid to get dusty and maybe shed a few tears together, join me and let’s get emotionally strong!

And please, if you know anyone who might like to share this journey, share this project. Excited to stay in the arena with you.

Dr. Nancia Leath gave me the honor of a conversation where she spoke eloquently and authentically on how to thrive NOW in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. I normally would have joined in the podcast blackout but feel that Nancia’s voice adds to the conversation and at such a deep level that it would be wrong to silence. And her voice is important this week.

Learn from her rage. Learn from her compassion. Learn from her joy, celebrating her daughters’ successes this week (I feel compelled to mention that her son is celebratory as well, but both her daughters achieved milestones this week and we discuss the juxtaposition of this huge celebration in the wake of such community tragedy.)

Nancia is a clinical supervisor and has her doctorate in mental health counseling. She has founded a school to train the next generation of life coaches and she has founded a group dedicated to helping women thrive. Consider joining her group to see what she gives to the world, daily, even through this moment in our history:

Women Who Thrive

* Facebook Group

* Website wwthrive.com

Statement

We are podcasters united to condemn the tragic murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and many many others at the hands of police.

This is a continuation of the systemic racism pervasive in our country since its inception and we are committed to standing against racism in all its forms.

We believe that to be silent is to be complicit.

We believe that Black lives matter.

We believe that Black lives are more important than property.

We believe that we have a responsibility to use our platforms to speak out against this injustice whenever and wherever we are witness to it.

In creating digital media we have built audiences that return week after week to hear our voices and we will use our voices to speak against anti-blackness and police brutality, and we encourage our audiences to be educated, engaged, and to take action.

Donate:

* George Floyd Memorial Fund: https://qoo.ly/36c5mb

* Minnesota Freedom Fund: https://minnesotafreedomfund.org/

* Black Visions Collective: https://www.blackvisionsmn.org/

* Campaign Zero: https://www.joincampaignzero.org/

* Black Lives Matter: https://www.Blacklivesmatter.com

* Minneapolis NAACP Branch: https://www.paypal.me/mplsnaacp4050B

Action

* Text “Floyd” to 55156 to sign a petition and demand justice for George Floyd

* Sign-up at Color of Change to be notified of more opportunities to take action

Compassion — Welcome to a Wild and Precious conversation with Dr. Stacee Reicherzer.

Our conversation started with the compassionate action Dr. Stacee took after the killing of Ahmed Aubrey and flowed from there into ways to work out your compassion muscle including making space for self compassion. One of my favourite parts begins around the 25 minute mark where Dr. Stacee talks about the opposite of compassion — resentment — and how important it is to listen when we feel resentment.

Dr. Stacee Reicherzer is a writer, educator, and speaker whose focus includes “helping people find their way out of the muck of Otherness with its rules of fear that we all came to live by.” <= I love love love that quote from her website. She goes on: “I teach people to live fully and fiercely.” Yes!

What we talked about:

* First, What does compassion look like “on the ground” — what are some concrete examples of compassionate action?

* Second, How can you work out your “compassion muscle” and become more compassionate, better able to widen your table and set a place or two for others?

* Third, How can you avoid compassion fatigue and what can you do to “follow the money” when you feel resentment?

* Fourth, We’re all in a place where we need and need to extend compassion during this pandemic because it’s novel for all of us.

* Fifth, How can we avoid “virtue signaling” and dive into small action steps to create a more compassionate world and widen our tables?

Notes:

* Dr. Stacee’s Website

* Dr. Stacee’s Facebook Page

Onward to Thriving! Look for the Monday morning newsletter, and a conversation from the Wild and Precious podcast with Dr. Nancia Leath, founder, owner and clinical counselor and supervisor at Inward Core. The Underbelly Project: A weekly workout for your emotional strength and flexibility. If you’re not afraid to get dusty and maybe shed a few tears together, join us and let’s get emotionally strong.

And please, if you know anyone who might like to share this journey, share this project. Excited to stay in the arena with you.

Photo by J W on Unsplash

Becoming — The Underbelly Project Podcast has a new name “Wild and Precious”

I spoke with filmmaker and Vice Presidential candidate John de Graaf. Our conversation went from why run for Vice President “Why not?” to how can we all slow down, smell the roses (the party he is representing is called the Bread and Roses party), and balance our lives so that we have just enough for a good life.

John de Graaf has spent the last 43 years documenting people and organizations which strive to make society livable — from women who spend years creating trails, to cities that are trying to do what they can to make art, beauty, civic duty and a well balanced life a priority. <= and so much more. Seriously, check out what projects John has been part of if only to be inspired by what is possible.

What we talked about:

* First, Why in the world should anyone run for Vice President?

* Second, What is a balanced backpack and how can we use that idea to balance our lives.

* Third, How can we live a life where essential workers are treated as essential.

* Fourth, How can we find the time to do the things that we nkow are important?

* Fifth, What if everyone contributed to their communities a bit? What would our world become if we all helped to create it?

Notes:

* Bread and Roses Party

* John de Graaf

* Affluenza

* FSC Wood

Onward to compassion! Look for the Monday morning newsletter, and a conversation from the Wild and Precious podcast episode with Dr. Stacee Reicherzer, Clinical Counselor and professor. The Underbelly Project: A weekly workout for your emotional strength and flexibility. If you’re not afraid to get dusty and maybe shed a few tears together, join me and let’s get emotionally strong!

And please, if you know anyone who might like to share this journey, share this project. Excited to stay in the arena with you.

Photo by Suzanne D. Williams on Unsplash

Good afternoon!

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Twelfth episode of Conversations from the Underbelly Project podcast. Authenticity. For today’s episode, I spoke with clinical psychologist Brandi Beck. One of her core focuses is Authenticity so it makes sense to hear her speak her wisdom about this subject. But Brandi is also one of my oldest friends and I couldn’t think of a better person to speak with and learn from this week. Our conversation centered around what makes an authentic life and how to make choices that favor authenticity. We touched on personal stories that require a safe, vulnerable space. And, yeah, we talk about the pandemic, too.

What we talked about:

* First, You must start with finding yourself worthy of love and acceptance.

* Second, Why authenticity.

* Third, Authenticity takes an awareness of reality and an ability to embrace what is real, right now.

* Fourth, Being authentic sometimes means letting go of who you thought you were to be more of who you are. <= wow.

* Fifth, Authenticity is most likely impossible if you want to be a real a*****e :) At the same time, authenticity is not for the nice.

I feel the deepest gratitude for the chance to have this conversation with Brandi and to be able to share it today.

Notes:

* Background on Lebanese Civil War

* The Underbelly Facebook Page

* The Underbelly on Spotify

* The Underbelly on iTunes — Please rate and review

Onward to Creation / Creativity! Look for the Monday morning newsletter, and a conversation from the underbelly podcast episode with John de Graaf, documentary filmmaker and current VP candidate for the Bread and Roses Party. John and I will talk about beauty, leisure, nature and more.The Underbelly Project: A weekly workout for your emotional strength and flexibility. If you’re not afraid to get dusty and maybe shed a few tears together, join me and let’s get emotionally strong!

And please, if you know anyone who might like to share this journey, share this project. Excited to stay in the arena with you.

Good afternoon!

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Eleventh episode of Conversations from the Underbelly Project podcast. Resilience. For today’s episode, I spoke with Empowerment Coach, International Speaker, Author, Spiritual Teacher and New Economy leader— Cylvia Hayes. Her book, When Life Blows Up: A Guide to Peace, Power and Reinvention is a deep look at how you can transform your life from surviving to thriving. Our conversation went from taking the opportunity to proactively reinvent the economy to the highly personal story of how Cylvia took the opportunity given to her to begin to thrive. We talk about present moment awareness, the opportunity in uncertainty, willingness versus willfulness, and more

What we talked about:

* First, The economy is a man-made set of rules we choose to live by. Let’s choose wisely.

* Second, Cylvia’s story is ultimately inspirational.

* Third, Meditation is wonderful, but without present moment awareness it can turn into just one more thing do each day — with present moment awareness, things can get super meaningful and even mystical.

* Fourth, Uncertainity is uncomfortable but it’s also where the good stuff starts.

* Fifth, Willingness is active.

What a gift to be able to participate in this conversation with Cylvia. I’m marveling at the chance to go from economics to soul-omics in one short conversation. And somehow it was all related. Enjoy!

Notes:

* When Life Blows Up: A Guide to Peace, Power and Reinvention

* Cylvia Hayes, Empowerment Coach.

* 3 E Strategies: New Economy — Ecology, Economy, Equity

* What's the Economy For, Anyway?: Why It's Time to Stop Chasing Growth and Start Pursuing Happiness

* The Rise of The Meaningful Economy: - a megatrend where meaning is a new currency

* Meaning is a new currency

* New Economy Coalition

Onward to Authenticity! Look for the Monday morning newsletter, and a conversation from the underbelly podcast episode with Brandi Beck, Clinical Psychologist based in New York City and possibly a stories from the underbelly podcast episode as well.The Underbelly Project: A weekly workout for your emotional strength and flexibility. If you’re not afraid to get dusty and maybe shed a few tears together, join me and let’s get emotionally strong!

And please, if you know anyone who might like to share this journey, share this project. Excited to stay in the arena with you.

Good Evening!

Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash

Tenth episode of the Underbelly Project podcast. Purpose. For today’s episode, I spoke with purpose expert, author, and coach — Holly Woods. Her book, The Golden Thread: Where to Find Purpose in the Stages of Your Life is a cool dive into living life on purpose. Our conversation covered stuff from excavating our purpose to being rooted in purpose to some really lovely personal stories — including the idea that living on this earth is really challenging but it is worth it.

What we talked about:

* First, It starts with mindfulness and space

* Second, We are rooted in purpose

* Third, It can be challenging and a bit scary to let go of stuff that isn’t serving you anymore — but it’s so worthwhile.

* Fourth, Our lives matter — If you have ever (and if you are human you likely have) questioned whether your life matters, please listen to this conversation.

I feel delight to have spoken at such depth with Holly and utter joy to be able to share the conversation with you.

Notes:

* The Golden Thread: Where To Find Purpose in the Stages of Your Life

* Learn more about Holly Woods and her fascinating work.

Onward to Resilience! Look for a couple blog posts, the Monday morning newsletter, and a podcast episode with Cylvia Hayes, author of When Life Blows Up: A Guide To Peace, Power, and Reinvention.The Underbelly Project: A weekly workout for your emotional strength and flexibility. If you’re not afraid to get dusty and maybe shed a few tears together, join me and let’s get emotionally strong!

And please, if you know anyone who might like to share this journey, share this project. Excited to stay in the arena with you.

Good Morning!

Photo by Fred Kearney on Unsplash

Ninth episode of the Underbelly Project podcast. Trust. For today’s episode, I spoke with registered clinical counselor and sexual health educator, Deirdre Mclaughlin. The conversation itself was a practice in trust:

What we talked about:

* First, Trust and Love. They go together like…

* Second, Trust lets us say an emphatic “YES” to the stuff our soul really cries out for us to embrace.

* Third, Trust starts with trusting yourself…which starts with mindfulness and self care.

Deirdre and I literally did what felt a bit like performance art in this episode — creating a safe trusting space as we spoke about trust. Inception level trust.

Notes:

* Deirdre’s website

Onward to Purpose! Look for a couple blog posts, the Monday morning newsletter, and a podcast episode with Holly Woods, author of The Golden Thread: Where to Find Purpose in the Stages of Your Life. The Underbelly Project: A weekly workut for your emotional strength and flexibility. If you’re not afraid to get dusty and maybe shed a few tears together, join me and let’s get emotionally strong!

And please, if you know anyone who might like to share this journey, share this project. Excited to stay in the arena with you.

Good afternoon!

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Eighth episode of the Underbelly Project podcast. Acceptance. For today’s episode, I spoke with my yoga instructor, Justine Kaufmann. For some reason, I thought acceptance would be easy. I’m pretty laid back, aren’t I? Well, this was quite a challenge. Fun, but a challenge!:

What we talked about:

* First, self-acceptance is your birthright!

* Second, it may not ever be easy to move into acceptance, but with practice it becomes more natural.

* Third, acceptance becomes “home” for you. Where you feel your best; where you move toward naturally.

Justine shared her journey into a world of self-acceptance and what a pleasure it was to go there with her.

Notes:

* Justine’s website

* I mentioned this book: The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller.

* I mentioned an article about the 7 countries that have the best Coronavirus outcomes. to be clear, I think it’s a feminine energy or spirit that’s at an imbalance in some areas of our lives. And, you know, in other areas, there’s a masculine imbalance. I think an acceptance of both and a bit of rebalancing is in order.

Onward to Trust! Look for a couple blog posts, the Monday morning newsletter, and a podcast episode with Deidre Mclaughlin, Registered Clinical Counselor and sexual health educator. The Underbelly Project: CrossFit (or Yoga!) for your emotional strength and flexibility. If you’re not afraid to get dusty and maybe shed a few tears together, join me and let’s get emotionally strong!

And please, if you know anyone who might like to share this journey, share this project. Excited to stay in the arena with you.

Good afternoon!

Photo by Anastasia Dulgier on Unsplash

Seventh episode of the Underbelly Project podcast. Grief. I had the great good fortune to speak about grief with Elizabeth Wilder, licensed clinical counselor and clinical supervisor. We went there and then some. A couple quick notes:

* First, I am aware that we are sheltering in place, we are safe at home and we are social distancing right now. It’s a time of collective grieving for all of us. Each of us, in our own way, is grieving loss.

* Second, Not everyone is safe at home. Reports from around the world indicate that domestic violence is on the rise, just as schools close and people avoid hospitals. Speaking about the opportunity to acknowledge grief is done with respect to individual circumstances. If you are in an unsafe environment, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for the National Domestic Violence Hotline in the US or check out this list of resources in Canada.

What we talked about:

* First, Grief is a natural response to loss and it’s the most uncomfortable of all the uncomfortable emotions!

* Second, Using a framework that includes grounding, diffusing from your thoughts and feelings, using values as a compass or carrot to keep you motivated.

* Third, Attending to grief is worth it! And, honestly, we haven’t got much better to do these days…

Elizabeth shares stories of her own journey with grief that honestly led me to feel even more comfortable and ready to dive in and keep working on my own stuff.

Onward to Acceptance. Look for a couple blog posts, the Monday morning newsletter, and a podcast episode with Kaila Kaufmann from Bambu Hot Yoga. The Underbelly Project: CrossFit (or Yoga!) for your emotional strength and flexibility. If you’re not afraid to get dusty and maybe shed a few tears together, join me and let’s get emotionally strong!

And please, if you know anyone who might like to share this journey, share this project. Excited to stay in the arena with you.