Tom worked as needed to support his true passion: exploring and learning about the world and himself, and documenting his journeys through photography and writing.

His black-and-white photographs are jaw-droppingly stunning. “Awe-inspiring” is almost too limited a phrase to capture what he sees through the lens and then shares with us. When I first saw his photographs, I thought, Ansel Adams. That observation turns out to be a frequent assessment and a well-deserved compliment. I’ve included several photographs in the show notes on my website.

His writing, and you’ll hear an excerpt from one of his books, is equally penetrating.

If I could only use one word to describe Tom, it would be “honest”— to his heart, soul, and those around him. He knew what kind of life he wanted from an early age, and he’s living it. It’s not the vision others had for him, nor is it one for all of us. But I’ll admit I sometimes have pangs of wonder as to what I might have missed in life if I had driven over fewer paved roads.

More of Tom’s photographs can be viewed on my website

https://www.queticocoaching.com/blog/405-what-can-standing-in-awe-of-the-natural-world-teach-us

and on Tom’s

https://tomreed.com/

Living in the small town, Heather sees writing less as performance and more as an act of careful observation, listening, and responsibility. Our conversation touches on her long-running obituary column, which requires her to listen carefully, get the details right, and tell people’s stories with humility and care. She sees herself as “an observer of life,” while her careful attention to people and their details has earned her the informal label of “story catcher.” We talk about what changes when you write about people you know—or at least know of.

We explore what I call Heather’s nonlinear writing process, her discomfort with neat conclusions, and how grief, memory, and daily observation shape her work. We also explore doubt, discipline, and the tension between creative ambition and ordinary life. Throughout the conversation, writing emerges as a way of staying connected—to place, to people, and to the small, meaningful moments that make up a life.

We dive deeply into the story “Alaskans Dear” from her book, If You Lived Here, I’d Know Your Name, to understand her writing process and what it means to live in a small town.

The U.S. has roughly 640 million acres of federal public land, which make up about 28% of the country, managed by agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service, the National Park Service, and the Fish and Wildlife Service. And they are under assault, not by the ravages of climate change, overuse, or some mysterious infestation, but by our own federal government.Left to its own devices, the current administration would sell off and or grant access to private concerns to mine, drill, and harvest those lands' resources. Once they are sold off, they are gone to us forever.Hal Herring, an environmental journalist and public lands advocate, helps us understand why and how this assault is underway, and what we can do about it.

And if you’re as curious as I was when I compiled this year’s results, you’ll see that the topics range widely: men’s mental health, gravitating to a plant-based diet, the Apollo 8 mission to the moon in December 1968, a unique U.S. military cemetery in the Netherlands, the art of memoir writing, and a few more topics you’ll discover when you hit that triangle “play” button above.

Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity continues to rank in the top 3 percent of all podcasts globally, where just over 4 million options are vying for your ears’ attention. My engineer, Neil Hughes, and I are approaching our 400th episode this coming February. I hope you’ll remain curious. Thanks for listening.

In this episode, I reflect on how books have impacted my life and why standing up to book censorship is essential. Given my interest in books, I was curious to know what some of my colleagues, friends, and family members read in 2024 and what they will read in 2025. So, I contacted more than 40 of them, asking them for a brief bio, their books of choice, and why a given title found its way to their bookshelf and nightstand. See their suggestions below.

Three Major Takeaways

1. Books as Lifelong Companions: Jeff's "next" shelf symbolizes curiosity, learning, and discovery throughout life.

2. Reading as Resistance: Championing books combats censorship and fosters critical thinking.

3. Power of Storytelling: Great books connect us to history, nature, and universal truths, shaping perspectives and fostering empathy.

Next February, Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity will start its seventh year. I try to offer timely and, I trust, interesting guests and content on leading effective change in education and business and cultivating curiosity about a wide variety of topics, including space exploration, art, history, the environment, personal development, purpose setting, writing, racism and anti-Semitism, selling, cooking, and, of course, fly fishing.

Getting Unstuck Cultivating—Curiosity still ranks in the top 3 percent of all podcasts globally. Currently. just over 4 million options are vying for your ears’ attention. We just published our 341st episode, which is notable given that most podcasts don't reach ten episodes.

As we approach the end of the year, I want to thank you, my listeners. I wouldn't be able to continue doing this show without your interest and support. Thank you.

A special thanks goes to my engineer, Neil Hughes. He manages all the back-end publishing logistics and makes every episode sound professional. He also welcomes me to pull up a virtual chair for periodic emotional therapy when needed. To say I would be lost without him doesn’t begin to do his services justice.

I’m going to recap 2024 in three parts:

Part One, the episodes that you listened to the most.

Part Two, all the episodes were important, but one was particularly special to me.

Part Three, my most popular episode over the life of the podcast.

After completing an undergraduate degree in history and political science at Simon Fraser University, Paul McNicholls spent a career in insurance claims investigation. When nearing retirement, he was approached by the UK publisher Helion and Company, and the result was his first book Journey Through the Wilderness. He is now writing the story of Donald Montgomery who served with the Canadian Corps in the First World War. He moved to Vancouver in 1908 and was the older brother by one year of Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery. In 2021, Paul received the Howard Browne Medal from the Victorian Military Society.

Summary

In this episode, Jeff and Paul explore the historical significance of World War II's Battle of the Bulge, coinciding with its 80th anniversary.

Paul explains Hitler’s campaign goals, including his desire to split the American and British alliances and capture the port of Antwerp.

Jeff provides the context for some of the events leading to the battle: the Allied breakout from the Normandy beaches, the Ally’s ill-fated Market Garden campaign, and the disastrous Battle of the Hurtgen Forest.

Their conversation also focuses on the challenges of the harsh winter conditions, the U.S.’s initial troop limitations, and the German force’s need for fuel.

The conversation also highlights lesser-known stories, such as the Malmedy Massacre and the brutal realities faced by soldiers in the Ardennes.

Paul and Jeff share their experiences walking historic battlefields and how physically visiting these sites provides a deeper understanding of history's emotional and human elements. The discussion concludes with reflections on the importance of preserving these stories and their enduring lessons about leadership, resilience, and the cost of conflict.

Three Takeaways

Battlefield Lessons: The Battle of the Bulge illustrates the significance of tactical decisions, resource limitations, and the human cost of war in shaping history.

Emotional Connection to History: Walking historic battlefields fosters a deeper understanding of the physical and emotional challenges the soldiers faced.

Preserving Stories for the Future: Sharing lesser-known events, like the Battle of the Hurtgen Forest and the Malmedy Massacre, deepens the public’s understanding of the critical lessons of history.

Social Media

LinkedIn

Referenced

The Malmady Massacre: The War Crimes Trial Controversy by Steven Remy

When Senator Joe McCarthy Defended the Nazis Smithsonian July 2020

Rachel Maddow Ultra Season 2

The Boys’ Crusade by Paul Fussell

Voices of the Bulge by Michael Collins and Martin King

About Jeff

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.

Luann Horobin is one of 1700 ICF Master Coaches who serves clients as an Executive and Leadership Transformational Coach and Consultant. Having been raised on a farm, the core values of work and community have been her guiding life principles. Yet, when facing life and career transitions, a pivotal point was learning how to achieve ambitions, not by working harder but by adopting a different mindset.

Luann’s dive into the science of transformation led to her customized coaching of breakthroughs that achieve ambitions, make better decisions, and put zest into life without stress.

Summary

In this episode, Jeff speaks with Luann Horobin, a coach specializing in mindset, neuro coaching, and vertical development (see below). Luanne explains how understanding brain chemistry and mindset shifts can help individuals overcome inner resistance and unlock their potential. She introduces the concepts of the "red brain" (triggered by stress and fear) and the "green brain" (fostering creativity and decision-making) to illustrate how words and feedback impact brain function.

Luann emphasizes the importance of reframing resistance as feedback and highlights the power of vertical development, which shifts underlying thought patterns to achieve lasting growth.

They also explore combating ageism and rediscovering personal values, encouraging listeners to focus on their unique strengths and contributions.

Three Takeaways

Reframing Resistance: Recognizing resistance as feedback can help individuals shift their mindset and embrace growth opportunities.

Vertical Development: vertical development refers to the process of fundamentally transforming the way we think, perceive, and approach challenges rather than just adding new tools, skills, information, or knowledge, which defines horizontal development.

Combating Ageism: Focusing on personal strengths and unique contributions helps combat limiting beliefs and rediscover value at any stage of life.

Social Media

LinkedIn:  https://ca.linkedin.com/in/luannhorobin

Laura Bakosh, Ph.D., is a mindfulness teacher, published researcher, and co-founder of Inner Explorer, an organization that brings stress resilience, attention, and mental well-being skills to K-12 schools and early learning centers. She earned a Ph.D. from Sofia University and a Bachelor of Science from Boston College. Laura was trained as a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) instructor at the University of Massachusetts, Center for Mindfulness, and is an Allstate/Northwestern University Nonprofit Fellow.

Laura has practiced and studied mindfulness for over 30 years and began teaching it to children 15 years ago. She realized it was difficult for children to commit to daily practice at home, leading to the creation of Inner Explorer in 2011. Inner Explorer provides a year-long sequence of short, audio-guided mindfulness practices that are easy to implement in the classroom each day! Students and educators practice together and improve their social-emotional capacities, leading to 43% less stress, 60% better emotional regulation and behavior, and 15% higher grades and test scores. Laura coined the term “Mindfulness-Based Social Emotional Learning-(MBSEL)” in 2012 to show that mindfulness is foundational to social-emotional functioning because it buffers stress and activates learning readiness.

Summary

In this episode, Jeff and Jillane Flanders, the Executive Director of the Center for Educational Improvement, talk with Laura Bakosh, Ph.D.., founder of Inner Explorer, about the transformative power of daily mindfulness in schools. Laura shares her journey into mindfulness and the development of her program, which provides simple, guided audio sessions for students from preschool to high school. The program emphasizes the connection between mindfulness and academic, behavioral, and emotional benefits, supported by extensive neuroscience research.

Laura explains how mindfulness reduces stress, improves focus, and fosters emotional resilience, particularly in high-stress school environments. She highlights the challenges of implementation, including educator buy-in, and shares success stories of schools that have adopted the program, noting improvements in student behavior, academic performance, and school culture. The conversation concludes with strategies to integrate mindfulness into education more broadly and the need for systemic changes in teacher preparation programs.

Three Takeaways:

Daily Mindfulness Improves Outcomes: Regular mindfulness practice enhances focus, reduces stress, and boosts academic and behavioral performance in students.

Simple Implementation is Key: Inner Explorer’s guided audio sessions make it easy for educators to integrate mindfulness without adding to their workload.

Cultural Shift Required: Systemic changes, including mindfulness training in teacher preparation programs, are needed for widespread implementation.

Social Media

Email LBakosh@InnerExplorer.org.

Website www.InnerExplorer.org

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/InnerExplorer/

LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/company/inner-explorer-inc-

X https://twitter.com/inner_explorer

Elizabeth Keating, Ph.D., is a professor of anthropology at the University of Texas, Austin. A linguistic anthropologist who studies culture and communication, she has been a Fulbright Scholar in Ireland and a visiting scholar at the Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies in Germany and the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics in the Netherlands.

Summary

In this episode, I chat with Elizabeth Keating, Ph.D., author of The Essential Questions, about the power of curiosity in preserving family history and understanding generational perspectives. Dr. Keating discusses how asking meaningful, anthropologically inspired questions can help uncover the rich stories and cultural insights of parents and grandparents, transforming familial relationships. She emphasizes the importance of capturing these stories before they are lost, as time and cognitive ability are fleeting. The discussion also highlights how cultural transmission occurs in everyday interactions and the impact of generational conflict on how values and beliefs are passed down. Dr. Keating shares her experiences as an anthropologist and teacher, using her framework to encourage deeper connections and a greater appreciation for the complexities of family history.

Three Takeaways

1. The Urgency of Storytelling: Capturing family stories is vital before they are lost, as time and cognitive ability are finite.

2. Cultural Transmission Through Everyday Life: Understanding how values and beliefs are passed down helps bridge generational differences.

3. Anthropology-Inspired Questions: Using open-ended, meaningful questions fosters deeper connections and unearths untold family histories.

Social Media

LinkedIn

Website

Referenced

The Atlantic article: The Questions We Don’t Ask Our Families but Should

Dr. Sarah Bennison is an adjunct professor at New York University and founder of Trinity School (NYC) Office of Public Service, a thought-leading service learning initiative engaging students, faculty, families, and alumni in ongoing, meaningful community engagement work and social impact curriculum.

She started her career in New York City public schools in the South Bronx and has thirty years of teaching and leadership experience. Sarah is also the founder of a children's sleepwear company for social good, BennisonGives, LLC, which emerged from her work to support infant and maternal health in Burundi, East Africa.

Summary

In this episode, Sarah and I discuss the concept of "mattering"—feeling valued and adding value—and its potential to counteract the toxic achievement culture prevalent in many high-achieving schools. Sarah shares insights from her work with students, particularly around connecting academic learning to real-world issues through community service. She highlights how fostering a sense of mattering helps students manage stress, develop confidence, and experience mental health benefits. We explore ways for teachers, parents, and schools to support students' mental well-being through small, consistent actions to reinforce students’ intrinsic value. Sarah also discusses how the Mattering Movement’s curriculum integrates into academic subjects, providing a framework to build connection, belonging, and resilience among students.

Three Takeaways

The Power of Mattering: Students benefit when they feel valued and are encouraged to add value, which helps counter the pressures of an achievement-focused culture.

Curriculum Integration: The Mattering Movement’s curriculum is flexible, allowing integration into any academic subject and making social-emotional learning part of the regular school day.

Support for Parents and Educators: Parents and educators can foster a sense of mattering in small, meaningful ways to help students develop resilience and manage stress

Social Media / Resources

LinkedIn

Website: The Mattering Movement

Frank Zaccari is a TV/podcast host and keynote speaker with a background in the U.S. Air Force and over 30 years as a high-tech executive & business owner.

A five-time Best-Selling and two-time Award-Winning Author, he has written nine impactful books and co-founded the “Trust the Process” Book Marketing Program.

Frank mentors at Arizona State University and the University of California Entrepreneurship Academy and guides veterans through the Veterans Treatment Court.

Summary

In this episode, Jeff and Frank discuss the challenges of promoting books and creating a successful marketing campaign. Frank shares insights from his experiences, emphasizing the importance of planning and consistency. He discusses the need for authors to promote their work well in advance, outlining a 90-day pre-launch strategy involving social media, email campaigns, and targeted messaging to build awareness. Frank’s “Trust the Process” approach consists of understanding the author’s goals, creating compelling content, and using multi-channel strategies to gain traction in an oversaturated market.

The conversation also touches on the parallels between book promotion and public relations, highlighting the difficulty authors face when competing for attention in a crowded space. Frank underscores the need for resilience and adaptability, urging authors to invest in a strategy that can consistently keep their work visible.

Three Takeaways:

1. Early and Consistent Promotion: Frank emphasizes a 90-day pre-launch campaign to build momentum for a book’s release, utilizing social media, email, and podcasts to keep the book top of mind.

2. Importance of Storytelling and Engagement: Beyond the content, Frank notes the importance of personal stories and interactive elements to make campaigns memorable and relatable.

3. Resilience and Adaptability in Marketing: Frank stresses that successful campaigns require resilience and a willingness to adapt to audience reactions and market conditions.

Social Media

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4jSFziDx5ZQXP2ZY5-M0-w

https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankzaccari/

https://www.frankzaccari.com/

frankzaccari@gmail.com/

www.authorstrusttheprocess.com/

https://www.facebook.com/frank.zaccari

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for almost 7 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider.

He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.

Summary

In this reflective episode, I draw parallels between today's democratic challenges and two pivotal historical examples. Through my experiences teaching about World War II, I explore how America fought against tyranny abroad while struggling with discrimination and division at home. Using the documentary "The Twisted Cross," I taught students how Hitler's legal rise to power was fueled by hate and blame.

I then explore the 1960 presidential election through the book and documentary "The Making of the President 1960," highlighting how Kennedy and Nixon's contentious campaign ultimately ended in a peaceful transfer of power—symbolized by a handshake in the snow.

As America faces another crucial election, these historical lessons remind us that while democracy has always faced internal and external threats, the peaceful transition of power remains fundamental to our system of government.

Key Takeaways

• While America's founding documents champion lofty ideals of equality and freedom, our experience during World War II reveals an ongoing struggle to fully embrace these principles in practice.

• Hitler's legal rise to power through targeted messaging of hate and blame demonstrates how easily average citizens can be manipulated into supporting a 'big lie,' serving as a stark warning about democracy's vulnerability to internal erosion.

• The 1960 election's culminating 'handshake in the snow' between former President Eisenhower and incoming President Kennedy exemplifies how the peaceful transfer of power, even amid fierce political competition, stands as the cornerstone of democratic governance.

Award-winning cookbook author, blogger, fermenter and sourdough baker Anne-Marie Bonneau has lived plastic-free since 2011. Through social media, her blog and her book, The Zero-Waste Chef: Plant-Forward Recipes and Tips for a Sustainable Kitchen and Planet, Anne-Marie shows others how reducing their trash not only benefits the planet but also satisfies their taste buds, improves their well-being and boosts their bank accounts.

Summary

Anne-Marie Bonneau offers practical approaches to reducing waste, particularly focusing on food waste and plastic consumption. She emphasizes that while achieving absolute zero waste isn't realistic, making small, manageable changes can have a significant impact. The discussion covers various accessible strategies, from using cloth shopping bags and produce bags to cooking with dried beans instead of canned ones.

Anne-Marie addresses common misconceptions about food expiration dates and reveals that only 5% of plastic gets recycled in the US. She challenges the myth that sustainable living is necessarily expensive or time-consuming, suggesting that it often saves money by reducing food waste and unnecessary purchases. The conversation touches on composting initiatives, the problems with plastic recycling, and creative ways to use food scraps. Throughout the episode, Anne-Marie maintains that living more sustainably should be enjoyable rather than burdensome, noting that it leads to a lighter, more satisfying lifestyle with better food choices and less clutter.

Key Takeaways

• Food waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas; composting is a better alternative

• Only about 5% of plastic is recycled in the US; reducing plastic use is more effective than recycling

• Simple changes like using reusable bags, buying in bulk, and cooking from scratch can significantly reduce waste

• Adopting a low-waste lifestyle can improve health, save money, and be a more satisfying way to live

Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZeroWasteChef

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zerowastechef

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@zerowastechef

newsletter: https://zerowastechef.substack.com/

About Jeff

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.

With skills developed initially through training for the ministerial priesthood and over 25 years of continued professional development, Seamus Corry has a unique set of talents and abilities to engage, mentor, support, advise, and guide people of all backgrounds and experiences to be the best they can be and realize their true potential. This is achieved by building authenticity, trust and ongoing commitment.

 Seamus joined forces with Angela di Marco and Dana Sardano of https://finduniquelyu.com in 2023 and, under their support, guidance, and collaboration, has trained to become a specialist instructor delivering programs on behalf of the organization.

 In 2024, in collaboration with Tara LaFon Gooch of https://taralafongooch.com, successful Tedx speaker, motivational and confidence coach, and business leader joined in partnership to deliver bespoke well-being and confidence-based programs on a global scale.

Summary

This episode explores Seamus’ transformative journey as a former Catholic priest who left the church after a breakdown and subsequent disillusionment. Seamus shares his experiences of abuse, trauma, and isolation within the religious institution. Despite hitting rock bottom, he found the strength to rebuild his life and pursue a path of personal growth and helping others.

Seamus discusses the importance of self-awareness, healing past traumas, and challenging limiting beliefs. He emphasizes the power of finding one’s path and purpose, even in adversity. The episode offers valuable insights for individuals who have experienced trauma and seek personal transformation.

Three Takeaways

Trauma and Abuse: Seamus Corry describes the emotional and psychological abuse he suffered during his training for the priesthood, leading to a crisis of faith and identity.

Loss and Isolation: Leaving the priesthood resulted in a complete loss of his support system, including his family and community.

Transformation and Helping Others: The guest overcame his trauma and found his calling by supporting others who are struggling with similar challenges.

Social Media

LinkedIn

Website

Podcast

Spotify
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/seamus-corry
You Tube
www.youtube.com/@SeamusCorryPyp.

Seamus co-authored Volume 11 of The Rattled Awake Anthology, the Mental Health Edition, and is now a best-selling author.

About Jeff

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.

In January 2015, Dana Sardano picked up a paintbrush for the first time since childhood, which was the catalyst for a major shift in her career. In June 2017, she decided to retire from her career in education to fully embrace an artist’s life and to model for her daughters the importance of listening to your soul’s purpose by following your bliss.

She has since opened Ubuntu Fish Gallery in Stuart, Florida, co-founded Uniquely Phenom Collaboration, co-hosts the Going Commando with Angela and Dana podcast, and has authored several books of inspiration and empowerment, including Ten Recommandments, which we discuss here never for a second regretting her decision to take that leap of faith.

Summary

Dana and I discuss her book "10 Re Commandments," which emphasizes personal empowerment and self-awareness. She shares her journey from traditional education to spiritual teaching, highlighting her experiences with abuse and neglect. Dana explains how her book aims to help readers understand and overcome victimhood, judgment, and unmet expectations. She also touches on the importance of living in the present and the therapeutic value of writing. Dana's work is deeply personal, reflecting her healing journey and the realization that personal growth is a continuous process. The conversation concludes with reflections on the importance of compassion and understanding in personal development.

Key Takeaways

Break Free from Victimhood: Take ownership of your experiences and break free from the victim mentality to unlock personal growth and empowerment.

Heal Past Traumas: Unraveling unresolved traumas is crucial for personal transformation and well-being.

The Power of Self-Awareness: By understanding your beliefs and patterns, you can challenge limiting behaviors and create positive life changes.

Social Media

Dana@FindUniquelyU.com

mobile: (954) 465-9175

UniquelyPhenom.com

About Jeff

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.

Dr. Erwin Garcia is the Superintendent of Billings Montana Public Schools, the largest district in the State of Montana. During his tenure, he has pioneered the establishment of three public charter schools: the Billings Early College School, the Opportunity School, and the Multilingual Academy. Dr. Garcia has broadened access to college, career, and military pathways. Before his role in Billings, Dr. Garcia served as Area Superintendent in the Houston Independent School District. 

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Garcia emphasizes the importance of reading proficiency, teacher empowerment, and community involvement to support the needs of Billings students. Garcia highlights the connection between education, democracy, and societal well-being, stressing the need for adequate funding and support for teachers. He discusses how initiatives such as the family-friendly school program, Kinder Ready Program, and opening charter schools can address educational gaps. Garcia also touches on the importance of developing informed citizens, critical thinking skills, and adapting teaching methods to meet current needs. The conversation explores the need to limit attention to high-impact standards, such as reading comprehension.

Three Takeaways

1. Reading proficiency by third grade is crucial for student success and preventing dropouts, requiring focus on the science of reading and proper resource allocation.

2. Teacher empowerment, adequate compensation, and professional development are essential for addressing modern educational challenges and improving student outcomes.

3. Education plays a vital role in democracy, necessitating a holistic approach that includes community involvement, innovative programs, and a focus on developing critical thinking skills.

Social Media

Erwin Garcia, Ed.D. | LinkedIn 

TEDx Billings: Democracy

About Jeff

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.

Sylvia Huron has had a deep love for fishing from an early age, a passion instilled in her by her father. Her son Ian introduced her to fly fishing. For Sylvia, this was a welcome challenge, and the introduction to the fly-fishing community was just what she needed. Sylvia has been in recovery since 2018 and is passionate about supporting the recovery community. Fly fishing has been a source of peace and healing for Sylvia, so sharing this with others is deeply fulfilling for her.

In 2021, Sylvia, her son Ian, and Jennifer Gilbert joined founder Becca Klein in establishing Reeling in Serenity. Reeling in Serenity hosts free fly-fishing retreats for men and women in active recovery from substance abuse. On January 1st, 2024, Sylvia accepted the position of Executive Director for Reeling in Serenity. Reeling in Serenity has been featured in Angler Magazine and Fly Fisherman Magazine, and the organization has hosted retreats in Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Montana, and Colorado.

Sylvia has been a registered nurse for over 20 years. She also serves as a group facilitator for the Georgia Nursing Association’s Peer Assistance Program, supporting nurses in substance abuse recovery programs.

Summary

Sylvia Huron, co-founder and Executive Director of “Reeling in Serenity,” discusses how fly fishing can aid addiction recovery. The organization offers free retreats for individuals in recovery, providing a safe space to learn fly fishing and connect with nature and others in recovery. Sylvia emphasizes the therapeutic aspects of fly fishing, including its ability to promote mindfulness and peace. The retreats combine basic fly fishing instruction with opportunities for participants to share their recovery stories. Sylvia highlights the importance of overcoming shame and guilt in recovery and how fly fishing can help individuals reconnect with themselves and others, especially family members.

Reeling in Serenity also organizes follow-up activities like online meetings and fishing outings to maintain community support. The conversation touches on the organization's plans for future growth.

Three Takeaways

1. Fly fishing provides therapeutic benefits in addiction recovery, including promoting mindfulness, peace, and reconnection with nature and oneself.

2. The structure and impact of Reeling in Serenity's retreats, which combine fly fishing instruction with opportunities to share recovery stories and build community.

3. The broader effects of addiction on families and the importance of creating safe, judgment-free spaces for individuals in recovery to heal and grow.

Social Media

Sylvia@reelinginserenity.org

Website: reelinginserenity.org

About Jeff

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.

Dr. Oleg Konovalov is named among the top eight global experts in leadership and shortlisted for the Distinguished Award in Leadership by Thinkers50. He is the #1 Global Leading Coach named one of the Global 100 Inspirational Leaders 2022, along with Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Oprah Winfrey.

Having been named ‘the da Vinci of Visionary Leadership’ by many leading authorities of our time, Oleg is considered #1 in the world in the field of vision and visionary leadership.

He is the author of The Fisherman’s Path to Leadership, The Vision Code, Leaderology, and other books.

My co-host, Rich Gassen, works as a print shop supervisor at UW-Madison, where he focuses on empowerment, creativity, and process improvements with staff. He also chairs the Campus Supervisors Network (CSN), a community of practice at the UW supporting supervisors in their roles by offering training and networking events, a weekly newsletter, and a website. Rich is an avid reader, sharer, and practitioner of leadership.

Summary

Oleg Konovalov, an expert in vision leadership, shares his insights on cultivating curiosity and leadership. He distinguishes between two types of curiosity: "curiosity to know" and "curiosity to explore." The latter is more valuable, as it allows leaders to go beyond surface-level information and develop practical solutions to complex problems. Oleg emphasizes the importance of vision, which he sees as a space in the future defined by the value we create for people, rather than just lofty goals or wishes. He stresses that true leaders must be able to read "weak signals" and explore their own limits to better serve their people. Oleg also discusses the role of peace, connectedness, and love in effective leadership, arguing that leaders must be at peace with themselves and their people to unlock their full potential. Overall, Oleg's perspective highlights the need for leaders to move beyond ego-driven strategies and cultivate a heart-centered, exploratory approach to guiding their organizations into the future.

Three Major Ideas:

1. The need to distinguish between "curiosity to know" and "curiosity to explore"

2. The importance of vision as a space in the future defined by value creation, not just goals

3. The role of peace, connectedness, and love in effective leadership

Oleg uses an extended analogy between fishing and leadership throughout the conversation. Here are the key elements of the fishing analogy that Oleg draws:

1. Reading Weak Signals: Oleg compares effective leadership to fishing, where leaders need to be skilled at reading "weak signals" - the subtle cues and indicators that aren't immediately obvious, similar to how a skilled fisherman can detect the presence of fish in the water even when they can't be directly seen.

2. Adaptability and Handling Changing Conditions: Just as a fisherman must constantly adapt their techniques and lures based on changing weather, water conditions, and fish behavior, Oleg says effective leaders must be able to nimbly adapt to fast-changing realities and challenges.

3. The Journey, Not the Destination: Oleg likens leadership to a journey or "path" rather than reaching a final "finish line" or destination. Like fishing is an ongoing activity without a clear endpoint, Oleg emphasizes that leadership is a continuous process of growth, exploration and adapting to new circumstances.

4. Revealing Greatness: Oleg states that the role of a leader is to "reveal the greatness" in their people, similar to how a skilled fisherman can bring out the full potential of the fish they are trying to catch.

Social Media

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-oleg-konovalov/

About Jeff

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.

Gail Harris is a Certified ghostwriter specializing in women’s memoirs. She is an IPNE (Independent Publishers of New England) Book Award Finalist for the memoir FINDING ZOE. She collaborates with authors who have risen above life’s challenges and have a journey to share. Gail values the cathartic nature of storytelling in that our reflections and takeaways are life-changing, both for the author and those who read her book. She experiences first-hand how an author’s personal story of healing is universal—that what sets us apart pales against what brings us together. Gail inspires women to write their memoirs to heal, leverage their businesses, and fulfill their unique calling of self-expression. She founded Golden Ghostwriting and is the author of the self-help book YOUR HEART KNOWS THE ANSWER: How to Trust Yourself and Make the Choices That are Right For You.

Summary

Gail Harris explains her role as helping women authors share their personal narratives, emphasizing their vulnerability and the healing aspects of the process. Gail believes that storytelling has the power to foster connection, shared humanity, and personal growth.

Her ghostwriting approach involves in-depth interviews, identifying unique story elements, and collaborative manuscript development. Gail recounts a project where she interviewed multiple individuals to capture a comprehensive narrative, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives.

The conversation also touches on the impact of uncovering personal and family histories, as exemplified by Jeff's experience of learning new details about his mother's past. Throughout the discussion, Gail underscores the transformative potential of sharing personal stories for both authors and readers, promoting self-love and deeper understanding.

Three critical lessons:

1. Staying present in the moment can help reduce worry and maintain composure.

2. Sharing personal stories can be a powerful tool for healing and fostering connections.

3. Considering multiple perspectives enriches storytelling and provides valuable context.

Social Media

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gail-harris-269a219/

https://goldenghostwriting.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lyOp5KOyvo

About Jeff

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.

Following 4 ½ years of dedicated research about the World War II experiences of his father, pilot Howard Snyder, and the crew of the B-17 Susan Ruth, Steve published his book SHOT DOWN. Steve is president of the 306th Bomb Group Historical Association and on the board of directors of the 8th Air Force Historical Society.

Summary

This podcast episode explores the air war over Europe during World War II, focusing on the experiences of B-17 bomber crews in the 8th Air Force. The discussion covers the dangerous missions aircrews face, including enemy attacks, harsh weather, and mechanical failures. A key turning point in the air war was the introduction of long-range fighters, such as the P-51, which helped secure Allied air superiority on D-Day.

Central to the discussion, Steve shares insights about his father's harrowing experiences as the bomber pilot of the “Susan Ruth, which was shot down over Belgium. Steve's father's story of evasion, joining the French Resistance, and eventual return to American forces is recounted. The episode also touches on Steve's extensive research, including interviewing the German pilot who shot down his father's plane.

Three takeaways:

1. The 8th Air Force faced extreme dangers and suffered heavy losses in their bombing campaign.

2. Long-range fighter escorts were crucial in gaining air superiority.

3. Preserving and sharing WWII veterans' stories is vital for educating future generations.

Social Media
Website - http://SteveSnyderAuthor.com

Amazon - http://bit.ly/ShotDownBook

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@SteveSnyderShotDown/videos

LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-snyder-61570625/

Referenced

Documentary of Howard Snyder and the “Susan Ruth”

The “Toby Mug” from the movie, “Twelve O’Clock High”

About Jeff

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.

Lorenzo Rodriguez has been a math educator for the past eight years, joyfully honing his craft and developing a pedagogy that works to convince students that a mathematician can be anybody, with any background, who thinks in any language. He has served as the Math Department Chair and Activities Director, worked within our cross-curricular Cybersecurity pathway, and hosted “math labs,” collaborative days spent engaging in dialogue about how best to support mathematical thinking in our diverse classrooms.

Summary

This is part 2 of an episode I aired with Dr. Peter Liljedahl last week. Peter created the program “Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics” that Lorenzo uses.

Our conversation here delves into the challenges and rewards of transforming math education. Lorenzo shares his journey from traditional teaching methods to a more student-centered approach. He emphasizes the importance of building buy-in among colleagues and sparking student curiosity to foster a love of math.

The conversation highlights the power of project-based learning and real-world connections in making math relevant and engaging for students. Lorenzo's implementation of the Thinking Classrooms model showcases how collaborative problem-solving can transform the classroom dynamic. The episode also addresses the need to rethink assessment to better measure student understanding and growth.

The episode concludes with a hopeful outlook on the future of math education, emphasizing the potential to create more equitable and engaging learning experiences for all students.

Social Media
Social Media: X (twitter) - @getoffyourath

About Jeff

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.

Dr. Peter Liljedahl is a Professor of Mathematics Education in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University and author of the best-selling book, Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics (Grades K-12): 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning. Peter is a former high school mathematics teacher whose work emphasizes collaborative learning for a more effective mathematics education.  Most recently, he received the Læringsprisen [Learning Award] for Changing the way we think about Education in Denmark (2022).

Summary

The podcast episode explores Professor Liljedahl’s journey in understanding how teaching practices affect student learning in math classrooms. He shares his observations of a teacher struggling to implement problem-solving, leading to student frustration and disengagement. This prompted him to research the psychology of mathematics education and develop the "thinking mathematics classroom" approach, emphasizing practices such as using vertical whiteboards, random grouping of no more than three students, and note-making.

The discussion delves into the benefits of these methods, such as increased student engagement, collaboration, and the ability for teachers to provide timely support. Dr. Liljedahl also addresses the challenges of balancing direct instruction and messy learning, as well as the origins and difficulties of the algebra curriculum.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of education, emphasizing the importance of teachers and the need for more training in neuroscience and child psychology.

Bonus tracks

I’ve also included two bonus tracts with Peter and Danelle on my website blog post for this episode. One speaks specifically about student note-making, another of Peter’s practices. The second tract speaks to Algebra's challenge to student success.

Social Media
Website- https://www.buildingthinkingclassrooms.com/

Twitter-  @pgliljedahl

Instagram - @buildingthinikingclassrooms

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTCthinks

About Jeff

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.

Dr. Ken Wallace recently retired as the longest-serving Superintendent in Maine Township High School District 207’s history, which dates back to 1902. During Ken's tenure, District 207 was named one of America’s most innovative districts multiple times for advances in technology, adult learning, and career advisement. Ken is currently an educational consultant for multiple organizations.

Danelle Almaraz, an educational leader with over three decades of experience, is committed to advancing leadership in modern education. At InnovateED, she empowers middle-tier leaders, promoting collaboration, innovation, and growth. Danelle champions continuous improvement, student success, and curiosity, advocating for an inclusive educational experience that enables learners at all levels to drive positive change.

Summary

With author Jennifer Breheny Wallace’s book Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—and What We Can Do About It as the backdrop, the podcast episode explores the toxic achievement culture in US education and its detrimental effects on today's youth. Dr. Ken Wallace and Danelle Almarez discuss how the pressure to excel academically and in extracurricular activities and gain admission to prestigious colleges is causing stress, anxiety, and mental health issues among students. They critique the narrow definition of success that prioritizes test scores and college admissions over personal growth and career readiness.

The conversation covers the misalignment between traditional schooling and real-world needs, the rising student debt crisis, and the importance of career-focused education.

Both guests advocate for redefining success, helping students find their passions, and giving them agency in their learning. They emphasize the value of experiential learning, internships, and understanding the economic implications of educational choices.

The episode concludes by stressing the need for schools to foster a sense of belonging and “mattering,“ focusing on helping students understand who they are and on long-term student outcomes rather than short-term achievements.

Social Media

Dr. Ken Wallace

Twitter: @KenWallace207

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-wallace-35a50b50/

Danelle Almaraz

http://linkedin.com/in/danelle-almaraz

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013505683057&mibextid=LQQJ4d

https://www.instagram.com/dalmaraz007?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

About Jeff

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.

Angela DiMarco is an intuitive design leader with 30+ years in branding, marketing, and advertising. As Chief Creative Officer at Phenom Publishing, she collaborates with authors to create impactful book designs. Co-host of "Going Commando with Angela & Dana," she champions authenticity and honest conversations. Angela's expertise helps businesses express their unique brand with creativity and integrity, connecting them with their audience on a profound level.

Summary

In this podcast episode, Angela shares insights on branding and authenticity. She discusses her career journey from aspiring doctor to branding expert, emphasizing her curiosity about people's authentic selves and the masks they wear.

Angela defines branding as uncovering a company's core values, vision, and unique positioning - the "DNA" that should drive all messaging and actions. She explains her process of working with clients through collaborative workshops to integrate this brand DNA into all aspects of their business. Angela stresses the importance of authenticity in branding, refusing to work with clients seeking only superficial solutions.

We also explore the concept of “priming,” which is how organizations can psychologically engage prospective customers to ensure the best brand experience.

The episode also touches on Angela’s partnership with Dana Sardano, highlighting how their friendship and authentic perspectives contribute to their various business ventures.

Three Takeaways

1. Authentic branding is rooted in a company’s or a solopreneur’s core values, vision, and unique positioning.

2. Effective branding requires integrating the brand's DNA into all aspects of the business.

3. Organizations and solopreneurs can use a variety of methods to set the customer up psychologically to optimally experience the brand.

Social Media

Connect and collaborate with Angela DiMarco – https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamariedimarco/

Co-Host of "Going Commando with Angela & Dana" – youtube.com/@goingcommandowithangelaanddana

Co-Founder of Uniquely Phenom Collaboration / UPC Creative Services: Explore how Angela can assist in infusing some magic into your venture – https://upccreativeservices.com/

Co-Founder/Chief Creative Officer of Phenom Publishing, and Author of "Uniquely U. Update #52: The Birth of a Bright-Eyed Entrepreneur" – https://phenom-publishing.com/angela-dimarco

About Jeff

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.

Neil C. Hughes is a technology writer and the host and producer of the Tech Talks Daily podcast. He is the author of Great TED Talks: Innovation: An Unofficial Guide with Words of Wisdom from 100 TED Speakers. He is also the behind-the-scenes engineer wizard on this and 15 other podcasts.

Summary

In this episode, Neil and I delve into the rapid pace of technological change and its multifaceted impact on our lives. Neil expresses curiosity about how AI and emerging technologies will augment human capabilities, stressing the need to balance tech usage with preserving critical thinking skills. Our conversation includes an overview of "extended reality" technology and its potential to transform work environments, predicting a future where smart glasses and small keyboards replace traditional laptops. We also discuss the importance of balancing AI tools like ChatGPT with our own unique voice and creativity. Finally, we address how best to manage technology use, mitigate overuse, and foster a healthier relationship with tech while remaining optimistic about the future.

Key Takeaways:

1. Technological Change and Its Impact: Neil emphasizes the importance of balancing the use of AI and technology with preserving critical thinking and creativity.

2. Extended Reality in the Future of Work: Neil discusses the potential of extended reality to transform work environments, highlighting both benefits and concerns.

3. Managing Technology Use: Strategies to balance technology use include disabling notifications, creating tech-free zones, and fostering self-awareness.

Social Media

linkedin.com/in/neilchughes

Websites

• techblogwriter.co.uk/ (Company)

• podcasts.apple.com/ug/podcast/the-tech-talks-daily-podcast/id1018727913 (The Tech Talks Daily Podcast)

• amazon.com/author/neilchughes (Amazon Author Page)

Email

techblogwriter@outlook.com

About Your Host

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.

In this episode, I travel to Wannsee, Germany, a suburb of Berlin, where on January 20, 1942, 15 high-ranking Nazis gathered in a villa to resolve various aspects of the “final solution of the Jewish problem.” I need to stand where terror and genocide were launched on a continental scale.

In this episode, I trace the mental and physical journey I took recently in the Netherlands to grasp the murder of more than one hundred thousand Dutch Jews during WWII at the hands of the Nazis. I wanted to move beyond the number and get to the human beings.

Physically, the journey took me to several Holocaust-related sites in Amsterdam: the old Jewish Quarter, the Anne Frank House (Annex), the old Dutch Theatre, the Dutch Holocaust Memorial, and of high interest, the sidewalks of Amsterdam. And outside Amsterdam to the Westerbork transit camp.

Part of my mental journey involved moving beyond the human tendency to see Anne Frank as symbolic of all Dutch Jews who were murdered. But the larger mental issue was confronting the remnants of hate I saw and how they drove me toward hate.

He joined the “Fishing the Good Fight” team in 2022 as the organization’s Director of Operations and currently serves at the interim Executive Director

Jim lives in South Florida but spends a considerable amount of time in Denver, CO, where “Fishing the Good Fight” is based.

Summary

This episode delves into the innovative work of “Fishing the Good Fight,” a non-profit that leverages the therapeutic power of fly fishing to address men's mental health challenges. Through personal stories and insightful discussion, the conversation explores how these retreats provide a safe space for men to open up, connect with nature, and build a supportive community. We learn about the retreats' structure, the importance of volunteers, and the organization's future goals, including expanding their reach and impact.

Three Takeaways:

1. Breaking the Silence: This episode tackles the often-overlooked issue of men's mental health. Jim shares his own story and highlights the importance of creating a safe space for men to open up and seek support.

2. Beyond the Cast: Fly fishing becomes more than a hobby in this context. “Fishing the Good Fight “uses fly fishing retreats as a therapeutic tool, fostering a supportive environment for men to connect with nature and each other.

3. Building a Community: The episode explores the power of community for men's mental health. The retreats provide a space for men to share their struggles, build connections, and find a sense of belonging. Jim emphasizes the importance of alumni support networks that keep the connections strong.

Social Media

Website: https://www.fishingthegoodfight.org/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/p/Fishing-the-Good-Fight-100064770040571/ 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/fishingthegoodfight/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fishing-the-good-fight 

About Jeff

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.

Susan Gaetz is the executive director for Casting for Recovery, a national nonprofit serving women with breast cancer using the therapeutic sport of fly fishing. Susan has been a fixture at CfR for many years. She began volunteering for the organization 25 years ago. She joined the national staff in 2010 as Regional Program Manager and became Program Director in 2016. She lives in Austin, TX, and holds degrees from Vanderbilt University and the University of Texas at Austin.

My co-host in this episode is Diane Wyzga. Diane is a nurse attorney turned litigation consultant turned story guide. For 30 years, Diane has helped professionals take their story from a message only they could hear to the publishing world, the courtroom, hospitals, board meetings, and the airwaves. Today, as Quarter Moon Story Arts, Diane custom-coaches women committed to discovering their Origin Story so they are seen, heard, understood, and listened to.

Diane is also the host of Stories From Women Who Walk, a long-running global podcast. She will co-publish this episode.

Summary

Our conversation dives into the inspiring work of Casting for Recovery, an organization that provides fly-fishing retreats for women battling breast cancer. Driven in part by her own curiosity about life's next chapter, Susan highlights the transformative power of these retreats.

Three Takeaways:

1. Healing Through Nature: Casting for Recovery offers unique retreats specifically designed for breast cancer survivors. By combining fly fishing with oncology support, these getaways provide a chance to reconnect with nature, build confidence, and find solace in a supportive community.

2. The Power of Fly Fishing: More than just a hobby, fly fishing offers therapeutic benefits for recovering women. The gentle act of casting helps with physical rehabilitation and provides a welcome distraction, keeping both mind and body active.

3. Beyond the Reel: Casting for Recovery goes beyond the basics of fly fishing. Their approach focuses on empowerment, building competence and comfort in the outdoors, and fostering lasting connections among survivors.

Social Media
Website: www.castingforrecovery.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/castingforrecovery

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/castingforrecovery

No guest today. Just me musing on the upcoming Father’s Day celebration. Given that my father passed away almost forty years ago, I get reflective as the holiday approaches and, more so, as the years between his passing and my age increase. In this episode, I explore why I’ve been thinking about him more, what I remember about him, why there are gaps in my knowledge, and what I would ask him if I could.

My dad was a complex man—perhaps all fathers are—because he was a product of a generation he understood and one that he didn’t always.

Over the years, I celebrated Father’s Day by giving my dad traditional gifts, such as a circular saw, barbecue equipment, or a history book. He always appreciated the gifts, but I wonder if he might have appreciated a conversation more, the result of me asking him questions in an attempt to understand him better.

I’d like to think that he would hear my questions as caring on my part. His responses, in turn, would be a gift to me.

Bill Whiteside is a sales and marketing executive turned software salesman turned lay historian turned narrative nonfiction writer. He is the author of an engaging memoir, Everyone Knows a Salesman Can't Write A Book. To further debunk the myth that he can’t write, he's finishing up a much-anticipated book about a little-known incident in Winston Churchill’s tenure as Britain’s Prime Minister during World War II.

After completing an undergraduate degree in history and political science at Simon Fraser University, Paul McNicholls spent a career in insurance claims investigation. When nearing retirement, he was approached by the UK publisher Helion and Company, and the result was his first book Journey Through the Wilderness. He is now writing Canadians on the Veldt, which chronicles Canada’s role during the South African War between 1899 and 1902. In 2021, Paul received the Howard Browne Medal from the Victorian Military Society.

Summary

Bill and Paul discussed the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers on D-Day, the complexities of the Normandy landing operations, and the hypothetical scenario of a failed invasion. They also explored the importance of various events on June 4-5, 1944, and the critical factors that contributed to the success of D-Day, including deception planning, detailed training, air superiority, and contingency planning.

The conversation also touched on the value of intellectual counterfactual exercises and the importance of personal and historical investigations.

Throughout the conversation, the speakers emphasized the importance of understanding the complexities of historical events and the connections that can be gained through exploring them.

Social Media Links

Bill

LinkedIn

Website

Twitter

Spoutible

(bwhiteside3@gmail.com)

Paul

LinkedIn

Referenced

Article from The Guardian

Podcast: “We Have Ways of Making You Talk”

Film of Canadians landing

Danelle Almaraz, an educational leader with over three decades of experience, is committed to advancing leadership in modern education. At InnovateED, she empowers middle-tier leaders, promoting collaboration, innovation, and growth. Danelle champions continuous improvement, student success, and curiosity, advocating for an inclusive educational experience that enables learners at all levels to drive positive change.

Summary

This episode dives into three key ingredients for educational systems that are curious about transformation: empowered students and teachers, overcoming resistance to change, and establishing the all-important share purpose.

1. Danelle argues for shifting the focus from top-down directives to cultivating student curiosity and creativity. Schools can better prepare students for the unpredictable future by granting teachers more autonomy.

2. The discussion also tackles overcoming resistance to new initiatives. Collaboration is key, with Danelle advocating for a "lead from the middle" approach that involves teachers and principals as partners in navigating change.

3. Finally, Danelle and Jeff emphasize the importance of a clear, shared purpose to guide decision-making and rally the school community.

Social Media
http://linkedin.com/in/danelle-almaraz

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013505683057&mibextid=LQQJ4d

https://www.instagram.com/dalmaraz007?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Referenced

Uncertain, the Wisdom of Being Unsure by Maggie Jackson

Ethan Bryson is the Founder of Natural Urban Forests. Natural Urban Forests is an afforestation company focused on addressing the urgent need to restore native forest ecosystems. 

Based in Seattle, Washington we create forests utilizing the Miyawaki method of forest planting with heightened attention to transforming life in the soil. This innovative method enables forests to grow 10x faster at 30x the density of standard afforestation methods. 

We work to honor and involve local indigenous communities in the planting and ongoing care of these forests. When possible we begin each planting with a blessing to reset the land, and nurture the plants, animals, and people.

Powered by a steady dose of locally crafted espresso, Jarie loves nothing more than to figure out how to explain complex things in clear and compelling ways. My goal is to help build a more ethical, inclusive, and resilient world by educating and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs—be they 18 or 80.

Summary

Ethan and his organization are on a mission to restore harmony between nature and urban life through forestation. Their efforts encompass three main aspects:

Firstly, they focus on designing forests with intentionality, incorporating elements like circular plots and symbolic features to create healing and transformational spaces. This includes projects in New York City and collaborations with Indigenous communities.

Secondly, they emphasize the importance of community involvement in planting and maintaining urban forests, with volunteers playing a key role in ensuring the long-term survival of these green spaces.

Lastly, Ethan stresses the educational aspect of their work, highlighting the environmental benefits of urban forests and the potential for experiential learning through a forest-based curriculum. We discussed topics ranging from soil health to the symbiotic relationships within old-growth forests, all aimed at fostering a deeper connection between people and nature.

In summary, Ethan's organization is dedicated to planting forests as a means of restoring ecological balance, engaging communities, and providing educational opportunities.

Social Media

www.naturalurbanforests.com

ethan@naturalurbanforest.com

Referenced

Kyle Lybarger: https://www.nativehabitatproject.com/

Manhattan forest project:
https://www.instagram.com/p/C5-v1GKMnc4/?igsh=MTg5YzB5dTAxd2M2NQ==

Miyawaki planting method: https://urban-forests.com/miyawaki-method/

Sugi Project: https://www.sugiproject.com/

Ida Nason Aronica Forest: https://www.sugiproject.com/forests/Ida-Nason-Aronica-Forest

Dimitry Anselme is the Chief Officer of Growth and Engagement with Facing History & Ourselves. In that role, he innovates program design for school and district implementation and facilitates organizational partnerships in the US and internationally. Facing History partners with educators worldwide to help students prepare for civic life and better understand themselves and the world.

Summary

In this episode, Dimitri and Jeff discuss the persistence of hate and racism despite society's efforts to combat it. They delve into the mission of Facing History and Ourselves to challenge bigotry and hatred through engaging history teaching. The conversation also explores the challenges of teaching sensitive topics like the Holocaust and the increasing need for tolerance education in elementary schools. They underscore the importance of raising ethical children and Facing History's outreach efforts, including partnerships with aligned organizations. The discussion also touches on the intersection of education, curiosity, and professional development, emphasizing the importance of preparing teachers and fostering curiosity for creativity and problem-solving.

Social Media

Website - https://www.facinghistory.org/

In this episode, I sit down with four LinkedIn friends/colleagues to discuss Dacher Keltner’s book, Awe the New Science of Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life. Each of my guests brings an important perspective to the topic.

Dr. Keltner defines awe as connecting to something larger that yourself; “the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your current understanding of the world.” He then supports that definition by detailing eight emotional wonders of life:

1. Moral beauty: appreciating other people’s courage, kindness, strength, or ability to overcome obstacles.

2. Collective effervescence: being part of a larger collective self, e.g., a Taylor Swift concert, a political rally, gathering with others to watch the recent eclipse

3. Nature: what I feel when I stand in a trout stream or look out over the Grand Canyon

4. Music

5. Visual design: attractions in New York City: the Edge, the Little Island, and the High Line

6. Spirituality and religion

7. Life and death

8. Epiphany – understanding of an essential truth, insights, scientific discoveries, sudden disclosures

After introducing the concept and speaking about it from my guests’ various perspectives, I asked whether the leader can inspire awe in the workplace.

Guests

Rich Gassen works as a print shop supervisor at UW-Madison, where he focuses on empowerment, creativity, and process improvements with staff. He also chairs the Campus Supervisors Network (CSN), a community of practice at the UW supporting supervisors in their roles by offering training and networking events, a weekly newsletter, and a website.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richgassen/

Melissa Hughes is a neuroscience researcher, educator, keynote speaker, and author of Happier Hour with Einstein — Another Round

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissahughesphd

https://www.melissahughes.rocks/

Sarah Elkins is your guide to uncovering the right personal stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, advocates, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and effectively demonstrate their character, values, and vision. She guides individuals and teams toward improved communication and reduced friction in the workplace. Sarah is a storyteller, keynote speaker, Gallup-certified StrengthsFinder coach, podcast host, author, and professional musician.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesmileisfree/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahlynnelkins/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elkinscommunication

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Bwk56V5neXxjJXk3tarSE?si=01589bf8438d43c6

Brooke Erol is a corporate dropout who pursued her dream of having more meaningful work for herself and others. All her life, she has spent writing, speaking, coaching, and consulting on the topic of having a life of fulfilling and purposeful work. She works with individuals—YourBestLife—and organizations—Purposeful Business, Inc.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/purposefulbusiness

www.instagram.com/happielliatwork

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ozlemerol

X: www.twitter.com/boerol1

References

The Pause Principle by Kevin Cashman

How Minds Work by

Iain McHenry was born in Belfast and, after leaving school, joined the British Army and had a career that took him all over the world. He was stationed in Germany, Northern Ireland, Canada, The Falkland Islands, and Belgium, and he has completed operational tours in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Sierra Leone.

He has always had a passion for WW1, and after leaving the army, he started his own business in Belgium, working as a WW1 researcher, battlefield guide, and published author.

Today, he splits his time between his home in Tallahassee, Florida, and the old battlefields of France and Belgium.

Aside from military history, he loves to fly light aircraft, travel and run.

Summary

Iain’s World War I tours go way beyond dates and statistics. They cater to diverse interests, from general historical context to specific family narratives. By visiting trenches, tunnels, and lesser-known sites, participants gain a unique perspective on the daily routines, living conditions, and struggles faced by the soldiers. The emotional impact of war is a recurring theme, with Iain sharing stories of families searching for the final resting places of loved ones and the poignant inscriptions found on gravestones.

The episode doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of war. It explores the vast cemeteries holding the remains of thousands, the ongoing process of identifying soldiers through artifacts like ID disks, and the constant threat of unexploded ordnance that lingers in the ground. Yet, amidst the tragedy, there's a sense of connection to the past. Iain and I describe the energy one feels on these historical sites and the stories unearthed through excavations, like the discovery of a soldier's remains and the heartwarming reunion with his granddaughter.

Overall, the episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of learning about history. By studying World War I battlefields, we not only gain a deeper understanding of the conflict itself but also connect with the human stories of those who lived through it.

Social Media

Bespoke Battlefield Tours

Referenced

Menin Gate

About Jeff

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.

Tara LaFon Gooch, an acclaimed Keynote and TEDx speaker, is known for her expertise in confidence empowerment. As an international best-selling author, Tara's dynamic presence and passion inspire audiences globally. With an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and certifications from Cornell University and The University of Notre Dame, Tara's transformative message has been featured in Forbes, LA Weekly, and Fox News. Her recent TEDx talk, "Gratitude: The Foundation of Confidence," has garnered global acclaim, showcasing her ability to help individuals unlock their full potential and live confidently.

Summary

Ditch the corporate grind? This episode's guest did just that, leaving behind a toxic job and battling depression and anxiety. Their secret weapon? Gratitude. They found that focusing on what they were thankful for, not just in the world but in themselves too, helped them turn things around.

But gratitude is just the first step. The conversation digs into how to rewire your brain for positivity. We're talking about taking responsibility for your actions and appreciating yourself, past and present. It's not always sunshine and rainbows though – there's real work involved in changing negative thought patterns. But with some effort, you can silence that inner critic and start feeling good about yourself again.

Feeling stuck? This episode also tackles how to find the motivation to get moving. Visualization and taking action are your new best friends. Plus, figuring out what truly matters to you – your core values and strengths – can be a game changer. It all adds up to building confidence and a sense of purpose, both in your personal life and your career.

Speaking of career, our conversation switches gears to how confidence plays a major role in leadership and branding. The key? Authenticity. Turns out, people can see right through a fake. The speaker even opens up about their own struggles with confidence as a leader, proving it's a common hurdle.

The episode wraps up with a powerful message: stay true to your values, no matter what. It might mean turning down clients or walking away from situations that don't feel right. But in the end, staying aligned with your principles is the recipe for long-term success and personal growth.

Social Media / Referenced

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-lafon-gooch

https://www.facebook.com/tara.lafon

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTXN57YGfMOMJdkphzr2PoQ

https://www.tiktok.com/@taralafongooch

https://www.instagram.com/taralafongooch

About Jeff

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.

Bradley Wright is a professor of sociology at the University of Connecticut and the director of the Life Purpose Lab (lifepurpose.lab.uconn.edu). He teaches courses on well-being and research methodology. He is the co-author of The Purpose Journal: Discover Your Destiny and Leave a Legacy.

His teaching and mentoring have received departmental and university awards. Bradley grew up in California and lives in Connecticut with his wife. They have two sons and a small, fluffy dog. His hobbies include cycling, hiking, and photography.

Summary

In this episode, Bradley tackles the question of finding purpose and meaning in life. He acknowledges the challenges, including a lack of clear systems and the fear of uncertainty that holds many back. Bradley proposes a "purpose portfolio" –– engaging in multiple meaningful activities across various aspects of life –– to maximize overall fulfillment.

His work at the Life Purpose Lab emphasizes "possibility management," a framework designed to help people intentionally explore and navigate different life paths. Journaling is a key tool, prompting exploration of purpose itself and offering practical steps for discovery.

The conversation emphasizes taking action over waiting for inspiration to strike. Small, incremental steps can lead to significant change. Bradley highlights the transformative power of purpose, not just for personal happiness but for creating a positive impact on the world. His training program suggests living purposefully can positively affect the lives of others, with a potential reach that can range from a few individuals to hundreds.

Social Media

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleywrightphd/

Referenced

“Serendipity is not Serendipitous”

Life Purpose Lab

This episode explores the importance of storytelling in business communication and life. Inspired by his late wife Jane's spirit, Jarie Bolander delves into the importance of narratives that inspire action. The discussion weaves in Jarie’s experience supporting organizations in crafting impactful stories, highlighting a common challenge faced by businesses and non-profits alike.

The episode takes a poignant turn as Jarie recounts his marriage to Jane, their life together, and the profound impact of her leukemia diagnosis. Their relationship transformed from spouse to caregiver and patient, demanding immense resilience and commitment. Jarie reflects on the significance of their vows in the face of such hardship while acknowledging the initial struggle to ask for help and prioritize self-care amidst overwhelming circumstances.

Through Jane's illness and eventual passing, Jarie grapples with grief and the preciousness of life. He shares his own challenges in seeking support. The conversation explores the healing power of therapy alongside the enduring comfort of unconditional love and support from loved ones.

Social Media

Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Referenced

Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder

Stuart: A Life Backwards

Diane Wyzga - the origin story

I’ve been podcasting for more than five years and have more than 300 hundred episodes on topics that include space exploration, cooking, history, education, movie scores, the importance of objects in movies, inn-keeping, serendipity, beavers, bagels, nature, and fly fishing—to name a few! And I’ve been privileged to meet some incredible, giving, wise people.

But like most podcasters—all?—I’ve been unable to secure interviews with everyone I wanted to see on the other side of the mic. Why? The reasons vary, ranging from “Sorry, I’m just too busy” to silence—no response at all. This is an episode about some of them—the ones whose photo will never fill an empty square on my podcast website—and why I wanted to talk to them in the first place.

As a former teacher turned speaker and happiness coach, Kim Strobel helps schools, businesses, and organizations prioritize their happiness and well-being so they can overcome their fears, discover their joy, activate their limitless potential, and boldly pursue their dreams. She is the author of Teach Happy.

Summary

This episode focuses on Kim’s journey with panic disorder, highlighting the power of cognitive behavioral therapy and helping others overcome anxiety. Kim emphasizes happiness as a direction rather than a destination, urging the implementation of happiness habits for well-being. Of particular note, Kim explained that up to 40% of our happiness is within our control, so looking at the world through a lens of positivity and possibility is essential. Lastly, Kim advocates for radical wellness through boundary-setting and rewiring brains for happiness, encouraging investment in building healthy relationships and regulating social media usage for personal growth and fulfillment.

Social Media / Referenced

www.StrobelEducation.com

www.KimStrobel.com

Break the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza

The Tools: 5 Tools to Help You Find Courage, Creativity, and Willpower--and Inspire You to Live Life in Forward Motion by Phil Stultz

Ben Goldfarb is an environmental journalist whose work has appeared in National Geographic, the Atlantic, Smithsonian Magazine, and many other publications. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Elise, and his dog, Kit — which is, of course, what you call a baby beaver.

Summary

This discussion highlights the beaver’s role as a keystone species, an organism crucial to maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Beavers create ponds and wetlands, benefiting numerous species and providing vital services like water purification, flood control, and wildfire mitigation.

Historically, unregulated trapping nearly decimated beaver populations in North America, causing dramatic ecological decline. In Yellowstone National Park, for instance, the absence of wolves led to elk overgrazing, destroying beaver habitat. Beaver reintroduction efforts in the 1980s significantly improved the ecosystem.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of coexisting with beavers and wolves. Non-lethal solutions like "beaver deceivers" can mitigate property damage, while the ecological benefits (fish habitat, flood control) far outweigh minor inconveniences. The future of beaver management lies in learning to share our environment, not removing these valuable ecosystem engineers.

Social Media / Referenced

Website: https://www.bengoldfarb.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben.a.goldfarb/

X: https://twitter.com/ben_a_goldfarb

Books:

Crossings https://www.amazon.com/dp/1324005890

Eager

https://www.amazon.com/Eager-Surprising-Secret-Beavers-Matter/dp/160358739X

Katie Mullen is the founder of MMS Consulting, which specializes in sales training and consulting and has helped Fortune 500 companies from all over the country increase sales, improve performance, and create more customer trust.  MMS Consulting was founded on a several-year research project on the topic of how customers want to be treated.  Hundreds of customers were interviewed on pet peeves, likes, dislikes, etc, and the answers were aggregated into data points that are now used during the training and consulting offered by MMS Consulting. 

  Before founding MMS, Katie Mullen spent fifteen years selling into diverse industries, including medical devices, online media, fundraising, and event planning.  Katie hosts the “Golden Rule of Selling” podcast and is the author of The Sales Tightrope: A Research-Based Guide to Not Annoying Customers and Still Being a Top Performer.

Summary

Focusing on qualities essential for success in sales, such as curiosity and adaptability, Katie emphasizes the importance of building rapport and understanding customers individually. Her approach combines scientific research with personalized presentations tailored to each client, prioritizing long-term relationships over short-term gains. By employing discovery questions and addressing root issues, she ensures a mutually beneficial fit, fostering trust and loyalty for future opportunities.

Social Media / Referenced

kmullen@mms-consulting.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiefmullen/

https://www.tiktok.com/@katiemullen_goldenrule

John Camp (he goes by Camp) is Head of Teaching & Learning at the New England Innovation Academy, where he oversees the development of systems to recruit, hire, support, and evaluate teachers. He also supports teachers in developing and implementing the curriculum. He's been a leader and a teacher at various schools throughout his 29-year career.  His experience includes English and writing classes and interdisciplinary courses such as “The Art and Physics of Time Travel.” At St. Mark’s School, which bestowed him with The Trustees Chair and the Kidder Faculty Prize, Camp served as the Director of Experiential Learning and Associate Director of The Center of Innovation in Teaching and Learning. His pedagogical mantras include, “I aim to teach what cannot be Googled” and “I expect you to work hard, so I work hard.”

Summary

Our conversation examined how the New England Innovation Academy is shifting the landscape of 6-12 education toward integrating various learning styles and innovative teaching methods.

Competency-based assessment was discussed as a promising alternative to traditional tests, emphasizing gauging students' mastery of skills and practical knowledge.

The conversation went beyond academics, highlighting the growing importance of student-centered learning and fostering social-emotional development as crucial aspects of education.

We also explored the practicalities at the New England Innovation Academy, delving into student workload, school policies, and their innovative practices.

A central theme emerged: education is no longer solely about knowledge transmission. Instead, it is vital to nurture well-rounded individuals and promote personal growth through student-centered instructional approaches. This discussion provided valuable insights into the evolving education landscape, where innovation and student success are the driving forces shaping the future of learning.

Social Media / Referenced

New England Innovation Academy - https://neiacademy.org/

Bennett (Ben) Bratt helps leaders and their teams create the transformative, inclusive, and enduring changes in their team effectiveness that fuel their most deeply desired outcomes. He is the founder and principal at Team Elements, a consulting and coaching organization that helps identify and resolve issues holding teams back from achieving their desired goals. Ben is the author of The Team Discovered (BMI Publishing 2020).

Summary

A number of factors will contribute to team ineffectiveness, including:
• insufficient resources and training,

• unrealistic expectations,

• poor organizational culture,

• lack of psychological safety and emotional intelligence, and

• lack of conflict resolution tools. Often, underlying all of these reasons is a lack of clarity around team goals and individual roles, which contributes to a lack of trust among team members.

Social Media / Referenced

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bennettbratt

TikTok:  @bennettbratt

Website: Team Elements

Dr. Donya Ball is a leader, author, and keynote speaker. She currently serves as superintendent of schools in California. Dr. Ball is a professor of both educational leadership and teacher education and is passionate about studying, writing, and speaking about overcoming leadership hardships. She published her first book of the leadership series, Adjusting the Sails: Weathering the Storms of Administrative Leadership, in 2022, followed by Against the Wind: Leadership at 36,000 Feet in December 2023.

Summary

Dr. Donya Bell’s journey from studying communications to discovering her passion for education was sparked by her curiosity, cultivated through tutoring with the America Reads program. This experience led her to prioritize people development over technical skills in school leadership, emphasizing the significance of listening and inviting input to build trust and involvement. Donya highlighted the evolving purpose of education, advocating for personalized learning experiences beyond standardized tests. She also underscored the benefits and challenges of connecting with diverse perspectives, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and growth through exposure to varied viewpoints across industries and communities.

Social Media / Referenced

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/donya-ball-ed-d-314bb011/

X- @SuptDonya

Instagram - @dr__d__

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SuptDonya

Lyle Kirtman - 7 Competencies of Highly Effective School Leaders

“Getting Unstuck” host Jeff Ikler reflects on recent messages of remembrance that prompt him to consider life's impermanence of life and how he wants to be remembered.

The Universe sends us messages to consider and, if we’re open to them, to act upon.

Facing the task of decluttering after his sister's passing, Jeff embraces "death cleaning" to downsize personal effects.

Cherishing artifacts from his parents, Jeff displays them as a tribute, shifting his perspective on imperfections and upbringing.

The impermanence of life becomes evident, leading to a contemplation of how objects and memories shape one's legacy.

Meaningful items, like a metal cup from wilderness adventures, hold sentimental value, prompting thoughts on how he'll be remembered.

Jeff's experiences at Quetico Provincial Park in Canada significantly influenced him, inspiring the naming of his coaching company after the place.

Referenced

Jane Duncan Rogers – Before I Go: The Essential Guide to Creating A Good End-of-Life Plan 

Margareta Magnusson – Dostadning: The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning

In this episode, I was deeply fortunate to sit down with two amazing guests: Benjamin Zander and Rosamund Stone Zander. Ben is the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and the Boston Youth Orchestra. Rosamund was a therapist and an accomplished painter and sadly passed away in September 2023. They are the authors of The Art of Possibility – a life-change book if you adopt its twelve practices. Roz was the author of a follow-up volume, Pathways to Possibility.

Summary

Some readers and listeners may have the tendency to place these two books in the category of “self-help.” But as the authors point out early on in The Art of Possibility, “the practices presented in this book are not about making incremental changes that lead to new ways of doing things based on old belief, and they are not about self-improvement.” The practices are more transformational. This is not about playing better in old constructs, it’s about playing in new constructs of our own making.

As you listen

1. How might Roz and Ben’s respective roles – Roz as a therapist who listens for the stories that clients tell and Ben as a conductor who helps musicians break through barriers – apply to the roles that educational leaders and teachers play?

2. How people live in what they think is reality when it’s really just their interpretation. It’s an invention.

3. Why living with a spirit of possibility has to be created and practiced.

4. Ben’s and Roz’s explanation of one of the practices, “The giving of an A.” In the book they write, “This A is not an expectation to live up to, but a possibility to live into.” The ownership of the “A” shifts from the traditional bestower, the teacher, to a co-created relationship with the student. How might this apply to education in our schools?

5. What “Being a contribution” is dependent on.

6. How Ben defines “leadership.”

7. What leaders who follow the practice “Lead from any chair” believe in.

8. How “Being the board” eliminates the need for blame.

Dr. Hayley Watson is the founder and CEO of Open Parachute, a Tier 1 K-12 curriculum program that supports the mental health of students, teachers, and parents. She is a Clinical Psychologist and holds a PhD in school bullying interventions. She has been creating and delivering programs for youth and practitioners across the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia for the past 20 years. 

Dr. Watson is the author of the forthcoming book FINDING THE WORDS: EMPOWERING STRUGGLING STUDENTS THROUGH GUIDED CONVERSATIONS. (Release in mid-March 2024.

Summary

My conversation with Dr. Watson delved into the critical topic of mental health support for students, exploring its connection to childhood trauma and the need for robust education in schools. Dr. Watson emphasized the neuroscience behind mental health and its impact on both students and educators, highlighting the importance of prioritizing well-being within the educational space. Key to her work is training educators to use words that help draw the limiting stories out of children and provide a space for students to help one another.

Our conversation covered practical strategies like mindfulness exercises and self-care techniques that educators can adopt while advocating for broader systemic changes like comprehensive mental health education for children. By bridging the gap between neuroscience, education, and self-care, she provided valuable insights into fostering a healthier and more supportive environment for students and educators alike.

Social Media / Referenced

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-hayley-watson-2b249a16/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drhayleywatson/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhayleywatson/?hl=en

Program Website: https://openparachuteschools.com

As the “Connection Counselor,” Joe Kwon’s mission is to help professionals elevate their careers by teaching them how to connect to anyone, anytime, and anywhere. He is the creator of the “Everybody Thrives” program, which is designed to help organizations transcend statistics, increase belonging, and unlock higher performance. He is also the author of three leadership books, including Unlock Your Executive Presence: Feel like a Boss, and the host of several podcasts, including "Diversity Bites."

Summary

Our conversation focused on the concept of “executive presence,” the ability to command attention and inspire trust through confidence and clarity of voice and behavior. An essential component of E.P. is image – how one presents oneself to others, especially to leadership. But it’s more than mere image; it’s the aura you convey to leadership that you can step into the larger shoes of the next position and make things happen. E.P. gives leadership the confidence to place a bet on “future you” rather than just on “past you.” E.P. is often an essential component of getting promotions when candidates are similar in terms of skill set and track records.

Social Media / Referenced

Website: https://everybodythrives.podia.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmSC7_veHdshx5Y8ukZHQgQ/videos

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connectioncounselor/

Path2Promotion - Avoid common career detours and get on the path to promotion by learning how promotions really work and the keys to improving your promotion prospects. It's a program offered either through 1:1 private coaching or through a forthcoming online course. For details, contact Joe via his email:: joe@connectioncounselor.com

Jason Greer is the Founder and President of Greer Consulting, Inc., a labor management and employee relations consulting firm specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion. He is a trusted source of the latest race and labor relations news for media nationwide.

Summary

Jason Greer and I dove deep into the crucial yet turbulent waters of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in our polarized world. We explored practical ways to nurture diverse and inclusive workplaces and addressed concerns around diversity training. It was all about building bridges and fostering a sense of belonging.

Integrating DEI into the very fabric of business practices emerged as a key theme. We discussed facing fear as a hurdle to embracing diverse perspectives and the importance of creating work environments where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique talents. It's not about one-off initiatives but about sustained efforts to build an inclusive culture that celebrates and leverages individual differences.

With cultural polarization a stark reality, navigating sensitive topics and fostering productive dialogue across diverse viewpoints became another focus. We talked about addressing concerns surrounding diversity training (36:44) and finding common ground despite differing opinions.

Ultimately, Jason Greer and I both gained valuable insights for navigating the complexities of DEI in today's world. By promoting understanding, challenging biases, and building bridges across cultures, we can all contribute to businesses and communities that thrive in a more equitable and inclusive environment.

Social Media / Referenced

Previous interviews with Jason

Connect with Jason

LinkedIn

Andy Stephens was born and raised in a small town in Northwest Washington on the Salish Sea. After 17 years, he traveled to Los Angeles to play college baseball in the sunshine. He taught in the public schools of LAUSD for six years before moving to Boulder, CO, where he now teaches science at New Vista High School and at area colleges.

Summary

My conversation with Andy revolved around the unique educational philosophy of New Vista High School, where fostering curiosity is paramount, and Andy’s particular teaching style. We discussed innovative science classes designed to ignite wonder, with mixed-age groupings enabling peer learning and deeper engagement. The importance of school purpose and community acceptance in supporting this approach was emphasized alongside equitable teaching methods that cater to diverse student needs. Ultimately, the focus lies on education that sparks a lifelong love of learning, empowered by storytelling and connection – an approach with lessons beyond the classroom walls.

Social Media / Referenced

New Vista High School

No guest today in what is my first episode of the new year. I promise no New Year’s resolutions except one: to read and digest as many books as I can during the year.

Given my interest in books, I was curious to know what some of my colleagues, friends, and family members will read in 2024. So, I contacted more than 40 of them, asking them for a brief bio, their book of choice, and why that title might find its way to their nightstand. I thought that maybe I'd hear from a few, but that many might be too busy to respond, given the fast-approaching holiday.

Their responses poured in:

Jesse Kohler is the President and Chair of The Change Campaign and also serves as Executive Director of the Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice.

Going to read Preventing and Healing Climate Traumas: A Guide to Building Resilience and Hope in Communities by Bob Doppelt.

Because the climate crisis is widely traumatizing. Promoting support across our society to work through it together is one of the most critical callings of our time.

Paul McNicholls is a lay historian and author.

Going to read Victory to Defeat: The British Army 1918–40 by Richard Dannatt and Robert Lyman.

Because what happened to the British Army between the First and Second World Wars explains why they were summarily defeated by the Germans and had to be evacuated from the beaches at Dunkirk in 1940.

Frank Zaccari is a best-selling author and CEO of Life Altering Events, LLC.

Going to read The Passion Test by Janet and Chris Attwood.

Because over my long time on the planet, my passion – or what I thought was my passion – has changed many times. Now, in my semi-retirement, this book will help me focus on finding my next passion where I can make a difference.

Neil C. Hughes is a freelance technology journalist, podcast host and engineer, and the producer of "Tech Talks Daily" and "Tech Fusion" by Citrix Ready. 

Going to read Freedom to Think: Protecting a Fundamental Human Right in the Digital Age by Susie Alegr.

Because this title will deepen my understanding of the intersection between technology, privacy, and human rights in the digital age.

Melissa Hughes, Ph.D. is a neuroscience researcher, speaker, and author of Happy Hour with Einstein and Happier Hour with Einstein: Another Round. 

Going to read Misbelief by Dan Ariely.

Because the human brain is so incredible and so incredibly flawed (and because I read everything that Dan Ariely writes!)

And Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant.

Because we all have hidden potential begging to be discovered.  

Valerie Gordon is a former Emmy-winning television producer who brings the Art of Storytelling for Impact and Influence to audiences and corporate leaders. 

Going to read Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant.

Because I found his previous works to be insightful and helpful in my business as well as in meeting my own goals. I recommend it to anyone interested in the human mind and its impact on realizing our potential.

Rich Gassen is a print production manager at UW-Madison and also leads a community of practice for supervisors where we explore topics on leadership and staff development.

Going to read Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant.

Because I have always sought to improve myself and those around me to achieve more through better processes, incorporating efficiencies, and harnessing strengths. I feel that this book will bring me to another level in being able to do that.

Sarah Elkins is a StrengthFinder coach and story consultant, keynote speaker, podcast host, and the author of Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will.

Going to read Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson.

Because I’ve become especially sensitive to representation over the past few years, and I talk about wanting to support all people. Reading a book by a person of color and understanding her back story is one way to help me do that.

Diane Wyzga is a global podcaster, a story expert who helps clients clarify ideas and amplify messaging, and a hiker – who walks the talk.

Going to read The Perfection Trap - Embracing the Power of Good Enough by Thomas Curran.

Because as I've become aware of our culture's dangerous obsession with perfection, I want to learn to step away from my own focus on it.

Bill Whiteside is a retired software salesman who is now writing a book about Winston Churchill and a little-known event from World War II.

Going to read Larry McMurtry: A Life by Tracy Daugherty.

Because after spending the past five years researching my book with my nose in books about Britain and France in 1940, it’s going to be refreshing to read just for fun once again. McMurtry’s personality and career as a bookstore owner and a highly regarded author – “Lonesome Dove," “The Last Picture Show” and “Terms of Endearment” – fascinate me.

Mark Reid is a maker of traditional handmade Japanese paper and host of the Zen Sammich podcast.

Going to read The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham.

Because the main character's internal moral challenges and the battle with societal expectations are compelling for me to read about and contemplate.

Mark O’Brien is the founder and principal of O’Brien Communications Group, a B2B brand-management and marketing-communications firm, and host of The Anxious Voyage, a syndicated radio show about life’s trials and triumphs.

Going to read Lyrical and Critical Essays by Albert Camus.

Because as a longtime fan of Camus' existential work, I look forward to stretching my thick Irish noggin to let in a tad more light – as I always try to do.

Hope Blecher is an educational consultant and the founder of Hope's Compass, www.HopesCompass.org, a non-profit that helps members of the community and visitors to interact with survivors of the Holocaust and children of survivors through arts, music, poetry, prose, and more. 

Going to (re)read The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exuperty.

Because I experience something new each time I read it.

And Art Matters: Because Your Imagination Can Change the World by Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell.

Because I'm curious about what these authors will say that will help me continue on my own pathway of exploring art.

Christine Mason is the Cultivating Resilience podcast co-host, educational psychologist researcher, entrepreneur, and yoga instructor/mindfulness coach.

Going to read From Beirut to Jerusalem by Thomas L. Friedman.

Because Friedman knows the region exceptionally well, this book will provide me with a greater understanding of the underlying regional and religious tensions and conflicts and also prepare me to lead others in a deeper discussion toward a potential resolution and peace.

Tammy Hader is a retired accountant, a lifetime Kansan, a storyteller, a caregiver, and an author. (See above.)

Going to read Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam.

Because our relationships – our social capital – continue to be degraded in the current environment, so I want to study it, defend against it, and learn how to shift myself and my community into improved connections.

Cindy House is the author of Mother Noise, a memoir about her recovery from addiction. She is a regular opener for David Sedaris on his book lecture circuit. She is also my memoir instructor.

Going to read Art Monster: Unruly Bodies in Feminist Art by Lauren Elkin.

Because the book looks at women artists and their work as a reaction against the patriarchy. In these days of watching the GOP war against women, it seems especially important as a woman in the arts to consider how my work can be a protest against extreme political positions. 

Susan Rooks – the Grammar Goddess – is an editor/proofreader who helps nonfiction/business content authors of books/blogs/websites and podcasters and their episode transcriptions look and sound as smart as they are.

Going to read Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, MD.

Because as I age, I’m interested in doing everything I can to stay alive in a healthy manner.

Steve Ehrlich is a lifelong educator and has an equally long-standing calling in fly fishing. He combines those two loves in classes on the lessons of fly fishing and its treasured literature for personal and professional growth, renewal and healing, and social change. 

Going to read An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us by Ed Yong.

Because I've always been intrigued by the interconnectedness of things, especially the things we can't fully understand. Such a mystery is at the heart of this book, which is about how animals are connected to one another in so many ways and in a manner that most of us have difficulty comprehending. 

Annette Taylor is a rogue researcher of evolutionary psychology.

Going to finish We Are Electric by Sally Adee – but doing so scares me...

Because it seems like the author is justifying our “merging” with AI or at least romanticizing our ever increasing entanglements with technology. And since I like to simplify life using a cave-dweller perspective, this idea freaks me out.

Leon Ikler is a commercial photographer primarily shooting tabletop and small room scenes in the studio along with a mix of location work.

Going to read Democracy Awakening by Heather Cox Richardson.

Because in these contentious times with the nation so divided, I like how she frames today's issues against what has taken place in the past. I feel it is essential to know our history so we can try to avoid making the same mistakes again.

Rita Grant is a former award-winning video producer.

Going to reread The United States of Arugula by David Kamp. 

Because it's a great reminder of how our current American culinary landscape was created.

I'm ending with Rita because she also sent in another suggestion. Not a book, but a song – "You Can't Take That Away From Me," sung by the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald. As Rita noted, "The lyrics will stand the test of time.  They're a testament to what we hold in our hearts and imagination that can never be taken from us."

“Getting Unstuck” is somewhat of a rare animal in the world of podcasting. It’s offered timely content focused on change, education, and curiosity for over 5 years and sits in the top 3% of all podcasts. 44% of all podcasts have less than 3 episodes, according to two tracking sources. Most podcasts don't make it past 10 episodes. Conversely, we just passed the 300-episode milestone, which is somewhat of a magic marker for podcasts.

As we approach the end of the year, I wanted to take a moment to thank my listeners and recap 2023 in three parts: 1. the top episodes in terms of downloads, 2. the episode that meant the most to me, and 3 my most popular episode over the life of the podcast.

The episodes in 2023 that garnered the most listener attention

What follows are the top downloaded episodes for 2023. Not surprisingly, each of the five episodes focused on the major themes I emphasize in the podcast: overcoming personal resistance, recognizing and taking advantage of serendipity, defining a new purpose of education, experiencing the meditative aspect of fly fishing and the natural world, and the power of curiosity.

Here, then, is a short description of these five episodes:

1. 250 - How a Life-Altering Event Can Still Mean A Rich Life, Fulfilling Life

   Rick Locke is an excellent example of someone who literally had to look at life from a different angle. While he was losing his central vision due to macular degeneration, he could still see out of the corner of his eye. And that, as it turns out, was the lens through which he could see – and share – a whole new world of wonder.

2. 249 - How to Become All-in as a Solopreneur

   April Vokey couldn’t help but look at life from a different angle. From a very early age, April loved fishing and hunting. She decided to shun more traditional work and instead start a business where she would guide, provide instructional courses, write, be a keynote speaker, and host a podcast on all things related to her fishing interests, all while becoming a wife and mother. Her decision also came with the expected challenges — and one challenge that men doing the same work never face.

3. 239 - What is the Purpose of School?

   In this episode, educator, author, and futurist Rhonda Broussard and I touch on various reasons for our K-12 system of schooling. Is it to prepare students for a career, acquire knowledge and skills, or develop creative thinking and problem-solving abilities? And what about student agency? How much voice and choice should we allow students to determine what and how they want to learn?

4. 246 - Dr. Christian Busch on Connecting Life's Dots Going Forward

   Steve Jobs famously said, “You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.” Today’s guest, Christian Busch, Ph.D., would respectfully disagree. He writes, “Serendipity is not just about a coincidence that happens to us, but it is actually through the process of spotting and connecting the dots that we start to see bridges where others see gaps.”

5. 253 - How Can You Reframe Your Inner Story to Create a Healthier Reality?

   Valerie Gordon is a 10-time Emmy-winning television producer with over 20 years of developing and overseeing award-winning content. She knows what makes a story meaningful and memorable and the incredible power of stories to engage, educate, and entertain. And she’s detailed how we can tell a healthier personal story – and overcome our inner narrator – in her highly readable book, FIRE YOUR NARRATOR: A Storyteller’s Guide to Getting Out of Your Head and Into Your Life.

The 2023 episode that meant the most to me

This episode grew from my experience traveling to Berlin and Amsterdam this past fall to immerse myself in local aspects of the Holocaust. Here, I traveled to Wannsee, Germany, a suburb of Berlin, where on January 20, 1942, 15 high-ranking Nazis gathered in a villa to resolve various aspects of the “final solution of the Jewish problem.” As a Jew, standing in the room where the Nazis met was a chilling experience in its own right, but it was made more so because Adolf Eichmann had been one of the Nazis attending.

268 - Getting the Best Revenge Standing Inside the Room

My most popular episode over the 5-year life of the podcast

And finally, I wanted to acknowledge that episode 201 - “Learning About Life and Leadership from a Fly Fishing Guide,” remains the runaway listener favorite over the podcast's life. Initially, I was nervous about posting an episode about fly fishing, but my conversation with guide Spencer Seim was anything but what one might expect. It wasn’t about the technical aspects of fly fishing; it was about how Spencer approaches his clients every day as a leader. So, I think the focus on leadership played well, but that said, I’ve done a number of episodes since related to fly fishing, including #2 in this year’s top 5, and they were all well received. Who knew?

201 - Learning About Life and Leadership from a Fly Fishing Guide

Mary Nadeau has worked at Nokomis Regional High as a teacher and administrator for the past 32 years. She has served as the Principal for the past 15 years. Nick Miller is a member of the English department.

Summary

Our conversation explored how fly fishing, a seemingly unconventional activity in schools, can be woven into the fabric of education. We delved into the significance of the sport, its potential as an English elective, and its role in empowering student voice and choice. The discussion highlighted the innovative approach of a Maine high school that utilizes fly fishing to foster curiosity, personal growth, and a unique learning experience, challenging traditional educational models. Ultimately, it paints a picture of education where passions like fly fishing can become catalysts for deeper learning and holistic development.

Social Media / Referenced

Nokomis Regional High School

K-12Dive article featuring Nic and Mary

A River Runs Through It

Podcast episode on fly fishing literature

Our conversation centered on the need to address the misconceptions surrounding homelessness and the importance of individual and collective action to create positive change. We emphasized the value of education and awareness in dismantling harmful stereotypes and empowering individuals to support those experiencing homelessness. By opening our hearts and minds, we can foster a more compassionate and inclusive society.

My Guests

Peggy Wilms is the founder of award-winning All Things Wellness, an entrepreneur, author, host of The Coach Peggy Show, and wellness retreat host, educator, and speaker. She is a certified personal trainer, sports performance nutritionist, and personal and executive health, wellness, and life coach for nearly 35 years.

Dennis Pitocco is the Founder and Chief ReImaginator of 360° Nation encompasses a publishing enterprise; the award-winning BIZCATALYST 360°, a multimedia enterprise; 360° Nation Studios, and a social enterprise, GoodWorks 360°.

Social Media

Unsheltered landing page

Unsheltered FAQ

Interview guide

Andrew Sachs is the CEO and Founder of Nobel Learning. Nobel helps learners get the technical, soft, and leadership skills they need to succeed in work and life in today's quickly changing world.

Summary

In this episode – which is an update of episode #122 where Andrew and I first talked – we focus on the need to equip students with the skills they need to succeed in school, life, and the ever-changing job market. We discussed the role of technology in education and the value of youth-led projects and collaboration. We also explored the challenges of education reform and the need to find ways to make traditional education more relevant to today's students.

One of Andrew's most profound ideas was, “If you want kids to lead, let them learn to make decisions. Let them make decisions. And let them make mistakes.”

Social Media/Referenced

Nobel Learning

Dennis Behnke provides individual and group tours of Berlin and German history, focusing on World War II and the Cold War.

Summary / Key Topics

My conversation with Dennis focused on the importance of history education, particularly in understanding World War II and its lasting impact. We discussed the challenges and opportunities of teaching history in a way that is both accurate and engaging, and we highlighted the significance of personal stories and memorials in bringing history to life. We also explored the issue of anti-Semitism and its relevance to the Holocaust, emphasizing the need to learn from the past to prevent such atrocities from happening again.

Social Media

Berlin Storyteller website/tours

Dennis’s email

In this episode, I travel to Berlin, Germany, and the Bebelplatz, a large square in the city's heart. A university borders one side, a church another, and the opera another. Behind me is one of Berlin’s main libraries.  Sitting atop one of the buildings is an outdoor bar with large colorful umbrellas to shield the patrons.

As calming as the setting is today, it was anything but on the night of May 10, 1933. There, a mob of Nazis, Nazi-leaning students, and citizens gathered to burn an estimated 20,000 books the Nazi regime had deemed culturally and spiritually unfit.

The only visual evidence of that event is a subterranean memorial with enough empty library shelves to hold an estimated 20,000 books.

Social Media / References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazi_book_burnings

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Empty_Library#:~:text=The%20Empty%20Library%20(1995)%2C,Germany%20on%20May%2010%2C%201933.

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bebelplatz

This week, something different. As we approach Thanksgiving, I find myself in a contemplative mood. So, I’m solo this week, starting what could become a lengthy exercise that will have me unwrapping and considering the package that is my life in 15 crossroad moments. Talk about being curious.

Jeff’s Crossroad Topics

1. Punching the clock: newspapers, groceries, and dishes

2. Book of the Month Club

3. Earning my keep at home

4. Neighborhood explorer

5. The U-505: life foreshadowed in a German submarine

6. Montana: killing spiders, stacking wood, and landing on the moon

7. Discovering agency: a sawdust puppet, no more model airplanes, and a road trip

8. The last parking meter

9. Quetico: biting insects, muddy portages, and reflections

10. A vision on a staircase

11. “No” and a box of chocolates

12. Coached

13. Perfection and Da Vinci’s “Last Supper”

14. A conversation in a small café in Vermont

15. Death and Decluttering

Susan Engel is a professor at Williams College, where she teaches courses on developmental psychology and education. Her research interests include children’s curiosity, invention, and ideas. She is currently working on a book about Kindergarten in America.  

Summary / Key Topics

Lifelong learning and curiosity are essential for a thriving society. They allow us to adapt to change, solve problems, and create new opportunities. Yet, curiosity is often overlooked in education, leading to a decline in curiosity among children.

There are many ways to foster curiosity in children. One is to create a learning environment that is safe and supportive, where children feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes. Another is to provide children with opportunities to explore their interests and learn at their own pace. Finally, it is important to model curiosity by showing children we are always learning and growing.

Curiosity is valuable in education because it motivates students to learn and helps them to develop critical thinking skills. Curious students are more likely to ask questions, investigate problems, and develop creative solutions. They are also more likely to be engaged in learning and retain information.

Education should nurture students' curiosity, helping them to become lifelong learners. This can be done by providing students with opportunities to learn about the world around them, develop their problem-solving skills, and connect with their own interests.

Resources / Social Media

The Hungry Mind: The Origins of Curiosity

The Hungry Mind: Psychologist Susan Engel's Call To Arms | WBUR News /

The Intellectual Lives of Children

Why Should This Be So? with Susan Engel - CHOOSE TO BE CURIOUS

Susan Engel - Psychology

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/jan/28/schools-killing-curiosity-learn

https://elimindset.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/engel2011.pdf

Neil DeGrasse Tyson

George Land study

Bill Whiteside is a sales and marketing executive turned software salesman turned lay historian turned narrative nonfiction writer. He is the author of an engaging memoir, Everyone Knows a Salesman Can't Write A Book, and to further debunk the myth that he can’t write, he's finishing up a much-anticipated book about a little-known incident in Winston Churchill’s tenure as Britain’s Prime Minister during World War II.

After completing an undergraduate degree in history and political science at Simon Fraser University, Paul McNicholls spent a career in insurance claims investigation. When nearing retirement, he was approached by the UK publisher Helion and Company, and the result was his first book “Journey Through the Wilderness.” He is now writing “Canadians on the Veldt,” which chronicles Canada’s role during the South African War between 1899 and 1902. In 2021, Paul received the Howard Browne Medal from the Victorian Military Society.

Summary

History is the story of our humanity – and inhumanity – and is essential for understanding our present and shaping our future. In this podcast, our two lay historians discuss the importance of history and memoir writing through a study of Fatherland: A Memoir of War, Conscience, and Family Secrets by Burkhard Bilger.

In this discussion, we explore the complexity of historical figures' actions and motivations and the importance of writing histories with personal stories and critical analysis.

Throughout the podcast, the authors share their writing and research techniques and reflect on the ways in which history, war, and personal growth can all intersect.

This podcast is an informative exploration of the human condition, and it will appeal to anyone interested in history, memoir, or the power of storytelling.

Topics in this episode

The appeal of history and writing books. (2:27)

History and its importance in understanding society. (6:22)

A family history book set during WWII. (8:48)

Nazi history, current events, and personal perspectives. (15:31)

The complexity of a historical figure's actions and motivations. (18:00)

Writing histories with personal stories and strategic analysis. (19:58)

Winston Churchill's actions during World War II. (24:31)

Writing, character flaws, and personal curiosity. (29:16)

History and politics with a focus on the first half of the 20th century. (34:19)

Nazis meeting to manage the "final solution" of Jews. (35:44)

History, gray areas, and personal stories. (39:06)

Referenced

Fatherland: A Memoir of War, Conscience, and Family Secrets

Social Media Links

Bill

LinkedIn

Website

Twitter

Spoutible

(bwhiteside3@gmail.com)

Paul

LinkedIn

Kate Jackson is the principal at Enso Wellbeing Coaching, where she works with individuals and organizations to enhance leadership, culture, communication, productivity, retention, and, ultimately, well-being. Kate is also co-author of Flyfishing - A Pathway to Wellbeing and offers workshops to individuals and business teams at Margo and Lola Flyfishing School in Ellsworth, WI.

Summary

The real story in this episode is how Kate’s personal experiences – divorce, stage 4 cancer, and an initial career in the corporate world – came together to inform how she approaches her work as a well-being coach and consultant. She speaks with hard-earned authenticity and an awareness that her message of well-being and its potential benefits must be expressed in a language that business leaders and teams are willing to hear.

Key Topics

Social Media Links / Referenced

LinkedIn

Website

Book

Article on her health and well-being Work at Simms

Video referencing her mental health work at Simms:

June Hersh began her food writing career in 2004.  Her mantra is Eat Well-Do Good, and to that end, she writes books with a charitable flavor. Her first was Recipes Remembered, a Celebration of Survival (Ruder Finn Press May 2011), written in association with and to benefit the Museum of Jewish Heritage - a Living memorial to the Holocaust.  The book is a collection of stories and recipes from June’s interviews with over 100 Holocaust survivors. This November, a new edition of her first book will be released by The History Press under the title Food, Hope & Resilience: Authentic Recipes and Remarkable Stories from Holocaust Survivors. The esteemed chef Daniel Boulud penned the foreword. Proceeds will benefit Holocaust organizations.

June has also written The Kosher Carnivore (St. Martin's Press November 2011), Still Here, Inspiration from Survivors and Liberators of the Holocaust (Brian Marcus, 2015), Yoghurt a Global History (Reaktion Books 2021 and Iconic New York Jewish Food, a History and Guide with Recipes (The History Press, February 2023). 

Summary

Jewish food is a vibrant and diverse cuisine with a rich history, especially in New York City. June Hersh's book, "Iconic New York Jewish Food," explores this culinary landscape, focusing on the bagel, a beloved New York icon. Hersh examines the history, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of the bagel, as well as its role in Jewish food culture and traditions.

Topics in this episode

Food writing, Holocaust recipes, and Jewish food heritage. (4:40)

Jewish food traditions and recipe preservation. (10:16)

The history and cultural significance of bagels. (16:43)

The history and culture of New York-style bagels. (20:49)

The origins of bagels and lox in New York City. (28:44)

Jewish food culture and traditions. (34:09)

History, context, and food with June Hersh. (39:57)

Food, history, and culture with a focus on Jewish cuisine. (42:48)

Social Media Links

She invites you to email her at junehersh@gmail.com, follow her on Instagram and Facebook @junehersh, or visit her website www.junehersh.com

In this special edition of Getting Unstuck — Cultivating Curiosity, I rotate the mic and tell a story where, with help from a dear friend, Sarah Elkins, and some self-reflection, I extricated myself from “stuckville.”

About Sarah Elkins

"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."

In her work with coaching clients, Sarah guides people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What she’s realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages and on the people they’re sharing them with.

Her work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on her podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and home.

Sarah is the author of Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will.

Referenced

Elkins Consulting

Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will

The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life

The Work

This is part 2 of my conversation with two very smart guys, Wade Bruffey and Zoltan Sarda, the co-founders of GoMobi.work, a partnership-driven software company that helps organizations build and optimize their employee development program. They bring 30 years of experience working with teams and individuals to help people grow and succeed. Organizations using GoMobi.work’s frameworks build systems that foster clarity, empower high performance, and help team members take aligned actions. With GoMobi.work, organizations create transformation that lasts.

In Episode 274, I interviewed Wade and Zoltan. In this episode, they interviewed me for their podcast. Both interviews evolved into deep conversations about hiring practices, organizational purpose and culture, and leadership.

Topics in this episode

Intuition, leadership, and decision-making. (1:34)

Interviewing techniques and storytelling in the workplace. (8:53)

Leadership, storytelling, and building a culture. (13:45)

Leadership, coaching, and change management in the workplace. (20:34)

Using data to inform business decisions. (27:16)

Data-driven decision-making and leadership. (29:32)

Education assessment and coaching. (32:45)

Reflection on business and personal growth. (35:53)

The importance of reflection and taking time to think in leadership growth. (38:14)

Aligning actions with espoused theories in business and coaching. (39:40)

Reflective capacity and coaching in business. (40:51)

Leadership, teamwork, and organizational obstacles. (45:52)

Social Media Links

Website: www.GoMobi.work

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gomobi-work

Register for GoMobi’s free weekly management workshops: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcoceqrpzstHNMm18b3k2wKyu7znBOBar--

Sign up to be a part of GoMobi’s software launch: https://gomobi.work/beta-signup

Jeff’s book: Shifting - How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change

Jeanne Gutierrez is a Curatorial Scholar in Women's History at the New-York Historical Society. She is a Ph.D. candidate in History at the CUNY Graduate Center. Jeanne is the co-curator of the NYHS “Women’s Work” exhibit.

Summary

In this episode, Jeanne takes me behind the scenes at the New-York Historical Society to understand the collaborative thinking and effort that goes into curating a major museum exhibit, in this case, “Women’s Work.”

From the Museum’s exhibit program description:

“What is “women’s work?” How have broad trends in American economic, legal, and political history encouraged women to take certain jobs and restricted them from “men’s work?” How have race, ethnicity, social class, legal status, sexual orientation, and gender presentation impacted these distinctions? In a new exhibition, the Center for Women’s History showcases approximately 45 objects from New-York Historical’s own Museum and Library collections to demonstrate how “women’s work” defies categorization.”

Listen for:

• What story the curatorial staff is trying to tell about the nature of women’s work.

• Why collaboration between curators, scholars, and designers is essential.

• How the limited number of artifacts were selected and challenged the team.

• Why the staff had to limit the artifact captions to about 100 words.

• How the intentional organization and display of artifacts contribute to the story and visitor experience.

Social Media / Referenced

• https://www.nyhistory.org/

• Missionary Rag Baby, 1893–1910

Born in the San Francisco Bay Area, Jennifer Lang lives in Tel Aviv, where she runs israelwriterstudio.com. Her prize-winning essays appear in Baltimore Review, Under the Sun, Midway Journal, and elsewhere. She holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts and is an Assistant Editor at Brevity Journal. She is a longtime yoga practitioner and instructor. She has two unconventional books forthcoming, Places We Left Behind: a memoir-in-miniature (9/5/23) and Landed: A yogi's memoir in pieces & poses (10/15/24), both with Vine Leaves Press. 

Summary

In this episode, Jennifer and Jeff explore Jennifer’s memoir, Places We Left Behind: a memoir-in-miniature. They delve into Jennifer's deliberate choice of format, which serves to craft emotional impact through a concise narrative of only 13,000 words. The memoir encapsulates Jennifer’s family life in New York, California, and Israel and explores themes of conflict, commitment, belonging, and the meaning of home. Therapy and yoga emerge as Jennifer's anchors, aiding her in marital challenges. Philippe, her husband, gains insight into her journey through her memoir. The main takeaway for readers is to hold onto their voice and remain true to themselves in the midst of the partnership of marriage.

Social Media Links

instagram.com/jenlangwrites 

facebook.com/jenlangwrites 

facebook.com/israelwriterstudio

Spencer Seim (rhymes with “time”) lives a life devoted to fishing, environmental issues, and serving people. Since he was 8 years old, Spencer has been obsessed with fly fishing. Spencer has been guiding northern New Mexico and southern Colorado for eighteen years. Eight years ago, he founded ZiaFly, a guide service that focuses on a personalized fishing experience with access to some of the best trout fisheries in the Rockies. 

Spencer is also very well-versed in fly tying. He’s tied flies commercially, for art, for competitions and of course, for his guided trips. Spencer’s flies have been featured in The Drake magazine, New York Times, Kirk W. Johnson’s book The Feather Thief, and America’s Favorite Flies.

Spencer has been mentioned in This American Life, Smithsonian Magazine, and Outside Magazine. 

The Takeaway

Life typically moves along at a fast pace for most of us. By the end of the day, activities we’ve been engaged in are often a murky blur in our rearview mirror. What, then, might be the payoff in slowing down, observing, and reading the environmental water, say, like a fly fisherman? And how do we give ourselves the ability to hold onto and make sense of those moments of pure serendipity?

As you listen

1. What is it that drew Spencer to the water and fly fishing?

2. What life lessons can we take away from the fly fisherman’s need to observe and immerse him or herself in the trout’s environment?

3. How did Spencer get involved in the mystery surrounding the disappearance of almost 300 rare bird skins that could be used to tie salmon flies?

4. What is the underlying story of The Feather Thief? How does Kirk Johnson’s decision to write the story rest on one of those rare moments of serendipity in life?

5. How does Spencer distinguish himself as a guide? How does he demonstrate differentiated servant leadership? How does he view guiding as being part of a team?
   
   Connect with Spencer

   ZiaFly website

    

   Referenced

   Home Waters by John Maclean

   A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean

   The Element by Sir Ken Robinson

   Finding Your Element by Sir Ken Robinson

Wade Bruffey and Zoltan Sarda are the co-founders of GoMobi.work, a partnership-driven software company that helps organizations build and optimize their employee development program. They bring 30 years of experience working with teams and individuals to help people grow and succeed. Organizations using GoMobi.work’s frameworks build systems that foster clarity, empower high performance, and help team members take aligned actions. With GoMobi.work, organizations create transformation that lasts.

Summary

Wade and Zoltan discussed the importance of cultivating curiosity, empowering individuals, and creating collaborative relationships to improve decision-making, strategy, and company culture. They also emphasized the need for organizations to hire individuals based on their thinking abilities rather than just their skills, use data-driven approaches to identify the right candidates and align core values with organizational goals and the well-being of customers and employees. Additionally, they discussed how their software helps guide employee development conversations and the importance of leaders investing in training and creating a culture of innovation within organizations. Finally, they talked about their work in helping organizations create supportive, collaborative, high-performing environments by focusing on leadership ownership, people, and core values.

Key Points

Curiosity: Wade and Zoltan believe that it is important for people to be curious and ask questions. They said that curiosity leads to innovation and problem-solving.

Empowerment: They believe that employees should be empowered to make decisions and take initiative. They said that this leads to a more engaged and productive workforce.

Collaboration: They believe that collaboration is essential for success. They said that organizations should create a culture where people feel comfortable working together and sharing ideas.

Data-driven decision-making: They believe that organizations should use data to make decisions. They said that this helps to ensure that decisions are based on evidence, not on gut instinct.

Training and development: They believe that training and development are essential for employee success. They said that organizations should provide employees with the skills and knowledge they need to do their jobs well.

Culture of innovation: They believe that organizations need to create a culture of innovation. They said that this requires a supportive environment where people feel comfortable taking risks and trying new things.

Social Media Links

Website: www.GoMobi.work

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gomobi-work

Register for our free weekly management workshops: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcoceqrpzstHNMm18b3k2wKyu7znBOBar--

Sign up to be a part of our software launch: https://gomobi.work/beta-signup

Annette Taylor is a part-time researcher of evolutionary psychology who works to understand how our common biology, which evolved from our days as cave dwellers, may help explain various social and antisocial behaviors today. 

Summary

Jeff and Annette discuss the concept of the "cave dweller" inside each person, which refers to our instinctual, psychological, and biological tendencies. Annette shares her personal experience of discovering her own cave dweller, “Claire,” and how it influences her behaviors and interactions with others.

Listen for

• the inner critic's relationship to the cave dweller

• the need for human connection and understanding

• the presence of our inner cave dweller in the workplace, highlighting behaviors such as ranking, fear of change, and resistance to new ideas

• how inner cave dweller concept can clarify in group/out group conflicts

Social Media / Referenced

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2549817165317933/

X (formally known as Twitter;) https://twitter.com/Fakecongirl

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annette-taylor-564aa871/

Medium: https://medium.com/@pennyfie

Website: https://www.cavedwellerclub.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/ht3hdlz4w797xoia8t65uhlrq

Scot Simmons is a husband, father, and fly fishing guide. He is 12 years in recovery from addiction and doing well managing depression and anxiety, which started at a young age. Fast forward decades, and he is able to walk and talk in his truth and make purposeful change.

Summary

Jeff and Scot's conversation delved into their mutual love for fly fishing and the connection it fosters with nature. They emphasized the significance of savoring the process and environment over fixating solely on catching fish. Amidst shared fishing dreams and destinations, Scot revealed his struggles with mental health and how fly fishing served as a therapeutic outlet. He spoke about breaking unhealthy patterns, seeking help, and healing for the sake of his children. The discourse touched on the impact of a viral fishing moment, self-doubt, witnessing George Floyd's murder, and the healing power of community engagement and mentorship.

Social media / Referenced

Instagram

LinkedIn

In this episode, I travel to Berlin, Germany, and the Bebelplatz, a large square in the city's heart. A university borders one side, a church another, and the opera another. Behind me is one of Berlin’s main libraries.  Sitting atop one of the buildings is an outdoor bar with large colorful umbrellas to shield the patrons.

As calming as the setting is today, it was anything but on the night of May 10, 1933. There, a mob of Nazis, Nazi-leaning students, and citizens gathered to burn an estimated 20,000 books the Nazi regime had deemed culturally and spiritually unfit.

The only visual evidence of that event is a subterranean memorial with enough empty library shelves to hold an estimated 20,000 books.

Social Media / References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazi_book_burnings

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Empty_Library#:~:text=The%20Empty%20Library%20(1995)%2C,Germany%20on%20May%2010%2C%201933.

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bebelplatz

Tammy Hader, with a BBA in accounting from Wichita State University, her professional history resides in numbers. In 2018, after a 30-year accounting career, Tammy reinvented herself as a writer. She is an essay writer at Medium, BizCatalyst360, The National Association of Baby Boomer Women, BabyBoomer.org, and WebMD. Tammy is also a contributing author in the Daily Gift Book Series. Walking Old Roads is her first book.

Summary

Tammy and Jeff discuss her book Walking Old Roads, reflecting on her journey to rediscover her personal sense of kindness and overcome a feeling of disconnection in the current world. She also explores the impact of her corporate career on her withdrawal and the role of role models and faith in regaining a spirit of benevolence. Tammy and Jeff also share insights on trust, genuine connections, and the value of in-person interactions versus technology.

Social Media / Referenced

www.tammyhader.com

www.facebook.com/tammy.hader.1

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-hader-a534b2199/

www.twitter.com/HaderTammy

Doug Peacock is a Vietnam veteran, author, filmmaker, and naturalist – and none of those words do him justice. He is a relentless protector of our physical wilderness and its creatures.

Here’s a link to the full bio of an extraordinary individual. https://dougpeacock.net/biography

Summary

Doug Peacock's lifelong fight for American wilderness and grizzly bears began after witnessing the devastating impact of industrialization in the West. He emphasized preserving wilderness for human evolution and consciousness, discussing climate change threats, and advocating for protecting grizzlies from trophy hunting while recognizing the positive impact of wolves on the environment and expressing concern for future generations amidst climate change.

Social Media

Website

Referenced

The Monkey Wrench Gang

Hal Herring interview on Getting Unstuck

In this episode, I travel to Wannsee, Germany, a suburb of Berlin, where on January 20, 1942, 15 high-ranking Nazis gathered in a villa to resolve various aspects of the “final solution of the Jewish problem.” I need to stand where terror and genocide were launched on a continental scale.

Steve is the host of the highly regarded podcast, Teaching, Learning, Leading K-12.

Summary

In this discussion, Jeff and Steve use the book Rocket Boys by Homer H. Hickam Jr. as the basis for their discussion on student agency: student voice and choice about what and how they want to learn. Listeners may know the book by its film name, October Sky.

Jeff and Steve use elements from the book to explore the qualities and benefits of student agency, including encouraging student interest, support from adults and mentors, independent learning and critical thinking, overcoming obstacles, learning beyond the school environment, and fostering tangible effort towards goals. Recommendations for future schooling involve faculty connecting with students, understanding their needs, creating opportunities for exploration, prioritizing student interests, and promoting autonomy and project-based learning within the curriculum.

Links/References

Steve at LinkedIn

Matthew E. Berger is executive director of the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism. He oversees the foundation’s programs to raise awareness about hatred against Jews and to monitor and analyze antisemitism on social media. As executive director, Berger is leading FCAS’ launch of “Stand Up to Jewish Hate,” a multi-platform advertising campaign to educate non-Jews about modern antisemitism and empower them to address hate in their communities. The campaign has introduced the Blue Square emoji as the national symbol for addressing antisemitism, encouraging people everywhere to speak out against intolerance.

Summary

In this episode, Matthew discusses the work performed by the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (FCAS), which Robert Kraft launched in 2019. FCAS aims to raise awareness about antisemitism and build alliances to fight Jewish hate. We explored various strategies, including advertising, education, and symbolizing support through the Blue Square campaign.

Points of discussion

• The importance of recognizing and building partnerships to address all forms of hate.

• The importance of uniting Jewish groups and building partnerships with other communities to address anti-Semitism and hate.

• How to sustain interest and concern beyond Pride Month and how to increase the impact of the foundation's message.

• Ways to combat anti-Semitism, including demystifying the Jewish community, education, and addressing anti-Semitism with the same vigor as other forms of hate and injustice.

• The issue of increasing levels of hatred and anti-Semitism in society and the need to build a society that values quality and tolerance.

• The role of social media in amplifying extremist views and the importance of addressing anti-Semitism as part of a broader societal problem.

Social Media / References

Facebook, Instagram and TikTok

Twitter

Website

In this episode, I trace the mental and physical journey I took recently in the Netherlands to grasp the murder of more than one hundred thousand Dutch Jews during WWII at the hands of the Nazis. I wanted to move beyond the number and get to the human beings.

Physically, the journey took me to several Holocaust-related sites in Amsterdam: the old Jewish Quarter, the Anne Frank House (Annex), the old Dutch Theatre, the Dutch Holocaust Memorial, and of high interest, the sidewalks of Amsterdam. And outside Amsterdam: the Westerbork transit camp.

Part of my mental journey involved moving beyond the human tendency to see Anne Frank as symbolic of all Dutch Jews who were murdered.

But the larger mental issue was confronting the remnants of hate I saw and how they drove me toward hate.

Mike Magee is President of Minerva University since April 2022. Prior to joining Minerva, he was the founding CEO of Chiefs for Change, a non-profit organization supporting leaders of many of the nation’s largest and most innovative K-12 public education systems. Previously, Magee co-founded and was CEO of Rhode Island Mayoral Academies (RIMA). As CEO of RIMA, he built a statewide network of regional, racially, and economically diverse public schools while successfully advocating for sweeping changes to stat education policy.

Before starting RIMA, Magee taught American literature and philosophy for a decade at Haverford College, Wheaton College, and the Rhode Island School of Design. In 2004, his book, Emancipating Pragmatism won the Elizabeth Agee Prize in American Studies. He is a Pahara-Aspen Education Fellow and for the past several years, has moderated seminars for both the Pahara Institute and the Aspen Global Leadership Network. Magee holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s in political science and English from the College of the Holy Cross.

Summary

In this episode, Minerva University president Mike Magee and I explore why the school has been ranked the #1 innovative university in the U.S., which is initially evidenced by its unique invitation to apply for admission where prospective applicants are challenged to complete a puzzle.

The deeper answer lies in Minerva’s approach to education and people development. Listen for how its approach encompasses global cultural immersion, active learning, interdisciplinary curriculum, project-based learning, and a commitment to developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, ethical orientation, and diverse perspectives for successful workforce preparation — and of equal importance, the social and emotional development of its students.

Links/References

Mike at LinkedIn

minerva.edu

Renée Smith, MSOD (she/her) is the founder and CEO of A Human Workplace, a global movement and consultancy committed to making work more human. She led award-winning culture work as a state executive and served in the Governor’s Office as Director of Workplace Transformation for the State of Washington. Smith is a researcher, writer, and speaker who’s reached hundreds of audiences worldwide, making the business case for a human workplace. 

Summary

In Part 2 of this episode, Renée and I explored the antidote to fear in the workplace: love. Love can manifest itself in various ways in professional settings:

> Leaders providing genuine care for employees by showing interest and respect and by creating an environment of belonging

> Workgroups functioning like a family – team building and acknowledgment of accomplishments

> Supporting individuals during personal crises.

Other critical considerations for a love-based culture include

> Sustainability, as new employees join the organization and the challenge of leadership turnover.

> Screening job candidates for their capacity for love.

> Leading with human-centered messaging.

Social Links

Websites

AHumanWorkplace.com (Company)

MakeWorkMoreHuman.com/blogposts

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneesmith-ahumanworkplace/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-human-workplace/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/reneesmithspeaks/

https://www.instagram.com/ahumanworkplace/

Referenced

The Amari Wave

Renée Smith, MSOD (she/her) is the founder and CEO of A Human Workplace, a global movement and consultancy committed to making work more human. She led award-winning culture work as a state executive and served in the Governor’s Office as Director of Workplace Transformation for the State of Washington. Smith is a researcher, writer, and speaker who’s reached hundreds of audiences worldwide, making the business case for a human workplace. 

Summary

Renée and I discussed her journey into organizational development and why she started her organization, A Human Workplace, which aims to eliminate fear in the workplace.

Through her research, Renée discovered various fear stories, including

> uncertainty after a change initiative,

> toxic experiences through betrayal and loss of trust, and

> public shaming, harassment, and discrimination.

These fear experiences can originate from leaders and team members and have significant physical and emotional consequences for individuals. Fear-based cultures can also have detrimental effects on organizations, such as reduced productivity and higher turnover rates.

Social Links

Websites

AHumanWorkplace.com (Company)

MakeWorkMoreHuman.com/blogposts

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneesmith-ahumanworkplace/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-human-workplace/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/reneesmithspeaks/

https://www.instagram.com/ahumanworkplace/

Referenced

The A*****e Survival Guide

The No A*****e Rule

In this episode, I share thoughts about a tour I recently took in the Hurtgen Forest World War II battlefield, which sits between Belgium and Germany. The Hurtgen Forest was the site of the longest battle the U.S. Army engaged in during World War II, and it is widely considered an egregious failure of strategy and leadership.

I wanted to understand why the battle was fought, what elements challenged the U.S. Army’s progress, and what lessons we could take away from a battle that incurred 30,000 to 50,000 casualties (deaths and wounded).

Kirk Wallace Johnson is the author of The Fishermen and the Dragon: Fear, Greed, and a Fight for Justice on the Gulf Coast, The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century, and To Be a Friend is Fatal: the Fight to Save the Iraqis America Left Behind, which covers his efforts on behalf of Iraqi refugees as the founder of the List Project to Resettle Iraqi Allies.

Summary

Our conversations explored several important topics in Kirk’s life:

• Why Kirk became passionate about supporting Iraqis who helped America during the Iraqi war gain entry into the U.S. and how that experience led to creating the “List Project” and his first book, To Be a Friend is Fatal.

• How he found solace in fly fishing, which led to meeting fly fishing guide Spencer Seim and his writing of The Feather Thief, the story of a million-dollar theft of dead rare birds from the British Museum.

• How a Bruce Springsteen song led Kirk to research a conflict between Vietnamese immigrants and the Ku Klux Klan along the Texas Gulf Coast and how Diane Wilson, an environmental activist, took on the corporations that were polluting the water.

• Why educational restrictions on certain content stand in the way of helping youth to develop critical thinking.

Links/References

Kirk on “This American Life”

• 499: Taking Names https://www.thisamericanlife.org/499/taking-names

• 607: Didn’t We Solve This One https://www.thisamericanlife.org/607/didnt-we-solve-this-one/act-two-1

• 654: The Feather Heist https://www.thisamericanlife.org/654/transcript

• 745: Getting Out https://www.thisamericanlife.org/745/transcript

Interview with the fly-fishing guide, Spencer Seim

https://www.queticocoaching.com/blog/2021/11/29/getting-unstuck-200-life-and-leadership-from-a-fly-fishing-guide

Bernard Beitman, M.D. is the first psychiatrist since Carl Jung to systematize the study of coincidences. A graduate of Yale Medical School, he did his psychiatric residency at Stanford University. The former chair of psychiatry at the University of Missouri-Columbia medical school for 17 years, he writes a blog for Psychology Today on coincidence. He is the author of Meaningful Coincidences: How and Why Synchronicity and Serendipity Matter, and the co-author of the award-winning book Learning Psychotherapy. The founder of The Coincidence Project, he lives in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Summary

Our conversation explored a number of questions:

• Why it is beneficial to pay attention to coincidences.

• The difference between synchronicity and serendipity.

• Obstacle to acting on triggers

• How telepathy works.

• The nature of simulpathity.

• How the psycho-sphere is likely to function.

• The relationship between coincidence and prayer.

• How agency – free will, making personal choices – is essential when it comes to understanding and leveraging meaningful coincidence.

Links/References

Website: https://coincider.com/

Podcast: https://www.coincider.com/podcasts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBeitman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coincider?fref=nf

Instagram: bernardbeitmanmd

Trout Unlimited video: https://www.tu.org/scot-simmons-the-studio/

A veteran San Francisco radio broadcaster, Joanne Greene currently hosts two podcasts -  “All the F Words”, in which two writer friends nearly 30 years apart explore issues that begin with the letter “F” and “In This Story….” Joanne’s 3-minute essays, set to music.

In June 2023 she publishes By Accident: A Memoir of Letting Go, her inspiring and growth-filled memoir through and emergence from life-threatening calamities.

Summary

In this episode, Joanne shares her life before and after a traumatic accident where she was hit by a truck while crossing the street. Three key discussion points emerged from our conversation.

• Firstly, Joanne reflects on her fast-paced lifestyle as a means of distraction and how her parents' upbringing influenced her need to prove herself and be a provider.

• Secondly, she delves into her decision to write a memoir, exploring the process of discovering its focus, the challenges of transitioning from a career in radio to writing, and the lessons she learned along the way, such as patience and controlling one's response to challenges.

• Lastly, Joanne discusses the universal takeaways from her memoir, emphasizing the power of gratitude, the support of her family, and the blessings in her life.

References/Links

www.Joanne-Greene.com

https://www.instagram.com/joannergreene/   

https://www.facebook.com/joanne.greene.984/   

@JoanneRGreene on Twitter 

Mark Reid is host of the “Zen Sammich” podcast and a maker of traditional handmade Japanese paper, called washi, where he lives in Yamaguchi, Japan. Before that he was an attorney, beginning his career as an Assistant District Attorney in New York. He’s also been a professor of English at three universities in Japan and a graduate teaching assistant at Florida State University in Religious Studies.

Summary

In this episode, we discuss

• Why Mark left the practice of law and moved to Japan to make paper.

• The origins and purpose of Mark’s podcast, “Zen Sammich.”

• The importance of Mark’s morning ritual.

• How to calm your mind in an anxious situation.

• An easy way to cultivate patience.

References/Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/zen-sammich/

Jennifer Jane Young is an Intuitive Business & Leadership Advisor and Founder of The School of Intuitive Leadership. She helps entrepreneurs and leaders find the path of least resistance, make the biggest impact and create sustainable, aligned success through intuitive leadership. Jennifer is also the author of the forthcoming book, Say Yes to Your Yes – How to trust your gut and take the leap in business (and life)

Summary

The conversation explored the concept of intuitive leadership, which involves tapping into one's inner wisdom and aligning it with personal goals. Jennifer highlighted the universality of intuition and the importance of practicing it through mindful reflection. We also discussed the “School of Intuitive Leadership,” which supports individuals in taking intuitive action within a community. Jennifer shared personal experiences of embracing the unknown and growing through creativity and mindfulness. Finally, we discussed following intuitive nudges and making meaningful connections in life.

References/Links

http://instagram.com/jennifer.jane.young 

https://www.facebook.com/theschoolofintuitiveleadership

http://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-jane-young 

http://twitter.com/jennyjaneyoung

https://youtube.com/@theschoolofintuitiveleadership 

Summary

Our conversation explored a number of questions:

Why was the exploration of Pluto important? How does it remain so?

What are the leadership lessons associated with the program?

How can leaders encourage the identification of problems that could compromise the mission?

Why is it essential to have a precise mission goal and sub-objectives?

What qualities should leaders look for when hiring people?

How can educators use space exploration to inspire students toward science and engineering careers?

Why is the continued exploration of space critical?

References/Links

Instagram - chasingnewhorizons2018

Twitter - @AlanStern

https://www.vox.com/2015/7/16/8980397/pluto-mission-cost

Valerie Gordon is a 10-time Emmy-winning television producer with over 20 years of producing and overseeing award-winning content for HBO, ESPN, CBS, and the Olympic Games. She knows what makes a story meaningful and memorable and the incredible power of stories to engage, educate and entertain.

An engaging speaker with innovative programming, Valerie offers audiences and individuals the storytelling strategies to stand out, whether they want to land a job, secure a promotion, nail the presentation, close the sale, or plan their next chapter.

Summary

Valerie and I discuss the importance of storytelling in leadership and how to improve storytelling skills. We dive into her highly readable book FIRE YOUR NARRATOR: A Storyteller’s Guide to Getting Out of Your Head and Into Your Life, which explores the impact of our internal communications on external communications. Valerie shares her own internal voice, "Squash," and how it hindered her growth. We explore a few of the ten narrator archetypes and some strategies for reshaping personal narratives and achieving healthier perspectives. The book also combines personal stories, neuroscience, and humor to help readers improve their storytelling skills.

References/Links

Website: https://thestorytellingstrategist.com/

More on the book: https://thestorytellingstrategist.com/fire-your-narrator/

(Available on Amazon and BN.com)

Connect with Valerie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriejgordon/

Follow The Storytelling Strategist

on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheStorytellingStrategist/

on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storytelling_strategist/

Hal Herring is an award-winning journalist and contributing editor at Field and Stream magazine. He is also the host of the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Podcast and Blast.

Summary

The debate over public and private land and water in the United States has raised concerns over public access to natural resources. While large tracts of land are being bought up in the West, the major consequence is not raising real estate prices but rather a growing indifference to conservation and the environment. Politics plays a significant role in this issue, as policymakers tend to prioritize other issues, such as immigration and economic concerns. Public ignorance and indifference also contribute to this problem. There is a need for a more informed and less indifferent citizenry to address this issue, recognizing people's spiritual connection with nature's ecosystem.

The three major topics discussed in this podcast conversation are:

The debate over private and public land and water: The conversation delves into the issue of public access to public land and water, with a focus on the debate between private and public ownership. The Wyoming hunters' case is used as an illustration.

Why environmental and conservation work is challenging: We discuss the challenges faced by environmental and conservation workers, including political lobbying, public ignorance and indifference, and the difficulty of passing conservation legislation.

The spiritual connection, recognizing one’s place in nature’s ecosystem: We discussed the need for humans to recognize that they live in and are a part of the natural world – nature is not just a place they visit. This is especially important to recognize to broaden the discussion beyond what’s good for hunters and fishers.

References / Links

Hal’s website

New York Times article

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

BHA Podcast and Blast

The Wilderness of Hope

John Jeavons

E&ENews

Trout Unlimited

Jeanine Cowen is an active media composer and educator. She is the chair and professor of practice of the Screen Scoring department at the University of Southern California. Formerly the Vice President for Curriculum and Program Innovation at Berklee, she is an experienced and skilled educator and innovator. She is an active freelance composer, music producer, and sound designer focusing primarily on the intersection of audio and visual medias, with particular interest in the burgeoning VR/AR/XR worlds and video games.Cowen's compositions have been heard throughout film, television, video games and the stage in works which include the definitive documentary The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo.

Summary

The conversation revolves around the music score of "The Night Window," a scene from the World War I film "1917." (See below.) The scene focuses on Lance Cpl. Schofield as he runs through the blazing ruins of a French village, dodging bullets and night flares. The haunting score, composed by Thomas Newman, begins softly and then accelerates to contribute to the scene's emotion.

The episode delves into how film composers generate a movie’s score, including discussions with the director and film editor. The importance of how film composers help tell a film’s story in films is highlighted, as they speak with notes when actors and screenwriters speak with words.

Referenced / Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeaninecowen

The Night Window Scene

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKew6JUNknk

April Vokey is a fly fishing writer, fly-tyer, and speaker. After guiding in British Columbia for ten years, she now splits her year between camp in northern BC and Australia. She is an FFF certified casting instructor, forager, bowhunter, and mother.

Summary

April Vokey can’t help but look at life differently. From a very early age, April loved fishing and hunting. She’s decided to shun quote-unquote more traditional work and instead start a business where she would be “all in” as a fly fishing guide, provide instructional courses, write, be a keynote speaker, and host a podcast on all things related to her interests while being a wife and mother came.

Her decision came with the expected challenges, but as a female in a male-dominated industry, she faced some challenges that men doing the same work would never have to face.

April is also passionate about the environment and conservation, especially now that she is raising her daughter to be a steward of the Earth.

Links/References

https://www.instagram.com/aprilvokey/

https://www.facebook.com/AprilVokey/

https://www.youtube.com/flygalventures 

Interview with John Dietsch

In this podcast episode, my cohost, Steve Miletto, of the “Teaching, Learning, Leading K12” podcast, and I talk with Elizabethton, TN High School teachers Daniel Proffitt, Jason Clevinger, and Patrick Roberts. Elizabethton is an XQ Super School with a mission to build a culture for learners to think and act as changemakers.

This episode discusses how the school actualizes this mission at the individual student level through its curriculum, school activities, and professional development. The school advocates for student agency, giving students a voice and choice in what and how they want to learn and promotes curiosity as a core determinant of academic achievement.

The episode also explores how faculty members in traditional core subjects such as Math, English, Science, and History encourage curiosity.

Referenced

Teaching, Learning, Leading K12 podcast

XQ Super School

Elizabethton High School

Cindy House is the author of Mother Noise, a memoir in essays, and is a regular opener for author/humorist David Sedaris on his tours across the country. She teaches in the MFA program at Lesley University.

In this brief episode, we follow Dr. Christian Busch’s 3-part process to showcase a beautiful example of personal serendipity — the act of creating personal smart luck.

Social Media

>Website: https://cindy-house.webflow.io/

>Memoir: Mother Noise

Referenced

For more on the 3-part Serendipity process, see episode #246 with guest Dr. Christian Busch.

Steve Jobs famously said, “You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.” Today’s guest would respectfully disagree. As guest Dr. Christian Busch writes, “serendipity is not just about a coincidence that happens to us, but it is actually through the process of spotting and connecting the dots do we start to see bridges where others see gaps.” This episode will explore that process.

Thus, Serendipity is “unexpected good luck resulting from unplanned moments in which proactive decisions lead to positive outcomes. Serendipity is the hidden force in the world.” Serendipity is smart luck versus blind luck.

Guest

Dr. Christian Busch is the author of The Serendipity Mindset and an internationally known expert in the areas of innovation, purpose-driven leadership, and serendipity.

He is the director of the CGA Global Economy Program at New York University (NYU), and also teaches at the London School of Economics (LSE). He is a co-founder of Leaders on Purpose and the Sandbox Network and a former director of LSE's Innovation Lab. He is a member of the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Expert Forum, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and on the Thinkers50 Radar list of the 30 thinkers "most likely to shape the future.

Links/References

Book: The Serendipity Mindset

Twitter: @ChrisSerendip

LinkedIn: Christian Busch

Book: Meaningful Coincidences

Ted Merwin, Ph.D. is a Senior Writer for the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). Before coming to JFNA, he worked as AIPAC’s Synagogue Initiative Director for the Mid-Atlantic Region. For many years, Ted taught Judaic studies at Dickinson College (Carlisle, Pa), where he was the founding director of the Milton B. Asbell Center for Jewish Life.

Summary

Look between the slices of rye bread of a traditional Jewish deli sandwich, and a time capsule of Jewish life in America emerges. The Jewish deli – a uniquely American institution – is the story of migration from Eastern and Central Europe and the struggle between wanting to retain Jewish culture and assimilate into American life. The story of Jewish life begins in the crowded tenements of New York City, migrates to the other boroughs, the nearby suburbs, and eventually throughout the U.S.

Key Discussions

How the Jewish deli in America

√ emerged as an institution unlike what immigrants had experienced in the shtetls of Eastern Europe.

√ evolved as a focal point of Jewish identity and remembrance, as a unifier of different immigrant Jewish cultures, and as a communal gathering place, especially for men.

√ had its roots in the culinary habits of German Jewish immigrants

√ rose in importance during the great depression and the rise of the American Nazi Party, especially in New York City.

√ migrated outside of New York City – to the suburbs, Miami and Los Angeles – in the aftermath of World War II.

√ as an institution declined due to various factors.

Social Media/Referenced

ULTRA

Pastrami on Rye: An Overstuffed History of the Jewish Deli

“I’ll Have What She’s Having”: The Jewish Deli at the New York Historical Society (through April 2, 2023)

Lee Ellis is a nationally-recognized leadership coach, award-winning author, certified speaking professional* (CSP), a Vietnam Veteran and former POW, and USAF Colonel (Ret) | President, Leading with Honor

Summary

Some of the most interesting writing on leadership has come from active and former military personnel, but Lee Ellis has the added dimension of learning leadership lessons the hard way as a five and half year Prisoner of War in the infamous Hanoi Hilton during the Vietnam War.

Key Discussions

√ How the POW experience influenced Lee’s leadership abilities and practices.

√ The importance of leaders showing vulnerability.

√ The leader’s role in establishing culture.

√ The best leaders integrate a focus on results and on the people doing the work.

√ Why adaptation is a critical leadership skill.

√ Why it’s important for a leader to cultivate a culture that fosters creativity and innovation.

Links/references

Leading with Honor website

Leading with Honor book

Engaging with Honor book

Founder of “Cherish Your World,” Laura Staley facilitates healthier connections to home, others, and self through decluttering, Feng Shui, and emotional intelligence. She’s the author of Abundant Heart, Live Inspired, Let Go Courageously and Live with Love: Transform Your Life with Feng Shui, & the Cherish Your World Gift Book.

Summary

For good reasons and bad, we surround ourselves with things. In this episode, we look at how "things" occupy our space — not just in terms of the physical world in which we exist, but at how that physical space reflects what’s going on in our head and heart. 

Key Discussions

√ Our things aren’t just things, they have stories attached to them.

√ The three organizational styles.

√ Decluttering the head, heart, and home — and seeing the relationship between the three.

√ The two drivers of clutter.

√ The importance of sharing your abundance with those who have lost everything.

√ The relationship between decluttering and death.

Links / References

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurastaley1/

https://www.facebook.com/laurastaleycherish

https://www.instagram.com/cherishyourworld/channel/?hl=en

In 2011, coach and author Jane Duncan Rogers was devastated when her husband died.  However, six years later, with two books and a TedX talk to her credit, she now runs her not-for-profit, “Before I Go Solutions.” Its mission is to create a world where people are at ease talking about and planning ahead for death.  It helps accomplish this by providing products and programs so people can create a good end-of-life plan and benefit from the peace of mind this brings. 

Summary

Generally speaking, our philosophy in the Western world is to ignore death and pretend that it's not going to happen. There’s another way to look at things.

Key Discussions

√ Why and how Jane started her organization, “Before I Go Solutions”

√ How she and her husband approached his impending death and why it produced a sense of relief and comfort

√ Why death planning is really an act of love

√ What questions we need to ask when planning for our death

√ How and why we should approach “death cleansing”

√ Why it’s critical to manage “secret papers”

√ The obstacles people put in front of themselves before engaging in death planning

√ The elephant in the room

√ The options to burial

√ What to say to someone grieving

Referenced

Social media

Website

TEDx Talk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beforeigosolutions/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/giftedbygrief

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeduncanrogers/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janeduncanrogers/

Books: 

Before I Go 

Gifted by Grief

The Comfort Crisis

Jeff Carver is an English teacher who has been working in New Orleans charter schools for the last nine years.  Before teaching, he spent the good part of a decade working in music and advertising. 

Nia DeCoux is a writer, educator, and activist who believes that when done well, storytelling and teaching become the same practice. Her work has been honored by both the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts and the National Black Arts Festival.

Summary

While many educators continue to follow the standard 150-year-old approach to instruction and learning, and others are leaving the profession for various reasons, many teachers are helping to ignite their students’ inherent curiosity.

Key Discussions

√ Desired learner outcomes for tested and non-tested courses

√ How student performance against the mission is measured

√ The importance of place-based and project-based learning

√ How kids and parents adapt to the unique New Harmony environment

√ Why Jeff and Nia became teachers, and how their teaching changed over time

√ How to introduce students to the idea of voice and choice

√ How to help teachers experiment with allowing students’ curiosity

Social media/References

website:  www.newharmonyhigh.org

Rising by Elizabeth Rush

Summary — Water is the most common physical property found on Earth, but its spiritual properties — its ability to soothe our souls, nurture us, and facilitate deep personal reflection — are just as important. John Dietsch, fly fisher, guide, film producer, author, and teacher, helps us wade into it.

Key Discussions

√ John’s calling and its relationship to water.

√ Focus on the process vs. the result.

√ The spiritual qualities and connection to water, and why being in water for the fly fisherman is as important as catching fish.

√ The purpose of faith.

√ The importance of making mistakes.

√ The two types of fly fishermen and how those types apply to life.

√ John’s role on A River Runs Through It and the iconic fly fishing scene at the film's end.

√ How the film and the film's metaphor parallel events in John’s life. And how the film helped him work through his own pain from the loss of his brothers.

√ How serendipity/synchronicity can play a role in our lives if we’re observant.

Social Media/References

John Dietsch 3104159232

John@castlecreekproductions.com

Johndietsch.com

Retreats

https://fishforwellness.org

Media

https://www.facebook.com/john.dietsch.332/

https://www.instagram.com/dietschjohn/

Graced by Waters book

Good Night Oppy

The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter

Home Waters by John Maclean

Summary — In this episode, we touch on various reasons for our K-12 system of schooling. Is it to prepare students for a career, acquire knowledge and skills, or develop creative thinking and problem solver abilities? And what about student agency? How much voice and choice in determining what and how students want to learn should we allow?

Key Discussions

√ How allowing educators more time to wonder will pay dividends in terms of improved instruction.

√ Why there is an inherent tension between giving educators time to wonder and the urgency to reform.

√ What the role of schooling is.

√ How the world of work and the expectations of a career have changed over time.

√ How we can, on the one hand, respect and believe in greater student agency while reducing our tendency to limit it because it means a loss of our traditional authority.

√ How global educators are grappling with the same question and coming up with different answers.

Links / References

For more information, visit rhondabroussard.com.

IG: @RhondaBroussard_Author

Twitter: @BroussardRhonda

The Reluctant Creative by Dr. Caroline Brookfield

Getting Unstuck Interview with Biology teacher, Nate Hassman

Getting Unstuck Interview with Tennessee high school educators

Getting Unstuck Interview with Michele Chen

Dr. Nate Zinsser is an expert in the psychology of human performance who consults with individuals and organizations seeking a competitive edge. He has been at the forefront of applied sport psychology for over thirty years. From 1992 to 2022 Dr Zinsser directed a cutting-edge applied sport psychology program at the United States Military Academy’s Center for Enhanced Performance. He is the author of The Confident Mind: A Battle-Tested Guide to Unshakable Performance.

Summary

Confidence is a state of mind achieved through training, choosing to focus on select experiences, and the ability to tell oneself a story based on a belief in a positive future.

Key Discussions

√ What are the Rosenthal or the Pygmalion effects, and how do they speak to performance?

√ What is confidence?

√ How does confidence apply to non-athlete and non-military leaders?

√ What is the three-part process of becoming a confident leader?

√ How does choice become a factor in building confidence?

√ How important is it to read non-verbal communication?

√ How do resilience and an “anti-fragile” mentality relate to confidence?

√ Why do negative self-doubting thoughts keep popping into our heads?

Links / References

website

The Confident Mind: A Battle-Tested Guide to Unshakable Performance

Leading With Honor: Leadership Lessons from the Hanoi Hilton by Colonel Lee Ellis

Guest — Sylvie Bigar was born in Geneva, Switzerland, and lives in New York City. Her writing has appeared widely, including in The New York Times, Washington Post, Food & Wine, Forbes.com, Saveur, Bon Appetit, Edible, Departures, Travel & Leisure, and National Geographic Traveler.

Sylvie co-authored chef Daniel Boulud’s definitive Daniel: My French Cuisine,  Living Art: Style Your Home with Flowers with floral artist and designer Olivier Giugni, and the recently published Cassoulet Confessions: Food. France, Family and the Stew That Saved My Soul.

Takeaways
√ Where, what, and when people eat gives you a sense of their culture.

√ Cassoulet is a bean-based stew with duck confit, sausage, pork, vegetables, and various herbs.

√ Sylvie’s investigation of the complex story of cassoulet — its history, ingredients, method of cooking, and the region where it originated — became a metaphor for her investigation into her personal history.

Links / References
Online social
www.sbigar.com
@sylviebigar

Book

Cassoulet Confessions: Food, France, Family and the Stew that Saved My Soul

Articles

Wall Street Journal

New York Times “Front Burner”

New York Post

Food & Wine

Bill Whiteside is a sales and marketing executive turned software salesman turned writer of narrative non-fiction, specifically a forthcoming book about an incident in Winston Churchill’s tenure as Britain’s Prime Minister during World War II.

Summary

In this episode of “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity,” I talk with Bill about the process of writing, which he’s detailed in a new book, Everybody Knows a Salesman Can’t Write a Book. As Bill has written, “My book is for anyone who dreams of turning a creative idea into commercial reality, especially anyone who wonders how to manage the intellectual and the business challenges of writing a book while working a "traditional" job.

Takeaways

√ Bill’s forthcoming book is a story about Winston Churchill and a deadly incident in the early days of World War II of which most people are not aware; a clash between the British and French who up to the time of the incident had been allies.

√ The book is an intersection of “how to write,” the content of the incident between Britain and France, and a memoir of Bill’s life during a specific period.

√ One of the key questions an aspiring writer has to ask themselves is “Do I have a deep enough passion for this topic to sustain me over a long period of time?”

√ In addition to passion, to motivate your readers, it’s important to have a sense that you can bring something different to your account of the story, especially with nonfiction.

√ One of the challenges of writing is deciding what to leave in, what to leave out.

√ There's always a reason not to do something. And most people find that reason and embrace that reason not to do something And it's the people who ignore that and say, I'm going to find the reasons to do something for the people who break through who are successful.

Links/References

Website: www.perfectlytruestory.com

Sign up for Bill’s monthly newsletter: https://www.perfectlytruestory.com/background-and-newsletter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-whiteside-lancaster-pa/

Twitter: @PerfAdequate

Email: bill.whiteside@perfectlytruestory.com

Reflecting on past decisions, actions, and accomplishments can be a springboard to future action or a recurring regret for what we didn’t do, impacting our ability to focus on the present.

Takeaways

√ Western society has slowly eliminated or reduced physical challenges to find food, build and take shelter, flee from predators, and avoid overly risky decisions. But that has resulted in us being more out of shape, overweight, anxious, burned out, materially focused, and generally more physically and mentally unhealthy than our predecessors.

√ We attempt to increase our happiness or dampen our dispirited selves through acquiring material possessions, increased wealth, sugar and salt-laden ultra-processed foods, and alcohol and other drugs.

√ Our view of death exacerbates our ability to focus productively on the present.

References

The Comfort Crisis

Like the powerful question organizations need to ask — “Why do we exist?” — “Why do I do what I do?” is a powerful question we should all ask ourselves periodically.

Takeaways

√ “Why does our organization exist?” is a powerful question that everyone in an organization should be able to answer uniformly. If they can’t, the organization’s purpose and people are likely out of alignment.

√ Misalignment can have a significant impact on staff morale, productivity, and achieving desired results.

√ Asking, “Why do I do what I do?” brings purpose setting down to the individual level.

√ If the work we do and how we do it is not in alignment with our deepest values, we will find ourselves in a position of misalignment — and suffer the consequences.

Referenced

A Month in a Tuscan Villa Didn’t Fix My Burnout

City Slickers

L.A. Confidential

Interview with Brooke Erol

Interview with Steve Miletto

In this episode, my friend and fellow podcaster, Steve Miletto, and I discuss the “next big thing,” the next chapter in our lives, the “one more” challenge we want to tackle.

My guest

Steve Miletto is the Executive Director of North Georgia Regional Educational Services Agency, which provides professional development services and support for 5 school systems in North Georgia. Steve is in his 36th year in public education in Georgia. He is also a professional leadership coach, a classroom teacher mentor and coach, a speaker on better instructional, leadership, and social media practices and the host of the very popular “Teaching Learning Leading K12” podcast. He is also a multiple award-winning teacher and principal.

Takeaways

√ “One more” is knowing that you have more in you to give to support your purpose.

√ School leaders are wrestling with staff resignations and how to encourage staff to stay.

√ When it comes to purpose, we tend to over-focus on the what and the how and under-focus on why we're doing what we're doing on behalf of those we serve.

√ Don’t look externally for purpose; look internally.

√ To find purpose, “Ask: would I regret not doing “X” or stopping too soon doing what I’m doing?

√ Feeling overwhelmed? Revisit your purpose. Ask yourself why you do what you do, and examine what you like doing.

References / Links

LinkedIn

Podcast: Teaching Learning Leading K12

YouTube Channel @smiletto

Instagram and Twitter @SRMiletto

Pinterest

Leadership from the Inside Out by Kevin Cashman

L.A. Confidential - “Why did you want to become a cop?”

Central to any focus on change are some looming questions: why change, how to change, and how to overcome obstacles. Looking broadly at change across many fields, what intrigues me about change is the engine that drives it, and that’s curiosity. And curiosity is not just a point in time; it’s a process: helping people to pause, reflect, ask questions, gain clarity and then change.

My guest

Andy Vargo is no stranger to change!

If you ever feel awkward about yourself, then you can understand how Andy Vargo lived the first forty years of his life. Coming out of the closet at forty doesn’t define him; pursuing his passion to help others does. Having changed everything about his life, Andy leads others as a motivational speaker and helps people live their fullest lives as a business and life-change coach. At night you can find him working stages around the northwest as a comedian, making light of his journey with the gift of laughter.

Awkward is not only his brand, but his style as Andy encourages us all to ‘Own Your Awkward’ and be true to your genuine self.

Takeaways

√ “Owning your awkward” is being true to who you really are.

√ When you recognize your awkwardness, it’s time to change.

√ “Authenticity” is not trying to fit in and put on a certain personality.

√ Often the initial questions that clients come to coaching with are only scratching the surface. It’s what’s below the surface that’s the real issue.

√ Change is not about just having a goal; it’s determining the results you want when you achieve the goal.

√ The problem to a solution is often contained in the problem itself.

√ Getting Unstuck is not an accident; it’s a process.

Referenced / Links

Andy hosts the “Own Your Awkward” podcast, authored the Awkward Journal series, and Own Your Awkward Life Changes. He shares his thoughts and ideas in his blog and video series at awkwardcareer.com.

Research has shown that curiosity can make us happier, increase academic achievement, and increase our emotional intelligence. And of equal importance, as today’s guest explains, curiosity is a divining rod in our search for creativity — a key ingredient of long-term business and personal success.

My guest

My guest in this episode is Dr. Caroline Brookfield, a veterinarian, stand-up comic, and passionate believer that we can courageously welcome creativity into our lives. She is the author of THE RELUCTANT CREATIVE: 5 Effortless Habits to Expand Your Comfort Zone.

Takeaways

√ Creativity is one of the top skills that people are going to need over the next 10-20 years to be effective problem solvers.

√ People — especially children — learn how not to be creative, in part because we are pattern and routine driven.

√ One of the killers of creativity is that we internalize how others react to our work.

√ Daydreaming can generate both negative and positive results.

√ D.A.N.C.E. D = Daydream A = Ambiguity N = Novelty C= Curiosity E= Edit later

√ Mindfulness gives you space to be creative.

√ Fear holds us back from experimentation.

Resources / Links / References

Free creative exercises from The Reluctant Creative

Instagram and tik tok @artfulscience

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-brookfield/

Book thereluctantcreative.com

Website carolinebrookfield.com

Much of the teaching profession is in turmoil. Thousands of teachers are leaving the field for a variety of reasons. Among them are:

• Teachers exhausted and dispirited after pivoting to remote instruction during the pandemic — and now having to quickly make up for “lost learning.”

• Teaching has been increasingly politicized through limitations on the content teachers can cover and how teachers can teach.

• Teachers feel unqualified to work effectively with students in critical areas such as social and emotional learning.

But many teachers who are working with enlightened leadership are flourishing and helping to ignite their students’ inherent curiosity.

My guest

Nate Hassman is on a quest: seize every possible opportunity to position students as leaders and experts, and partner with students to find a path that is individualized to their skills and interests. He wears several hats for Maine Township School District 207, in Des Plaines, Illinois, a suburb northwest of Chicago. By trade, Nate is a science teacher at Maine West High School. Additionally, he facilitates workshops with fellow teachers in action research and classroom culture, sponsors Maine West’s student mentor-leader organization, and coaches track and cross country.

Takeaways

√ District 207 sees its responsibility as providing students with multiple post-high pathways from which to choose depending on their interests and circumstances.

√ Nate’s teaching has evolved from a pure content focus to one where he generates experiences for the students to evolve as experts.

√ Methods of evaluating students have had to shift from traditional assessments to listening for the types of questions they ask and how they analyze problems.

√ Student curiosity is fostered through experiences that get them to think, not just regurgitate knowledge.

√ Curiosity is also fostered by bringing real-life news into the classroom and relating it to the course of study.

√ Effective leaders have mastered the art of adapting to internal and external stimuli, and they are not afraid to ask the collective to pause to consider options.

Referenced

New Harmony High School

> “Getting Unstuck” Interview

> School Website

Takeaways

√ People experience a form of grief when organizations go through layoffs.

√ Leadership is akin to being onstage because people are always looking at you, watching what you will say and do.

√ “Brave Leadership” is the act of staying true to who you are when the pressure is at its greatest.

√ The super-objective that we set for ourselves defines the impact that we want to have on others.

√ How you show up is how people see you, not what you believe. Authenticity is in the eye of the beholder.

√ If you are not curious about people, you cannot bring empathy to the conversation, and if you are not empathetic, you cannot be authentic and have the impact you want to have.

√ Because organizations are numbers-driven, leaders tend to focus on the work as opposed to the people doing the work.

√ Real presence doesn’t show up in the absence of obstacles.

My Guest

And someone who knows more than a thing or two about brave leadership is our guest in this episode, Kimberly Davis, author of the best-seller Brave Leadership, TEDx speaker, and founder of the Brave Leadership University.

Resources / Links / References

Company: onstageleadership.com

TEDx: youtube.com/watch?v=PgCBVGBHGx4

Book: braveleadershipbook.com/

Email: kimberly@braveleadershipuniversity.com

Twitter: OnStageKimberly

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kimberlydavisonstage

Patrick Lencioni - The Advantage

Interview – Joanne Duncan

Daniel Lubetzky – Do the Kind Thing

Interview – Dr. Ken Wallace

Sarah Elkins – “No Longer Virtual” Summit

There’s a lot of talk about why organizations need to have a purpose — why they do what they do on behalf of those they seek to serve — and to have that purpose go beyond being a mere marketing tagline.

What’s equally challenging to get at is how an organization defines its why, how they get staff buy-in — or better yet, staff input — and then has the discipline to choose activities that work towards fulfilling it.

My guest

My guest to help walk us through this topic is Brooke Erol. Brooke is a corporate dropout who pursued her dream of having more meaningful work for herself and others where we are not only seeking money but also contributing to a bigger cause. All her life is spent on writing, speaking, coaching, and consulting on this topic of having a life of fulfilling and purposeful work. She works both with individuals- YourBestLife and organizations - Purposeful Business, Inc.

Takeaways

√ Many businesses focus on profits over purpose instead of figuring out how to do both.

√ An organization’s pain point is not necessarily an expressed lack of purpose, but lack of purpose is often the driver below the surface.

√ Leaders at the highest point of an organization — founder, and CEO — must have a deep consciousness to understand the imperative of having and living a purpose fully.

√ Companies often face a litmus test as to whether they are going to honor their purpose in their decision-making,

√ Customers and job seekers should monitor a company over time to see if it adheres to its purpose.

√ The number one reason for the purpose to stick is the 100% commitment of the CEO or the founder.

√ Instead of trying to save the whole world, find one area where you can have an impact, and let that be your purpose.

Referenced/Resources/Links

Book: Create a Life You Love: Reflections on Living Life to the Fullest

Instagram: www.instagram.com/purposefulbusiness

www.instagram.com/happielliatwork

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ozlemerol

Twitter: www.twitter.com/boerol1

In this episode, I talk with Megan Miller, who, at an early age, discovered the power of learning a foreign language and now works to empower others who want or need to have a bilingual voice.

Megan is the founder of Aprovechar Language Solutions, LLC, whose mission is to empower anyone needing a bilingual voice. She offers a personalized, habit-based approach to teaching Spanish and English language and culture to adults worldwide.

Megan has over 20 years of experience in Spanish and has been obsessed with learning and teaching all of her life: from living abroad in Madrid, Spain, traveling worldwide, and being a training consultant and language coach.

Megan noted in our conversation that language has the power to help us transition from a “me” mentality to an “us” or “we” mentality. That is, by learning another language, one can better understand the culture and people it represents.

Takeaways

√ Motivation to do anything and curiosity are inextricably linked.

√ Without actually traveling, one can enjoy culture through literature, movies, and music.

√ Just as it is with English in the U.S., a foreign language has dialects and accents that shift from region to region.

√ If you want to learn a new language, study it as it pertains to something in the culture, e.g., cooking, sports, or art.

√ When learning a new language, dabble a little bit each day.

References/Links/Resources

Website: www.aprovecharlanguagesolutions.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/aprovecharlanguagesolutions

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aprovechar-language-solutions/

"Intentionally slammed into a tiny asteroid” is the operative phrase here. Let’s find out why that was done from one of the critical minds on the project, Michelle Chen, an engineer with the Johns Hopkins APL who led the team that developed the spacecraft’s SMART navigation system.

Takeaways

√ The D.A.R.T. mission — D.A.R.T. stands for Double Asteroid Redirection Test — was undertaken to see if we could nudge an asteroid out of an orbit that could potentially be on a path of hitting Earth.

√ The D.A.R.T. spacecraft flew on its own for the last 40 minutes or so of the mission, courtesy of the navigation system that Michelle and her team built. It had to be capable of maneuvering independently, given the speed at which it was flying and the distance between the craft and the JPL team.

√ Michelle judged the quality of her team, in part, by the quality of the questions they asked.

√ As a leader, Michelle believes in giving her team members room to explore and make mistakes.

√ Curiosity will help to define our future innovations.

√ What would you tell your younger self? Stay true to who you are, and ask questions.

References/Resources
New York Times: NASA Smashes Into an Asteroid, Completing a Mission to Save a Future Day

There were moments in the four decades that followed when death reared its head — close friends from my college years passed away, and I lost both my parents — but aside from the immediate grief, I continued to live life like most of us probably do: on cruise control. I got up, I went to work, I pursued my personal interests, and I went to bed. Rinse and repeat.

Carl Richards is a Certified Financial Planner™ and creator of the Sketch Guy column that appeared weekly in The New York Times (2010-2021). There, he used simple illustrations to introduce calming financial advice and counsel. He is also the author of The One-Page Financial Plan and The Behavior Gap resources — a book, website, and podcast that provide simple ideas to help us “Stop Doing Dumb Things with Money.” Carl’s goal is to demystify financial planning by focusing as much — or more — on the humans it serves as it does on the numbers.

 Topics discussed in this episode include:

• The crash of the housing market in 2008.
• The psychological underpinnings that influence money management.
• Using a tree as an analogy for financial counseling.
• Carl’s sketches as “shortcuts” and “souvenirs.”
• Simplifying the complex world of money management.
• “Conversation grenades.”
• Why Jeff focuses on curiosity.

Takeaways:

• If you want to understand money management, start by understanding fear and greed.
• When we talk about return on investment, emotional balance sheets are just as important as financial ones. The line between financial planning and therapy is super thin.
• Making the complex simple in terms of money management starts and stays with an unrelenting focus on one’s goals.
• Simple line illustrations can be used to engender problem-solving conversations outside the worlds of finance and money management.

 Links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/thinkingcarl
• https://twitter.com/behaviorgap
• The One Page Financial Plan

“The Behavior Gap” resources

• Behavior Gap Radio (free site)
• The Behavior Gap website
• The Behavior Gap book

My guest today is Richard Goldstein. Since joining the New York Times in 1980, Richard worked as an editor and an obituary writer, focusing on figures from the military and sports world.

Debbie Danielpour writes award-winning screenplays, libretti, fiction, and nonfiction. She has been an award-winning professor of fiction and screenwriting for over thirty years at San Francisco State University, Emerson College, Harvard University, and now at Boston University.

My guest in this episode is a master at looking at the familiar from a different angle. Dr. Christine Mason is a university professor, prolific author, workshop facilitator, yoga instructor, and painter.

In this episode, Sarah focuses on the role curiosity plays in informing our identity and how we define the relevance of our lives. And through that focus, Sarah has laid bare the bedrock of emotional intelligence because our personal identity and relevance are two key drivers of our behaviors toward others.

My first guest is Pat McHugh. Pat is the Executive Vice President of Sales for the hand2mind school publishing company, which develops supplemental curriculum, social and emotional learning products, and hands-on resources. He's starting to engage his curiosity to confront an issue that each of us will eventually face: retirement.

Sue Inches is an experienced environmental advocate, educator, and policy consultant. She is the author of the highly acclaimed Advocating for the Environment: How to Gather Your Power and Take Action.

OK, that’s Tania’s official bio. After talking with her for a couple of hours and studying what she does and how she works, I prefer to describe her as a “citizen for our age”: she’s a connector, an organizer, a contributor, a doer, a giver, and infinitely smart about how to approach the highly complex topics of the environment and climate change.

In this episode, we will wade into the literature of fly fishing — a contemplative, lyrical, and often poetic genre that examines water and our association with nature as a metaphor for life.

But what kind of opportunities do we routinely give kids to develop these leadership qualities? And what kind of barriers stand in the way of practice? Leadership coach, Dr. Lindsay Lyons, explains.

Whiles he’s not technically a leader inside a school anymore, Daniel Bauer epitomizes our “unstuck” philosophy with a unique brand of his own: developing "Ruckus Makers."

We extended the idea of simple through the work of Carl Richards, a certified financial planner. Richards has a knack for recasting complex ideas as simple illustrations with a few strokes of a felt-tip marker and paper no bigger than a napkin.

With the challenging year of COVID somewhat in the rearview mirror, we caught up with JoAnne and asked her to reflect on what guided her this past year and provide some guidance to educators who will again be facing a challenging school year.

Before she became a principal, JoAnne served as a first grade teacher, kindergarten teacher, and reading specialist. She believes in the brilliance of each child and knows firsthand that when we follow a child’s curiosity and interests, joyful, deep learning happens.

We extended that idea of having a disciplined mindset through Essentialism author, Greg McKeown's discussion of setting a priority versus priorities by asking the question "What's Important Now?"

Unlike adult-organized activities or technology-driven entertainment, unstructured play gives kids the opportunity to digest and make sense of their world and ultimately to grow as humans.

If opportunities for unstructured play are critical for kids’ sound mental health, are they also critical for adults?

We can choose to look at a problem and the constraints that surround it, and be frustrated, or we can work with what we have to find a solution. One of the principles of innovation science is that the solution is contained in the problem. In this episode, we'll look at some innovators who used that thinking.

Interpersonal relationships are critical, but their success may be dependent on the relationship we have with ourselves. Those relationships can suffer do to what psychologists call the "empathy gap." And that’s where we’re going to focus in this installment of “Worth a Listen, Look, or Read.”

Jamahl’s story inspired us to look for other educators who are trying to reshape schools. Here we found Emily Pilloton-Lam, the Executive Director of the nonprofit Girls Garage where she teaches young girls how to put power tools together with science and math principles to build projects for their communities.

A lot has happened since, so we decided to share Jamahl's good news in a brief update chat.

The story details how five school districts on Long Island, New York confronted a growing mental health problem among their students.

The solution that the district leaders and parents came up with relied on an external partnership and the innovation principle of “Near, Far, Sweet” – finding a solution that is desirable, feasible and viable.

I this week's episode, we introduce the concept of "resistance" as it potentially relates to students developing their agency — their choice and voice in what they want to learn, and how they want to learn and demonstrate their knowledge.

Project Wayfinder imagines a world where adolescent education is designed for all students to develop lives of meaning and purpose. It partner with educators to design innovative learning experiences that foster meaningful connection and guide students to navigate life with purpose.

Shelley went from a position of corporate power and prestige with one of the world's most iconic brands to the depths of near self-destruction. Only a recurring nightmare awakened her to the realization that life had to be and could be more.

To support that discussion, we welcome four school leaders from the Mesa, Arizona Public Schools who are leading the change effort now.