Leading Human

Why Knowing Your Partner isn't the Same as Understanding Them (and How the Enneagram Helps)

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 09:30:00 -0500

In this episode, Chad, co-founder of Big Self School and part of the Leading Human podcast team, discusses the transformative power of the Enneagram in long-term relationships. He highlights the common communication pitfalls couples face and how understanding each other’s Enneagram types can facilitate deeper connections and growth.

This episode also previews the upcoming Enneagram Couples Retreat on February 14th, 2026, in Chattanooga, designed to help couples understand their partner's core motivations and foster compassionate understanding.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:47 Understanding Relationship Dynamics

07:59 The Power of the Enneagram

14:01 Enneagram for Couples Retreat

21:33 Conclusion and Call to Action

If you're in Chattanooga this February, check out our Enneagram for Couples Retreat here. Early bird and 2 for 1 pricing while supplies last and ends December 17, 2025.

We do trainings all over. We'll bring a communication workshop in person or online. https://bigselfschool.com/trainings

Don't just take it from us, hear what others are saying: https://bigselfschool.com/testimonials.

Book a chemistry call. Learn more about what we do, how we might support you, and if the fit is right: https://calendly.com/shelley-bss/disc...

The 3 Communication Mistakes Leaders Make That Kill Trust (And How to Fix Them)

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:49:00 -0500

In this podcast episode, Chad Prevost, executive coach and co-founder of Big Self School, delves into the fundamentals of building trust within organizational teams. Chad highlights common communication mistakes that erode trust, such as making vague requests, assuming commitment when it hasn't been clearly given, and handling feedback poorly. He explains the importance of clear, committed communication and outlines a six-element framework for making effective requests, including the necessity of naming the timeframe and conditions of satisfaction.

Chad offers strategies for constructive feedback through the SBIA framework (Situation, Behavior, Impact, Ask), emphasizing the importance of daily conversations in trust-building. The episode underscores that effective communication and mutual accountability lead to better organizational outcomes and a healthier workplace environment.

We do trainings all over. We'll bring a communication workshop in person or online. https://bigselfschool.com/trainings

Don't just take it from us, hear what others are saying: https://bigselfschool.com/testimonials.

Book a chemistry call. Learn more about what we do, how we might support you, and if the fit is right: https://calendly.com/shelley-bss/disc...

Building Trust and Integrity: A Leadership Journey with Jim Carlough

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 04:30:00 -0500

In this episode of Leading Human, host Chad welcomes leadership expert and author Jim Karloff to discuss his book, 'The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership: A Roadmap to Success.' Jim shares his journey in leadership, the inspiration behind his book, and how the six pillars—compassion, empathy, stability, focus, humor, and the crucial element of integrity—can be effectively implemented in any organization. Tune in to explore the nuances of these pillars, learn from Jim's professional experiences, and gain insights into building a resilient, people-first team in today's rapidly changing world.

00:00 Introduction to Jim Karloff and His Leadership Philosophy

00:55 Jim's Journey to Writing 'The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership'

03:28 Unveiling the Six Pillars

04:26 The Importance of Integrity in Leadership

05:38 Identifying and Addressing Leadership Weaknesses

07:39 The Role of Compassion and Empathy in Leadership

09:29 A Real-Life Example of Compassionate Leadership

15:49 Building Trust and Loyalty Through Integrity

16:33 Balancing Empathy and Accountability in Leadership

17:44 Supporting Employees Through Personal Crises

20:25 Challenges of Maintaining Integrity in Leadership

23:58 The Importance of Organizational Culture

25:22 Rapid Fire Leadership Insights

31:38 Book Giveaway and Final Thoughts

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you.

Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.

Finding Enoughness with David Spinks

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Leading Human, we sit down with David Spinks, a renowned community builder, coach, and storyteller, to explore his journey of cultivating resilience, belonging, and inner alignment. From founding CMX to dealing with burnout and anxiety, David shares his personal experiences and insights on finding enoughness and leading with heart and clarity. Tune in to hear about his transition from a high-achievement culture, dealing with personal crises, and the importance of authenticity and alignment in leadership. Learn how to navigate challenges, balance ambition, and tap into clean fuel to create meaningful impact in your life and communities.

00:00 Introduction to David Spinks

01:16 David's Journey to Enoughness

02:51 The Turning Point: Burnout and Sabbatical

04:15 Facing Personal Challenges

06:31 Coaching Leaders Through Inner Work

07:25 The Parable of the Second Arrow

11:10 Community Leadership and Emergence

15:32 Authenticity and Alignment in Leadership

19:23 Navigating Transitional Periods

20:24 Balancing Ambition and Ego

22:16 Dirty Fuel vs. Clean Fuel

26:28 Radical Responsibility in Leadership

30:09 Rapid Round Wrap-Up

32:41 Final Thoughts and Resources

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you.

Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.

The Art and Science of Emotionally Intelligent Team Building with Vanessa Druskat

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:29:00 -0500

Join us in this episode of Leading Human as we delve into the importance of team norms, emotional intelligence, and collaborative culture with Vanessa Drucker, author of 'The Emotionally Intelligent Team.' Discover how the right practices can transform team dynamics, optimize interactions, and enhance performance. Vanessa shares insightful stories and practical steps on building psychologically safe and emotionally intelligent teams. Make sure to watch this episode to learn the secrets of high-performing teams and how to implement them in your organization.

00:00 Introduction to Emma AI and Today's Guest

00:36 The Power of Team-Based Tools

01:43 Introducing Vanessa Druskat and Her Work

09:46 Vanessa Joins the Conversation

09:57 The Importance of Emotional Norms in Teams

10:24 Real-World Example: Engineers' Transformation

16:09 Building Psychological Safety in Teams

17:20 The Role of Leaders in Team Culture

18:49 Implementing Team Norms and Accountability

23:42 Measuring and Changing Team Culture

25:43 Team Building Exercises: Getting to Know Each Other

26:46 Establishing Team Norms

28:06 The Role of the Leader in Team Culture

30:16 Dealing with Difficult Personalities

32:48 The Importance of Belonging in Teams

40:28 Rapid Fire Questions: Insights on Team Dynamics

44:34 Conclusion and Resources

Where to find Vanessa Druskat's groundbreaking book.

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you.

Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.

Transforming Stress Into Strategic Clarity with Pankaj Singh

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Pankaj Singh is a leadership strategist and founder of Singh Leadership, where he helps high-achieving professionals transform burnout into clarity and purpose using neuroscience-informed frameworks like the Purpose Factor

If Leading Human is where emotional intelligence meets organizational impact, then Pankaj Singh is your kind of guest. A former C-suite leader who began his journey training under a lama, Pankaj now empowers leaders to transform reactive pressures into purpose-driven presence.

In this episode of 'Leading Human', Chad welcomes Pankaj Singh, a leadership strategist and founder of Singh Leadership, to discuss turning stress into strategic clarity, the role of purpose in leadership, and how mindfulness can unlock better decision-making. Pankaj shares his journey from a stressful professional experience to developing neuroscience-informed frameworks like the Purpose Factor and the Inner Compass Journey. The conversation covers how leaders can reframe chronic stress, the importance of being present, and specific practices such as micro journaling and mindfulness exercises. Pankaj also discusses the PROGRESS and PIVOT frameworks, and the significant impacts of aligning personal purpose with organizational goals on productivity and employee retention.

01:09 Pankaj Singh's Stressful Turning Point

02:49 Understanding Chronic Stress and the Brain

04:50 Mindful Micro Practices

08:07 The Purpose Factor Framework

10:12 Micro Journaling and Reflection

15:01 The PIVOT Framework for Mindfulness

17:37 Impact of Mindfulness on Productivity

20:36 Understanding Your Audience

21:07 Organizing Your Life: Emotional and Relational Aspects

21:26 The Importance of Relationships

22:32 Aligning with Your Purpose

23:01 The Role of Fulfillment in Coaching

23:11 The 14-Week Journey

23:34 Practicing Mindfulness and Meditation

25:21 Balancing Technology and Humanity

26:58 Augmented Intelligence and AI Tools

27:15 Conscious Data Framework

29:43 Micro-Journaling and Presence

33:23 Final Thoughts and Resources

Connect with Pankaj

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you.

Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.

Leading with Resilience: A Conversation with Dr. Eva Selhub

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode of 'Leading Human,' host Chad Prevost sits down with Dr. Eva Selhub, a Harvard-trained physician and bestselling author, to explore the intersection of cutting-edge neuroscience and ancient wisdom.

Dr. Selhub shares her journey from conventional medicine to studying resilience and the mind-body connection after a life-changing experience. They discuss the importance of emotional intelligence, stress management, and creating healthy habits for leaders. Dr. Selhub outlines six pillars of resilience and provides practical tips on how to translate scientific understanding into everyday practices that enhance performance and well-being.

The conversation also delves into the significance of intuition in leadership and how to balance it with data-driven decision-making. Dr. Selhub emphasizes the necessity of self-awareness, compassion, and how to recognize and manage fear-driven behaviors. Listeners will gain valuable insights on how to lead with empathy, adapt to stress effectively, and create a thriving work culture.

01:23 A Life-Changing Experience

02:06 Exploring Mind-Body Medicine

03:40 Transition to Leadership and Coaching

04:47 Understanding Emotional Intelligence

12:18 The Science of Stress and Resilience

16:55 Practical Habits for Leaders

17:58 Understanding Stress and the Brain

18:32 Managing Stress with Self-Compassion and Mindfulness

18:44 Activating the Vagal System

19:19 The Role of Neuroplasticity in Stress Management

19:40 Practical Techniques for Stress Reduction

22:04 The Importance of Intuition in Leadership

23:01 Balancing Intuition with Data

24:26 Recognizing Fear-Driven Behavior

24:46 The Power of Self-Awareness in Leadership

27:32 Rapid Fire Wrap-Up

33:38 Morning Luxuriating and Final Thoughts

Find her at her website here

More about Dr. Selhub's course here.

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you.

Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.

Burn the OKRs, Build the Vision End metric theater with Radhika Dutt

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Leading Human, host Chad interviews Radhika Dutt, author of 'Radical Product Thinking' and the forthcoming book 'Escaping the Performance Trap.' Dutt challenges the conventional wisdom of goal-setting in performance management, arguing that tools like OKRs and KPIs often backfire.

Instead, she introduces an alternative framework focused on detailed vision statements, puzzle setting, and puzzle solving, which encourages continuous learning and adaptation. The conversation explores the history of goal-setting, its limitations in complex environments, and practical steps for implementing Dutt's approach.

Author of Radical Product Thinking, a speaker and entrepreneur, Radhika Dutt has participated in 5 acquisitions, 2 of which were companies she founded. She's an advisor on Product Thinking to the Monetary Authority of Singapore. She's also an MIT grad with SB and M.Eng in EECS, and speaks nine languages.

01:12 Challenging Traditional Management

03:38 The History and Problems with Goal Setting

07:25 Alternative Approaches to Alignment

14:56 Implementing Puzzle Setting and Solving

20:30 Overcoming Resistance to Change

26:23 Lightning Round and Conclusion

Radhika's LinkedIn profile

Radhika’s Website

Radical Product Thinking (website for the methodology and Radhika’s first book)

Speaker reel

Links to the OHL framework/ toolkit

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you.

Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.

After the L: Communication Moves That Build Trust with Jen Mueller

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Leading Human, host Chad converses with Jen Mueller, a seasoned sports broadcaster, leadership coach, and host of Talk Sporty to Me.

Jen shares her unique experiences of interviewing athletes while cooking, and how these interactions reveal vulnerability and human connection. The discussion delves into critical leadership communication strategies, emphasizing the importance of timely, clear, and meaningful feedback.

Jen draws parallels between leadership in sports and business, highlighting the role of clear objectives and the nuances of giving accurate praise and constructive feedback. She also provides actionable advice on preparing for and handling challenging conversations, the significance of learning from setbacks, and fostering a resilient team culture.

Jen Mueller is a business communication expert and the founder of Talk Sporty to Me, where she helps companies level up their communication skills with actionable strategies inspired by her 25-year career as a sports broadcaster.

An Emmy-award-winning producer, Jen is in her 16th season as the Seattle Seahawks sideline radio reporter and has spent 18 years with the Seattle Mariners on ROOT SPORTS. She’s known for building strong relationships, delivering meaningful content in short bursts, and expertly handling post-game interviews (while dodging Gatorade baths!).

01:11 The Power of Vulnerability in Cooking Interviews

01:57 Leadership Communication: A Daily Discipline

03:30 The Importance of Clear Objectives in High-Stress Situations

05:26 The Dangers of False Praise and Generic Feedback

09:08 Setting Clear Expectations and Accountability

16:00 Handling Difficult Conversations with Empathy

18:54 Learning from Setbacks and Building Resilience

21:51 Common Pitfalls in Leadership Feedback

24:40 Lightning Round: Quick Insights with Jen Mueller

Check out Jen's impactful and entertaining work here:

https://www.youtube.com/@TalkSportyToMe

https://www.instagram.com/TalkSportytoMe/

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

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you.

Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.

EQ Mastery: Integrating Mind, Body, and Spirit with Scott Allender

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode of 'Leading Human,' host Chad Prevost welcomes Scott Allen, a seasoned leadership development strategist, certified emotional intelligence coach, and Enneagram teacher. Scott delves into his book, 'The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence,' which correlates the nine Enneagram types to core EQ skills, offering a pathway to radical self-awareness. The conversation explores Scott's insights on how integrating the Enneagram with emotional intelligence can lead to profound personal and professional growth, highlighting the importance of self-awareness in leadership. Chad and Scott also share personal anecdotes and practical advice for embracing emotional awareness to enhance decision-making, relationships, and stress management.

00:00 Introduction to Scott Allender

00:06 Scott Allen's Background and Achievements

01:41 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence

05:00 Scott's Journey with Emotional Intelligence and the Enneagram

06:28 Understanding Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence

07:51 Personal Insights and Enneagram Types

13:17 Integrating Emotions, Body, and Mind

16:25 Coaching Leaders on Emotional Intelligence

21:04 Exploring EQ Buckets and Self-Perception

23:45 Emotional Repression and Anger

25:36 Discovering the Enneagram

26:11 Understanding Envy and Healing

27:05 The Complexity of Type Four

29:45 Practical Applications of the Enneagram

31:48 Challenges and Benefits of Enneagram Awareness

33:46 Path to Genuine Transformation

40:52 Integrating Head, Heart, and Body

43:35 Final Thoughts and Resources

Check out Scott's book, Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence here. And his Enneaflip, a quick resource for understanding type to type communication.

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you.

Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.

Emotions as Data: Joshua Freedman's EQ Wisdom for the Modern Leader

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Leading Human, Chad sits down with EQ-research pioneer Joshua Freedman.

Who’s our guest?

Joshua Freedman — co-founder & CEO of Six Seconds, the world’s largest emotional-intelligence network.

Why listen?

Led EQ programs in 50+ countries and helped seed regional teams now serving 7 million+ learners.
Author of 5 books and creator of 6 validated EQ assessments that turn “soft skills” into hard data.
Partnered with brands like FedEx, U.S. Navy, HSBC, Intel, Amazon, and the UN to produce measurable gains in the people-side of performance.
Co-architect of the POP-UP Festival with UNICEF World Children’s Day—free EQ activities for kids worldwide.

Origin story highlights

First discovered EQ as a teacher/administrator at Nueva School (later profiled by Daniel Goleman).
Serial entrepreneur—once a licensed building contractor—and former theater stage manager/tech director.

Big idea

Emotions are data, not baggage. When people realize they have agency over that data, freedom, authenticity, and purpose ignite.
Expected takeaways

A simple framework to measure and grow EQ.
How compassionate wisdom boosts both well-being and bottom-line results.
Practical tips for weaving EQ into teams, kids’ programs, and your own daily choices.

🎧 Tune in to learn how mastering emotions can transform performance—and why, for Joshua, inspiring “compassionate wisdom” is more than a mission statement; it’s a measurable practice.

Check out Joshua Freedman's 6 Seconds organization here.

Here's his 2011 classic: The Heart of Leadership

And his 2010 on organizational change with EQ:

Inside Change: Transforming Your Organization with Emotional Intelligence

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you.

Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.

Enneagram Communication Workplace Dynamics Type 8 and Type 9

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In the final episode of the Leading Human series about Enneagram type communication dynamics in the workplace, we explore the interactions between Types 8 and 9. The episode delves into the synergies of these neighboring body types, highlighting how their partnership can merge strength with diplomacy and balance leadership with harmony. It also discusses potential conflicts arising from their differing paces and decision-making styles, offering practical strategies for nines to voice their needs and for eights to practice patience. The episode aims to enhance emotional intelligence, promote psychological safety, and provide actionable insights for effective communication and teamwork.

00:00 Introduction and Series Overview

03:15 Understanding Type 8 and Type 9 Dynamics

03:37 Synergies Between Type 8 and Type 9

07:03 Potential Conflicts and Resolutions

10:35 Effective Communication Strategies

16:10 Balanced Leadership and Conclusion

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.

Enneagram Communication Workplace Dynamics Type 7 and Type 9

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Leading Human, we conclude our series on Enneagram type-to-type communication dynamics in the workplace by focusing on the interaction between Type Seven and Type Nine. We explore how these types can create a harmonious working relationship, highlighting their strengths and synergies as well as the challenges they might face. Practical communication tips are offered to help tailor strategies to building trust, achieving higher emotional intelligence, and ensuring psychological safety. Specific advice includes setting clear deadlines, involving both types in decision-making, proactive communication, and leveraging each other's strengths for optimal team performance. The episode emphasizes the importance of trust and provides insights into handling potential conflicts for a productive and pleasant workplace.

00:00 Introduction to Enneagram Type Communication

03:08 Understanding Type Seven and Type Nine Dynamics

03:15 Strengths and Synergies of Type Seven and Type Nine

06:29 Challenges in Type Seven and Type Nine Interactions

10:25 Strategies for Effective Communication

14:42 Conclusion and Further Resources

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.

Enneagram Communication Workplace Dynamics Type 7 and Type 8

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode of 'Leading Human,' the focus is on understanding the communication dynamics between Enneagram Type 7 and Type 8 in the workplace. Broadcasting from Common House in downtown Chattanooga, the episode explores the high-octane interaction between these energetic types. It covers their strengths, such as Type 8's assertiveness blending with Type 7's creativity, and synergies like their shared love of independence. The episode also delves into potential conflicts, addressing issues like control versus freedom and different emotional responses. Practical tips are offered on managing these dynamics effectively, emphasizing the importance of open, respectful communication and leveraging each type's unique strengths. The discussion aims to help listeners improve team collaboration, conflict resolution, and leadership aligned with emotional intelligence and psychological safety.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

02:08 Understanding Enneagram Types

04:02 Type 7 and Type 8 Dynamics

05:24 Synergies and Strengths

07:28 Potential Conflicts and Challenges

11:48 Strategies for Effective Communication

14:19 Conclusion and Resources

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.

Enneagram Communication Workplace Dynamics Type 6 and Type 9

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Leading Human, we delve into the Enneagram type-to-type communication dynamics, focusing on how Type Nine and Type Six interact in the workplace. We explore the synergies between these types, emphasizing how their complementary styles can create a stable and secure environment. The discussion covers potential conflicts, including decisiveness issues and energy mismatches, and offers practical strategies to mitigate these challenges. Listeners are encouraged to implement frameworks and communication techniques to enhance trust and efficiency within their teams. The episode also calls for listener feedback to share their effective team communication practices.

00:00 Introduction to Enneagram Type Dynamics

01:22 Building Trust in Teams

03:16 Synergies Between Type Nine and Type Six

08:05 Challenges in Type Nine and Type Six Interactions

11:11 Strategies to Mitigate Friction

16:00 Conclusion and Call to Action

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.

Enneagram Communication Workplace Dynamics Type 6 and Type 8

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Leading Human, the focus is on the communication dynamics between Enneagram Types 6 and 8 in the workplace. Hosts discuss how these two types, known for their loyalty and concern for security, can form a powerful team when trust is established. The episode delves into the natural synergies, potential conflicts, and practical strategies for building and maintaining trust between Type 6 and Type 8 individuals. It highlights the complementary strengths of each type and offers tips for fostering effective collaboration, making it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance workplace relationships using the Enneagram framework.

00:00 Introduction to Enneagram Type Communication

01:18 Understanding Type 8 and Type 6 Dynamics

02:19 Synergies Between Type 8 and Type 6

04:56 Communication Styles and Trust Building

07:38 Potential Conflicts and Misunderstandings

12:07 Strategies for Building Trust and Effective Collaboration

17:08 Conclusion and Additional Resources

Enneagram Communication Workplace Dynamics Type 6 and Type 7

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode of 'Leading Human in the Workplace,' we dive deep into the communication dynamics between Enneagram types 6 and 7. These 'head types' each manage fear and anxiety in different yet complementary ways—type 6 with caution and planning, and type 7 with optimism and exploration. Despite their differences, this pairing can create a balanced and dynamic partnership rooted in mutual trust, empathy, and support. The episode offers practical strategies to blend the strengths of both types, enhancing emotional intelligence and psychological safety within the workplace.

00:00 Introduction and Series Overview

01:34 Type 6 and Type 7 Dynamics

02:09 Complementary Strengths

05:29 Potential Frictions

07:56 Building Trust and Effective Communication

08:28 Practical Strategies for Collaboration

10:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.

Enneagram Communication Workplace Dynamics Type 5 and Type 9

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Leading Human, we explore the interaction dynamics between Enneagram Types 5 and 9 in a professional setting. Host dives into their strengths, synergies, and challenges, offering practical tips for communication, leadership, and conflict resolution. By understanding how these types complement each other and addressing their passive tendencies, teams can achieve effective collaboration and decision-making. Tune in to learn how to foster trust, emotional intelligence, and proactive communication between Type 5s and Type 9s in the workplace.

00:00 Introduction to Enneagram Type Communication

00:13 Overview of Type 5 and Type 9 Dynamics

02:44 Strengths and Synergies of Type 5 and Type 9

06:11 Challenges in Type 5 and Type 9 Interactions

10:02 Practical Communication Tips

13:22 Conclusion and Further Resources

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.

Enneagram Communication Workplace Dynamics Type 5 and Type 8

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode of 'Leading Human,' we delve into the communication dynamics between Enneagram Type 5 and Type 8 in the workplace. Explore how these two distinct types—Type 5 strategic thinkers and Type 8 decisive leaders—complement and challenge each other in leadership, conflict resolution, team collaboration, and more. Discover the synergies and potential conflicts of this pairing, along with practical communication strategies to foster greater psychological safety and effectiveness. Whether you're a newcomer or a regular listener, this episode provides high-level insights to encourage better communication and stronger team dynamics.

00:00 Introduction to Enneagram Communication Dynamics

01:03 The Unexpected Popularity of Enneagram Insights

01:45 High-Level Overview of Communication Dynamics

02:55 Challenges in Workplace Communication

05:12 Understanding Type 5 and Type 8 Pairing

06:25 Strengths of Type 5 and Type 8 Collaboration

08:38 Potential Conflicts and Power Struggles

12:33 Strategies for Effective Collaboration

15:57 Conclusion and Resources

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.

Enneagram Communication Workplace Dynamics Type 5 and Type 7

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0500

This episode of Leading Human focuses on the communication dynamics between Enneagram types 5 and 7 in the workplace. The discussion covers how these two head types interact, their respective strengths, synergies, and the potential challenges in leadership, conflict resolution, team collaboration, and feedback. Practical tips are provided for improving communication, such as establishing processes and pacing, leveraging each type's strengths, and fostering mutual respect. The goal is to help create a work environment where both types can contribute meaningfully to innovation and project success.

00:00 Introduction to Enneagram Type Communication

01:45 Overview of Types Five and Seven

02:26 Strengths and Synergies

05:17 Challenges and Conflicts

09:31 Practical Tips for Collaboration

13:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.

Enneagram Communication Workplace Dynamics Type 5 and Type 6

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0500

This episode of the 'Leading Human' series delves into the communication dynamics between Enneagram Type 5 and Type 6 personalities in the workplace. It explores their strengths, such as analytical rigor, risk-aware strategies, and their synergies in creating effective strategic partnerships. Challenges and potential conflicts due to their differing thinking styles are also discussed, along with practical communication tips to maintain trust and transparency. The episode emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, active listening, and creating a psychologically safe work environment for both types.

00:00 Introduction to the Series

02:10 Overview of Type 5 and Type 6 Dynamics

02:14 Strengths and Synergies

06:55 Challenges and Watch Outs

10:32 Practical Communication Tips

14:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.

In Search of the Miraculous, Introducing Gurdjieff Pt. 2

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode (part 2 of 2) of Leading Human, recorded at the Common House Podcast Studio in Chattanooga, Chad discusses the show's evolution towards examining the impact of technology, specifically AI, on human lives alongside personal development and coaching. The episode provides a detailed exploration of the Enneagram and its applications in understanding human communication and growth. It delves into the teachings of GI Gurdjieff and the profound concepts presented in the book In Search of the Miraculous, exploring themes such as self-observation, conscious effort, and the importance of balancing intellectual, emotional, and physical centers. The discussion also emphasizes the necessity of a shared, communal approach to growth rather than individualistic improvement.

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.

In Search of the Miraculous, Introducing Gurdjieff Pt. 1

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode (part 1 of 2) of Leading Human, Chad discusses the show's evolution towards examining the impact of technology, specifically AI, on human lives alongside personal development and coaching. The episode provides a detailed exploration of the Enneagram and its applications in understanding human communication and growth. It delves into the teachings of GI Gurdjieff and the profound concepts presented in the book In Search of the Miraculous, exploring themes such as self-observation, conscious effort, and the importance of balancing intellectual, emotional, and physical centers. The discussion also emphasizes the necessity of a shared, communal approach to growth rather than individualistic improvement.

00:00 Introduction and Show Updates

02:05 New Co-Hosts and Show Format

04:19 Introduction to the Enneagram Series

05:46 Exploring the Life of GI Gurdjieff

10:39 Personal Journey and Burnout

15:45 In Search of the Miraculous: Book Summary

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.

AI's Impact: From Job Disruption to Personal Empowerment

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode of 'Leading Human,' host Chad Prevost welcomes co-hosts Allan Davis and Shelley Prevost for a wide-ranging discussion on artificial intelligence. They delve into AI's current trajectory, its potential to displace jobs, and how individuals can prepare for this evolving landscape.

The conversation spans from personal anecdotes to deeper reflections on societal changes, the need for emotional readiness, and the future of work in an AI-driven world. The episode also explores the technological optimism and the importance of authenticity and community in navigating these transformative times.

00:05 Introducing the Co-Hosts

01:41 Vacation Stories and Updates

03:54 AI Developments and Industry Impact

06:41 Future of Jobs and AI

12:45 Hollywood Disruption and AI

15:38 Advice for the Next Generation

20:02 Reflecting on the Futility of Jobs

20:24 Practical Steps for Lawyers and AI

21:01 Building with AI Tools

21:36 Macro and Micro Perspectives on AI

23:16 The Role of Communication in Crises

26:04 The Future of Money and Scarcity

30:03 Hyper Individuality and AI

35:20 AI in Education and Constraints for Children

37:25 Concluding Thoughts on AI and Society

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.

The Latest Meditation Neuroscience: Transforming Your Brain One Moment at a Time

Fri, 30 May 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Leading Human, powered by Big Self School, we delve into the neuroscience behind meditation and its profound effects on the brain. Dr. Chad Prevost discusses state and trait changes in brain activity from meditation, highlighting research on gamma wave synchronization, aging effects, and the emotional benefits of practices like loving-kindness meditation.

Even brief moments of meditation can lead to significant changes in brain function and promotes practical steps to incorporate mindfulness into daily life.

00:00 Introduction to Leading Human

00:28 The Neuroscience of Meditation

01:35 Meditation's Impact on the Brain

02:58 Loving Kindness Meditation

06:03 Meditation and Stress Reduction

07:55 Long-Term Benefits of Meditation

10:43 Getting Started with Meditation

12:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.

Mindfulness in Real Life: Insights from the 2025 Meditation Practice Report

Mon, 26 May 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Leading Human, powered by Big Self School, Dr. Chad Prevost discusses the importance of mindfulness in our daily lives and provides insights from the 2025 Meditation Practice Report. The report, based on a survey of 212 people in the Mindful Leader community, reveals that meditation is often a solo activity practiced in short durations, typically in the morning.

Key takeaways include the need for mindfulness programs to reflect real-life constraints, the demand for community support, and the differing motivations between genders for practicing mindfulness. Amid personal anecdotes and humor, the episode underscores creating accessible and human-centered mindfulness practices.

00:00 Introduction to Leading Human Podcast

01:11 Understanding Mindfulness

02:31 Mindfulness in Practice

05:17 Key Takeaways from the Mindfulness Report

08:50 The Importance of Community in Mindfulness

12:08 Gender Differences in Mindfulness

13:09 Humorous Meditation Interruptions

14:49 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Download the full Mindful Leader 2025 report here.

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.

Building Trust Through Effective Communication and Accountability

Fri, 23 May 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Leading Human, Chad Prevost, co-founder of Big Self School, explores the crucial steps for navigating challenging conversations. From preparation to execution and follow-up, Chad outlines a three-phase approach to ensure meaningful communication and accountability in the workplace.

Learn why pre-work is essential, how to manage emotions during the conversation, and the importance of following up. This episode offers practical tips and frameworks, including the SBIA method, to help leaders handle difficult discussions effectively. Stay tuned for actionable insights to enhance your leadership and your team's performance.

00:00 Introduction to Leading Human Podcast

00:46 Understanding Communication Gaps

01:47 Preparing for Difficult Conversations

05:43 During the Conversation: Handling Emotions

08:35 Post-Conversation Accountability

13:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.

The Hidden Cost of Poor Communication

Mon, 19 May 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to 'Leading Human,' where Chad Prevost, co-founder of Big Self School, delves into the critical role communication plays in maximizing team potential and productivity. In this episode, Chad explores why effective communication is more vital than ever in today's evolving work landscape, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and psychological safety. He discusses the hidden costs of poor communication, backed by studies from the Holmes Report and Grammarly, and offers practical strategies for improving communication—ranging from teaching emotional fluency to cultivating psychological safety. Chad also touches on the need for leaders to shift from control to curiosity and highlights the importance of repair in maintaining healthy team dynamics. Tune in and learn how to foster a more connected and productive workplace through better communication.

00:00 Introduction to Leading Human

01:25 The Prevost Connection

02:41 The Evolving Job Market

06:25 The Importance of Communication

09:27 The Cost of Poor Communication

16:52 Effective Communication Strategies

19:28 Emotional Fluency and Psychological Safety

22:52 Curiosity Over Control

28:07 Normalizing Repair and Slowing the Tempo

33:24 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.

Are We Living in an Age of Cultural Collapse—or Just in the Boring Part?

Fri, 16 May 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Leading Human, host Chad Prevost dives into the topic of cultural stagnation, comparing it to historical periods of minimal change. Chad explores how today's world, although rapid in technological advancements, feels creatively flat and risk-averse. He discusses societal comfort in predictability and the declining originality in music, films, and arts, while emphasizing how independent creators are still thriving underground. The episode also notes the cyclical nature of cultural trends and the important role of grassroots innovation in driving future change. Chad concludes by encouraging support for indie voices and creative endeavors despite the challenging landscape.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

03:22 Historical Context of Cultural Stagnation

06:00 Modern Examples of Cultural Stagnation

12:22 The Underground Creative Movement

21:20 The Future of Cultural Change

25:26 Conclusion and Call to Action

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.

Kurt Vonnegut, AI, and the Utopia No One’s Ready For

Mon, 12 May 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Leading Human, host Chad Prevost discusses the relevance of Kurt Vonnegut's 1952 novel, Player Piano, in the context of today's AI-driven world. Prevost explores the book's depiction of a future where machines perform both physical and cognitive labor, drawing parallels to current advancements in AI and its societal implications. He emphasizes the need to consider the human experience during this transitional period, addressing issues of job displacement, identity, and societal value. Prevost also reflects on the promises and challenges of AI, advocating for a thoughtful and balanced approach to integrating AI into our lives and work.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:29 Introducing 'Player Piano' by Kurt Vonnegut

01:55 Relevance of 'Player Piano' to AI and Modern Society

07:21 The Hierarchical Society in 'Player Piano'

08:35 The Turning Point: Paul Proteus' Struggle

11:05 AI's Impact on Society and Human Identity

14:57 Big Self School's Mission and AI Integration

17:21 Conclusion and Invitation to Engage

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.

The Human Advantage: Elevating Skills in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Fri, 09 May 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Host Chad Prevost explores how AI is transforming the modern workplace and the growing importance of emotional intelligence, empathy, and ethical decision-making. He highlights the shift towards human-centric skills as routine tasks become automated, emphasizing that the future of work involves integrating AI with human strengths like creativity, strategic thinking, and interpersonal communication.

Featuring insights from recent reports and studies, the episode underscores the need for a collaborative approach between AI and humans to create innovative and meaningful workplaces.

00:00 Introduction to Leading Human

00:32 The Role of AI in the Future of Work

01:37 Human-Centric Skills in the AI Era

03:16 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence

04:32 The Value of People Skills

06:08 Actionable Takeaways for Professionals

07:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.

The Evolution of Leadership: Integrating Self-Awareness

Tue, 06 May 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Host Chad Prevost emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in leadership, discussing its impact across various generations from Baby Boomers to Gen Z. He outlines the numerous benefits of self-awareness, such as improved decision-making, communication, and stronger relationships, backed by research from Korn Ferry and TalentSmart.

Prevost encourages leaders to engage in reflection, seek feedback, and consider coaching to enhance their self-awareness. The episode aims to de-stigmatize coaching and position self-awareness as a fundamental component of effective, humane leadership.

00:00 Introduction to Leading Human Podcast

02:01 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Leadership

04:22 Benefits of Self-Awareness for Leaders

08:41 Cultivating Self-Awareness

10:40 Coaching and Self-Assessment

11:49 Balancing Self-Awareness and Leadership

14:10 Conclusion and Call to Action

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.

Why Workplace Wellness Programs Fall Short: A Call for Cultural Change

Thu, 01 May 2025 14:52:00 -0500

In this episode of Leading Human, host Chad discusses the ineffectiveness of current workplace mental health and wellness programs, based on a recent study in Portugal's insurance sector. Dr. Chad highlights the shortcomings of these programs, which often act as empty gestures rather than meaningful solutions.

Key topics include the importance of addressing workplace culture, psychological safety, and the need for leaders to manage energy instead of just time. We also offer actionable strategies to create a more supportive work environment, emphasizing structural and cultural change over superficial fixes.

00:00 Welcome to Leading Human

01:34 The Evolution of Our Podcast

02:59 Introducing the Topic: Wellness Theater

03:19 Why Wellness Programs Fail

06:24 The Study from Portugal

07:59 Addressing the Real Issues

11:54 Four Ideas to Improve Workplace Wellbeing

17:53 Conclusion and Call to Action

A link to the study here.

Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book your custom team training via the link here.

The Rising Importance of Emotional Intelligence in the AI-Driven Workplace

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0500

In this micro episode, Chad discusses a significant shift in workplace dynamics due to advancements in AI. The key to future success in the workplace lies not in technical skills, but in self-awareness and psychological astuteness. He emphasizes that effective communication and emotional intelligence will trump technical prowess as machines take over more technical tasks. The episode also highlights how positive work environments, with engaged and psychologically healthy employees, can enhance productivity and profitability.

00:26 The Shift in Workplace Skills

01:15 The Importance of Psychological Sophistication

01:45 Impact of Positive Mindset on Productivity

02:31 Challenges of Negative Workplace Behaviors

03:16 The Future of Work: Human Intelligence Over Machines

03:36 Conclusion and Call to Action

Download our newly released White Paper now:

In the AI Era Emotional Intelligence is Your Competitive Edge.

Subscribe now for practical tips on managing stress and achieving a balanced life.

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with our browser app, Emma. You can find us on mobile now too.

Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

The Business Case for Inner Leadership in the Modern Workplace

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:39:00 -0500

In this episode, Coach Chad explores the concept of inner leadership and its significance in today's rapidly changing workplace, heavily influenced by AI. The discussion highlights common misconceptions about leadership being merely 'soft skills' and emphasizes the necessity of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and psychological safety. Coach Chad provides compelling statistics on work-related stress and employee disengagement, arguing that true leadership mastery starts with self-mastery. Practical steps for leaders include recognizing their own strengths and blind spots, practicing empathy, and fostering a positive work culture. The use of tools like the Enneagram is recommended for enhancing key leadership attributes such as self-knowledge, communication, and team building.

00:24 The Impact of AI and Workplace Changes

00:49 Understanding Burnout and Workplace Stress

01:31 The Role of Leadership in Workplace Culture

03:11 The Importance of Soft Skills

04:28 Self-Mastery and Modern Leadership

05:14 Practical Steps for Inner Leadership

06:22 The Enneagram and Leadership

07:33 Wrap

Download our newly released White Paper now:

In the AI Era Emotional Intelligence is Your Competitive Edge.

Subscribe now for practical tips on managing stress and achieving a balanced life.

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with our browser app, Emma. You can find us on mobile now too.

Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

How Can AI and Human Flourishing Go Together with Bob Hutchins

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In this insightful episode, Chad engages with Bob Hutchins, an expert in marketing communications and organizational psychology. Bob shares his unique journey from running a successful digital marketing agency to pursuing a PhD that intersects generative AI, creativity, and human meaning-making. The conversation delves into the concept of media ecology, as influenced by thinkers like Neil Postman and Marshall McLuhan, exploring how new media environments affect human behavior. Discussing the phenomenon of media trauma, Bob highlights the compound impacts of consuming traumatic events through screens. The dialogue then shifts to how AI and technology can both challenge our sense of human identity and offer opportunities for deeper human connection and creativity. Bob emphasizes the importance of AI literacy and proactive human-centered approaches as we navigate the evolving technological landscape.

High Notes:

00:42 The Intersection of Marketing and Psychology

02:45 Generative AI and Human Behavior

05:47 Media Ecology and Neil Postman's Influence

11:23 Understanding Media Trauma

21:39 Balancing Technology and Humanity

27:26 Ethical Marketing: Beyond Manipulation

28:14 Empathy in AI Education: A Personal Story

32:42 Navigating the AI Landscape: Red Box Era

33:46 AI and Human Flourishing: Opportunities and Challenges

43:40 The Future of Creativity in the Age of AI

45:03 Redefining Human Identity and Creativity

47:20 The Evolution of Work and Meaning

52:34 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

More about Bob:

Bob Hutchins, MSc. is a marketing and communication strategist, author, and speaker with a master’s degree in behavioral and organizational psychology and ongoing PhD research focused on generative AI and its effects on human creativity and meaning-making. Co-author of Our Digital Soul and Finally Human, he explores how technology shapes human behavior, connection, and well-being. With decades of experience in marketing, machine learning and media, Bob helps individuals and organizations navigate the digital world with intention and authenticity.

Subscribe now for practical tips on managing stress and achieving a balanced life.

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma.

Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Emma for Free Right Now

Go to Emma at MyEmmaAi.com and sign up for a free trial.

4 Ways to Stay Grounded in an Unstable World

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0500

Dr. Chad discusses the need for stability and grounding in a tumultuous and changing world, particularly focusing on the impacts of AI and social media on our self-perception. He provides four practical steps to help individuals stay grounded: ask what your actions are in service to, stop managing perception based on others' opinions, carve out space for self-reflection, and accept the complexity and mystery of one's own self.

Chad emphasizes the importance of focusing on self-awareness and intrinsic motivation, rather than seeking validation and certainty from external sources.

High Notes:

00:44 Navigating AI and Self-Awareness

02:04 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Perception

04:14 Four Steps to Stay Grounded

04:35 Step 1: Question Your Motivations

06:58 Step 2: Stop Managing Perceptions

08:06 Step 3: Carve Out Space for Self-Reflection

11:08 Step 4: Accept Your Complexity

14:09 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Tune in for practical tips on managing stress and achieving a balanced life.

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma.

Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Emma for Free Right Now

Go to Emma at MyEmmaAi.com and sign up for a free trial.

AI and Emotional Wellness: My Journey with Emma

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Dr. Chad discusses the effectiveness of using AI, specifically the AI coach Emma, in therapeutic and coaching relationships. He shares personal experiences of overcoming creative blocks and addressing alcohol dependency with the help of Emma. Emphasizing how AI can offer continuous, responsive support and practical tools for personal development, Dr. Chad also notes the limitations compared to human therapists. The episode aims to highlight the potential and current applications of AI in therapy while acknowledging the unique strengths and minor drawbacks of this emerging technology.

High Notes:

00:33 Early Skepticism and Adoption of AI Coaching

01:54 Personal Challenges and Breakthroughs

03:56 The Role of AI in Daily Life

08:11 Strengths and Limitations of AI Coaching

10:16 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Tune in for practical tips on managing stress and achieving a balanced life.

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma.

Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Emma for Free Right Now

Go to Emma at MyEmmaAi.com and sign up for a free trial.

From Burnout to Purpose and Connection with Jennifer Moss

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Jennifer Moss discusses her latest book and delves into the existential question of why we are here, particularly in the context of current worker sentiment. The discussion covers various contemporary work-related issues, including the impact of the pandemic on work engagement, the acceleration of AI, and the epidemic of hopelessness and social isolation among younger generations.

Moss also addresses the persistent gender gap in leadership roles, the implications of growing ageism, and the critical need for empathy and support in the evolving workplace. She highlights successful strategies from companies like Microsoft and Atlassian, which balance autonomy, trust, and effective use of AI while maintaining human connection and engagement. The conversation concludes with practical recommendations for businesses to foster a supportive and resilient work culture.

High Notes:

01:07 The Impact of AI on Work and Purpose

01:45 Generational Perspectives on Hope and Work

06:17 Addressing Ageism in the Workplace

08:57 Women in Leadership: Breaking the Glass Ceiling

15:44 The Role of AI in the Future of Work

23:48 Combating Workplace Loneliness

28:24 Building a Human-Centric Workplace

41:02 Conclusion and Book Promotion

To join Jennifer's Why Are We Here book club, go here.

Tune in for practical tips on managing stress and achieving a balanced life.

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma.

Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

6 Battle-Tested Strategies for True Transformation

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Dr. Chad delves into six practical strategies for personal transformation, drawing parallels from epic literary heroes. Key points include confronting and managing inner dialogues, challenging limiting beliefs, embracing and integrating shadow selves, fostering vulnerability, updating coping mechanisms, and finding life’s meaning through reframing challenges and clarifying values. Using contemporary research and classic wisdom, the episode aims to help viewers embark on a hero’s journey towards thriving in life.

High Notes:

01:23 Embracing Inner Dialogue

03:23 Challenging Limiting Beliefs

05:34 Facing the Shadow Self

07:21 The Power of Vulnerability

08:54 Upgrading Coping Mechanisms

10:18 Finding Meaning in Life

12:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Tune in for practical tips on managing stress and achieving a balanced life.

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma.

Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

The Role of AI in Modern Mental Health

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0500

This episode explores the integration of AI into therapy, focusing on its current state and future potential. The discussion highlights four key areas: the widespread user adoption of AI for mental health, the diverse applications of AI in diagnostics and treatments, the growing acceptance by health systems, and the different approaches taken by AI builders. It is emphasized that AI will likely augment rather than replace therapists, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness while transforming specific tasks within the profession. The episode concludes by advocating for a positive outlook on AI's role in therapeutic relationships and the opportunities it presents.

High Notes:

00:44 Current State of AI in Mental Health

02:02 Applications of AI in Therapy

03:18 Health Systems and AI Adoption

04:09 Ethical Considerations and AI Builders

05:53 Will AI Replace Therapists?

08:04 AI Enhancing Therapeutic Efficiency

09:58 Conclusion and Future Outlook

Tune in for practical tips on managing stress and achieving a balanced life.

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma.

Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Beyond Burnout: Discovering Wellness and Purpose in Midlife

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In this discussion, Dr. Elizabeth O'Brien talks about her forthcoming book, The Power in the Middle, which addresses midlife burnout, especially among women. She shares her personal experiences, including a dramatic period marked by questioning her marriage, job changes, and even spending 72 hours at an Ashram in North Carolina.

Dr. O'Brien examines the universal traits of burnout and discusses how even fulfilling jobs in helping professions can lead to exhaustion. She investigates the generational shifts in women's roles and the increased expectations for both career and personal fulfillment. The conversation also explores how modern isolation and technology impact burnout. She also emphasizes the importance of holistic wellness, encouraging proactive measures like redefining personal and vocational priorities to prevent burnout.

High Notes:

00:16 Discussing Burnout and Midlife Crisis

01:16 Personal Experiences and Memoir Style

03:46 Understanding Burnout and Career Satisfaction

13:13 Generational Perspectives on Burnout

23:56 The Role of Isolation in Burnout

28:20 Strategies for Pursuing Wellness

33:15 The Importance of Boredom and Creativity

35:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

More about Dr. O'Brien

Elizabeth O’Brien, PhD, LPC-MHSP, is UC Foundation Professor, director of the School of Professional Studies at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and a professional counselor. Learn more at www.drerobrien.com

Tune in for practical tips on managing stress and achieving a balanced life.

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma. Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

You Are Not What Happened to You (So Who Are You Then?)

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 13:50:00 -0500

We delve into the profound and ancient question of 'Who am I?' by examining the distinct roles of the Self and the ego. Drawing from Jungian psychology, we explore the Self as a mysterious, instinctive force guiding us towards healing and growth, much like an acorn becoming an oak tree. Contrarily, the ego acts as a temporary, curated narrative influenced by experiences, culture, and societal expectations.

The episode discusses the dynamics between these two aspects, emphasizing the importance of awareness and self-reflection. Through personal anecdotes and psychological insights, listeners are encouraged to pursue their true selves beyond the ego's limitations.

All in under 15 minutes!

High Notes:

00:45 Morning Reflections: Who Am I?

01:13 Ancient Philosophies and Modern Insights

01:46 The Self vs. The Ego

02:06 Understanding the Self: Jungian Perspective

04:39 The Ego: Your Inner PR Department

06:19 Psychic Possession and Complexes

08:51 Breaking Free from Past Patterns

11:34 Listening to the Self

13:02 Dreams and Unexplored Rooms

15:20 Conclusion: Rediscovering the Self

Tune in for practical tips on managing stress and achieving a balanced life.

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma.

Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Leading Change in Education and Battling Burnout with Arielle Garcia Hayes

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Arielle Garcia Hayes, the founding principal of University High, shares her experiences and insights into the role of an educator, particularly in nontraditional settings.

She discusses how University High empowers students by integrating them into a college campus environment, catering to 11th and 12th graders from diverse backgrounds. Hayes opens up about her personal journey, including overcoming professional burnout and the challenges of being a principal at a high-need school during significant events like the Woodmore bus crash.

The conversation also touches on the broader issues of burnout among educators and students, the impact of technology and AI on education, and the importance of autonomy and trust in teaching. Hayes emphasizes the need for innovative pathways in education and the significance of mentorship and real-world exposure for students.

00:12 Guest Introduction: Ariel Garcia Hayes

01:13 Role and Responsibilities at University High

03:15 Challenges and Burnout in Education

14:33 Personal Story: Overcoming Burnout

21:10 Innovations and Future of Education

28:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Tune in for practical tips on managing stress and achieving a balanced life.

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma. Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Navigating Burnout in the Emerging AI Era

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode of 'Emma. We'll See You Now,' Dr. Chad is joined by CEO Dr. Shelley to dive into the pressing issue of burnout in the modern world. They explore the psychological stresses contributing to burnout, despite efforts towards self-care and wellness.

Shelley discusses the impact of living in a capitalistic society and how the rapid influx of information, courtesy of technology, exacerbates stress levels. They also talk about setting personal boundaries, editing life choices, and the importance of recalibrating one's values and priorities to combat burnout.

High Notes:

00:13 The Rise of Burnout in Modern Society

00:45 Cultural and Societal Factors Contributing to Burnout

04:05 The Impact of Technology on Stress Levels

06:20 Creating New Rules to Combat Burnout

08:17 The Importance of Boundaries and Discipline

11:11 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Tune in for practical tips on managing stress and achieving a balanced life.

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma. Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

The Main Reason People Burnout Isn't What You Think

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Emma Will See You Now, Dr. Chad explores a lesser-known cause of burnout that goes beyond the conventional understanding of overwork and stress. She explains the role of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in signaling when our actions misalign with our core values.

Dr. Chad underscores that true burnout is not just about workload but about a deeper cognitive conflict. He discusses symptoms such as persistent exhaustion, motivational decline, and decision paralysis, emphasizing the importance of aligning work with personal values to mitigate burnout. He also highlights the significance of inner work for successful leadership and offers insights drawn from her extensive coaching experience.

00:19 Common Assumptions About Burnout

01:18 A Different Perspective on Burnout

01:51 The Science Behind Burnout

05:22 Symptoms of Burnout

06:29 Realigning Your Work with Your Values

06:48 Coaching Insights on Burnout

07:54 The Importance of Inner Work

09:14 Conclusion and Resources

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma. Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Emma for Free Right Now

Go to Emma at MyEmmaAi.com and sign up for a free trial.

Proactively Pursue Your Purpose in an Age of AI and Burnout

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 16:03:00 -0500

Dr. Chad talks about the upcoming episodes focusing on midlife burnout, mental health, and how to effectively use AI in daily life.

He dives deep into the concept of finding one's purpose amidst rapid advancements in AI, emphasizing the potential for a renaissance in personal growth and community building. Chad shares his personal experience with the 'soft 75' challenge as a way to create healthier habits and encourages listeners to prepare mentally and emotionally for the inevitable changes brought by AI.

High Notes:

00:20 New Podcast Announcement: Static in the Signal

02:26 Emma AI and Upcoming Topics

04:19 Personal Challenge: Soft 75

06:34 Purpose in the World of AI

08:35 Understanding Burnout and True Purpose

15:45 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Society

24:20 Preparing for the Future: Embracing Change

30:23 Conclusion and Call to Action

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma. Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

5 Reasons Why Coaching Matters Even When You’re Not in Crisis

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 15:46:00 -0500

Many believe coaching is only for when things go wrong, but you might argue that the best time for coaching is when you’re stable yet underperforming relative to your potential.

In this episode, Dr. Chad looks at six common reasons why people avoid coaching or therapy all their natural born lives. He then takes us to five researched-based reasons why coaching is powerful for you especially when you're not in crisis.

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma. Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Beyond the Wall: How Phil Sanders Rebuilt After Failure

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Today, we’ll explore the journey of someone who’s not just a business owner but an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs—Phil. Let's embark on this journey to see how he turned his dreams into reality.

Phil often says, 'The decision to leap is almost as important as the success that follows.' Accepting the inherent risks, Phil has always been ready to leap.

Today, Phil is not only a thriving entrepreneur but also a mentor to many. He actively participates in startup workshops and offers advice to new entrepreneurs, sharing insights from his journey. Phil attributes his success not just to his achievements but to the lessons he learned from failures. His journey reminds us that entrepreneurship is as much about resilience as it is about innovation.

Phil's story is one of courage, perseverance, and ultimately, success. For those listeners wondering if they have what it takes to succeed in entrepreneurship, Phil’s journey reminds us that with passion, the right mindset, and a bit of daring, anything is possible. Thank you for joining us in exploring Phil’s inspiring journey into the world of entrepreneurship.

Where to find out more about Functional Financials.

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma. Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Is There a Higher Level Happiness?

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Dr. Chad explores the concept of happiness, distinguishing between fleeting, superficial happiness and deep, lasting joy. He references ideas like Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Aristotle's hedonic and eudaimonic happiness. He highlights Robert Biswas-Diener's perspective that these two types of happiness are interconnected. Turns out, self-validation is crucial in measuring one's happiness.

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma. Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

When Is It Therapy You Need and When Is It Something Else?

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500

It is crucial that we embrace new perspectives, especially when it comes to mental health and well-being.

Let's start by understanding the stigma surrounding therapy. For years, seeking professional mental health help has been shrouded in an unnecessary cloak of shame and misconception. People often feel labeled or judged, as if requiring mental health support is a sign of weakness or failure. This could not be further from the truth. Therapy is a powerful tool for insight and growth.

Therapy isn't just for those in crisis. Many individuals use therapy as a means to better understand themselves, to cultivate healthier relationships, and to develop new strategies for living a balanced life. Think of it as a gym for your mental health. Just as we maintain our physical health through exercise, therapy helps maintain and improve our mental and emotional well-being.

So, how do we start breaking down the barriers associated with therapy? First, it's about conversation and education. By openly discussing our experiences with therapy and mental health, we begin to normalize these discussions as a part of everyday life. Sharing stories, both of struggle and of triumph, helps educate those around us, dispelling myths and stereotypes that perpetuate the stigma.

Creating a culture that supports mental health requires effort and understanding from all of us. It means being empathetic, respectful, and open-minded towards others' stories and journeys.

Let's continue to challenge the misconceptions and embrace the possibilities that come with acknowledging and addressing our mental health needs.

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma. Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

A Word of Gratitude and What's Next in 2025

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 13:02:00 -0500

Shelley Prevost expresses gratitude for everyone involved in the development and use of Emma, an AI tool for mental health. She recounts the journey from initial conversations in April to the present development and the importance of her team, including Allan Davis, Chad, Chris Wilson, and Andrew Scales.

Shelley outlines plans for 2025, including the launch of the Emma community feature, Inner Circles, emphasizing ethical use and care. She also shares the objective of using Emma to raise consciousness and improve mental health through daily interaction with an AI coach. Shelley invites new users to try Emma for free and provide feedback.

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma. Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Should Self-Awareness Be a Key Component of Coaching?

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Dr. Chad discusses the significance of "eureka moments" or sudden insights in coaching. Drawing on the story of the ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes, Dr. Chad explains how these moments of sudden clarity are highly valued by both coaches and clients.

He explores the characteristics of such insights, including their suddenness, surprising nature, sense of certainty, associated pleasure, and the drive they create. He highlights research on the occurrence of insights during coaching sessions and the value of self-awareness.

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma. Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

What Your Anxiety Search Reveals About You

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Dr. Chad delves into what our anxiety-related searches reveal about us. The discussion covers the multifaceted nature of anxiety, influenced by modern life's stresses like digital disruptions and geopolitical instability.

We highlight the increasing prevalence of anxiety despite our efforts to be resilient. Their are a range of reasons people search for anxiety information—whether it's seeking a diagnosis, solutions, or reassurance. We present findings from a recent study showing that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is as effective as the medication escitalopram.

The importance of combining various approaches like therapy, coaching, and even AI chatbots to manage anxiety effectively.

00:13 Understanding Anxiety Searches

00:41 The Rise of Anxiety in Modern Life

02:58 Seeking Solutions for Anxiety

03:47 Mindfulness vs. Medication

06:07 Therapy, Coaching, and AI

09:56 Exploring the Roots of Anxiety

13:20 Practical Tips for Managing Anxiety

15:58 Emma: Your Anxiety Companion

16:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Link to the cited study on MBSR.

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma. Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

7 Practical Steps to Understanding Yourself Better

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Today we're diving into a fascinating topic that's at the heart of understanding ourselves and others—self-awareness. Self-awareness is like holding a mirror up, not just to see what's on the surface but to understand the depths of our mind, our emotions, and our personal narrative.

So, what exactly is self-awareness? In essence, it's the ability to focus on yourself and how your actions, thoughts, or emotions align—or don't—with your internal standards. It's about being able to monitor your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Interestingly, self-awareness has evolved as an adaptive quality in humans. Early on, it probably emerged for the purpose of survival—learning what makes us feel safe and what doesn't, understanding our responses to various situations, and modifying them for better outcomes. This evolved into the complex emotional and social awareness we see today.

You might ask, why should we care about self-awareness? Well, being self-aware helps individuals make better decisions, build stronger relationships, and communicate more effectively. It enhances emotional intelligence, which is crucial for personal and professional growth.

Self-aware people often exhibit certain characteristics. They're typically more mindful, they seek feedback regularly, and they're willing to consider perspectives that differ from their own. They understand their weaknesses and strengths and use this insight to their advantage.

Now, you might be wondering how you can improve your self-awareness. It can be cultivated through self-reflection, keeping a journal, meditation, and seeking feedback from others. Engaging in these practices helps refine your ability to observe yourself and respond from a place of authenticity and clarity.

Self-awareness is not a destination, but a journey. It's about continuously growing, learning, and adapting. As we evolve, so does our understanding of who we are and what we're capable of. Let’s strive to remain open to this ongoing process of discovery, learning not just who we are, but who we have the potential to become.

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma. Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

What Sets Coaching Apart from Therapy?

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Whether you're familiar with the concept or new to it, in this brief episode we'll delve into what coaching truly entails, its significance, and how it can be a transformative force in both personal and professional arenas.

At its core, coaching is a partnership between a coach and a client, focused on achieving specific personal or professional goals. Unlike traditional teaching or lecturing, coaching is more about guiding and facilitating the client’s journey to self-discovery and empowerment. The coach serves as a catalyst for change, providing support, accountability, and a structured approach to help the client reach their potential.

A coach acts as a confidant and motivator, helping clients to identify their strengths and weaknesses. They encourage clients to set realistic goals and create actionable plans. Through constructive feedback and continuous support, coaches empower their clients to overcome obstacles and measure their success by their own growth and achievement.

Various types of coaching exist to cater to different needs. Life coaching, for instance, helps individuals achieve personal happiness and fulfillment. Career coaching focuses on career development and job satisfaction. Executive coaching aids leaders in enhancing their leadership skills and organizational impact. Each type of coaching, while unique, shares the common goal of guiding the client toward progress and confidence.

The benefits of coaching are vast and impactful. Individuals who engage in coaching often report increased self-awareness, better stress management, a clearer vision for their future, and improved communication skills. Organizations that invest in coaching for their employees often see better teamwork, enhanced leadership, and higher overall performance.

Coaching is more than just advice or therapy—it's a structured and dynamic process that facilitates personal and professional growth. Whether you’re looking to climb the corporate ladder, improve personal relationships, or simply become the best version of yourself, coaching offers a valuable pathway to achieving those aims.

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma. Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Emma for Free Right Now

Go to Emma at MyEmmaAi.com and sign up for a free trial.

Mythbusting Empathy with Maria Ross

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Maria Ross emphasizes that true empathy is misunderstood, often confused with niceness or agreement, and instead should be about understanding and acting on others' perspectives.The Empathy Dilemma aims to support leaders in adapting to a post-pandemic world by balancing the needs of the business with those of their employees.

The conversation covers five foundational pillars of effective empathetic leadership: self-awareness, self-care, clarity, decisiveness, and creating joy at work. Ross also addresses myths about empathy, including the false notion that empathy is tied to gender. Leaders need to embrace empathy to increase engagement, innovation, and collaboration in today's complex work environment.

0:17 The Empathy Edge and Its Impact

01:20 The Empathy Dilemma: Addressing Leadership Challenges

04:10 Understanding Empathy: Myths and Realities

06:25 Empathy in Leadership: Practical Applications

07:23 Gender and Empathy in Leadership

19:12 The Five Pillars of Empathetic Leadership

24:07 Creating a Joyful Work Environment

31:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Maria Ross is a speaker, author, strategist, and empathy advocate. She has spoken in front of TED stages and at top conferences and companies, and she’s been featured in NPR, Entrepreneur, and Forbes. Her newly-released book, The Empathy Dilemma, is described as “refreshing” by Dan Pink and a powerful “balance of empathy and accountability” by Dorie Clark. Maria lives in Northern California where you may find her sipping red wine, doing CrossFit, or indulging in a British crime drama.

Here's where you can listen to her TedTalk.

Download a free chapter of The Empathy Dilemma here.

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma. Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Emma for Free Right Now

Go to Emma at MyEmmaAi.com and sign up for a free trial.

Mental Health in an ADHD Culture with Beth Capecchi

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Psychologist Beth Capecchi joins the show. Dr. Beth works with adolescents and adults on a variety of issues, including self-esteem, anxiety, depression, family issues, identity work and relationship issues.

She discusses her journey with ADHD, its impact on her life, and the benefits of understanding your diagnosis. She highlights the importance of self-awareness and developing personal strategies to manage ADHD symptoms over medicating yourself.

Beth also explores the challenges men face in expressing emotions and the role of social media in exacerbating feelings of inadequacy. She emphasizes the value of community and support systems, noting that many people struggle with loneliness and the need for meaningful connections.

Techniques like "Multiple Choice Thinking" and letter writing are recommended for therapeutic benefits.

Discovering and Understanding ADHD

Medication and Coping Strategies

Benefits and Pitfalls of Diagnosis

Self-Awareness and Introspection

Therapy and Client Demographics

Gender Dynamics in Therapy

Men's Mental Health and Community

Techniques and Tools in Therapy

Spirituality and Infinite Longing

Check out: Never Perfect with Dr. Beth

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma. Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Emma for Free Right Now

Go to Emma at MyEmmaAi.com and sign up for a free trial.

5 Steps to Break Free from Stress Patterns and Embrace Fulfillment

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 15:47:00 -0500

In this solo cast episode host Dr. Chad Prevost shares five steps to break free from stress patterns and embrace a more fulfilling life. Before diving into the topic, Dr. Chad celebrates his recent TED talk, 'Breath, Surrender, and Your Courageous Conversation.'

The episode explores themes like reflecting on personal journals, clarifying core values, building a strong 'why,' using feedback constructively, setting aspirational goals, and taking bold actions to live with purpose.

Start where your are, embrace radical optimism, and align your abilities and passions in service of others.

Practical tips and real-life examples make this episode a guide to living a purpose-filled, balanced, and rewarding life.

00:00 Introduction and Chad's TED Talk Announcement

01:11 Reflecting on Past Journals

04:19 Understanding Cortisol and Stress

07:04 Step 1: Clarify Your Values

11:05 Step 2: Build Your Why

13:29 Step 3: Recognize the Influence of Others

15:05 Step 4: Set Aspirational Goals

17:34 Step 5: Live Your Purpose

20:46 Conclusion and Coaching Invitation

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma. Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Embodied Enneagram for All 9 Types with Christy Bonner

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Chad Prevost and Christy Bonner delve into the Enneagram's embodiment aspect, exploring how different types (1-9) relate to their bodies. Christy emphasizes the importance of somatic practices like yoga and meditation for each type, highlighting specific exercises and mindsets that can help individuals connect with their bodies and emotions, ultimately leading to personal growth and healing.

Christy Bonner's Background and Enneagram Journey

Christy's Enneagram Work and Personal Growth

Christy's Family Dynamics and Internal Work

The Power of the Enneagram and Its Applications

Embodiment and the Enneagram

Embodiment Practices for Every Enneagram Type

Embodiment Practices for Body Types

Embodiment Practices for Heart Types

Embodiment Practices for Head Types

Final Thoughts on Embodiment and the Enneagram

Christy Bonner is a licensed marriage and family therapist, a 500 hour certified yoga instructor, a retired board certified chaplain, and a certified Enneagram teacher. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts from Emory and Henry College, a Master of Divinity from Emory University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Christy finds meaning and purpose in her work seeing therapy clients, teaching yoga, writing for The Lookout Mountain Mirror, providing pulpit supply for local churches, and co-hosting the Enneagram+Yoga podcast. She loves to spend her free time antiquing, traveling, spending time with her husband and two kids, and connecting with family and friends. For more info about Christy check out her website: www.mindbodyandspiritcare.com or follow her on Instagram @enneagram.yoga

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma. Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone. Try Emma, an AI-powered, personalized self-development platform. You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Emma for Free Right Now

Go to Emma at MyEmmaAi.com and sign up for a free trial.

Pushing Through: A Founder’s Guide to Pressure and Perseverance

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 15:07:00 -0500

In this episode we jump right in: Shelley talks to Cameron Doody, founder of Bellhops, about the harsh realities and intense pressures of being a startup founder. They delve into the experiences of burnout, stress coping mechanisms, the high stakes of raising venture capital, and the emotional burden founders carry. Cameron shares personal anecdotes, including moments of extreme stress and the balance between critical business decisions and personal well-being. They also touch on the supportive role of investors and the need for realistic expectations in startup culture.

00:00 Discussing Burnout and Stress in Founding a Company

00:32 The Pressures of Venture Capital

01:58 Balancing Personal Life and Business

06:22 The Reality of Founding a Startup

22:06 The Role of Venture Capital in Startups

26:47 Mental Fitness and Coping Mechanisms

31:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone.

Try Emma, an AI-powered, personalized self-development platform.

You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how?

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Emma for Free Right Now

Go to Emma at MyEmmaAi.com and sign up for a free trial.

Leading Human Trailer

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 10:56:00 -0500

Welcome to Leading Human, the podcast that explores the intersection of emotional intelligence, leadership, and the modern workplace. I'm your host, Chad Prevost, co-founder of Big Self School and co-creator of Emma—the AI-powered tool helping small teams communicate better and lead with more clarity and heart.

Each episode, we bring you insights, stories, and strategies to help you and your team grow—without losing your humanity in the process.

Stay present, stay human, and keep leading from the inside out!

Move Jobs with Confidence and Clarity with Michael B. Horn

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Chad Prevost has a chat with Michael Horn about careers and life design, specifically when it comes to the desire to change jobs and how to go about the process. It involves a lot more than vaguely tuning in to your calling, or throwing out a bunch of LinkedIn applications. It may feel daunting right now, but when you listen to Michael and consider the array of input that Job Moves has to offer, you might just come away feeling encouraged and inspired to take the next step.

Based on a popular Harvard Business School course and research conducted with over a thousand professionals, JOB MOVES is a guide to changing jobs and advancing your career. It’s NOT about hacking the job market and raking in lucrative offers. Instead, they argue that the most successful job seekers don’t just try to get hired; they consciously hire their next job so they can make progress in their career and life.

Michael B. Horn is the co-author of JOB MOVES. He strives to create a world in which all individuals can build their passions, fulfill their potential, and live a life of purpose. He is the author of several books, including the award-winning Disrupting Class, Choosing College, Blended, and From Reopen to Reinvent. He is the cofounder of and a distinguished fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute, a non-profit think tank, and teaches at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Check out JOB MOVES: 9 Steps for Making Progress in Your Career

Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma. Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone. Try Emma, an AI-powered, personalized self-development platform. You'll wonder where she's been all your life.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Invest in the Change You Want to See with Kristina Montague

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Chad Prevost gets a chance to catch up Kristina Montague who has just released her first book, documenting a movement she started a little over ten years ago. She is one of the few founders who started an angel investing fund, which focused on women-only. In fact, it's the only one of its kind in the southeast.

A groundswell of women are discovering the power and purpose of angel investing. Women are reshaping the conversation in startup investing not only to open doors for other women and more diverse founders but also to consider a wider lens of companies solving problems that matter to women.

We celebrate it and discuss the challenges still ahead on this episode of The Humanist.

Check out Kristina's book, Jump In here.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Getting a Taste of a Creative Life Design with Briana Garza

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0500

This week Chad Prevost speaks with Briana Garza. Briana left a decade of working in the healthcare industry in a job she tolerated but didn't love and shifted into food--another challenging industry in many respects, but one that aligned with her purpose and the kind of life she aspired to live.

With hard work, a splash of courage, and lots of interpersonal skills, she's making it happen through the collaborative efforts of the Chatt Taste Food Tours. We discuss how she set out to design the life she leads now.

Find out more about Chatt Food Tours here.

Click here to reach out to Chad to book a call for workshop training or coaching, or contact him

at chad@bigselfschool.com.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

The Courage for Difficult and Open Conversations with Justin Jones-Fosu

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Chad Prevost and Justin Jones-Fosu sit down to discuss issues mainly related to communicating more effectively and openly with each other, but with a special emphasis on men. This conversation is meant to open the gates toward how we can have better conversations with one another, especially how we can be better fathers, sons, brothers, mentors, and leaders.

If you only remember a few things about Justin, it’s that he loves being a dad-e and giving to educational initiatives on the continent of Africa and the country of the United States. He believes that these are more important than any accomplishments, recognition, or accolades!

He is the author of Your WHY Matters NOW, The Inclusive Mindset, and his latest book I Respectfully Disagree: How to have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World challenges the reader to focus on building bridges to people rather than barriers from them.

Justin is a former HR Professional who obtained his MBA specializing in Leadership and Organizational Change and undertook further graduate studies in Human Resource Development. He has also gained valuable leadership experience with three Fortune 500 companies as well as by consulting on strategy, leadership, diversity/inclusion and organizational development. Justin was named as one of EBONY Magazines “30 Young Leaders on the Rise.”

Justin's website

Justin's TEDTalk

Reach out to Chad to book a call at chad@bigselfschool.com.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Discovering the Hero's Journey to Wholeness with Ben Katt

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0500

On this week's episode, Chad Prevost has a conversation with Ben Katt focused on Katt's recently released, The Way Home: Discovering the Hero's Journey to Wholeness at Midlife.

Find out more about Ben Katt here.

Click here to reach out to Chad to book a call for workshop training or coaching, or contact him

at chad@bigselfschool.com.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Connecting You to the Real World with Carter Fowler's Totem

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Carter Fowler and Chad Prevost connect on how they found a home in Chattanooga, and especially how Fowler discovered unbelievable success with Totem.

They may be just QA testing right now, but sales have exploded--and all from a single viral video.

Totem has found a need the world over--a hardware device meant to be worn when you're going to big social events where you need to stay connected--and sometimes your devices don't work well at these huge events.

He also discusses his meditation and healing practices, and how he's dealt with the early success of Totem.

Tune in to this week's episode and hear the Totem story.

Reach out to Chad to book a call at chad@bigselfschool.com.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Shy by Design with Michael Thompson

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Michael Thompson discusses his new book Shy by Design, which outlines 12 timeless principles for standing out quietly. He shares his journey from stuttering and shyness to embracing his imperfections and leveraging his unique qualities. Thompson highlights the importance of curiosity and authenticity, drawing from his experiences in sales and his work with clients.

He emphasizes the value of living in the 90s-like pace of his current town, Palamos, and the balance between creative work and financial stability.

Thompson also touches on the significance of belonging and the impact of his students' diverse backgrounds on his teaching approach.

Check out Michael's Medium channel here.

And check out Shy By Design here.

Reach out to Chad to book a call at chad@bigselfschool.com.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

What Makes This Book Great?! David Brooks' The Second Mountain

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 07:30:00 -0500

The discussion today centers on David Brooks' book The Second Mountain, which explores the transition from self-interest to a moral life. Daniel Lucas, Nick McLain, James Dawson join Chad Prevost in sharing personal insights, emphasizing the importance of overcoming ego and embracing vulnerability.

They highlight the challenges of the second mountain, which involves qualitative, non-quantifiable growth, and the necessity of community and empathy. The conversation also touches on the role of suffering in personal development, the shift from happiness to joy, and the impact of societal and cultural influences on individual journeys. The group also emphasizes the importance of intentional community and the transformative power of shared experiences.

Join the one-day Junto Men's Retreat October 26, 2024 at Rising Fawn Gardens. Learn more and sign up here.

Reach out to Chad to book a call at chad@bigselfschool.com.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

What Makes This Book Great?! James Clear's Atomic Habits

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0500

It's another episode for the What Makes This Book Great?! mini-series.

This time, Chad Prevost and Phil Mondy discuss Atomic Habits by James Clear, highlighting its success with over 3 million copies sold and its cultural impact.

The duo explore the book's key principles, such as making habits obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying, and breaking habits by making them invisible, unattractive, difficult, and unsatisfying.

Phil shares his experiences with habit formation, including morning routines and exercise, and the importance of aligning habits with long-term goals. They also discuss the challenges of breaking bad habits, like daily drinking, and the concept of identity in behavior change. The conversation touches on the competitive nature of habit formation and the benefits of cold plunges for mental and physical well-being.

Reach out to Chad to book a call at chad@bigselfschool.com.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

What Makes This Book Great?! Jonathan Krakauer's Into the Wild

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0500

On today's episode, Chad is visited by Charlie Moss, Richie Daigle, Chris Collins, and Matt McLelland to discuss an interesting choice: Jonathan's Krakauer's Into the Wild.

Why is it an interesting choice for The Humanist? Well, on the surface it might seem like the adventure-seeking Chris McCandless's tragic story might not be the subject matter for our discussions. Yet it is when seen through the interpretive lens of life decisions, good and bad decisions, reactions and responses in compliance and against our parents. Also, in seeking "Truth" and the expression of an authentic life.

Check out our rich discussion of this powerful book, and learn what makes this book great.

Reach out to Chad to book a call at chad@bigselfschool.com.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

What Makes This Book Great?! Adam Grant's Think Again

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0500

For this week's episode we have return guests and friends of the show, Matt McLleland and Daniel Lucas to discuss Adam Grant's brilliant, Think Again.

The discussion on Think Again highlights the book's impact and relevance, emphasizing the importance of rethinking and humility. The book, a New York Times bestseller, encourages readers to approach problems like scientists rather than politicians or salespeople. Key points include the significance of emotional intelligence (EQ) and the balance between confidence and humility in leadership. The conversation also touches on the challenges of overcoming confirmation bias, the value of constructive conflict, and the importance of self-awareness in decision-making. Personal anecdotes and real-world examples illustrate the book's practical applications.

Reach out to Chad to book a call at chad@bigselfschool.com.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

What Makes This Book Great?! Rick Rubin's The Creative Act with Daniel Lucas and Richie Daigle

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0500

For this week's conversation I'm joined by friends of the show and fellow podcasters, Daniel Lucas and Richie Daigle. They generously gave of their time to dive into this big Rick Rubin book, The Creative Act--and then to join me for a wide-ranging and unscripted conversation about it.

The idea for this series is to consider a book that has met several hallmarks of cultural success. Whether or not we like or love the book, we consider the features of the book and what has led to its critical and bestselling success. Spoiler alert: Usually we do like and love the books we cover. But the point is, we're not just fanboys. We're considering what the book tries to achieve and whether or not it lands.

For the record, we have no affiliation with the authors and there are no affiliate links. We are here to consider these books and see how they lead us into richer territory and meaningful conversation.

Reach out to Chad to book a call at chad@bigselfschool.com.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Feeling All Your Feelings with Confidence and Vulnerability with Reagan Pugh

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Chad Prevost and Reagan Pugh discuss their experiences as Enneagram Type Fours, exploring the challenges and opportunities of emotional intensity. They emphasize the importance of emotional awareness and self-acceptance in overcoming shame and doubt. Also dealing with personal struggles with anger as a coping mechanism.

The importance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in personal growth and relationships, emphasizing the need to recognize and address emotional issues to improve communication and overall well-being. They discuss the growing importance of emotional intelligence in leadership roles, highlighting the unique strengths of emotionally attuned leaders and the challenges of balancing emotional intelligence with the pressure to be liked and avoid conflict.

Learn more about Reagan Pugh here.

And check out his book, Too Emotional, here.

Download our free book, Desire: How Do You Want to Feel?

Finding your way to your desire requires a number of the principles we teach at the Big Self School. It requires a calm center, self-knowledge, and courage to put the ideas into practice. Whether you think you know your desires, but want to reconnect to them, or you simply have no idea, this book can help you realize your way to a deeper and more authentic connection with yourself. Desire is ultimately about how you want your feelings, experiences, and values to line up in your life.

This book is only available in print in hardback, but it's yours free as our downloadable PDF.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Just plain ol' sign up for a quarterly roundup of all things happening at Big Self School, and only when a specific opportunity is available.

Enneagram Wings, Arrows, Instincts, and Passions with Chris Heuertz

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Chad Prevost and Chris Heuertz discuss the Enneagram, a personality typing system that aims to help individuals understand themselves and others better. Chris provides insights into its history and practical applications. They highlight its ability to help individuals understand their motivations and behaviors.

They also discuss the importance of vulnerability and community in using the Enneagram effectively, and explore the overlap between psychological and spiritual practices. Later, they delve into the Enneagram's origins, symbolism, and ecumenical use across various esoteric and mystical communities. They discuss the connections between the Enneagram and personality, explore the Enneagram and Gurdjieff's work. They also delve into the concept of Enneagram wings and their impact on personal growth.

Download our free book, Desire: How Do You Want to Feel?

This book is only available in print in hardback, but it's yours free as our downloadable PDF.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Just plain ol' sign up for a quarterly roundup of all things happening at Big Self School, and only when a specific opportunity is available.

Matt McLelland on Embracing Risk for True Innovation

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Chad Prevost and friend of the show, Matt Mclleland, discuss the significance of choice in shaping our identity and life outcomes, with a focus on self-awareness, conscious decision-making, and overcoming unconscious patterns. What is the impact of social media and technology on mental health? What are the challenges of balancing innovation with risk aversion in various industries? Whatever the answer, you need courage, authenticity, and leadership in navigating complex dynamics.

High Notes

Optimism, emotions, and Adlerian psychology.

Self-expression, peer pressure, and individuality.

Parenting, self-awareness, and the importance of opinions.

Leadership values and authenticity.

The power of choice in life and personal growth.

Overcoming negative thoughts and building resilience through exercise and positive thinking.

Gen Z mental health, social media, and parenting.

Sustainability innovation and autonomous vehicles.

Innovation, fear, and leadership in various industries.

Download our free book, Desire: How Do You Want to Feel?

This book is only available in print in hardback, but it's yours free as our downloadable PDF.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Just plain ol' sign up for a quarterly roundup of all things happening at Big Self School, and only when a specific opportunity is available.

Ashley Jones' Mission to Support Grieving Families and Change Corporate Culture

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Today's conversation revolves around the importance of practicing gratitude, self-care, and radical optimism in the face of adversity. Ashley Jones shares her story of unexpectedly becoming a young parent and then navigating the diagnosis of their child, Skyler's, rare condition.

Ashley tells us about our culture's comfort level with talking about grief. She also sees a great, big need for creating space for grief and healing through conversation, and highlights, among other things, the importance of self-awareness in healing.

They also discuss the complexities of trauma and loss, and the need for a holistic approach to healing that addresses the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of loss. Ashley emphasizes the importance of living authentically, while still setting boundaries and embracing vulnerability.

High Notes

Healing, gratitude, and self-care in difficult circumstances.

Grieving and navigating loss after the death of a child at a young age.

Grief, loss, and finding meaning after a child's death.

Grief support and healing with a nonprofit organization.

Grief, healing, and emotional awareness.

Personal and professional boundaries, authenticity, and trauma recovery.

Living authentically, dealing with criticism, and writing a book on surviving loss.

Regrets of the dying, including letting happiness, staying in touch with friends, expressing feelings, and living authentically.

Find out more about Ashley and the Momento Organization here.

Download our free book, Desire: How Do You Want to Feel?

This book is only available in print in hardback, but it's yours free as our downloadable PDF.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Just plain ol' sign up for a weekly roundup of all things happening at Big Self School.

From Google to the Forest: Embracing a Future of Radical Optimism

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Chad Prevost and Frederik Pferdt discuss the importance of developing a mindset that can navigate and shape an uncertain future. Pferdt emphasizes the need to move away from fear and uncertainty and instead focus on creating a better future through radical optimism, living in the present, and embracing the unknown.

They also explore the power of reframing challenges as opportunities for growth, cultivating a positive mindset, and valuing authority while cultivating a beginner's mindset. Throughout the conversation, they discuss the importance of taking proactive steps towards improvement and inspiring others to do the same.

High Notes

Creating a better future through radical optimism and living in the present moment.

Cultivating a "Future Ready" mindset through 5 key dimensions (radical optimism, unreserved openness, compulsive

Radical optimism and how to practice it in daily life.

Mindfulness, meditation, and cold water exposure for personal growth.

AI experimentation and fear vs. optimism.

Embracing a beginner's mindset and personal growth.

Developing a positive mindset for the future.

Find out more about Frederik Pferdt and his book here.

Download our free book, Desire: How Do You Want to Feel?

This book is only available in print in hardback, but it's yours free as our downloadable PDF.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Just plain ol' sign up for a weekly roundup of all things happening at Big Self School.

2 Quick Techniques to Slow Down Reactivity and Fight Back Against Stress

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Chad discusses the growing pressure of stress in modern society and the need to develop mindfulness practices to manage it. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and interrupting compulsive thinking patterns that reinforce negative emotions and emotional reactivity.

Chad introduces the "stop one minute breathing space" technique to help you pause and take stock of your body, feelings, and associated thoughts, all through the lens of modern neuroscience in understanding this phenomenon.

High Notes:

Managing stress and emotions through mindfulness practices.

How thoughts and emotions are linked, leading to patterns of emotional reactivity.
The "magic quarter second" of choice before acting on impulses.

Mindfulness and self-awareness practices to manage stress and anxiety.

Pausing before reacting to thoughts and emotions to choose a wiser response.
Mindfulness meditation can help empower individuals to slow down and respond from a more inner wise place.
By focusing on breath, individuals can control their heart rate and access natural resilience and wisdom.
One-minute breathing space for stress resilience.

Find out more about Big Self School:

Big Self School seeks to democratize wellbeing and happiness. Our methodology is rooted in science and ancient wisdom to help clients improve their outcomes and design their dream life. We are innovating the way coaching is currently practiced. We’re building a community to serve in a variety of high impact ways from coaching to in-person trainings to even using AI. Let's dream of a better future for everyone. Lead yourself first. Others will follow. bigselfschool.com

Download our free book, What Do You Expect? Discovering Methods for Deep Calm.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify.

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Stress Doesn't Have to be the Enemy: Transforming Your Relationship with Pressure

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Chad discusses the concept of stress in today's fast-paced world, exploring its impact on the human body and mind. He highlights the importance of understanding and managing stress to improve overall well-being. He presents a counterintuitive perspective that stress can be beneficial when viewed as a positive force.

Later, he explores the interplay between stress and social isolation, emphasizing the importance of social support in managing stress. Embrace stress as an opportunity for connection and resilience, and develop courage in handling life's challenges with the support of others.

High Notes:

Stress and its impact on the body, with a focus on understanding and managing stress.

Brain's stress response system and its impact on body.

Relaxation techniques, physical activity, and social support for managing stress.

Cortisol's effects on brain and body due to chronic stress.

Stress, its effects on health, and the importance of community.

Oxytocin's role in stress response and its physical benefits.

Stress, resilience, and the importance of caring for others.

Find out more about Big Self School:

Download our free book, What Do You Expect? Discovering Methods for Deep Calm.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify.

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Alignment in Mind and Body with Dr. Chris Collins

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Chad Prevost and Chris Collins discuss the importance of building strong communities through authenticity and inclusivity. They emphasize the role of small businesses in fostering a sense of community and the need for people to feel welcomed and included.

They also share personal experiences and insights on balancing parental responsibilities and personal aspirations, maintaining focus and setting structure to achieve productivity goals, and the significance of chiropractic care in identifying and resolving underlying health problems.

We highlight the interconnectedness of the mind and body and the importance of prioritizing self-awareness, accountability, and community in personal growth and development.

High Notes

Trends in humanities and arts, with a focus on personal expression and creativity.

Parenting, communication, and prioritization.

Managing distractions and demands on the brain for productivity and well-being.

Chiropractic care and its relationship with the nervous system and spine.

Chiropractic care and its impact on nervous system function.

Health coaching, stress management, and personality types.

Mind-body connection, community building, and entrepreneurship.

Social health, saying yes to experiences, and the benefits of ice plunges.

Top 5 current fatherhood books with insights from authors.

Download our free book, Desire: How Do You Want to Feel?

This book is only available in print in hardback, but it's yours free as our downloadable PDF.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Just plain ol' sign up for a weekly roundup of all things happening at Big Self School.

Finding Clarity and Purpose Through Coaching with John M. DeMarco

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 03:45:00 -0500

Chad Prevost and John M. DeMarco discuss their paths to coaching, emphasizing the importance of building relationships, trust, and connection in their practices. They also explore the evolving nature of careers and skills, particularly among younger generations, and highlight the need for intentional training, experience, and learning agility to navigate this landscape.

And what about the importance of clarity in intention, mindfulness, and coaching, and the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and mental well-being? And how could we forget the intricate dynamics between artificial intelligence and humanity, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to AI and the importance of understanding and compassion in our interactions with others.

High Notes

Career journey from writing to coaching.

Career transition from ministry to coaching, emphasizing skills development and personal branding.

Coaching people to clarify their intentions and set achievable goals.

Mindfulness, coaching, and connecting physical and mental well-being.

Self-criticism, writer's block, and the importance of intention and self-compassion.

The power of intention and coaching.

Balancing expertise and growth mindset in professional life.

Staying human in a world of AI, focusing on empathy, strategic thinking, and soft skills.

AI's impact on society, coaching, and meaning-making.

Top Five and Why Most Misunderstood Conceptions about Coaching.

Find out more about John M. DeMarco here.

Download our free book, Desire: How Do You Want to Feel?

This book is only available in print in hardback, but it's yours free as our downloadable PDF.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Just plain ol' sign up for a weekly roundup of all things happening at Big Self School.

Ben Albert's Journey to Radical Responsibility from Corporate Burnout

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Chad Prevost and Ben Albert discuss the importance of authenticity and resilience in entrepreneurship, sharing personal experiences with maintaining these qualities in the face of challenges such as burnout, financial struggles, and personal growth. They emphasize the need to be honest about one's struggles and to showcase vulnerability in marketing and storytelling, while also acknowledging the importance of self-awareness and adaptability in navigating these challenges. They also explore the challenges of balancing artistic integrity with financial success, highlighting the need for self-awareness, perseverance, and creativity in navigating these challenges.

High Notes

Coaching, authenticity, and marketing with a focus on personal growth and creativity.

Career transitions, entrepreneurship, and mental health.

Workplace burnout, authenticity, and entrepreneurship.

Balancing passion and financial success in entrepreneurship.

Creativity, self-awareness, and inner struggles.

Authenticity in marketing, self-care, and personal growth.

The power of small changes in daily habits for self-care and personal growth.

Identity, persona, and growth.

Embracing weaknesses and connecting people through marketing.

Chad's Top 5 and Why best marketing movie picks.

Find out more about Ben Albert here.

Download our free book, Desire: How Do You Want to Feel?

This book is only available in print in hardback, but it's yours free as our downloadable PDF.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Just plain ol' sign up for a weekly roundup of all things happening at Big Self School.

How Do Creativity and Financial Stability Co-Exist? with Charles Moss

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Chad Prevost and Charles Moss discuss their experiences in creative freelancing, sharing personal struggles with imposter syndrome and financial stability. They emphasize the importance of persistence, resilience, and community support in navigating these challenges. They also discuss their experiences in the music industry, finding a balance between creativity and financial stability. Finally, they share strategies for maintaining focus and productivity in a highly distracted world, including time-boxing and reward systems.

Possible Follow Up Items:

[ ] Check out Jose Saramago and Gerald Stern as examples of writers who found success later in life.
[ ] Consider reading Shop Class as Soulcraft to explore the value of work.
[ ] Try the productivity technique of working for 45-50 minutes then taking a 10 minute break on a completely different task.

High Notes:

Challenges of making a living as a writer with various publications and freelance work.

The challenges of being a freelance writer, including finding time to write and balancing creative work with financial needs.

Freelancing, job searching, and nonprofit work in the music industry.

Freelancing, writing background, and career aspirations.

Learning from struggles and finding new opportunities.

The struggles of freelancing, creative writing, and balancing financial stability with personal goals.

Starting writing careers later in life, with examples from Jose Saramago, Gerald Stern, and Cormac McCarthy.

Creating Choose Your Own Adventure books for kids, challenges with marketing and promotion.

Creative expression, failure, and market competition.

Authentic living, creativity, and fulfillment.

Fear, authenticity, and creativity with a focus on overcoming self-doubt and persisting in pursuing one's passions

Creativity, writing, and overcoming self-doubt.

Managing distractions and staying productive while working.

Choose Your Own Adventure books, highlighting top 5 favorites.

Learn more about Charlie and how to connect here.

Download our free book, Desire: How Do You Want to Feel?

This book is only available in print in hardback, but it's yours free as our downloadable PDF.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Just plain ol' sign up for a weekly roundup of all things happening at Big Self School.

Is Outer Success and Inner Fulfillment Achievable? with Adam Hergenrother

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Chad Prevost and Adam Hergenrother discuss practical approaches to personal growth and fulfillment, emphasizing the interconnectedness of outer work and inner growth.

Adam shares his experiences in real estate and prioritizes both aspects of life. He explores the concept of awakening and breaking free from the cycle of self-driven desires by becoming aware of the ego and true nature of thoughts and emotions.

Chad highlights the importance of maintaining a beginner's mindset and focusing on inner growth. The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing work and spirituality, recognizing the ego's influence in leadership, and prioritizing relaxation to make informed decisions.

High Notes:

Finding meaning and fulfillment beyond financial success.

The importance of money and living below one's means to achieve personal growth and inner peace.

Money, happiness, and inner fulfillment.

Finding balance between work and spirituality.

Personal growth, ego, and the vastness of the universe.

Spiritual awakening and recognizing the voice in one's head as a separate entity from the self.

The role of ego in life, how it drives actions and decisions, and the importance of recognizing when ego is at play.

Conscious leadership and emotional release in business decisions.

Mindfulness practices for emotional awareness and self-awareness.

Embracing difficult experiences for personal growth.

More about Adam:

ADAM HERGENROTHER is the Founder and CEO of Adam Hergenrother Companies, which includes KW Vermont, Livian™, BlackRock Construction, The Founder & The Force Multiplier, the Hergenrother Foundation, and The 200% Life.

Over the last 17 years, Adam has bootstrapped his way to building a billion dollar organization. He has built businesses, hired exceptional talent, written books, coached leaders, and more. He’s had what others call “success”—but after years of grinding in order to find “fulfillment,” he found himself asking, “Why has success not given me endless happiness? Is this all there is?“

This question sparked his exploration into spirituality. What he discovered on his journey is that the material success we experience in our outer world is only half of the puzzle. We also need to tap into the other part of life that is our inner world—our highest self and who we are beyond our ego, identities and roles—to truly experience the deep fulfillment, joy, and enthusiasm that’s our birthright.

Adam calls this The 200% Life.

Here is the best place to learn more about his book, The 200% Life.

Download our free book, Desire: How Do You Want to Feel?

This book is only available in print in hardback, but it's yours free as our downloadable PDF.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Just plain ol' sign up for a weekly roundup of all things happening at Big Self School.

Innovation and Endurance: How Daniel Lucas Found Resilience and Fulfillment in Ultra Running

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Chad Prevost and Daniel Lucas discuss personal growth through ultrarunning, coping with life's challenges, and fulfillment in the digital age. They discuss the importance of resilience, mental toughness, and self-awareness in achieving success in ultra-distance running and in life.

Daniel shares his experiences as an innovation specialist and discusses the challenges of driving innovation and growth within an organization. They explore the challenges of deep work and productivity, emphasizing the importance of setting aside distractions and focusing on meaningful work.

High Notes

Burnout, self-discovery through ultra-marathoning.

Personal growth and self-improvement through education and ultra-running.

Mental toughness and resilience in ultra-marathon running.

Building mental resilience through marathon training.

Using challenges to build resilience and camaraderie through ultra-distance running.

Choosing to not do an ultra-marathon due to injuries and mental preparation.

Personal growth through challenges and fulfillment.

Personal growth and fulfillment for different generations.

Parenting and personal growth.

Personal growth, innovation, and leadership.

Productivity, creativity, and fulfillment in work.

Creating a better way to grow sprouts for commercial use.

Sprouting broccoli seeds for nutrition, with coaching services offered.

Download our free book, Desire: How Do You Want to Feel?

This book is only available in print in hardback, but it's yours free as our downloadable PDF.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Just plain ol' sign up for a weekly roundup of all things happening at Big Self School.

How Chattanooga Prep is Redefining Education for Underserved Boys with Juan Aguilar

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Chad Prevost and Juan Aguinaga discuss the potential of public education to transform society through innovative approaches and collaborations. Juan shares his personal experience with a mentor, Jeremy Beard, who helped shape his belief in himself and his peers.

Chad highlights the work of Chatt Prep, an all-boys public charter school in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which is achieving remarkable results through its focus on academics, data analysis, and collaboration with other schools.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of mentorship, innovation, and collaboration in transforming public education and ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education.

High Notes:

Public charter school's success in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

How teacher influenced student's love for reading and led to teaching career.

Importance of struggling in school to achieve academic success.

Challenges in educating communities about public charter schools.

Using data to improve student performance in a charter school.

Daily routine, fitness, and upcoming wedding plans.

Download our free book, Desire: How Do You Want to Feel?

This book is only available in print in hardback, but it's yours free as our downloadable PDF.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Just plain ol' sign up for a weekly roundup of all things happening at Big Self School.

The Doctor Who Hid His Pain: How Jonathan Fisher Found True Health and Happiness

Thu, 30 May 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Chad Prevost and Jonathan Fisher discuss the interplay between courage and heart health, exploring how fear and lack of courage can negatively impact heart health. They share personal experiences and scientific insights, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and working with fear to strengthen courage and promote better heart health. The conversation also touches on the complexities of the medical profession and the interconnected dimensions of the human heart, including physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects.

High Notes:

Healing, health, and happiness with a cardiologist.

Personal struggles with academic achievement, depression, and loss.

Burnout, depression, and self-care for healthcare professionals.

Emotional intelligence, emotions, feelings, and moods, with a focus on the impact of misinterpreting bodily sensations on disconnection between mind and body, stress, and its effects on physical and mental health.

Courage, fear, and their impact on physical health, including the connection between courage and the health of the beating heart.

Mind-body connection, emotions, and heart physiology.

Read Dr. Fisher's book Just One Heart to learn more about heart health from a holistic perspective.

Download our free book, Desire: How Do You Want to Feel?

This book is only available in print in hardback, but it's yours free as our downloadable PDF.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Just plain ol' sign up for a weekly roundup of all things happening at Big Self School.

Staying True to Yourself in a World of Expectations with Dale Woodfin

Mon, 27 May 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Chad Prevost and Dale Woodfin discuss their experiences with managing creativity and focus in the digital age, sharing personal anecdotes and insights on prioritizing deep work and setting aside distractions. They also discuss the challenges of pursuing a creative career, including balancing artistic vision with financial stability, and the significance of dreams and authenticity in both art and life. Dale emphasizes the importance of trusting the creative process, paying attention to dreams, and being true to oneself.

High Notes:

Creativity, art, and earning a living as an artist.

Songwriting, creativity, and career changes.

Artistic expression, compromise, and financial stability as an emerging artist.

Creativity, productivity, and setting aside time for artistic pursuits.

Creativity, art, and the sources of inspiration.

Art, creativity, and the relationship between artists and money.

Art, creativity, and style with an artist.

The importance of remembering and exploring dreams for personal growth and understanding the human condition.

Art, self-expression, and breaking through judgments.

Art, creativity, and personal growth.

Aging and creativity in the arts.

Artistic expression, creativity, and mastery.

Mastery, creativity, and staying alive to possibilities.

About Dale Woodfin

Born in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, where the Tennessee River whispers its secrets to the foothills of the South Cumberland mountains, Dale Woodfin found his muse not in classrooms, but in the free symphony of nature. This self-taught artist, graphic designer, poet, and musician grew up surrounded by the raw beauty of a rural landscape, dotted with historic scars and garage born experimental music in a community absent the curated galleries and night clubs. Instead, alternative music and the untamed processes of nature became his teachers.

While Dale continues to work as a freelance graphic designer he now pours his most creative emotions and ideas onto canvas, a vibrant dance of acrylics and mixed media. Torn fragments of his digital works mingle with acrylic paint, mirroring the fractural and sometimes twisted impressions of the contemporary world. Dale Woodfin’s art isn’t just something you see, it’s something you feel, a vibrant echo of a life lived in the less familiar spaces between.

Find Dale at: www.dalewoodfin.com

Download our free book, Desire: How Do You Want to Feel?

This book is only available in print in hardback, but it's yours free as our downloadable PDF.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Just plain ol' sign up for a weekly roundup of all things happening at Big Self School.

Authenticity Influencers? Unpacking Cultural Trends with Ben Cake

Thu, 23 May 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Chad Prevost and Ben Cake explore the complexities of authenticity in various contexts, including personal relationships, marketing, and conflict resolution. They emphasize the importance of understanding the intent of others, simplifying complex ideas, and fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding.

They also discuss the value of authenticity in their respective fields, while acknowledging the challenges of balancing sincerity with the need to make promises and guarantees. Throughout the conversation, they highlight the significance of embracing one's authentic self and pursuing meaningful goals in various aspects of life.

High Notes:

Authenticity, philosophy, and personal growth.

Parenting advice, weekly struggles, and morale boosting.

Life, identity, and experimentation with various careers and jobs.

Identity, authenticity, and condescension in a seminary setting.

Chad and Ben discuss the idea that people are not solely defined by their occupation or income level.
Chad Prevost worked as a janitor at a church, experiencing condescension from an associate minister.

Authenticity in marketing and coaching.

Chad and Ben discuss coaching as a trusted space for self-exploration and growth, while also navigating marketing challenges.
Research on authenticity highlights consistency principle, where making someone feel inconsistent can manipulate them into action.

Authenticity, fear, and growth in relationships.

The elusive nature of happiness in consumerist culture.
The fear of being authentic and vulnerable in relationships, and how it can lead to feelings of being a burden or disappointment to others.

Authenticity, surprises, and self-discovery.

Ben reflects on marriage, authenticity, and self-discovery.
Chad surprised himself by saying yes to cold plunging with strangers, found serendipity in nature and community.

Spirituality, personal growth, and the challenges of maintaining expanded consciousness.

The idea of "surrender" and "tasting the numinous" in therapies like mushroom use or other modalities, which some people see as a shortcut to expanded consciousness.
The limitations of psychedelic drugs for personal growth, emphasizing the importance of consistent practice.
Chad references Phil Stutz and Barry Michaels' tools as a helpful resource for personal growth through deliberate practice.

Authenticity, self-awareness, and the challenges of modern life.

The challenges of modern life, including the pressure to prioritize self-actualization over basic needs.
The idea of living a more conscious, expanded life within the ordinariness of modern life.
The importance of self-awareness and authenticity in making decisions.
Chad Prevost discusses the choice between staying in a comfortable but unfulfilling life or taking risks for personal growth.
Chad acknowledges the challenges and side effects of both choices, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and awareness.

The concept of "no easy button" and its relation to authenticity, struggle, and creativity.

Speaker reflects on the illusion of an "easy button" and the reality of ongoing struggle, even for those who appear successful.
Chad Prevost and Speaker 2 discuss the concept of "fu money" and its relationship to authenticity, as explored in Sartre's philosophy.
Speaker 2 suggests that wealth can lead to a false sense of security and isolationism, hindering personal growth and authenticity.
Speaker 2 describes feeling grateful for recognition of their natural talent, but recognizes it may not lead to easier life.
Speaker 2 finds appreciation from others for their natural abilities, but marketability remains a challenge.

Prioritizing tasks and balancing personal growth with community responsibilities.

Speaker struggles with prioritizing, finds community helpful in personal growth.
Speaker 2 reflects on their decision-making process, seeking authenticity in daily choices.
Chad Prevost shares a personal anecdote about negotiating authenticity in a moment of interruption.

Midlife crisis, ego, and essence, with a focus on personal growth and self-awareness.

Chad and Speaker 2 discuss the midlife passage and shedding the ego to find essence.
Speaker 2 discusses midlife crisis, questioning what comes next after failed dreams or unfulfilled expectations.

Find out more about Big Self School:

Download our free book, Desire: How Do You Want to Feel?

This book is only available in print in hardback, but it's yours free as our downloadable PDF.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Just plain ol' sign up for a weekly roundup of all things happening at Big Self School.

Will the Real True Self Please Step Forward? Unmasking the True Self

Mon, 20 May 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Chad Prevost explores personal growth and authenticity through various discussions, delving into the unconscious realm and examining the personal and collective unconscious, archetypes, and the hero's journey.

He shares insights on navigating power dynamics and integrating conscious and unconscious aspects for personal growth. Prevost also discusses the complex relationship between individuation and personas, and the importance of acknowledging and integrating one's shadow self for personal growth and creativity. He highlights the stages of growth and provides examples of how this process can lead to greater self-awareness and authentic expression.

High Notes:

Jungian psychology and personal growth.

Unconscious mind, archetypes, and personal growth.

Jungian psychology and individuation.

Persona, identity, and ego challenges in life transitions.

Integrating personas and shadows for personal growth.

Embracing and understanding one's "shadow side" for personal growth.

Power dynamics and personal growth in the ministry and academic fields.

Jungian psychology, self-awareness, and integration.

Inner growth, self-awareness, and ego.

Find out more about Big Self School:

Download our free book, What Do You Expect? Discovering Methods for Deep Calm.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify.

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Empowering Creative Leaders: Whiteboard's Visionary Approach to Agency and Advocacy in Business

Thu, 16 May 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Today's conversation revolves around the role of creativity and entrepreneurship in shaping culture, the importance of belief and support in creative collaboration, and the challenges of bringing creative visions to life. Taylor Jones and Eric Brown emphasize the need for a holistic approach to culture building that prioritizes both individual and organizational well-being, and highlights the potential drawbacks of remote work while acknowledging its benefits.

They also discuss the dangers of selfishness and isolation, and the value of self-awareness in avoiding burnout and recognizing one's limitations.

High Notes:

Creativity, entrepreneurship, and making a brighter future through a creative agency.

Co-founders of whiteboard.ai discuss creative agency's origins and new book "Agency".

The role of websites in making ideas real and supporting visionary leaders.

Eric and Taylor discuss how they started a web design business in a dorm room and have since worked with over 500 clients, including nonprofits doing big things.

Whiteboard's reputation grew as they embodied posture of belief, support in work.

Creative vision and agency, challenges of bringing ideas to life.

Creatives often struggle with balancing vision and hard work in pursuit of their goals.

Agency and its tensions between self and others, mission and mastery.

Balancing personal growth and mission in work.

Tension between pursuing personal growth and collective mission/purpose.

Personal ambition and its impact on work culture.

The 4 quadrants of personal ambition: isolation, loneliness, vanity, and manifestation.

Agency, leadership, and work culture.

Self-care, creativity, and technology addiction.

Eric discusses his experiences with mentoring and finding joy in helping others and sharing with struggles related to technology addiction.

Agency and creativity with whiteboard co-founders.

Whiteboard team hosts May Day in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for creative leaders and entrepreneurs.

Show Notes:

https://www.agencybook.com/

maydaymayday.live

https://www.whiteboard.is/

Find out more about Big Self School:

Download our free book, What Do You Expect? Discovering Methods for Deep Calm.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify.

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

How Career Shapes Our Identity but Not Our True Self with Richie Daigle

Mon, 13 May 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Chad Prevost and friend of the show, Richie Daigle, discuss their experiences with identity and purpose, exploring the complexities of being identified by one's profession. Richie shares his struggles with being defined solely as a professional baseball player after his playing career ended, and what he did upon graduating during the economic recession of 2008.

They delve into the idea that our actions and experiences offer glimpses into our character, and emphasize the importance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity. They also examine the concept of true self, recognizing the importance of acknowledging and accepting our complex and dual nature.

They conclude by emphasizing the ongoing nature of self-discovery and personal growth, and the value of introspection and self-awareness in leading oneself first before attempting to lead others.

High Notes:

Identity, career paths, and personal growth.

Richie Daigle shares his experience as a semi-pro baseball player and almost-famous person.
Richie's shares his diverse work experience, including bartending, baseball lessons, and insurance sales.

Self-discovery, failures, and personal growth.

Chad and Richie discuss the concept of identity and how it relates to their experiences and actions.
They explore the idea that our actions and experiences can reveal aspects of our identity, but are not solely defined by them.
The stigma around labeling failures and the importance of exploring emotional responses.

The nature of struggle and its impact on life.

The idea that desire and motivation are propelled by the mystery of life and death.
Chad shares a tool from Phil Stutz and Barry Michaels' book, which involves visualizing oneself on deathbed to create urgency and motivation.

Embracing authenticity and living in the present moment.

Emphasizing the importance of enjoying the process rather than just focusing on results.
The shift from linear thinking to embracing the act of competition and enjoying the journey.

Authenticity, true self, and the complexity of human nature.

The concept of authenticity, and how it's difficult to define.
Authenticity can be both off-putting and make others feel uncomfortable, as seen in Enneagram types and overly caring individuals.
Richie questions the idea of a "true self" and the concept of removing the ego.

Personal growth through self-awareness and recognizing brokenness.

On leading oneself through self-awareness and disruption to uncover hidden truths about oneself.
A prayer by Thomas Merton, emphasizing the importance of desire and trust in God's guidance.
The idea of recognizing and embracing one's brokenness as a means of growth and learning.

Find out more about Big Self School:

Download our free book, What Do You Expect? Discovering Methods for Deep Calm.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify.

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

The Day I Almost Died: How a Broken Leash Saved My Life after I Surrendered

Fri, 10 May 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Chad recounts his terrifying experience during a whitewater rafting trip.

What is the difference between giving up and surrendering when it comes to how we live our (extra)ordinary lives?

Tune in and find out. You'll be glad that Chad lived and what you can takeaway from his harrowing experience.

High Notes:

The concept of surrender and letting go.

Surrender and giving up, with personal stories of loss and grief.

Drowning experience, thoughts of mortality, and a miraculous escape.

Near-death experience and surrendering to fate.

Facing and overcoming fears through mindfulness and self-reflection.

Find out more about Big Self School:

Download our free book, What Do You Expect? Discovering Methods for Deep Calm.

Learn more about the May 11, 2024 event: Men's Mental Health Matters

Brandon Clift from The ManKind Project and Men Who Chatt - Community For Chattanooga Men, Sydney Guerrette from Be The Change Youth Initiative and @James Woods from Dads Making a Difference - A First Things First Program.

Register here.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify.

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Reconnecting with the Divine Masculine: Why Men Need Safe Spaces to Explore Vulnerability

Mon, 06 May 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Today's conversation centers around the importance of addressing stigmas associated with men's mental health and the need for supportive resources and community engagement. Chad and friend of the show, James Dawson, emphasize the interconnectedness of mental health and wellness, and share their experiences with men's mental health retreats and breathwork practices. They discuss the evolution of masculinity and the need for men to reconnect with emotions and vulnerability, and highlight the importance of creating safe spaces for this reconnection to occur.

High Notes:

Mental health and healing through reconnection with oneself and ancestors.

James' experience at a men's mental health retreat, highlighting the importance of addressing underlying issues.
Intentional gathering, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and ancestral connection.

Men's retreat with breathwork, Tai Chi, and meditation.

The leaders of the retreat emphasized that they were not a religious group, but the breathwork and meditations addressed the spiritual realm.
James describes experiencing a profound spiritual transformation during a 30-minute breathwork session in sensory deprivation, including leaving their physical body and experiencing a death and rebirth process.
The power of collective breathwork in a group setting, imagining a camera that could capture their collective breath and the transformative experiences that occurred.
Tai Chi and breathwork retreat that focused on inviting participants to move their energy and attention towards their heart, rather than just their mind or body.

Men's healing and growth through meditation and connection.

Doing cold plunges every morning, feeling resilient and empowered after facing the pain of the cold water.
Reconnecting with inner child through ancestral meditation and journaling.
James's app, H E A R E, offers daily check-ins, weekly meditations, and ongoing support for men's healing and growth.

Men's emotional intelligence and reconnection.

Men's groups for personal growth and connection, and the emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and the political climate.
The importance of reconnecting with one's inner self and exploring the divine masculine and feminine archetypes.
The group shares personal experiences and insights on how to create a more connected and vulnerable atmosphere for men, free from toxic masculinity.

Confronting pain and trauma for personal growth.

New research on the impact of beliefs on stress, suggesting that recognizing the potential good in stress can lead to positive bodily changes.
James shares their belief that confronting challenges leads to growth and regeneration.
Chad agrees, citing the pandemic and shift to remote work as contributing factors.

Masculinity, comfort, and the importance of vulnerability.

The hosts discuss the importance of examining our defense mechanisms and projecting archetypes in order to heal and grow, rather than simply perpetuating societal norms.
The limitations of traditional masculinity ideals and the importance of empathy and love.

Burgers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with recommendations and insights.

Find out more about Big Self School:

Download our free book, What Do You Expect? Discovering Methods for Deep Calm.

Learn more about the May 11, 2024 event: Men's Mental Health Matters

Register here.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify.

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

From Burnout to Ice Baths: James Dawson's Journey to Emotional Resilience Through Cold Plunging

Fri, 03 May 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Chad Prevost and James Dawson discuss their experiences with burnout in startup culture, emphasizing the importance of self-care and setting realistic expectations. They also explore the intersection of neuroscience and personal growth, and share their personal experiences with cold water plunging. The conversation highlights the role of perspective and gratitude in shaping our experiences and relationships, and emphasizes the need for earned dopamine in avoiding burnout and building successful startups.

High Notes:

Entrepreneurship, burnout, and self-awareness.

James Dawson reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, from granola subscriptions to tech startup.
Early 20s startup journey.
Struggles with self-shame and feeling like you're not good enough.

Burnout in the startup world and how understanding work types can prevent it.

The evolution of psychology and mental health awareness, from Freud and Jung to current trends in Gen Z and millennials.
Safe spaces for venting and letting out emotions, as well as the limitations of past therapeutic methods.
Despite neglecting his own well-being, James succeeded in launching a cashflow-positive business from a napkin note, with a team of 10-15 people.

Burnout, productivity, and self-care strategies.

Chad Prevost and James discuss burnout and the need for strength-based leadership, emphasizing the importance of earning dopamine through meaningful work rather than relying on fake dopamine from media.
The idea of moving towards discomfort and how it can help alleviate pain.
James shares their personal experience with cold water therapy and how it helped take away their burnout-related pain.

The benefits of cold water plunging and reframing pain as a necessary part of growth.

Doing cold water plunges for over a year, consistently in winter.
Pain is a signal to address root issues, rather than avoid it.

Personal growth, trauma, and self-talk with a focus on ice plunging and breathwork.

Emotional pain rooted in self-relationship, seeking self-improvement.
Adler and Kahneman agree: trauma shapes our memories and stories.
Self-care and positive self-talk to overcome trauma.

Cold plunging, gratitude, and authenticity.

James shares their personal experience with cold plunging and its benefits for mental health, community, and personal growth.
Chad reflects on his initial hesitation to participate in cold plunging but ultimately found value in the experience, including community, nature, and confronting limiting beliefs.
The power of gratitude and its opposite, letting go, in a cold water challenge.
The practice of gratitude is inspired by Wim Hof and involves naming what one is thankful for and letting go of something unwanted.

Find out more about Big Self School:

Download our free book, What Do You Expect? Discovering Methods for Deep Calm.

Learn more about the May 11, 2024 event: Men's Mental Health Matters

Register here.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify.

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Genesis the Greykid: Art, Business, Expectations, Fear, and Creative Community

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0500

This episode's conversation revolves around the themes of creativity, vulnerability, and personal growth. Genesis emphasized the importance of practicing vulnerability in creative endeavors, and with Chad Prevost and Ben Cake, they discussed the need for radical new ways to understand and practice humanism. This includes sharing experiences with embracing risk and failure, and the importance of staying open-minded and connected to the world around them to maintain a genuine and fulfilling creative practice. They also reflect on the nature of fear and how overcoming it can lead to new adventures and experiences.

Genesis the Greykid is a fine artist/creative that has sold artwork all over the country and internationally. His passions are people, places, and memory....and feels the best way to speak of this love, is through his gift with art and poetry. He's worked with some of the most talented creatives in the world and hopes to continue doing this the rest of his life.

Top Shelf Ideas:

Vulnerability, creativity, and ego in art and life.

Vulnerability and authenticity in life and conversation.
Genesis shares insights on creativity, fulfillment, and his new restaurant venture.
Tthe importance of leaving space for other perspectives, avoiding the mistake of assuming everyone thinks alike.

Art and personal growth through pain and relationships.

Chad discusses how people interpret their art, sometimes without their input.
The collaboration and interpretation of their work by others.
On values empathy and connection, sharing personal stories of grief and growth.

Creativity, isolation, and artistic expression.

Genesis discusses isolating himself for almost a year in New York, feeling the need to focus on his work and ideas without distractions.
On the desire to be vulnerable and open about personal struggles in poetry workshops and mediums.
Unexpected connections and sales, highlighting the importance of trusting one's artistic vision.
Letting his unique style and personality shine through in his interactions with others, leading to meaningful relationships and art sales.

Creativity, relationships, and money with an artist.

The importance of process in creativity, worrying that technology shortcuts may deprive artists of the necessary time and effort to develop their skills and ideas.
Genesis's fluid relationship with writing, which has become an extension of their body and mind, allowing him to create without needing to be alone or around people.
Relationship with money has shifted since achieving commercial success, with mentors helping to reframe perspective.

The philosophy of money and creative freedom.

Money is not real, and creative freedom is key to success.
Creative confidence through spirituality and taking risks.

Art, business, and authenticity.

The intersection of art and business, finding beauty in the dance of commerce.
Building a business with a focus on authenticity and enjoyment.

Creativity, selflessness, and success as an artist.

Personal insights on creativity, spirituality, and pushback from others.
Invoking the muse and pleasing God through creativity and selflessness.
Insights on letting go of pride and success to move forward in life.
Reflections on the shelf life of success and creative ideas, wondering if holding onto past accomplishments can hinder growth.
The importance of tapping into the "flow" or "zeitgeist" in their creative work, finding inspiration both inwardly and outwardly.

Prioritizing projects.

Projects that align with your values and passions.

Creativity, mentorship, and overcoming fear of failure.

Creative people may hold themselves back due to fear of failure, but picking up a new hobby or activity can help build patience and wisdom.
Personal brand, mentioning how it was harder to establish before and how it's evolved over time.
Step outside your comfort zone and connect with others through creative activities like writing love letters and sitting at bus stops.
Creating a community through events and art.

Find out more about Genesis the Greykid:

Find his work and contact here.

Find out more about Big Self School:

Download our free workbook, 7 Soul Needs You Must Meet to Avoid Burnout.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify.

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

How to Redefine Achievement and Live a Truly Creative Life

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0500

The central focus of the first month's theme for The Humanist is understanding Authenticity. Why? Partly because the title of the podcast almost featured authenticity in the first place. Partly because authenticity seems to be having "a moment" culturally, and we aim to find out what's going on: How authentic is authenticity really when it comes to ways it's used an understood?

Chad Prevost and Ben Cake discuss the creative process and flow states, emphasizing the importance of embracing the unknown and not over-strategizing. They also explore the concept of compromise in relation to living an authentic life, highlighting the need for individualized metrics and prioritizing self-awareness and sustainability in personal growth.

Later, they discuss the challenges of balancing creative aspirations with practical considerations, emphasizing the importance of setting terms with oneself about what success looks like and embracing a creative life without compromise or shame. They also address the fear of failure and pressure to constantly produce content.

Summary

Creativity, flow states, and the source of inspiration.

Chad Prevost and guest discuss creativity as a vehicle for a higher power, drawing on Rick Rubin and Elizabeth Gilbert's ideas.
Ben Cake experiences flow state when nearing project completion, feeling momentum and possibility.

Compromise and taking one for the team, with insights on self-doubt and fantasies.

Ben discusses compromises made in pursuit of authentic life, framing them as pragmatic decisions rather than losses of faith.
The importance of framing compromises in a way that reduces shame and increases positive outcomes.
The idea of "taking one for the team" and how it can be a form of self-sabotage, where individuals prioritize the needs of others over their own goals.
Examine your own stories and decisions, and to ask if you are holding yourself back from pursuing your true desires.

Living a creative life, overcoming fear and shame, and finding sustainability through self-care and personal growth.

Chad discusses living a creative life without compromise, experimentation, and freedom to try new things.
Ben argues that setting terms with oneself about success can limit creativity, leading to a different definition of success.
The importance of living a fulfilling life, and the need for sustainability and balance in daily activities.
Ben describes an ideal day, including self-care, family time, intellectual conversations, and a business meeting, highlighting the importance of nurturing various aspects of oneself.

Creativity, authenticity, and overcoming fear and shame in the creative process.

The importance of authenticity in personal growth and transformation coaching.
Chad discusses how creating an intentional creative life can lead to positive results, but acknowledges the potential for idealized metrics.
The importance of taking action and showing up to create opportunities for success.
Stop overthinking and debating, and instead, start doing something to manifest luck and success.
Embracing discomfort and overcoming shame and fear in creative pursuits.

Find out more about Big Self School:

Download our free workbook, 7 Soul Needs You Must Meet to Avoid Burnout.

Book a discovery call for coaching or workshop trainings here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify.

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

From Copywriter to Creative Maverick: Unpacking the Journey of Redefining Success and Chasing Authenticity

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 10:51:00 -0500

Chad Prevost and Ben Cake discuss the challenges of maintaining authenticity in creative pursuits and leadership roles. They explore how advertising and marketing can perpetuate idealized versions of life, and the impact of judgment from others on one's creative identity.

They also discuss the balance between artistic integrity and commercial success, using examples from various art forms. They explore the importance of living authentically and being willing to make changes to ensure satisfaction in one's creative pursuits.

In the end, they don't arrive at hard conclusions, but the discussion itself does seem valuable.

Authenticity, creativity, and snapshots in life.

Ben Cake discusses authenticity, creativity, and the struggle to stay engaged with life.
Speaker discusses how snapshots can be harmful, leading to unrealistic expectations and suffering.
Exploring and acknowledging snapshots can help improve self-awareness and authenticity.

Leadership, self-awareness, and the importance of following one's passions.

Chad and Ben discuss the importance of leading oneself before leading others.
Rick Rubin's success was due to luck and not planning.

The value of persistence in creative fields despite lack of recognition or financial success.

Chad admires writers who persist in publishing despite lack of recognition.
Chad and Ben discuss the concept of mastery in writing and the challenges of achieving it.
Ben argues that pursuing expertise can lead to a paradox where one becomes so focused on pleasing a narrow audience that they neglect to appeal to a broader one.
Chad suggests that artists may feel sad or frustrated when they pour their heart and soul into their work, only to find that it goes unappreciated or unnoticed by a wider audience.

Creativity, ambition, and judgment from others.

The idea of commitment to art and family, and admiration for authors who commit to their craft despite potential regrets.
On judgment from others and its impact on authenticity.

Creative identity, authenticity, and career changes.

On peaking early in their career and the challenges that come with it.
The impact of criticism on one's self-narrative and identity.

Find out more about Big Self School:

Discover the transformative power of Big Self School, where personal growth meets professional development. Unlock your full potential and achieve your wildest dreams through our innovative courses, workshops, and coaching programs. Led by industry experts and thought leaders, Big Self School empowers you to break free from limiting beliefs, cultivate a growth mindset, and become the architect of your own success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or simply seeking to live your best life, Big Self School provides the tools, strategies, and support you need to thrive. Join our vibrant community of like-minded individuals and experience the life-changing impact of investing in your personal and professional growth with Big Self School.

Book a discovery call here

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at bigselfschool.com

The Humanist Trailer

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 10:49:00 -0500

Subscribe now and start your journey to a more authentic life.

Find out more about Big Self School:

Book a discovery call here

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Final Episode as Big Self Show: Farewell and See You at The Humanist

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 05:15:00 -0500

Hey there, Big Self Show listeners!

We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and loyalty throughout our incredible journey together. It's been an absolute pleasure exploring the depths of personal growth, self-discovery, and transformation with you.

As we evolve and grow, so too does our podcast. We're thrilled to announce that we're embarking on a new and exciting chapter, and we'd love for you to join us on this next phase of our adventure.

Now, we could have just replaced the Big Self Show with The Humanist and kept these thousands of downloads and all the benefits that come with that, but this is more than a rebrand. This is a whole new show. We’re going to let Big Self Show live on as it is and as it was.

So, we’re are excited to direct your attention to The Humanist - a brand new podcast dedicated to helping you live your most genuine, purposeful, and fulfilling life. We'll be diving even deeper into the realms of psychology, spirituality, and creativity, bringing you the latest insights, tools, and strategies to help you unlock your full potential and become the architect of your own reality.

A lot of what you came for already, yes, but with a more specific focus.

Get ready for thought-provoking interviews with renowned experts, immersive solo episodes, and actionable wisdom you can apply to your daily life. We're committed to being your trusted companion on the path to self-actualization and authentic living.

While the Big Self Show may be coming to a close, the spirit of our mission lives on in Authentic Life. We can't wait to continue this transformative journey with you.

So, be sure to subscribe to Authentic Life wherever you listen to your podcasts. Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and to join our vibrant community of like-minded individuals.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being a part of the Big Self Show family. We look forward to welcoming you to The Humanist and continuing to grow, learn, and thrive together.

Until then, remember: your authentic self is waiting to be unleashed. Tune in to The Humanist and let's make it happen!

Leadership and the Longing to Belong with Jerry Colonna

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Jerry Colonna is the CEO and co-founder of Reboot.io, and for nearly 20 years he has used the knowledge gained as an investor, an executive, and a board member for more than 100 organizations to help entrepreneurs and others to lead with humanity, resilience, and equanimity.

Today, in particular, we are discussing his new book, Reunion. You can order it now from our show notes if you like. It’s available for pre-order until it releases on November 14. Reunion is a life-altering guide for today’s complex and divisive world. Its wise insights and practical advice will help create an inclusive and welcoming workspace, discover the best of who we are, and nurture and support those whom we are privileged to lead.

Time Stamps:

Leadership, belonging, and personal growth. 0:00

The importance of being accepted and belonging to live their "big self."

Personal responsibility and complicity in social issues. 10:00

Complicity in power structures, with Chad emphasizing the importance of acknowledging one's role in perpetuating systems of oppression.

Race, identity, and belonging. 22:37

Jerry explores their family history and how they became racialized as white in the US.

Near-death experience and disconnecting from oneself. 28:01

Personal growth and overcoming toxicity. 36:26

Empathy, kindness, and shared experiences. 44:22

Empathy, belonging, and personal growth. 51:23

The importance of self-reflection and personal growth in creating a more sustainable and equitable society.

Show Notes:

Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong

Find out more about Big Self School:

We still offer our flagship burnout coaching package. We also offer packages for those seeking clarity and reconnecting to their life purpose–and we do this work with individuals and couples. Reach out to us if you’d like to book a discovery call and learn more about our coaching packages.

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Book a discovery call here

Join us at the Burnout to Big Self Facebook Group

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Psychedelics as a Tool for Growth and Healing with Matt Zemon

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0500

For today's show we talk with Matt Zemon, a dedicated explorer of the inner world, and a passionate advocate for the thoughtful and responsible use of psychedelics. With a Master of Science in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health with honors from King’s College London, Matt has studied the effects of psychedelics on the mind and the potential for these experiences to serve as a catalyst for positive transformations.

His work in this field is motivated by a profound desire to help people navigate the sometimes challenging terrain of the psychedelic experience, and emerge from it with a deeper sense of purpose, connection, and understanding. To reclaim their true self.

Matt is the author of the Amazon Best-Seller, Psychedelics for Everyone: A Beginner’s Guide to these Powerful Medicines for Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, PTSD, and Expanding Consciousness. As an entrepreneur in the wellbeing sector, Matt has co-founded various companies, including HAPPŸŸ, a mental wellness company specializing in psychedelic-assisted ketamine therapy, PSYCHABLE, an online community connecting people who would like to explore the healing power of psychedelics with a network of practitioners and psychedelic-based treatments, and TAKE2MINUTES, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals improve their mental health and wellbeing.

Time Stamps:

Responsible use of psychedelics for personal growth. 4:41

Unlearning cultural conditioning around scarcity and competition to embrace abundance and collaboration.

Psychedelics as an alternative to antidepressants. 10:44

Neuroscientist advocates for brain growth and learning throughout life, despite common misconceptions.

Ketamine use for mental health treatment and microdosing. 14:56

Ketamine has powerful antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, but can be addictive and lead to bladder issues with long-term use.

Using psychedelics to overcome substance use disorders. 20:46

Unknown Speaker discusses microdosing, a controversial practice where individuals take small amounts of psychedelics to enhance creativity, connection, and mental health.

Psychedelic experiences and their spiritual significance. 27:34

Chad shares personal experiences with psychedelics in the 1990s, reflecting on their spiritual significance despite illegal nature.

Psychedelics for personal growth and healing. 33:19

The potential benefits and risks of psychedelics, with Matt Zemon emphasizing the importance of proper preparation and integration for a positive experience.

Personal growth and healing through meditation and therapy. 38:55

Consciousness and healing with Matt Zeeman. 45:33

Show Notes:

Find Matt Zemon at his LinkedIn Page here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattzemon/

Find out more about Big Self School:

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Book a discovery call here

Join us at the Burnout to Big Self Facebook Group

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Step into the Mood You Want to Live In

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0500

"Anyone can become angry-that is easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the

right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way-this is not

easy." –Aristotle

As human beings, we sometimes fail to make desired changes despite good ideas and great intentions. Daniel Goleman coined the necessary emotional intelligence to make desired or unforeseen changes.

However, knowing that you lack some emotional intelligence is not enough for you to be more emotionally intelligent.

Missing is how do we go about learning the necessary emotional intelligence?

As is often the case, understanding what we do over and over and why may not lead to successful changes.

With all our knowledge and skills, smart, successful people get stuck, are blind to options and create messes for themselves or others.

Here’s what we want you to get from listening to this episode:

Gain emotional insight that you never had before:

The ability to recognize the emotions that keep you where you are and the skill to leave them for a more useful one. With practice we can in fact learn new emotions and leave others behind for a time.

Is there an emotion you’d like to leave behind or one you’d like to visit more often?

Time Stamps:

Moods and their impact on daily life. 0:02

Chad and Shelley discuss their moods and practices, sharing tangible ways to improve one's life.

Chad argues that moods are overlooked and impact daily life, encouraging self-awareness to recognize and manage them.

Emotions, moods, and self-awareness. 4:30

Shelley Prevost: Emotions are chemical experiences that are fleeting but involuntary, and can be influenced and practiced through self-awareness and self-mastery.

Chad Prevost: Being emotional is natural, but being overly emotional can be criticized, and emotional life can be influenced and practiced through self-awareness and self-mastery.

Chad and Shelley discuss the role of emotions in their podcast recording, with Chad expressing frustration at external distractions and Shelley highlighting the importance of awareness and commanding emotions.

Aristotle's ideas on emotions are mentioned, with Chad wondering if humans have evolved since his time.

Emotional awareness and managing negative emotions. 10:06

Chad and Shelley discuss the difference between unconscious and conscious emotions, with Chad highlighting the importance of awareness in managing emotions.

Chad identifies as an Enneagram type four, often thinking about what is missing or lacking in his life.

Emotional idealization and its impact on mental well-being. 15:22

Chad discusses idealization and its impact on his emotions.

He acknowledges that this idealization can lead to disappointment and melancholy, and suggests practicing awareness of emotions as a way to address this issue.

Emotional states and moods. 20:53

Shelley and Chad discuss the concept of "acceptance" as an antidote to negative emotions like resentment, anger, and resignation.

Shelley identifies pride as a common example of an emotional negative disposition that can be overcome through acceptance, recognizing what she needs to accept about the situation and trusting that her work is not to control everything.

Chad and Shelley discuss the importance of recognizing and working on one's emotions, particularly the moods that trigger suffering and chaos.

Show Notes:

A General Theory of Love by Lewis, Amini, and Lannon

Learned Optimism by Martin Seligman

Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman

Field Guide to Emotions by Dan Newby, Curtis Watkins

Find out more about Big Self School

We still offer our flagship burnout coaching package. We also offer packages for those seeking clarity and reconnecting to their life purpose. Reach out to us if you’d like to book a discovery call and learn more about our coaching packages.

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Book a discovery call here

Join us at the Burnout to Big Self Facebook Group

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Tame Anxiety to Speak Faster and Smarter with Matt Abrahams

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Many of us dread having to convey our ideas to others, often feeling ill-equipped, anxious, and awkward.

Public speaking experts help by focusing on planned communication experiences such as slide presentations, pitches, or formal talks. Yet, most of our professional and personal communication occurs in spontaneous situations that creep up on us and all too often leave us flustered and stumbling for words. How can we rise to the occasion when we’re put on the spot?

In THINK FASTER, TALK SMARTER communication expert, Stanford lecturer, and host of the popular podcast, Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast, Matt Abrahams provides tangible, actionable skills to help even the most anxious of speakers succeed when communicating and speaking spontaneously. Thinking faster and talking smarter Abrahams argues is not an innate skill that requires natural talent, and can actually be learned through preparation and practice. He provides science-based strategies for managing anxiety, responding to the mood of the room, and communicating in concise, relevant, compelling, and memorable ways regardless of the audience.

Especially important in today’s frantic, multi-tasking world, Abrahams draws on research from a variety of fields including psychology, biology, anthropology, communication, and improvisation along with stories from his clients and students, to offer best practices for: navigating difficult conversations, responding to impromptu questioning, shining in job interviews, providing effective feedback, making small talk, apologizing, persuading others, and responding to spontaneous digital communication like text and email.

Whether it’s speaking in front of others in meetings or conversations with family, friends, colleagues or a manager, learning to speak spontaneously can help us get out of our own way, and show up for some of the most meaningful moments in life—moments that often catch us by surprise, short circuiting our intelligence and leaving us to project just a fraction of our true personalities. Abrahams argues that by training ourselves to think and speak on our feet, and reacting in ways that come across as coherent, compelling, and unmistakably genuine, we can learn to be more of who we really are in the moment, and convey more of what we really think.

THINK FASTER, TALK SMARTER is an accessible guide to communication that helps readers master new techniques to better communicate in our fast-paced times.

Time Stamps:

Communication, presence, and spontaneous speaking. 0:00

The inner work and outer impact, myth-busting speaking skills.

Spontaneous speaking and managing anxiety in public situations. 4:52

Effective listening and spontaneous speaking techniques. 10:09

A technique called pace, space, grace, which involves physically moving and giving oneself permission to listen to both what's being said and what's being felt within oneself.

Improving spontaneous speaking skills. 15:40

Communication structure and anxiety management. 19:28

Embracing spontaneity in communication. 24:50

Communication techniques and strategies. 29:03

Show Notes:

See his TedTalk here

Check out his newly-released book Think Faster Talk Smarter here

Find out more about Big Self School

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Book a discovery call here

Join us at the Burnout to Big Self Facebook Group

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Control Impulsive Behavior with These Three Steps

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0500

“He who conquers others is strong, but he who conquers himself is mighty.” –Lao Szu

So often impulsive behaviors keep us stuck or keep us feeling helpless. From little things to small, it can be hard to stop, especially when we start thinking about the thing. In fact, it’s almost like we spend our day waiting for the moment when we will just give in to the behavior.

From overeating to drinking to email checking to phone checks to gambling to eating ice cream at night to flipping someone off on the highway to getting triggered on Facebook when someone has an experience that makes us jealous, we often feel like must get our fix before we can be “free.”

The truth about freedom is not doing whatever you want in the exterior world, that leads to paradoxically the opposite. Actually, you’ll find that restraint from your developed inner world, leads you to the very freedom you desire.

Remember:

Start small.
It’s not going to work every time.
Consider it practice. How does practice work? It’s usually not great the first time. It takes consistency and it takes will, and over time it does get easier to do and it does become more effective as you practice it.

Time Stamps:

Impulsive behaviors and how to take back control. 0:03

Chad and Shelley discuss impulsive behaviors as patterns of habitual control, leading to enslavement.

Chad suggests paying attention to automatic habits and patterns without judgment before attempting the 1-2-3 practice.

Self-mastery and addiction recovery. 8:44

The importance of self-mastery in the second half of life, with a focus on identifying and overcoming limiting beliefs and behaviors.

Chad and Shelley discuss the quote from Lao Tzu, "He who conquers others is strong. But he who conquers himself is mighty." (0:11:01)

Practicing self-awareness and filling inner emptiness. 13:32

Practice paying attention to inner experience to avoid compulsive behaviors and feel more whole.

Chad guides listeners to imagine their resistances and reorient themselves to fill emotional voids.

Chad guides listeners to visualize a blue flame for life energy and connection.

Self-control and personal growth through practical exercises. 20:34

Practice inquiring into resistances to heal yourself, rather than blaming external factors.

Freedom, confidence, and leadership gained through self-restraint practice.

Show Notes:

Find out more about Big Self School

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Book a discovery call here

Join us at the Burnout to Big Self Facebook Group

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Is Change Possible without Awareness? with Reut Schwartz-Hebron

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Reut Schwartz-Hebron was born in Jerusalem. She is a Certifying Partner at KCI (KeyChange Institute). She is a leading expert at the intersection of neuroscience and challenging change.

Reut trains and certifies change leaders to use Neuroscience-based models to support people through transitions.

Today we discuss her opinions about everything related to the personality and whether or not we really can change.

Spoiler alert: We can change--and maybe for a lot longer than you ever imagined.

But why? and how?

Time Stamps:

How we interact with discomfort associated with change. 9:49

Most people aren't going to be moved to want to dig deep until something is failing or not working with their pre-frontal projected rehearsed self.

Think of discomfort as a nourishment. 15:34

The first mountain of life, the first mountain, the second mountain, and how to move forward on it.

Why awareness is not a requirement for transformation. 20:22

Awareness has a wonderful role in our lives and is supportive of transformative processes, but it is not a requirement from a neuroscience perspective.

Being more aware is an explicit function. 27:00

Awareness is an explicit system function, and without awareness, certain exercises will transform.

Addiction is not black and white. There is a chemical aspect to addiction, which means that certain people after they have been addicted long enough or have used substances.

How do you avoid discomfort? 34:44

The idea of neuroplasticity.

Personality is a construct of current preferences.

How long does it take to change an organizational pattern? 44:22

Kindness is not a naivete. It's a powerhouse.

You can change simple as you can change. 48:39

Kindness has nothing to do with being nice. Kindness is not just about being nice, but also about respect.

You can change, even if you don't want to.

Show Notes:

Outswim the Sharks: How to Quadruple Your Team’s Productivity with Kindness

The Art and Science of Changing People Who Don’t Want to Change

Find out more about Big Self School

We offer our flagship burnout coaching package, as well as packages for leaders. We also offer opportunities for those seeking clarity and reconnecting to their life purpose–and we do this work with individuals and couples. Reach out to us if you’d like to book a discovery call and learn more about our coaching packages.

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Book a discovery call here

Join us at the Burnout to Big Self Facebook Group

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Meaning in the Second Half of Life with James Hollis

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Today we speak with Dr. James Hollis, a speaker, professor, Jungian analyst, and bestselling author of 19 books examining life and how to cherish every moment. His world-renowned books, Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life, The Eden Project, What Matters Most, and Living an Examined Life, have been translated into over twenty languages.

We discuss his latest book, A Life of Meaning, which examines the qualities that bring meaning to our human journey. Our culture tells us to seek wealth, power, prestige, or even enrollment in someone else’s idea of a worthy cause—yet where do we turn when these paths fail to fulfill our need for purpose? “When the old stories and beliefs that once defined us have played out and grown exhausted,” teaches Dr. James Hollis, “our task is to access our inner compass, the promptings of the psyche that help us find our way through the complex thickets of choice.”

Hollis offers an examination of myth, literature, historical figures, and the wisdom of depth psychology that provides penetrating insight into the search for purpose. In A Life of Meaning, Hollis offers no easy answers or feel-good certainties—instead, he shares his most valuable questions and reflections to help you find the courage, persistence, and inspiration to navigate your own odyssey.

Time Stamps:

Defining the concept of big self. 6:38

It is important to define how the word self is used in any given paragraph or conversation.

All of us are either serving or running from the instructions of our culture in the first half, with some exceptions, but mostly in the second half of life, about surrendering to something larger than our instructions or our complexes or personal history.

The middle passage, the adolescent passage and the final passage, mortality.

The middle passage trough of despair. 13:40

What to do when your boss is a jerk? 17:28

The importance of reflecting on the nature of his work and asking himself what is his task now.

Finding your own personal guidance system. 23:25

The process of discernment.

One of the dilemmas is, if I choose this path, it could risk my relationship.

Fear and lethargy are the enemies of life. Fear is the seduction of that part of me that wants an easy path. Jung says the greatest burden a child must bear is the unlived life of the parent.

Talk is cheap, change is difficult, and it always costs something.

The collective unconscious and the wounded healer. 29:53

Empathic caregivers bear the weight of a collective system of unreality, not tuning into human needs, and not tuning in to human needs.

What is the wounded healer complex? 34:03

Some people need to leave the profession to save their lives. Others need to take more breaks and recognize the symptoms of burnout.

The wounded healer complex is a neutral word like an airport complex or apartment complex, but a structure, but also a complex of life experience.

How complexes are created.

In every pattern, there is an idea, a strategy, and an unconscious idea inside of you.

There are two conversations going on, and you have to decide which one is the one you want to give your life to and show up.

How does the psyche speak to us? 40:48

You don't win this game, the point is to realize it is a game and you're here to participate in a way that is most meaningful to you and consistent with the terrain of your own soul.

Jung talks about the importance of doing what is right for you and the energy systems that support you.

Dreams are a form of communication. The smallest things with meaning are always greater than the largest of things without meaning, according to Jung.

The question of meaning is most important. 45:29

The question of meaning is most important, because we don't create it, but we are still tasked with the decisions that can bring us to places where the experience is meaningful.

The best source of making decisions is inside, not from outside.

Show Notes:

Jameshollis.net

Find his book here: A Life of Meaning

Find out more about Big Self School

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Book a discovery call here

Join us at the Burnout to Big Self Facebook Group

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

You Have to Feel to Heal with Brian Bogert

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Brian Bogert is a passionate performance coach, motivational speaker, business strategist, top sales professional and philanthropic leader who believes in helping growth-minded individuals achieve the best version of themselves: their most authentic selves.

Brian teaches how to leverage radical authenticity and awareness to create the intentional life you’ve been dreaming of, but have struggled to create on your own. His revolutionary strategy—embrace pain to avoid suffering—has helped individuals, groups and entire companies break beyond their normal to achieve the success in life and business that they’ve always wanted.

Time Stamps:

What does being in your big self mean to you? 2:08

The power of a singular choice and the ripple effect. 5:40

This is a new time and we are living in different times. 11:16

How I became aware of how disconnected I was. 15:24

Realizing how disconnected he was at 20.

Human connection without emotion is not human connection.

Suffering is a will and a skill. 20:12

Self-awareness is a will and a skill.

Viktor frankl and the unique opportunity.

Why vulnerability and authenticity are so important in healing? 23:13

The importance of vulnerability and authenticity.

Intellectual vs. emotional connection. 26:21

There are 40,000 brain-like cells in the heart.

Integrating the body and emotions with thoughts.

The two ways to become the protector and connector.

The soft front and strong spine.

The importance of starting with yourself. 32:38

Starting with yourself, regardless of the dynamics.

Podcast Flipping the Lid

Find out more about Big Self School

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Book a discovery call here

Join us at the Burnout to Big Self Facebook Group

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

The Hare Versus the Tortoise Retold with Joe Sanok

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Joe Sanok is a productivity researcher, business consultant, and creator of the popular The Practice of the Practice podcast. Let’s just say Joe gets a lot done, but he does manage to do this with his ideas of hard and soft boundaries and clearly delineating the lines between what is work and what is play. There is a lot to learn from Joe, his approach, and the initiatives he’s started through his book and from his programs.

Joe shares with us that if we say we want to figure out how to focus more on what’s important when it’s time to focus, we need to prioritize when we’re working and when we’re going to boundary time for play. We learn how to apply these principles to customize them for your own situation to be more productive at work while enjoying more leisure time.

Time Stamps:

The story of the tortoise and the hare. 6:25

Tortoise and hare story.

Hare did it right, but they didn't have the right tools.

Adopt a learner’s mindset. 9:47

Experimentations on the book.

How to avoid burnout by going rock climbing. 15:23

Why is it important to take action? 18:02

The three p’s of podcast launch. 22:24

The full humanity of our life experience. 31:00

Joe’s curiosity test. 38:32

Show Notes:

http://joesanok.com/manifesto

https://joesanok.com/experiments/

https://joesanok.com/test

And use the code TITNY for a free test

Check out his book: Thursday is the New Friday

Find out more about Big Self School

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Book a discovery call here

Join us at the Burnout to Big Self Facebook Group

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Why We Overwork

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Chad and Shelley explore the reasons behind why we overwork. They examine the beliefs behind overworking, and consider how and when we can begin to dismantle those beliefs and pursue second mountain work.

Time Stamps:

Why do I overwork? 0:02

We all have a big self and pursuing it is fully, but most of us let fear persuade us not to pay attention to the episodes.

We live in a meritocracy and competition. 2:00

Workaholism overwork is a term that was coined in 1971 by a psychologist.

Being led by our egos. 3:47

A lot of us get to a point where we have been led by our egos, which is a necessary part of self-development.

A client recently asked why she was a workaholic.

Why we are workaholics. 5:02

The ego believes that the ego needs to be workaholics in order to survive, and that overworking is 100% all the time.

James hollis, accumulation and attachment are unconscious.

The ego and the conflation of identity. 7:18

The stakes were really high. 9:10

The first mountain experience.

Why do I want to keep doing this? 10:55

If there is no friction or no breaking down, why would you want to keep doing this?

The five regrets of the dying. 12:49

The tipping point is wanting it, because if you don't, it's all moot.

Work from the soul is more fulfilling than work from ego. 14:38

Surrendering work from the soul is hard work, but it is more fulfilling than work that comes from the ego.

Show Notes:

Find out more about Big Self School

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Book a discovery call here

Join us at the Burnout to Big Self Facebook Group

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

The Habits of Stillness and Community with Ed Bacon

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0500

You may be familiar with him from his Super Soul Sunday radio series and his popular interview with Oprah from over ten years ago. Whether or not you've heard him--or of him--Reverend Ed Bacon has a second mountain message we could all use in our lives.

The Reverend was ordained an Episcopal priest after serving as Mercer University’s Minister to Students and Dean of Students as a Southern Baptist minister. He was dean of the cathedral in Jackson, Ms. and rector of churches in Dalton, Georgia and Pasadena, California from which he “retired” in 2016.

He says he flunked retirement in 2018 when he became interim rector at St. Luke’s, Atlanta where he had been ordained in 1983. He and his wife, Hope, moved to Hoover, Alabama in 2016 to be near their grandchildren.

Now he travels, teaching how our Oneness in Love overcomes our fear-based separateness. He expresses this spiritual way of life in his book, 8 Habits of Love. His missions also include creation care including helping to save the Pando forest in southern Utah, interspirituality, healing grief and trauma, and dismantling systems of all forms of bigotry and oppression.

Today, he shares with us is the inspiring and challenging depths we can get to on a regular basis if we’re able to get still with ourselves. The wisdom, the ability to let go of our egoic fears, and hold on to the things that we say we value, are all a part of the message and ideas he shares with us today.

Time Stamps:

What does living in your big self mean to you? 3:28

The ego and its purpose.

Making decisions based on ego strength. 9:09

Stillness is a superpower. 14:52

The ocean metaphor.

Advice for the average person who hears this message. 19:50

How to become more aware of distractions.

How to make yourself still and quiet.

How stillness opens up the learner's mindset. 22:50

The difference between fear and love.

The difference between the learner’s mind and the learners mind. 28:18

Community and practicing the habit of community.

Thomas Merton and community. 33:11

One of history's greatest spiritual revelations, the "Louisville Epiphany."

Community is the root of unity.

The sweetness of the second mountain. 38:20

Habits of love are interconnected.

The sweetness of the second mountain.

Stillness and the gift of stillness. 44:35

Show Notes:

His 2012 interview with Oprah

Twitter: @RevEdBacon

Facebook: @RevEdBacon

Instagram: revedbacon

Check out his book here: 8 Habits of Love

Find out more about Big Self School

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Book a discovery call here

Join us at the Burnout to Big Self Facebook Group

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

What Do You Do When You Find Yourself in a Toxic Work Environment?

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0500

“Toxic” cultures aren’t all the same. They’re caused by different poinsons. So start there. Bad boss? Unrealistic expectations? Systemic overload?

How you answer this will determine how you respond.

How do we define “toxic”? An environment that’s incompatible with YOUR wellbeing.

Wellbeing consists of physical, emotional, intellectual, relational and spiritual wellbeing.

But if you aren’t at an institution with well-documented and widespread dysfunction, if you are at a relatively normal place with its typical interpersonal human drama, then ask the questions we offer up in this episode.

Time Stamps:

The definition of toxic culture. 1:19

Shifting your beliefs and expectations. 4:29

Awareness that a job is not what is good for you is an indication of movement in your life.

A startup environment and leadership roles. 9:41

What conversation am I avoiding that will go well? 10:52

What is a projection? 12:03

Start with yourself. 15:28

The one takeaway is to start with yourself when it comes to dealing with your

Show Notes:

Find out more about Big Self School

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Book a discovery call here

Join us at the Burnout to Big Self Facebook Group

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Relationships are Mirrors to Our Souls with Judy K. Herman

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Judy K. Herman inspires executive women to unlock the power of their authentic selves in order to live peaceful, purposeful, and positive lives without regret. She provides keynotes, seminars, and workshops for companies who support women in leadership while honoring authentic work relationships and cultures. Her clinical and personal experiences enhance her work as an executive coach providing skills and resources that change organizations and family trees.

Time Stamps:

How Judy became a psychotherapist. 6:08

Being a psychotherapist, raising four children and having five grandchildren.

Marrying a second time.

How to begin to work on yourself. 12:23

Relationships shift when one person grows.

Relationships are mirrors to us and our souls.

Growing in self-awareness and relationship awareness.

The dynamics of family relationships. 16:54

How to become more aware of your patterns? 21:40

Becoming more aware of family patterns.

The beginner's mind and the growth mindset.

How to make sense when conversations go sideways.

Self awareness takes the will and the skill. 26:48

The experience of building a business. 31:42

The enneagram and how it affects relationships. 36:08

Show Notes:

Author of Beyond Messy Relationships: Divine Invitations To Your Authentic Self

And Relationships with Purpose

Better Relationships, Better Life Podcast

Find out more about Big Self School

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Book a discovery call here

Join us at the Burnout to Big Self Facebook Group

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Enneagram Arrows as Growth Directives and Directions

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0500

We hear a lot of language around using Enneagram arrows in this "growth" and "stress" language, and we'd like to be a part of putting that theory to rest. At least, we'd like to offer a better alternative to thinking of it in a simpler, and also slightly more accurate way. We want to "hit the bullseye" when it comes to our arrows.

You can go to your first arrow--what we call the "energizing" arrow--in both growth and stress. You can also go to your second arrow--what we call the "resolution" arrow--in growth and stress as well. Just as you can go to either of your wings in growth and stress, the same is true with arrow work. We discuss what going to your first arrow means, as well as your second. We clarify the terms so that it is clear that it doesn't have to do with stress whether we are going to the first or second. It happens in either. The bottom line is that in terms of growth work, we aim for the high sides of our arrows, which typically means we are going their consciously and intentionally until we have developed the memory muscle (so to speak) to inhabit the higher sides with less effort and greater efficacy.

This is all growth work. None of it is easy per se. But we'd like to improve upon how we use some of our terms to help make the work a little more clear and a little more accurate. In that way, we're offering up a simpler way to conduct the conscious development of our growth work.

Time Stamps:

What are wings? 1:24

Arrow theories and how they challenge conventional wisdom.

Wings are not subtypes.

The difference between style and type. 4:30

What does a really healthy one have to teach me? 7:46

Being aware of unconscious tendencies to withdraw. 9:03

Awareness of tendencies both in five and three.

Bigger jumps. 11:50

Direct vs. confrontational energy. 15:07

You can go to either one of the arrows. 18:13

The enneagram is not just another typology. 21:03

Find out more about Big Self School

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Book a discovery call here

Join us at the Burnout to Big Self Facebook Group

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Clarity, Confidence, and Courage with Heather Penny

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Dr. Heather Penny is a leadership coach and trusted advisor helping individuals and organizations achieve their goals guided by the 3C's: Clarity, Confidence, and Courage.

With a Ph.D. in Human Services and an M.A. in Educational Leadership, Dr. Penny is uniquely positioned to help leaders and teams find their shared vision, develop confidence in their roles, and take action to achieve the success and the lives they were made for.

She is fun and engaging and has a clear and authentic message for how to truly aspire to living a more intentional life: one where we intentionally choose what we want to invite in and what we choose to reject and keep out.

She is a sought-after speaker, host of The Life You're Made For podcast, and author of The Life You're Made For: Finding Clarity, Confidence, and Courage to be Fully Alive

Time Stamps:

What first comes to mind when you think of the big self? 2:27

How to cultivate clarity, confidence and courage. 5:43

The three c's of clarity, confidence and courage.

Taking practical action out of a vulnerability. 10:35

The importance of confidence and courage. 12:27

The value of transformation coaching as transactional. 17:20

Finding her tire swing.

The power of inviting in and rejecting. 22:22

How to live a life of intentionality.

How to make difficult choices.

Taking responsibility for your mistakes. 25:11

Handling difficult conversations and spiraling up out of anxiety.

Step into the conversation and own it.

How to have difficult conversations in the workplace. 30:29

How to be transparent in a workplace.

The first question to ask in difficult conversations.

Leading with good intent.

Leading with confidence and courage. 34:34

The importance of leading from a position of care.

Show Notes:

The Life You're Made For: Finding Clarity, Confidence, and Courage to be Fully Alive

Find out more about Big Self School

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Book a discovery call here

Join us at the Burnout to Big Self Facebook Group

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

A Different Wiring Structure with Tom Gautreaux

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Tom Gautreaux is one of those what we call local legends that we organically find opportunity to speak with. These easygoing conversations focus around building an identity–a self–that finds success in the world, and how they have experienced building a life in ways that sometimes haven’t, but mostly have, flourished.

Tom’s our next door neighbor. His father is the well-known novelist and short-story writer, Tim Gautreaux. Tom shows up in this episode with how he grew up and how that shaped him, and how a vocation found him that kept him sustained and excited for all these years.

I find the conversation warmed up and we ended up landing on generational work style differences, social media, leadership, the art and challenge of giving effective feedback, and the issue of doing a hard thing every day.

Like all of our guests for Season Five, this is an organic and unscripted conversation.

Time Stamps:

Not all lawyers will be happy being lawyers. 0:00

Generational work style differences, social media leadership, art.

How did you get started in law? 3:13

The importance of being exposed to different management styles and personalities.

Burnout and proving value.

How did you become an addict to work hard? 7:43

The myth of being a rock in an island.

Mentor/coach/guiding light.

How do you view success? 11:40

Millennials burnout and digital natives. 17:15

Differences between the younger generation and our generation. 21:18

Employees view things differently than students.

Employees are more attune to work-life balance.

Finding what you love to do. 24:33

How to be effective at giving feedback. 29:06

The importance of being effective at giving feedback.

How to become a very effective leader.

Do one thing every day that scares you every day. 35:55

Find out more about Big Self School

Book a discovery call here

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Join us at the Burnout to Big Self Facebook Group

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Listening to Our Disconnection with Lyndsey Medford

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0500

We are living in a world that is sick. Both literally sick, with 60 percent of adults in the US living with a chronic illness and rising rates of autoimmune diseases in particular, including long COVID, and figuratively sick, facing ever increasing rates of burnout, anxiety, and disconnection.

As a writer, activist, and theology student, Lyndsey Medford was used to critiquing unsustainable medical, environmental, economic, and social systems from a theoretical perspective. But when her autoimmune disorder roared out of remission, she discovered that her own body's systems lived at the very real vortex of all those systems' dysfunction.

Learning to cooperate with her body would require her to change every aspect of her life--and in the process, to seek a radical reimagining of the world, from a place where sickness is an individual affliction to an interdependent ecosystem where sustainability is a community way of life. In this beautiful and inspiring book, Medford draws on her experiences with a rare autoimmune disease to illuminate the broader lessons we need to learn, in order to heal what ails us individually and communally. Whether our burnout stems from illness, systemic racism, poverty, or simply sin's separation, we're all in need of hope, and we are called to heal together.

My Body and Other Crumbling Empires points out the beauty and ubiquity of our limitations; the importance of accessibility, broadly construed; the interconnected nature of individual and public health; and the badly needed wisdom we have gained from living with our particular bodies.

Time Stamps:

How much is available to me to support my body? 0:00

Introduction to today’s show. 1:33

The big self vs the liberal self.

The meaning of the term big self.

Using your body as a launching point for spiritual connection. 5:05

The disconnection from her body for years.

How she learned to recognize her spiritual connection.

The importance of connecting to your body. 8:22

The third part of her journey.

Transactional vs transformational coaching.

Rediscovering yourself and how that is healing.

Understanding the complexity of the immune system. 12:55

Understanding the immune system and autoimmunity.

Getting back to back all the way to fixing.

How to deal with perfectionism. 16:37

Overworking perfectionism and the church culture.

Struggle with the auto-immune experience.

Connecting to the world. 20:33

Healing for a world that is sick.

Do one thing that scares you every day.

Relating across the differences of society right now.

How good it feels to be in community.

Why was that not a very nice side of the house? 26:34

The liberating simplicity of being simpler.

Show Notes:

Lyndsey writes at www.instagram.com/lyndseymedford and to her email list via www.lyndseymedford.com.

Find out more about Big Self School

Book a discovery call here

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Join us at the Burnout to Big Self Facebook Group

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Hallmarks of the Second Mountain (and How to Know When You're Ready)

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0500

On this episode, we discuss why we use the term "mountain" when discussing the idea of the "in between" the first and second mountain.

The first mountain is the mountain of individual freedom: it is the mountain of autonomy and action, of personal happiness and independence. The second mountain, on the other hand, is the mountain of commitment: it is the mountain of moral joy and meaning, the mountain of giving and interdependence.

The goals on that first mountain are the normal goals that our culture endorses, to be a success, to be well thought of, to get invited into the right social circles, and to experience personal happiness. It’s all the normal stuff: nice home, nice family, nice vacations, good food, good friends, and so on.

No matter how you succeed on the first mountain, you come to the valley, or what is called "the middle passage." From there, you don't necessarily begin the second mountain journey, but you are offered that opportunity.

You don't climb the second mountain the way you climb the first mountain. You conquer your first mountain. You identify the summit and you claw your way toward it. You are conquered by your second mountain.

David Brooks explores the four commitments that define a life of meaning and purpose: to a spouse and family, to a vocation, to a philosophy or faith, and to a community. Our personal fulfillment depends on how well we choose and execute these commitments. Brooks looks at a range of people who have lived joyous, committed lives, and who have embraced the necessity of dependence. He gathers their wisdom on how to choose a partner, how to pick a vocation, how to live out a philosophy, and how we can begin to integrate our commitments into one overriding purpose.

Time Stamps:

The provisional personality in midlife. 1:37

James hollis, a life of meaning.

The provisional personality in a provisional life.

The disillusionment of midlife mortality. 3:41

The disillusionment that happens in the 40s and 50s.

Why mountains are used as an archetypal symbol.

Culture’s expectations of success. 7:05

The first mountain, climbing the first mountain.

The two grinning gremlins of life. 8:44

James hollis, fear and lethargy are the enemies of life.

Valley story.

The valley is not a fun place to be. 12:54

The fear of annihilation.

Finding ways to break out of yourself and into community. 16:39

The role of the coach. 19:27

Letting go of what you think you are. 21:40

The second mountain is sweeter than the first mountain.

Find out more about Big Self School

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Book a discovery call here

Join us at the Burnout to Big Self Facebook Group

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Leadership and Living a Prioritized Life with Teresa Caro

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0500

As a seasoned marketing executive, Teresa has helped many organizations navigate transitions and transformations and achieve lofty goals such as being acquired, exponentially increasing shareholder value, or transforming from a traditional organization to a digital one.

Today, as Chief Liminist, strategic advisor, and executive coach, Teresa helps people and organizations master the “art of the pivot,” embrace change, and achieve audacious goals.

Chad decided to reach out after learning about her organization's name, The Liminist. Richard Rohr shares a wonderful idea about how liminal space transforms us when we are attentive to the presence of God in times of change. He writes:

"The Latin word limen means 'threshold.' Liminal space is an inner state and sometimes an outer situation where we can begin to think and act in new ways. It is where we are betwixt and between, in transition, having left one room or stage of life but not yet entered the next. We usually enter liminal space when our former way of being is challenged or changed—perhaps when we lose a job or a loved one, during illness, at the birth of a child, or a major relocation. It is a graced time, but often does not feel “graced” in any way. In such space, we are not certain or in control."

We have a lively conversation about bringing transformational coaching to leaders and organizations in order to improve the bottom line, results.

Time Stamps:

The difference between self and little self.

Richard rohr, liminal space.

The liminal space is where we are most teachable. 5:07

The liminal space is where people are most teachable.

Transitioning from founder to leadership team lead. 10:41

Transformational vs transactional. 18:53

Transactional vs transformational coaching, emotional intelligence and understanding.

The enneagram and the 360.

How to develop a functional leadership team. 27:51

Building a culture of trust and transparency. 32:54

Building a culture of trust is important.

80% of golf players are men.

The future of work-life balance.

What do you think about a four day work week? 37:17

The four-day work week movement.

Diverse needs of different generations and learning styles.

Women learning golf, prioritization and fear.

The importance of being open to what we need to learn. 44:10

Find Teresa Caro to learn more about her and her organization:

The Liminist

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/liminist/

Find out more about Big Self School

Book a discovery call here

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Join us on LinkedIn

Transforming Relationships by Starting with Your "Onion" Self with Sajad Vahedi

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Sajad Vahedi is a relationship coach. We met him through our Big Self community, and recognized he has a message worth sharing. He uses the Schema Therapy framework to help clients break the toxic relationship cycle and build healthy and fulfilling relationships by becoming their authentic selves.

He believes every person has a unique gift, and if we are our truest selves, we live an authentic life, and the world becomes a rich and beautiful place with everyone serving the world by manifesting their uniqueness.

His mission is to help others become their genuine selves and find beauty in it.

Time Stamps:

What does living in your big self mean to you? 2:05

Discover who you are. 4:04

Discover who you are first, then work on improving and changing.

Getting a PhD in economics and moving to Arizona.

Relationship with his partner.

The end of the journey. 9:15

Schema therapy and an integrative approach.

Understanding emotionally understanding the problem. 11:23

How does relationship coaching work? 13:25

How relationship coaching works.

The limits of cbt cognitive behavioral therapy.

People are patterns animals. 17:27

How she became a relationship coach. 19:28

Discovering his passion for psychology. 20:55

The transformation from reading psychology to studying psychology.

The importance of passion in life.

Integrating the whole dimensions of yourself. 25:47

Show Notes:

Find Sajad Vahedi at his site here

Or join his Facebook group here

Find out more about Big Self School

Book a discovery call here

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Join us on LinkedIn

Get the Results You Say You Want with Chalmers Brothers

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Chalmers Brothers is a best-selling author, certified personal / executive coach, consultant, seminar leader and speaker. 36-year career focused on leadership development, workplace culture, productivity and accountability, teamwork and clarity in communication, emotional intelligence, trust- and relationship-building.

His books, Language and the Pursuit of Happiness and Language and the Pursuit of Leadership Excellence have been adopted by the leadership/coaching programs at places such as, Georgetown University, George Mason University, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Newfield Network (U.S., Europe, Asia), NASA/Goddard Space Center, and many others.

Time Stamps:

What does it mean to be an authentic leader? 0:00

The importance of being authentic in a changing world.

How to get feedback on your work. 8:19

Getting the feedback to break through the fear.

Leadership has gone from command and control to inspire and enroll. 12:50

We’re always at choice. 17:21

The benefits of taking responsibility for one's own self-awareness.

The good and bad news.

What is polarity thinking and why is it important? 23:26

Emotional Intelligence and Culture. 27:56

The two dimensions of organizational performance, execution and culture.

Culture eats strategy for breakfast.

What do you think about the five day work week? 33:47

The four day work week vs the 40 hour work week.

Generative actions leaders need to take to get results. 38:44

Creating a space for innovation.

Language is an action, not just talk.

Organizations are human beings coordinating action.

Show Notes:

Find his 2014 TedTalk here

Find his book here: Language and the Pursuit of Leadership Excellence

Find out more about Big Self School

Book a discovery call here

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Join us on LinkedIn

Why You Need Conflict to Move Through Looping Behaviors

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Some of us want to achieve inner peace and harmony. We're tired of the stresses we constantly feel. And while it is true, when you heal, when you do the inner work to achieve the outer results of different behaviors and renewed relationships, you do cut down on the drama.

But much like exercise requires us to constantly challenge our physical bodies, so too is there a need for ongoing inner conflict or tension. It's the need for opposing forces for us to achieve our higher, bigger self.

The Law of Three is referred to by Gurdjieff as “the second fundamental cosmic law." According to this law every phenomenon consists of three separate forces, which are Active, Passive and Reconciling or Neutral. This law applies to everything in the universe including organic life on earth. On whatever scale, from molecular to cosmic in whatever world, results from the combination of three opposing forces – the positive (affirming), the negative (denying), and the neutralizing (reconciling) force.

And this idea is also put forth from philosophers from a variety of ages, some attribute the concept of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis to Hegel, some to Kant. That doesn’t matter. What we’re putting forth here is the idea that there will always be tension in your growth work.

So, intrapersonally there is tension, there will be tension, and the good news is there does in fact NEED to be tension.

Time Stamps:

The problem with repetitive conflict. 1:32

People see patterns of repetitive conflict and dramas.

The tension between self-compassion and self-confrontation.

Self confrontation. 3:12

Self-confrontation is necessary in the coaching process.

The law of three.

The law of three. 4:45

A shock point, a reconciling force.

Burnout and the third force. 6:34

We get stuck in our own shit. 7:51

The one-sided echo chamber of beliefs.

The importance of reconciliation and synthesis.

Being open to the tension you're feeling. 9:00

How do you break the script? 10:38

Find out more about Big Self School

Book a discovery call here

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Join us on LinkedIn

Activate the Change You Want to See with Mandar Apte

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0500

In 2012, Mandar Apte influenced Shell’s CEO to start Shell’s GameChanger social innovation program, which would invest in innovative solutions to sustainability challenges (SDG’s) and create both social impact and business returns. Through the portfolio of investments that he made through this impact investment fund, Mandar showcased how global brands, like Shell, can and must play a greater role (beyond just philanthropy) to enable and scale social impact.

While at Shell, in 2012, Mandar also won the League of Intrapreneurs award for his efforts to design and facilitate an innovation learning program to over 2000 colleagues at Shell using meditation techniques.

For nearly two decades, Mandar has volunteered his time for the Art of Living Foundation and the International Association for Human Values to teach leadership development programs using meditation techniques to thousands of people across the world. Mandar is the Founder & Executive Director of Cities4Peace – a not-for-profit consultancy that actively promotes peace in cities worldwide. The flagship program was held in Los Angeles, where so far over 250 community members including LAPD officers, former gang members and victims/survivors of violence have been trained by Mandar as Ambassadors of Peace. Similar programs are now being offered in many other cities and communities worldwide.

Time Stamps:

3:59--Mandar shares his vision of what Big Self means to him

7:10--Mandar reads Dr. MLK Jr.'s autobiography and finds a deep source of inspiration from learning about his trip in 1959 to India

13:02--Mandar's background at Shell as a Petroleum engineer

21:35--Chad makes an observation that Mandar broke out of his golden handcuffs and stepped into his Big Self when he decided to become a change agent for peace

29:42--How breathing is directly related to your experience of a particular emotion, and thus how breath work is a huge source of healing for people imprisoned in their negative emotions

39:35--We have to hold the space for conversations and free ourselves from judgment

48:27--How putting ourselves amongst diverse groups of people helps us to generate innovative ideas and actions

Show Notes:

The movie: From India with Love

www.cities4peace.org

www.mandarapte.net

https://www.amazon.com/India-Love-Scarlett-Lewis/dp/B082VNSNVW

Be The Change - a module on peace education; https://cities4peace.mykajabi.com/offers/khFs9v4P

https://cities4peace.mykajabi.com/offers/khFs9v4P

Use our wellwisher code: BTC100

Find out more about Big Self School

Book a discovery call here

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Join us on LinkedIn

Reclaim Yourself Through Trauma with Sharon K. Ball

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Sharon K. Ball is a licensed professional counselor–mental health service provider, national board-certified counselor, and an accredited Enneagram teacher through the International Enneagram Association.

Because of her background, Sharon has provided trauma-response counseling for victims of mass shootings and hurricanes. She’s been called upon to provide crisis-intervention services during national and international disasters such as the Indian Ocean tsunami and the Haiti earthquake. As the founder of the 9Paths Center for Wellbeing, a clinical counseling center located in the Nashville region, Sharon provides informed trauma care to individuals, couples, and families.

I think you’ll find a lot of depth and insight in our unscripted conversation today.

I think what Sharon Ball is helping us to understand is that you can take your failure as an opportunity to open up, become more vulnerable, more open to learning and humbly starting again. Sometimes, if we’re honest with ourselves, we don’t allow ourselves to get to these points of openness and honesty until we face a crisis of one kind or another. And, you know, so long as we do end up getting there, learning the power of reinventing ourselves, and the joy that comes with it, we should cut ourselves a little slack.

Time Stamps:

3:51--Sharon shares her idea of what it means to be living in your Big Self

9:58--Sharon's story of going through a complicated, highly visible divorce

13:12--People who work through trauma still have a resilience and a pursuit of something better, and how Sharon sees the world through a trauma lens and a hopeful one

19:27--Putting the pieces back after trauma to pursue the bigger, fuller self

25:10--Integrating the Enneagram with trauma work

30:37--We're in this together, and you are not broken

Show Notes:

Find out more about 9 Paths here

Reclaiming You: Using the Enneagram to Move from Trauma to Resilience

More about Big Self School

Book a discovery call here

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Join us on LinkedIn

Wonder + Rigor = Creativity with Natalie Nixon

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Creativity is not a nice to have - it’s a must have - now, during this 4th industrial revolution - and for the future of work. Natalie is the creativity whisperer to the C-Suite. Her dynamic, accessible and engaging approach has changed lives and impacted executives and leaders across Fortune 500 companies, cultural institutions, and countless individuals.

Creativity is the source of all innovation, but how can we cultivate it? Natalie Nixon defines creativity as our ability to toggle between wonder & rigor to solve problems and produce novel value. She draws on her background in business and the arts to show how we can unlock our innate creativity to produce breakthrough products and services.

We have a wonderful conversation discussing the effectiveness of creativity across industries, its place in our culture, and what we can do to generate some more of it.

Time Stamps:

3:42--Natalie's response to her idea of what Big Self means to her

8:00--We say we value creativity as high level thinking but we still put it in its place and don't let it in to business contexts

11:11--The illustration from Laura Linney's acting experience

13:09--Natalie's story of getting an opportunity for a very different kind of educational experience at an early age in Philadelphia

20:37--Create the conditions for creativity in the workplace

30:40--Changing the way we intentionally create space for creativity using the Motor framework

Show Notes:

Article: Your “invisible work” is key to your most productive self

Find Natalie at Figure 8 Thinking here

Her book, The Creativity Leap

Find out more about Big Self School

Book a discovery call here

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Join us on LinkedIn

What Would You Say to Your Younger Self?

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0500

If you only had one thing to tell your younger self, what would it be? On today's micro episode, Chad and Shelley discuss their one thing. It's been on their mind this month as they've been having powerful coaching and podcast conversations, as well as challenging ones with their kids and touring college campuses.

Time Stamps:

The relationship is about aspiring to live in your big self. 1:42

What we wish we’d known when we were younger. 2:56

Enduring struggle doesn’t make you more important. 4:18

Bringing up the child into the universe.
The belief that hard work is more important than easy work.
The BSU work study story.

Go to your strengths. 7:28

What I wish I’d known about college. 8:11

The world is bigger and there is more opportunity.
Big self school.

Find out more about Big Self School

Book a discovery call here

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Join us on LinkedIn

Do One Thing Every Day that Scares You with Scott Simon

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Scott Simon is a happiness entrepreneur and founder of the Scare Your Soul courage movement and the author of the book Scare Your Soul: 7 Powerful Principles to Harness Fear and Lead Your Most Courageous Life. He is dedicated to creating, curating, and leading opportunities for people around the world to be happier, empowered and courageous in their own lives. Scott founded the movement in 2015, organically growing it from one Facebook post to a global movement with volunteer ambassadors worldwide. He has presented to groups around the world, appeared widely on TV and podcasts, given a TEDx Talk, and led retreats and mindfulness meditations in person and online. In his coaching practice, Scott works with individuals seeking dramatic change in their lives, with a focus on helping divorcing men find their passion and courage through their major life transition.

In his new book, Simon reflects on his childhood spent running from fear--and his adulthood spent chasing it--and inspires readers to take small, boundary-pushing actions to expand comfort zones, harness their fears, and lead a confident and audacious life. He examines the idea of what it means to truly live--not by overcoming our fears, but by embracing them.

By combining research on positive psychology with engaging writing prompts, real-world challenges, and first-person stories of Scare Your Soul participants and ambassadors, Simon challenges readers to confront limiting beliefs and live a more meaningful and connected life. When we each individually lead that life, Simon argues, more great ideas happen, more social justices arise, more healthy relationships are fostered and innovation thrives. In a very real sense, we change ourselves and we, together, can change the world.

Time Stamps:

3:33--How to get to the big self.

8:59--The power of the small things.

14:25--The concept of courage practice.

19:59--How to define happiness.

23:42--Procrastination and how to overcome it.

27:40--How to reframe procrastinating into excitement?

31:58--Acting together makes us more courageous.

35:22--The intersection of courage and flow.

Show Notes:

http://www.tedxcle.com/scott-simon/

https://scareyoursoul.com/scott-simon/

More about Big Self School:

Book a discovery call here

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Join us on LinkedIn

Test the Enneagram to Your True Self with Jerry Wagner

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Dr. Jerome Wagner is a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, supervisor, consultant in private practice, and emeritus faculty member in the Department of Psychology and Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University, Chicago.

On today's episode, Jerry helps us see that the true self is something that we already have and already are and maybe we don’t really have to go out and "find it," and for all the ways in which we’re different and unique and one of a kind, paradoxically, we’re also very much the same.

He is innovator of the statistically validated Wagner Enneagram Personality Style Scales (WEPPS). He has been researching and teaching the Enneagram since 1980 and began the Enneagram Spectrum Training and Certification Program in 1995.

Time Stamps:

4:12--Jerry Wagner's answer to what does Big Self mean to him begins with starting at the surface and working your way down

9:18--The ego is an exaggeration of who we are

16:09--There's a lot to the Enneagram, you can stay surface or go deep

25:23--Start with where you are, your pain point

36:30--The integrative approach to developing with the Enneagram, and the recent development of the subtypes

46:40--Let's not overthink all this, remember the K.I.S.S. method

Show Notes:

Enneagram Spectrum Method

9 Lenses on the World

More about Big Self School:

Book a discovery call here

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Join us on LinkedIn

The Will and Skill of Self-Awareness with Tasha Eurich

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Dr. Tasha Eurich is an organizational psychologist, researcher, and New York Times bestselling author. Recognized as the world’s top communication and organizational culture thinker, and #1 self-awareness coach, Tasha is Principal of The Eurich Group, where she uses science to help successful executives achieve dramatic personal and organizational change.

As a coach, consultant, and speaker, Tasha has worked directly with tens of thousands of leaders and spoken live to hundreds of thousands more, on every continent but Antarctica. She is the author of Bankable Leadership (which debuted at #8 on the New York Times bestseller list), and Insight (which famed Wharton professor Adam Grant calls one of the three books he recommends most often). Tasha’s TEDx talks have been viewed more than nine million times. She also contributes to Harvard Business Review, and her expertise has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fox Business, the BBC, NPR, and more.

We are thrilled to have a chance to discuss some of her insights and ideas on the Big Self Show.

Time Stamps:

3:22--Tasha's answer to what the Big Self and the Little Self mean to her

5:09--A simple and clear definition of self-awareness

6:50--More people believe they are self-aware than really are

9:22--How Freud was wrong

13:50--What is the Dinner of Truth?

19:05--Why is what others think about us seem to be more important that what we think about ourselves?

22:45--What does Tasha think is a really effective way to really understand and get to authentically identify these values?

25:55--How do we break through and break down our (or others) defenses when it comes to self-awareness

28:30--What are the best questions Tasha ever asked herself that deepened her learning about who she is?

More about Tasha Eurich

Free 5-minute self-awareness quiz

https://www.tashaeurich.com/about

More about Big Self School

Book a discovery call here

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Join us on LinkedIn

How Surrendering is Completely Different Than Giving Up

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Giving up is ego work. Giving up carries a different energy completely. It is fueled by a fear and a holding on. It produces tension and when we can no longer carry it, we feel the need to give up. Giving up is submitting to lower energy. It’s a feeling of self-abnegation, self-diminishment.

Surrender is leveling up. Giving up is downshifting.

We give up on ego work. We surrender to soul work.

Surrender is a way of accepting the terms of life with a learner’s mind. There is acceptance. There is a renewed perspective, in which we can call something that involves suffering a gift even. Surrendering I think of as even accepting other difficult people in your life, people who have wronged you, who annoy you, who you plain dislike or feel you need to defend yourself from, and sending them love instead of defenses and reasons for your disdain.

Importantly, too, when we surrender, we stay open.

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Time Stamps:

:46--Shelley was recently teaching on the archetypes around feminine energy

2:38--The acceptance that comes from being open

3:43--Surrendering is always a movement into spaciousness

6:41--Shelley shares her experience of being a sensitive kid growing up

10:37--Are giving up and surrendering mutually exclusive?

Show Notes:

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Join us on LinkedIn

Realistic Optimism through Burnout with Sally Clarke

Mon, 29 May 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Sally Clarke is an author, speaker, researcher and burnout expert and Co-Director at Human Leaders. A former finance lawyer, she works with leaders and organizations around the globe to embed wellbeing at work so people and business thrive. Sally's latest book, ‘Relight Your Spark’ guides individuals on how to heal and evolve after burnout. Her book Relight Your Spark, is a practical guide to all things burnout, affordably priced, and also details her personal journey with burnout. Like so many of us, she bought into the belief that if you make it to a prestigious workplace and you just grind hard enough long enough you’ll somehow make it to the other side a fulfilled and joy-filled person. It’s amazing how often we hear the accounts of how this illusion doesn’t turn out the way we believe it will, but we continually and repeatedly keep living it out, almost as if we just don’t know what else or how else to live what we think of as a successful life.

Time Stamps:

4:13--Sally's answer to what Big Self means to her

10:00--How burnout is complex but it's not just about taking the fish out of the water for a little while and then putting the fish back in

14:25--Evaluating what "being successful" really means

18:33--The Four Steps of moving through burnout according to Sally's framework from her book

20:57--The myth of we have to do it ourselves

27:19--There is a lot we can do in spite of how burnout is actually continuing to grow right now

Show Notes:

We Are Human Leaders podcast

Relight Your Spark

Global State of Burnout Report 2023

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Join us on LinkedIn

The Body Knows Emotions Before You Do

Fri, 26 May 2023 04:00:00 -0500

There’s growing evidence that signals sent from our internal organs to the brain play a major role in regulating emotions and fending off anxiety and depression.

Interoception may be less well known than the “outward facing” senses such as sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell, but it has enormous consequences for your wellbeing. Scientists have shown that our sensitivity to interoceptive signals can determine our capacity to regulate our emotions, and our subsequent susceptibility to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.

It is now one of the fastest moving areas in neuroscience and psychology, with academic conferences devoted to the subject and a wealth of new papers emerging every month. There is an exponential growth in interoceptive research.

These findings include promising new ways for you to “tune in” to the body and alter your perception of its interoceptive signals – techniques that may help treat a host of mental health problems. It is only by listening to the heart, it seems, that we can take better care of the mind.

Time Stamps:

1:18--The growing research around Interoceptive signals

4:52--The senses we tend to focus on with body awareness

7:55--You will not be able to change, unless you can become aware of your inner experience

10:00--Shelley was in her emotions after our oldest son left and how her workout put her in a different awareness

12:07--Why physical workouts are so important

13:18--Why mindfulness is so important

Show Notes:

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Join us on LinkedIn

Past Repetitive Conflicts into Renewed Trust and Open Communication

Wed, 24 May 2023 04:00:00 -0500

We need to be open to a third force — another way of having an experience — so that we can defuse the psychic bomb of our personal history.

This script is why we repeat dramas throughout our lives. When you introduce a third force — or a new way to do the script — you can finally step out of it.

This is also why self-confrontation is critical to healing and growth. We cannot set up camp only in self-compassion. That’s only one path of the work. We have to create a tension to give us material to work with.

So how do we do it?

Time Stamps:

1:00--The idea of moving past repetitive conflicts

4:38--The three forces at work when moving into and through conflict

8:42--How Roy Kent got stuck in Ted Lasso

11:52--Three different ways we can listen

Show Notes:

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Join us on LinkedIn

The Accuracy of the Enneagram for Liberation with Milton Stewart

Mon, 22 May 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Today, we learn from Enneagram type Seven, Milton Stewart, and the inner and outer work he's doing. Milton is the founder of Kaizen Careers, Coaching and Consulting. He facilitates the Enneagram and is on a mission to help people feel seen.

Milton is one of the very few African-American male Enneagram teachers in the world. He hosts and produces the Do It For The Gram podcast, which teaches the Enneagram from a practical standpoint. He is also an International Enneagram Association Global Board Member.

Milton believes the Enneagram is more than just a personal tool but a map of how to truly honor the humanity of others. He uses the Enneagram in many ways but the most powerful way he uses it is in spaces of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Time Stamps:

6:48--The Enneagram just hits the nail on the head when it comes to our patterns

8:50--Milton's work as a Seven with emotions

11:46--Chad connects with what Milton is saying about anger

14:17--How the Enneagram is growing in diversity but there is still plenty of work to do

23:46--Milton's offering of an Enneagram certification program

25:38--The "both and" of how Milton works with the Enneagram

Show Notes:

Save the date for World Enneagram date: May 27 at 11 AM ET

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Join us on LinkedIn

Why is Trust So Important When it Comes to You and Your Team's Work?

Fri, 19 May 2023 04:00:00 -0500

The concept of trust has been coming up a lot for us lately. Chad's been asked to do a training on it recently, especially when it comes to trying to build a team through the "storming" stage of development. And for Shelley, it's been a piece of the personal growth work she's been doing at this time in her own life.

Trust comes easier for some people than others. Some are naturally inclined to distrust, and some to trust.

We always encourage you to do your own growth around these ideas, but it's also important to observe the level of trust you engage with in your professional life. How much trust is there? How much trust do you give and receive?

How much do you trust us to cover this idea in under eight minutes?

Time Stamps:

:50: Where it all begins when it comes to trust

1:21: If this situation never changed whatever situation you're complaining about, if it never changed, what quality would you have to birth in order to have peace of mind?

5:15--What's something I need to be trusting today?

Show Notes:

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Join us on LinkedIn

The Enneagram Finds You with Ginger Lapid-Bogda

Wed, 17 May 2023 04:00:00 -0500

When Ginger first hopped into a five-day class on the Enneagram in the '90s, she accidentally enrolled in the advanced group. But she didn’t let jumping in over her head stop her curiosity. Before those five days were over she had a vision from a blimp that she had to do this.

Her website The Enneagram in Business is an ever-expanding trove of information for personal and professional applications. She offers certification trainings in the Enneagram, a wide-ranging database of resources, and has links to her nine books that she’s been publishing on the Enneagram and business for nearly 20 years now.

She has plenty to share with us, but one of my biggest curiosities was how she uses it in professional and business contexts.

Times Stamps:

2:18--The Enneagram finds us

7:10--How Ginger began to think about taking the Enneagram to organizations

11:33--For Ginger, the Enneagram is about the whole person and everyone--including in the workplace--can grow from the insights it leads to, the only question is about whether or not people are willing to share in those contexts

18:03--Ginger has a panic attack when her first book comes out

23:46--The Enneagram can help you work through team issues much faster than without it

34:25--How Ginger and her team on the EIBN got nearly 800 respondents from around the world in 2022 for how the Enneagram has worked in organizations around the world

More about Ginger's work

EIBN: Enneagram in Business Network

Enneagram in Business Network on LinkedIn

The Enneagram in Business Global Survey 2022

Transform Your Team with the Enneagram: Build Trust, Decrease Stress, and Increase Productivity

Show Notes:

We offer our flagship burnout coaching package, and we also offer packages for those seeking clarity and reconnecting to their life purpose–and we do this work with individuals and couples. Reach out to us if you’d like to book a discovery call and learn more about our coaching packages.

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Join us on LinkedIn

Emotional Well-Being and Heart-Based Conversations with Jonathan Fisher

Mon, 15 May 2023 04:00:00 -0500

A Harvard-trained physician, clinical cardiologist, and certified mindfulness meditation teacher with 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Jonathan Fisher survived burnout and rediscovered his joy at work the hard way. He is now committed to ending workplace burnout and optimizing peak performance in healthcare and the corporate world.

His mission is to empower leaders and teams to experience more joy, meaning, and connection in their lives, and to reach their full potential.

We have a terrific conversation centered around the body, what it means to hold in emotions and the toll it takes, as well as ways to center yourself and live a whole and integrated life.

Time Stamps:

2:37--The gift of burnout

7:30--Is the system broken? What's up with burnout, especially right now among clinicians?

13:12--Do we have reason for hope?

18:05--The idea that we don't completely know what's going on with all the stress going on in our bodies, but here's what we do know right now and how it works

26:33--Isolation is such a root cause of our collective and individual suffering, but what do we do about it?

31:32--Personal practices of Jonathan Fisher, who first says, 'Don't just do what I do, do what works for you'

34:04--Why Jonathan Fisher advises delving into positive psychology when it comes to deeply learning about ourselves, and he has an acronym from it: SPACE

39:22--How 360s can enhance awareness along the ideas that Dr. Fisher lays out with his SPACE acronym

41:37--From micro stresses to micro sancturaries

Show Notes:

Find Jonathan and learn about his summit at:

Happyheartmd

and

Endingphysicianburnout.com

For further reading:

The Surgeon General's recent warning

We offer our flagship burnout coaching package, and also offer packages for those seeking clarity and reconnecting to their life purpose–and we do this work with individuals and couples. Reach out to us if you’d like to book a discovery call and learn more about our coaching packages.

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Join us on LinkedIn

What's So Radical about Radical Responsibility?

Fri, 12 May 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Why would Chad and Shelley say that radical responsibility is a major commitment? Why would it be one of the foundations for beginning to make huge shifts in your learning and personal growth?

Tune into today's episode and find out why taking complete responsibility for the conditions you create in your life is all on you and your choices.

What could go wrong?

Time Stamps:

1:04--What exactly do mean by what it means to take radical responsibility?

3:10--This is counter-cultural. We immediately and automatically blame

5:18--How we're naturally defensive to what happens when stress emerges

8:40--This is not easy work, but it's possible work

9:00--A simple tool for practicing radical responsibility

Show Notes:

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Join us on LinkedIn

Stress is Psychologically Based: Shelley starts at the source, our personality patterns

Wed, 10 May 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Big Self Show hosts, Chad and Shelley get together to explore their takeaways from Chad's conversation with Rob Cross and Karen Dillon and their new book, The Microstress Effect.

Shelley emphasizes the important role that our own personality plays in creating the ongoing conditions of our stress. She opens up about a couple of ways her own personality has dictated the terms of her ongoing stress patterns.

Time Stamps:

1:18--Most of the stress we experience is psychologically based

3:04--Shelley describes two addictive patterns in her own personality's operating system

5:36--Can we always disrupt what our personality patterns are doing when we're surrounded by the conditions of our culture?

Show Notes:

The Microstress Effect: How Little Things Pile Up and Create Big Problems -- and What To Do About It

Ready to learn how to improve your team’s communication, trust, leadership, or overall performance?

We are booking workshops for Q2 and Q3 as we speak. We offer two-hour, half-day, and full-day training. Your team will come away with tools to improve performance immediately, as well as how to implement cultural changes you want to embody. Reach out and book a discovery call with Chad and let’s have a conversation about what your team or organization needs and we can get you scheduled now.

Want to learn more about the role stress plays in your life, and discover your blueprint for how to handle it based on your Enneagram type and subtype?

Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Join us on LinkedIn

The Big Effect of Seemingly Small Stress with Rob Cross and Karen Dillon

Mon, 08 May 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Welcome to Season 5 of the Big Self Show, episode 122!

We kick off this season with an exploration from a brand new release, The Microstress Effect, by Rob Cross and Karen Dillon. Conventional wisdom for coping with stress has often focused on finding ways to "steel" yourself to endure, through such practices as mindfulness and meditation. And recent research has highlighted the importance of relationships to our physical and mental well-being. We have probably heard that loneliness has been linked to cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety and numerous other ailments. This is all important data, but hugely important in the scope of the work is to figure out what to do about and how to make life better here and now.

Finding ways to identify and remove negative interactions can make a significant difference in your life. And that's what our conversation was all about.

Time Stamps:

3:56--Microstress defined

5:50--An accumulation until the question, "How did I get here?"

6:40--The 14 micro stresses

10:30--Are we more stressed or less stressed since the pandemic?

12:20--The conundrum of being so incredibly stressed and yet we also have so much more control over what we do with our time

16:38--How leaders can inadvertently cause stress in their teams

19:07--What we can learn from the ten percenters

25:15--How mindfulness and yoga can help, but sometimes just to increase your capacity to managing your internal grit

26:10--How connections are vital in building resilience

27:45--The single takeaway our audience must get

Show Notes:

The Microstress Effect: How Little Things Pile Up and Create Big Problems -- and What To Do About It

Be sure and grab yourself a copy of Chad's groundbreaking book on stress, Shock Point: The Enneagram in Burnout and Stress

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify

Find us at bigselfschool.com

Join us on LinkedIn

ICYMI: Experiments with truth with Parker Palmer

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Today we share a wide-ranging conversation with Parker Palmer. From acts of rebellion to the hidden wholeness of the world to the integration of the inner and outer life, as well as teaching and leadership, this conversation is rich in wisdom and hope.

We have followed Parker Palmer’s work for literally decades, and are both thrilled and honored to have him on our podcast. This opportunity to get a chance to meet him and reflect with him on the condition of the world right now was a real gift. We are grateful for his work and will continue beating the drum of joining "soul and role" in discovering our hidden wholeness in this corner of the world.

Check out The Center for Courage and Renewal or just a few of Parker Palmer's books here:

The Center for Courage and Renewal

Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation

A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life

Time Stamps:

3:32--Shelley shares with Parker how his work mentored her when she went through a dark time

6:13--Parker begins his story as to how he started on his academic career, but felt like it wasn't enough

11:35--Shelley asks Parker about the idea of the unfolding of calling

20:20--Walking in the woods is a contemplative exercise

24:39--The idea that it's an act of rebellion to try to show up in the world as a whole person

30:00--The idea that for perspective, the world really does go on without us

35:57--Parker's truer calling was in writing and sharing his ideas rather than activism and what he felt he "ought" to do

39:03--Failure hurts, so it's not easy to separate ourselves from it

46:20--The other thread that runs through this is that you have maintain your inner life

51:29--What's the smallest thing we can do today to move us in our purpose

56:02--Life on the Mobius Strip

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Psychological Roots and Key Patterns that Create Stress for Each Enneagram Type

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0500

This work largely comes from Chad's recently released book, Shock Point: The Enneagram in Burnout and Stress. We invite you to check it out anywhere books are sold through the global online marketplace.

We’re covering this information as a part of the Big Self Podcast for three reasons:

(1) Towards the larger goal of increasing self-awareness. If you are able to assimilate this information in your head as knowledge, it’s going to be more possible for you to incorporate your dispositions into your working knowledge of your Self-Observation practices, which will lead to your Self-Inquiry, which will lead to integrated changes in your transformed personality, through Self-Development.

(2) It’s good to know about others in order to be able to communicate most effectively, understanding their dispositions especially to stress and interpersonal relationships.

(3) Finally, it gives us all compassion for ourselves and each other, which is one of the most important principles to recognize when beginning this work. Be gentle with yourself.

Time Stamps:

5:44--Psychological Roots and Key Patterns that Create Stress for Eights

10:38--Psychological Roots and Key Patterns that Create Stress for Nines

15:16--Psychological Roots and Key Patterns that Create Stress for Ones

20:25--Psychological Roots and Key Patterns that Create Stress for Twos

25:25--Psychological Roots and Key Patterns that Create Stress for Threes

31:14--Psychological Roots and Key Patterns that Create Stress for Fours

35:39--Psychological Roots and Key Patterns that Create Stress for Fives

40:31--Psychological Roots and Key Patterns that Create Stress for Sixes

46:25--Psychological Roots and Key Patterns that Create Stress for Sevens

Click here to order a copy of Shock Point: The Enneagram in Burnout and Stress.

Follow up with us and check out our Burnout Coaching Package here.

Subscribe on Spotify

Six Ways a Healthy Ego Looks Like in Relationship

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0500

While there are nine distinctive ways that personalities show up in the world, there are also by contrast, very similar ways that all people look when their ego isn't in charge.

With steady practice in Self-Observation, Self-Inquiry, and Self-Development, you will see a healthier response to your day-to-day responses.

These are the six ways a healthy ego looks like in relationships.

Time Stamps:

5:56--Three stages of observation learning

12:32--The six ways beginning with #1

16:22--The second way a healthy ego looks

17:49--The third way a healthy ego looks

22:51--The fourth way a healthy ego looks

26:21--The fifth way a healthy ego looks

29:33--The six and final way a healthy ego looks

Click here to order a copy of Shock Point: The Enneagram in Burnout and Stress.

Follow up with us and check out our Burnout Coaching Package here.

Subscribe on Spotify

What is Your True Self?

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 04:00:00 -0500

We may learn about the false self, we may learn how to hide features of false self from others so that we seem genuine, but hiding and merely learning about are not the same thing as authentic transformation. And that's the challenging subject matter we tackle on today's episode.

The way of the false self is invested in your outer identity and what you possess, whereas the way of the true self is invested in who you are and what you can share. It’s not by efforting that I come to know my true self. The path of finding my true self begins with the awareness that I am “shadowed by an illusory person: a false self.”

First clearly see your false self. And begin the unmasking with deep grace and self-compassion. There are plenty of reasons we “mask up” in our early lives. And when we're ready to move beyond those masks, we have to be tender with ourselves in much the same way we can imagine the Source or God would love you unconditionally.

Time Stamps:

1:50: How today's episode is a little different from a lot of our episodes

5:42: How many people choose not to raise their level of awareness and how that development impacts the future you create one way or the other

7:43: The work isn't easy, but what else would you rather be doing exactly?

10:19: The ego resists when it gives something which it doesn't have, it's finite

16:27: Releasing the false self can be the key to finding the true self

22:34: Merton says we should shift from the circumference to the center

26:22: Story of Akiba on his deathbed bemoaning the fact that he had not lived a life like Moses

28:16: Shelley shares a personal story as an example, and Chad follows with one of his own

37:07: It's who you really are, your essential nature

46:04: The idea of dismantling false illusions, and how so much of this is the stress you're carrying around

Show Notes:

Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton

Wishful Thinking by Frederick Buechner

What the Mystics Know by Richard Rohr

Click here to order a copy of Shock Point: The Enneagram in Burnout and Stress.

Follow up with us and check out our Burnout Coaching Package here.

Subscribe on Spotify

Bounce Forward: 3 Profound Tools for Developing Lifelong Resilience

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Traumatic events happen to the best of us. Some are more ordinary than others, like car accidents or losing a job, and others are bigger. Whether big T or little t, traumas are crisis’ that happen to all of us, it’s not some rare thing.

Resilience is about using the crisis or the suffering to grow and launch yourself into a whole new beginning. Beyond just recovering from setbacks, resilience helps us navigate all life challenges, and end up the better for them. Resilience is a mindset that enables us to seek out new experiences and view life as a work in progress.

Here’s a simple framework to think about the work that goes into building resilience: Pain + reflection = progress. Pain is going to happen. But pain itself doesn’t equal progress.

And that’s really what we mean when we talk about bouncing forward. It helps us move from mere surviving to thriving. Today we get to our how. How do you develop resilience and use these essential skills?

Time Stamps:

3:15: The challenges we face in life are not meant to be some sort of punishment. But an invitation to change.

6:57: 83% of people think they're resilient (but only just over half really are)

13:06: Researchers have shown that resilience is basically optimism, self mastery, control, flexible thinking, and the ability to cope with stress when they're when they're doing their research.

15:11: The Grateful Living practice

24:32: The Lovingkindness Meditation practice

33:53: Quality Relationships

Show Notes:

Bouncing Forward: The Art and Science of Cultivating Resilience by Michaela Haas

The Power of Resilience by Brooks and Goldstein

The Good Life by Robert Waldinger

Click here to order a copy of Shock Point: The Enneagram in Burnout and Stress.

Follow up with us and check out our Burnout Coaching Package here.

Subscribe on Spotify

The Enneagram in Stress (part 3 of 3): Head Types (5,6,7)

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 04:00:00 -0500

Each Enneagram personality type have their own superpowers--their ways and means of functioning in the world--that gets them through life, helps them to survive. But these very unconscious characteristics can also create their own versions of stress. They are patterns that we usually don't even fully understand. We also don't know how to break free of them and to make them more conscious, observable, and understandable.

Today, we dive deep into what Fives, Sixes, and Sevens (the head types) do to survive and manage their way through life. We also look at the ways these patterns not only handle stress but also create their own stress.

For each type, we also give you coaching tips and tools on how to specifically address these issues in your efforts to create a more sustainable relationship with stress, and with all of your relationships (including your relationship with yourself).

Time Stamps:

2:03--Why you should listen to all the types regardless of your type, and how you are "not" your type

6:05--Fives: The Walls that Hold You Inside

26:00-Sixes: Trusting Without Testing

42:15--Sevens: A Little of This, A Little of That (a Lot)

Check out our holiday offer: 20% off our Typing Package. Find out more at bigselfschool.com/enneagram-typing-package or schedule a call to discuss more.

Click here to pre-order a discounted ebook copy of Shock Point: The Enneagram in Burnout and Stress.

Follow up with us and check out our Burnout Coaching Package here.

Subscribe on Spotify

The Enneagram in Stress (part 2 of 3): Heart Types (2,3,4)

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 04:00:00 -0500

Today, we dive deep into what Twos, Threes, and Fours (the heart types) do to survive and manage their way through life. We also look at the ways these patterns not only handle stress but also create their own stress.

Time Stamps:

3:32--The heart types and the central core operating emotion

4:30--Twos: Deflating the Pride Balloon

23:24--Threes: Who You Are When You're Not Succeeding

34:18--Fours: Endless Comparing and Introjecting

Check out our holiday offer: 20% off our Typing Package. Find out more at bigselfschool.com/enneagram-typing-package or schedule a call to discuss more.

Click here to pre-order a discounted ebook copy of Shock Point: The Enneagram in Burnout and Stress.

Follow up with us and check out our Burnout Coaching Package here.

Subscribe on Spotify

The Enneagram in Stress (part 1 of 3): Body Types (8, 9, 1)

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0500

Today, we dive deep into what Eights, Nines, and Ones (the body types) do to survive and manage their way through life. We also look at the ways these patterns not only handle stress but also create their own stress.

Time Stamps:

2:45--Why we're doing this series, and starting with the body types, and "why" the Enneagram

15:30--Beginning with Eights: Too Much and Not Enough

26:50--Common stressors for Eights

34:50--Nines: Waking Up to What You Want

46:52--Common stressors for Nines

51:35--Ones: Good Enough Perfection

53:00--When stress comes for Ones

Check out our holiday offer: 20% off our Typing Package. Find out more at bigselfschool.com/enneagram-typing-package or schedule a call to discuss more.

Click here to pre-order a discounted ebook copy of Shock Point: The Enneagram in Burnout and Stress.

Follow up with us and check out our Burnout Coaching Package here.

Subscribe on Spotify

Tame the Beast: A Simple Framework to Handle Your Inner Critic

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0500

For many of us, the inner voice is generally loving and encouraging, maybe not enthusiastic, but in your corner, calmly evaluating. In fact, a good internal dialog should function more like a reasonable judge. Or like Lester Bangs tells his young protege William Miller in Almost Famous: “I know you think those guys are your friends. You wanna be a true friend to them? Be honest, and unmerciful.”

In other words, sometimes you need a good truth-telling even if it’s not what you want to hear.

With that said, there is a reason we universally struggle with self-talk. Struggle implies conflict. And conflict with the self is what we call inner conflict. But the problem is twofold. Not only is it hard to do something about the way our inner critic talks to us, but a great deal of the time we’re not even aware we’re doing it.

Why?

Because it’s our default state. We’re used to the way we talk to ourselves. We’d almost never talk to our friends or family the way we sometimes may talk to ourselves. So why do we do it?

Because our Inner Critic is fueled by the simultaneous belief that we are better than others and that we are less than others; both feelings are energized by harshness and contempt. Feeling that we’re not enough–especially at work—is painful.

the consequences of not being aware of or tuning into what our Inner Critic is telling us can hurt us and hold us back in many of the most important areas of our lives.

Time Stamps:

4:39--The inflating and deflating of the Inner Critic

7:15--The story of the two wolves inside us all

11:11--Anne Lamott quote of being militantly on your own side

14:42--Walking through a little thought exercise

18:52--Shelley names her Inner Critic and gives it a persona

25:38--There is a balancing we have to do, not just expect to completely get rid of the Inner Critic

32:22--Take on the persona of the Inner Teacher

34:27--The simple ABCDE framework

Show Notes and Links:

Brendon Burchard says that successful people use positive self-talk frequently.

Pete Walker suggests memorizing your list of positive attributes and repeating them to yourself whenever you have an Inner Critic attack. Positive self-talk is part of the emotional healing process.

Studies show that people who practice “self-compassion” are happier, more optimistic and less anxious and depressed.

Follow up with us and check out our Burnout Coaching Package here.

Subscribe on Spotify

4 Reasons You Procrastinate and What To Do About It

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 04:00:00 -0500

Everybody procrastinates, but not everyone is a procrastinator. And contrary to popular belief, procrastinating has little to do with laziness. It’s far more complicated than simply being a matter of time management. Chronic procrastination doesn’t discriminate based on gender, race or age; we’re all susceptible.

So, to provide a brief definition. Procrastination is the voluntary, unnecessary delay of an important task, despite knowing you’ll be worse off for doing so.

And then here’s why it can actually be a pretty serious issue for a lot of people. Procrastination slows your goals and dreams way down. It can create stress and feelings of frustration. It can make time management useless. This often appears at work with day-to-day projects and tasks.

Fortunately, it’s possible to learn how to overcome procrastination once we know why people procrastinate.

Research has done a lot to help us understand procrastination psychology and why we continuously engage in this annoying behavior. We are going to take a look at the top reasons here, but first, let’s talk a little about our emotions and active vs. passive procrastination.

Which type of procrastinator are you?

Time Stamps:

4:20--The positive procrastinator

5:20--The other two types are passive procrastinators

12:43--Getting to the four big reasons we all procrastinate

20:00--Being "good enough"

30:47--SAW FIRE is the name of our framework for overcoming procrastinating

Follow up with us and check out our Burnout Coaching Package here.

Subscribe on Spotify

7 Big Enemies of Learning (and the Antidotes)

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 04:45:00 -0500

The futurist Alvin Toffler famously said, “The illiterate of the future are not those who can’t read or write but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”

In their book Language and the Pursuit of Leadership Excellence, Chalmers Brothers and Vinay Kumar describe sixteen “enemies of learning.” They adopted them as first described by Julio Olalla, the noted coach, writer and teacher, and founder of The Newfield Network.

These enemies include attitudes, assessments, and mindsets that, when firmly rooted, make learning or growth difficult.

The traditional message that virtually everyone has been bombarded with since we were conscious enough to watch TV, listen to the radio or read advertisements, regardless of the field is that you the consumer are reinforced with the idea that if you have, you will do, and then be. HAVING leads to DOING leads to BEING.

LEARNING = DOING (the thing even while you’re not good at it)

LEARNING = Time + Practice (we get better by doing it again and again, cause and effect)

You can also ratchet up the intensity and systematize it to the next level and add to your practice a rigor.

All of which is to say learning about something is not the same as learning to DO

One of the more interesting things about the current difficult economic environment has been watching how different business leaders have reacted to it. Those who have done the best to secure their companies’ interests, protect their market positions, and retain their best people, have in my experience been those who immediately went into learning mode.

Whether they look at the changes as an opportunity to learn new strategies for success, or simply to learn how to survive in the new environment, they have opened themselves and their organizations to learning. In doing so, they have discovered new possibilities for themselves and their companies.

Time Stamps:

2:16--The illiterate of the future are not those who can't read or write. But those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.

4:22--Advertising is based on one thing

11:31--Principle number one

12:37--Deliberate practice

15:59--Where are you being led in your life to be experiencing learning outside your comfort zone?

16:46--Number one, our inability to admit that we don't know.

20:09--The antidote

21:54--Number two, confusing information with real knowing.

23:31--The antidote

24:13--A lack of priority for learning (never have time)

25:50--The antidote

26:22--Lack of trust

30:00--The antidote

32:07--Ignoring the emotional dimension of learning

35:00--Ignoring the body as a dimension of learning

39:00--The final enemy of learning on today's list, constantly having big opinions and assessments

Show Notes and Links:

Language and the Pursuit of Leadership Excellence by Chalmers Brothers and Vinay Kumar

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

Follow up with us and check out our Burnout Coaching Package here.

Subscribe on Spotify

With or Without You: Does Your Personality Change?

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 04:45:00 -0500

The idea of this episode came out of a recent media sensation from a study done in Florida, and it showed some gentle shifts in the personalities of the 7,000 people it studied.

The headlines are all over the place. (Links provided in our show notes and links.)

On today’s episode we break down the latest findings, if they even matter for our understanding of personality, and why we want you to get a little clearer on what all this chatter is about when it comes to our personalities.

First of all, let's define our terms: What do we mean by personality? What does the media mean? And also, besides the media attention and the fact that we do work on understanding our personalities, how is this a relevant topic for the Big Self Podcast?

Time Stamps:

2:41--Why is this topic relevant?

5:52--The importance of social skills as researched for the past 100 years

10:10--We need help in understanding ourselves

14:45--The idea of falling asleep to ourselves

21:15--Why researchers narrow it down to five criteria only

21:50--The Five mainstays of personality research

27:07--At higher levels of awareness people start to look alike?

Show notes and links:

https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/28/health/personality-change-covid-wellness/index.html

https://www.themarginalian.org/2012/03/02/character-personality/?fbclid=IwAR32i3sOmxn5Nylttzrs0qAfxjyRzBJpxYYQILGkCs1NID7-4o3wvQl455Y

https://www.livescience.com/personality-age-change.html

https://psychcentral.com/health/personality-development#personality-disorders

https://www.apa.org/pubs/highlights/podcasts/episode-30

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/people-unexplained/202202/will-your-personality-change-in-the-next-6-years

The Benefits of Not Being a Jerk to Yourself (Dan Harris Ted Talk)

Subscribe on Spotify

Subscribe on Apple iTunes

Follow up with us and check out our Burnout Coaching Package here.

Lighten Up: Why is it So Hard to Let Yourself Play?

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 04:45:00 -0500

We have put “play” as one of our Big Self pillars from the very beginning, but I don’t think we’ve done a single episode on it.

We do talk about creativity and gratitude. But that’s not quite the same thing.

For one thing, it’s hard to really define what we even mean by play.

In fact it’s so elusive to really define for adults, even after I had decided we definitely need to do an episode on play, I started wondering if this is really something our audience needs or wants. We’re talking about serious stuff on this podcast, stuff that is going to help people in their pain, in their crisis’. And then we realized, that experience is the very process we undergo for YEARS as we transition into adulthood.

Important for us or not, play can feel silly, certainly unproductive, and time consuming.

And that’s precisely the point. On today’s episode we are going to do the impossible: we are going to seriously persuade you to PLAY.

This better be fun.

Time Stamps:

3:04--Let me ask you a question about play

6:28--Great questions, but how are defining play?

10:59--There's a lot of variability in the definition of play

13:12--There are "four different styles of play"

21:30--In which Shelley geeks out on the parasympathetic nervous system

29:24--Quote by Jean Piaget

33:32--3 suggestions for play

Show Notes and Links:

American Journal of Play

Play by Stuart Brown, MD

Well Played: The Ultimate Guide to Awakening Your Family’s Playful Spirit by Meredith Sinclair

National Institute for Play

A list of research on play

Stuart Brown’s TED talk on play

Scott Eberle’s blog “Play in Mind”

Play definition

Study: “A new structural model for the study of adult playfulness: Assessment and exploration of an understudied individual differences variable”

Study: The Playful Advantage: How Playfulness Enhances Coping with Stress

Study: The well-being of playful adults: Adult playfulness, subjective well-being, physical well-being, and the pursuit of enjoyable activities

Subscribe on Apple iTunes

Subscribe on Spotify

Follow up with us and check out our Burnout Coaching Package here.

Expect Resistance: 5 Ways to Sustain the Change You Want to Be

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 04:45:00 -0500

"I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor." –Thoreau

Some of us are dabblers, some of us are obsessives, and some of us are hackers.

Which one are you?

They’re basically just different approaches many people take to learning. The dabbler loves when things are new. Just loves the shiny new object and everything about starting something. The obsessive is focused on getting results as fast as possible. The hacker gets good enough at something and is fine where she or he is.

Don’t really like any of the options? Is there a better way?

We probably all can recognize ourselves in a combination of these learning styles. And yes there is a problem with them all: we never get on the road to mastery with them. They aren’t the stuff of lifelong learning.

Let's get on the path of a master.

Certainly when we are patient and stick with our learning day in and day out, we are definitely more on the path. But with all of that said, many of us begin to experience change and then we hit the plateau. That long period of time where we’re sticking with it, pushing hard, staying strong…and nothing happens.

Or we begin to experience change and then we run into resistance.

AND we might begin to think this shiny new object or all this efforting isn’t worth it and we criticize ourselves for even trying. We even begin to use language which reveals our negative thinking and the stories we tell ourselves, and we think we’re “just being real” and give up.

How part of what’s going on when we regress or retract is about the body's response to stress. Change? Homeostasis is first to be understood. Then, you can be prepared to meet it and learn the long path toward deep mastery.

Time Stamps:

3:18--Changing anything can be difficult

5:14--The link between change and stress is novelty

9:13--Homeostasis defined

15:38--Top five ideas for how you can achieve sustainable change

16:43--Number one may be the most important, understanding how it works

19:39--As you adapt the resistance gets easier to deal with

26:05--When you're negotiating with your resistance

27:55--You can do it alone, but a support system is recommended

30:22--Follow a regular practice

32:52--Dedicate yourself to lifelong learning

34:49--Shelley's "Why"

Show Notes:

Steven Pressfield on anything having to do with Resistance

Mastery: The Keys to Success and Long-Term Fulfillment by George Leonard

Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play Element in Culture by Johan Huizinga

After the Ecstasy, the Laundry by Jack Kornfield

Follow up with us and check out our Burnout Coaching Package here.

Subscribe on Spotify

What Do We Mean by Inner Work?

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 04:45:00 -0500

To say our culture prizes the “outer” (whether it’s outer work or the apparent “outer reality”) is an understatement.

And by contrast, you hear a lot of leaders and coaches and people who have learned through trial and tribulation that you have to do the “inner work” first.

But what is inner work, and how is it different from what we do at work every day?

Many people already have commendable achievements in the ‘outer work’ aspect of their life. By this, I mean growing in their careers, managing a business, or having meaningful relationships. But ‘outer work’ is a small part of who we are as people.

As a society, we’re fixated on outer work. We count the number of followers we have on social media or use the money in our life or the degrees that we have ALL as representative of who we are.

These elements have little to do with our inner worlds. In fact, we may not even know what our inner world looks like at all. Maybe it’s barren and empty. Maybe it’s cluttered and full of infinite distractions.

So, for all the power and depth and breadth of the inner work, why do we tend to avoid it? Why does it not seem to have a seat at the table in many corporations and organizations?

We share our definitions of what "inner work" means, and discuss the dimensions it entails for our cognition, the language that we use, our emotions, and our bodies.

Time Stamps:

1:46--What we're discussing today

3:32--We tend to overemphasize the results (the outer)

6:55--Messy to try and come up with how you measure inner work, but one way is to measure it by the way it leads to outer results

11:20--Three inner work definitions. Which one is the best? You decide.

12:38--Chad's personal experience and definition with what he calls spiritual

13:44--Shelley's similar experiences

18:18--The incredible insights that listening to your language brings

22:50--What's that about? a good operating question

26:10--Emotional and mental work are similar

30:55--The body center

33:46--The body is the portal

Follow up with us and check out our Burnout Coaching Package here.

Subscribe on Spotify

The Gift of Sadness in a World that Just Wants Happiness

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 04:45:00 -0500

When I first started thinking about how powerful sadness is an entry point–as a huge territory–for growth, I immediately was like, “this would never make a podcast.”

I can see it now: People clicking on the headline wanting to learn more about how they too can be sad. Doesn’t have quite the marketing hook of “how to be happier by thinking positively.”

But in a way, that’s just the point. Sadness is the very inversion of happiness. We’ve been inundated by “happiness” and the power of positive thinking for at least 70 years, and I feel like last decade in the 2010s we saw a real resurgence of it (whatever that was about, it seems like it was related to the explosion of neuroscience research).

And for some happiness researchers, like Jennifer Moss, who we had on the podcast last season, she began to turn her attention to asking questions about “what is keeping us from this elusive happiness” and she began looking into the burnout culture and the toxicity in the workplace.

Plenty of stress happens there!

And really all kinds of emotions, right?

But the point I’m trying to make here is that as I began to explore this space, I began to see a HUGE territory for us to explore with sadness.

The kind of sadness we’re talking about today is not about grief or depression. Those are different territories. No matter what, of course, you don’t want to get stuck anywhere. We are not talking about “staying” in sadness. We ARE talking about letting it in.

That’s right. We are talking about the places in your life, whatever your personality structure may be, where sadness is knocking.

Time Stamps:

2:30--Sadness isn't something that we need to manufacture

4:21--What is your relationship to sadness? Shelley asks Chad

10:55--What other happiness studies showed (and how it's not so simple)

13:07--The Wheel of Emotions

18:55--Do you think of sadness as a negative emotion? Chad asks Shelley

24:16--Sadness is an important emotion that helps everyone in numerous ways

27:14--Sadness plus shame equals depression

31:03--Shame has this tendency to keep us stuck

38:20--Sadness connects to awareness in general

42:00--Typically emotions last for 15 to 30 seconds (unless you feed it a story)

44:30--We would love to hear how this lands this episode lands for people

Show Notes and Links:

Greater Good on Four Ways Sadness May be Good for You

Psychology Today on Why Its Good to Feel Sad

Harper Bazaar on Why Its Good for You to Be Sad

Follow up with us and check out our Burnout Coaching Package here.

Subscribe on Spotify

More Than a Feeling: Practical Habits to Form Enduring Change

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0500

Habits will make or break us. Habits will deliver results one way or the other. Our focus doesn’t just come from getting out our calendars and setting proper weekly and daily goals. It doesn’t emerge from understanding the 80/20 rule.

It comes from the application of principles that elude us because they come from within. What comes from within is less measurable, and often less clear at first. For that matter, it’s scary going within. There are reasons we’ve pushed things into our unconscious.

The key here is the application.

Because our habits are the actions we repeat again and again and again, they reveal our character. You find it in all the ancient greats. Ask Seneca. Consult Marcus Aurelius. Reason through, in this case, Aristotle’s ethics. You could say you can know who you are through your habits because habits also reveal another aspect of ourselves, they reveal our values.

On this week's episode, Chad connects the inner to the outer when it comes to living out your values.

What is the Habit Paradox? How do you turn your thoughts and values into sustained action?

Time Stamps:

0:31--The idea of applying practical wisdom, to form enduring change

3:22--Contrary to popular belief, willpower is in the body AND mind, but requires energy and isn't enough alone to form a habit

6:30--Our habits and what they reveal

10:31--The way the habit paradox develops

16:28--Why do you know what to do but don't do it?

21:13--Why Aristotle would have called you practically wise if you are able to live out what you value

23:11--Unpacking Aristotle's statement about how the person who has mastered their emotions will ever go back or slip into Akrashia

27:09--Naming the "When"

29:43--Finally answering the "Why"

Show Notes and Links:

Aristotle's Ethics

The Science of Willpower

Follow up with us and check out our Burnout Coaching Package here.

Subscribe on Spotify

Visualize This: Evidence to Support the Law of Attraction

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0500

Today’s episode is focused on visualization and specifically we put on our critical thinking hats and consider how it plays into the Law of Attraction. This law can be easily misunderstood. So, we are going to explore what it really means, how it can be harnessed and why it truly is powerful when applied with discipline, and also what it is NOT.

What we focus on, we attract. The Law Of Attraction goes way beyond just 'visualizing' or 'vision boarding' our dreams. What we're ultimately doing is feeling and tuning into our vision of how we want things to be.

We discuss not only how you conduct visualization, but also how you must do so with discipline, the same way anyone trains any other part of their body.

This episode is chock full of fascinating nuggets about the brain, supported by science and evidence-based research, AND with specific takeaways that you can take with you wherever you happen to be listening.

Time Stamps:

1:10--The law of attraction, what it is and how it's had some twisted iterations over the years

7:13--The question for our audience today

8:50--When Shelley first started getting intentional about visualizing in 2010

14:09--One of the enemies of learning: daring to dream

17:17--Setting the intention

25:19--Matthew Ricard, the molecular biologist who became a Buddhist monk

28:43--How you've got to train your brain

32:36--Visualization connects to RAS (Reticular Activating System)

37:40--Not like magic, it takes energizing your life in a certain direction

45:30--Start with small things and then go to big

Follow up with us and check out our Burnout Coaching Package here.

Subscribe on Spotify

Is it Sobering to be Sober? Clearing Roadblocks and Shifting Beliefs around Drinking

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 05:30:00 -0500

If you’re like a lot of people, you don’t really care about the health effects of drinking, and frankly you probably don’t care to know. But the fact is that most of us have been drinking more than we want to for a long time.

And a lot of the time when we do this it also fills us with guilt, maybe even shame. Or to bring this full circle, maybe you really don’t think about it and don’t want to think about it.

But if you’re honest, really honest, like we chose to get honest with ourselves finally–you probably don’t feel entirely in control of your ability to choose whether or not you actually drink.

We are not here to evangelize. But we are here to share a couple of things. First, as coaches, we fully recognize that we have to be doing the very work that we are coaching others in. If we are helping others free themselves from mindless habits and envisioning the life they want, we have to have done the work ourselves. Perhaps even more importantly for you, we want you to see–to have the insight or recognition–that you are in control of you. You can shift your thinking and experience transformation unlike what you ever thought might be possible.

It doesn’t matter what your friends will say or think. It doesn’t matter what your spouse will say or think. It does matter what you believe and what you think. And this topic, like any other, is about beliefs, both conscious and unconscious. It is about the power of these beliefs and how they shape our thinking, and therefore our actions.

The aim of this episode is NOT to offer you tips. Tips are a dime a dozen whether they’re good ones or bad. What is more difficult to come by are workable ways to apply tips, to replace one behavior pattern with another. When you learn how to change a habit, it is usually not too hard to decide which ones to change.

Let’s dive in!

Time Stamps:

2:30--Maybe you're just a little curious about evaluating your relationship to alcohol.

6:14--We want you to have the recognition that you have the control over your thinking and what you want to do, and this is about shifting your thinking, not tips.

9:50--How alcohol dependency became like a slow burn, just this habit that formed over time.

15:24--When the shift happened for Shelley early on this year.

21:40--How you can self-assess where you are right now and thinking of the desire behind the habit, or is it the habit behind the desire?

24:01--Chad tells his story of his relationship with alcohol.

29:10--Chad's approach is a little different than Shelley's.

29:48--Quote by Dostoevsky about habits in the second half of life.

32:15--How the habit may start first.

37:31--If you want to start taking it to the next level and other ideas.

40:20--The final takeaway.

Show note links for further inquiry:

This Naked Mind

New genetic study confirms that alcohol is a direct cause of cancer

A ‘factory reset’ for the brain cures anxiety, drinking behavior

What sudden insights look like inside the brain

Follow up with us and check out our Burnout Coaching Package here.

Subscribe on Spotify

Radical Responsibility: How Shelley Climbed Out of the Burnout Hole

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 05:45:00 -0500

Shelley shares her story of burning out and what she's done with it five years on.

Chad asks questions based on what he's hearing and thinking about from her story.

Shelley discusses how she began to take radical responsibility for herself and her "self" alone and how this led to the tipping point of recovery. We learn about how Social Twos have their own special sauce when it comes to control, and how pride takes hold of the ego.

Time Stamps:

1:09--How the story has evolved

3:40--Back in 2014, I started a venture backed technology company

8:05--How Shelley refused to admit defeat for months even after the team was gone

10:20--Working 80-hour weeks

13:54--On control and the need for humility

24:06--How Shelley had to get out of the frying pan

27:00--After stabilizing, the next step is analyzing

28:37--The final step is visualizing

34:04--"We're either broken open, or we willfully shed."

35:05--Why Shelley can be grateful for her burnout now (five years later)

39:46--Expectations lead to a lot of our unhappiness

44:41--When the system doesn't work (and we don't work in the system)

49:00--The idea of radical responsibility and how it led to a turning point

53:06--Shelley's final reflection question

We're so glad to have you here for our second episode of Season 4!

Subscribe on Spotify

What Does it Really Mean to Fail? 8 Self-Coaching Lessons (and a True Story) on Failure

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0500

We've got a few questions on the subject of failure. Do you really learn from failure? What does it mean to actually fail at something? How big or how small does the failure have to be? Do you really learn more when you have a losing season instead of a winning one? Where did the “fail fast” mentality come from, and does it mean the same thing today?

Everyone’s paths are different, but many of us start out with early indications about what we should be for the rest of our lives. We begin to believe that the only way for the arch of lives to be considered a success is to make sure those first mountain life decisions turn out to be the fulfillment of those early dreams.

What happens when those plans don’t turn out the way you thought they would? What does it mean to fail at something that seems so big?

The truth is everyone fails. Everyone experiences setbacks both personal and professional. It IS of course what you do with the failure. But the truth is also that failure is a lot more complicated than the “fail fast” mantra would have you believe.

First of all, failure sucks. Failure is messy. Of the four noble truths of Buddhism, the first is that life IS suffering. And the second noble truth? That the avoidance of suffering causes more suffering. We avoid failure in the same way we avoid suffering.

So what happens when you identify, accept, and even embrace failure? And what are the failure(s) you truly do want to avoid?

We figure it all out on Chad's big failure story on this week's first edition of Season 4 of the Big Self Podcast!

Time Stamps:

3:19--How David Brooks' The Second Mountain has a lot do with what we're talking about

6:33--The second mountain is when you you shed the ego enough to break open

8:32--What does it actually mean to fail at something because none of us want to fail?

11:37--Even about the age of 10, I was always interested in being a writer

13:30--Your first mountain. So you just turned 50 crossed the threshold.

19:39--What do you now see that you've learned from the failure?

20:25--Congratulations on the failure

24:51--Failure Lesson #1

27:16--Failure Lesson #2

31:05--Failure Lesson #3

31:56--Failure Lesson #4

35:57--Failure Lesson #5

38:47--Failure Lesson #6

41:27--Failure Lesson #7

43:30--Failure Lesson #8

Show Notes:

The Second Mountain by David Brooks

Falling Upwards by Richard Rohr

Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life by James Hollis

My Losing Season by Patrick Conroy

Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday

Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Life and Love from Dear Sugar by Cheryl Strayed

Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Noah Baumbach

Live Your Truth by Kamal Ravikant

Courage: The Joy of Living Dangerously by Osho

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Subscribe on Spotify

You Are a Human Being, Not a Human Doing with Nataly Kogan

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 12:00:00 -0500

Burnout has become one of the most talked about workplace and life topics, and its impact is far-reaching. But too much of the conversation is focused on the problem vs. what we can actually do to break free from burnout.

In her new game-changing, self-illustrated book, THE AWESOME HUMAN PROJECT: Break Free from Daily Burnout, Struggle Less, and Thrive More in Work and Life Nataly makes a compelling case that while challenges in life are constant, struggle is optional. She offers us proven science-backed and engaging methods to help us break through the cycle of “daily burnout,” as she defines it -- methods which have already transformed over a million people and counting. Nataly’s book is intensely personal and written as a response to her own journey as a refugee who viewed struggle as a way of life. After achieving tremendous success in the corporate and startup worlds, Nataly suffered a debilitating burnout, which taught her a powerful lesson: You can’t give what you don’t have.

We are delighted to have Nataly on for our 100th episode and our final guest for the first quarter of 2022.

Find Nataly here, or at happier.com.

Time Stamps:

3:09--Why Nataly and her parents fled the former Soviet Union in 1989

8:20--How Nataly went through a debilitating burnout

10:40--Nataly's experience with startups and struggling, and the difference of challenge

15:12--Getting emotionally fit, and how Nataly found her way

18:20--How Nataly realized she wasn't just her brain (and learned to talk back)

22:40--The five ways to keep emotionally fit (in a nutshell)

29:00--For people who are moving into burnout in a pretty deep way right now

34:00--Normalizing self-care as a priority at work

38:45--You don't need to burnout to learn, but you probably need an interruption

41:41--Playing it forward and asking, "How do you want to experience your life?"

45:15--What Nataly hopes you'll takeaway from her book

Subscribe on Spotify.

Investing in the Self and Others with Ted Alling

Sun, 13 Mar 2022 12:00:00 -0500

Today we speak with entrepreneur and investor, Ted Alling. Ted is a leader in Chattanooga who uses his entrepreneurial achievements to create opportunities for others.

He is the co-founder and former CEO of a $500-million startup, Access America, which merged with UPS subsidiary Coyote Logistics.

That initial success allowed Ted and his fellow Access America founders to create Lamp Post Group, a venture capital firm and tech-focused incubator located right here in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Lamp Post is responsible for developing and incubating literally dozens of startups. From there, he co-founded Dynamo in 2016, a venture-capital fund with a focus in logistics technology. And then in 2018, he and his wife Kelly, helped to found the Chattanooga Preparatory School, an all-boys charter school.

Chattanooga Prep is designed to provide unique and impactful educational opportunities for the young men in the city’s urban communities, and it opened to its inaugural class of sixth graders in August 2018 and now has over 300 young men.

It’s been a wild ride throughout the past two decades, and Ted has not only succeeded himself, but has an ability to bring others along with him. He has also done a lot of personal development and learned a lot, sometimes the hard way, about himself, others, and best practices when it comes to building companies and culture. That is why we wanted to speak with him on the Big Self Podcast.

Time Stamps:

4:00--Ted's love of the Enneagram

6:24--The biggest hack for all our listeners on the Enneagram

10:20--The progressive realization of a worthy ideal (what success is)

18:00--How some companies are living out their values now more than in the recent past

27:43--When Ted and Kelly met David Robinson in researching for their prep school

30:57--How Chattanooga Prep selects the 70 students they enroll each year

34:40--How they create the "Disney World Experience" for the kids right off the bat

37:43--When Ted first discovered the power (and addictive nature) of the Blackberry

40:33--How Ted recognizes how some have huge advantages over others

Subscribe on Spotify.

The S Curve of Smart Growth with Whitney Johnson

Sun, 27 Feb 2022 12:00:00 -0500

Leading teams and organizations to greatness has never been more challenging than it is right now. But there is opportunity amidst the chaos.

We are now in an era of post-traumatic growth. An Egon Zehnder study reports that 80% of CEOs strongly agreed they needed to transform themselves as well as their organizations—up from 26% prior to the pandemic.

Employees want to grow. Leaders want to help their people and their companies grow—and recognize that the only way to do that is to grow themselves. The challenge lies in knowing how to stop walking in circles, and move forward.

In her new book SMART GROWTH: How to Grow Your People to Grow Your Company (Harvard Business Review Press; January 11, 2022) Whitney Johnson, CEO of Disruption Advisors, and one of the top ten business thinkers in the world as named by Thinkers50, provides a set of tools to get smart about growth.

Whitney Johnson is CEO of the tech-enabled development company Disruption Advisors, an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private company in America and was recently named #8 on the Thinkers50 list for 2021, made up of the 50 leading business thinkers in the world. She is an award-winning author, a regular keynote speaker and she and Shelley really hit it off on this week's episode.

Time Stamps:

3:50--Working on a new framework of personal disruption led to the S Curve concept

9:55--Whitney's turning point moment of realizing she is going to have to disrupt herself

11:45--What's interesting about different kinds of fears

16:31--We're all operating at different levels of fears and awareness

19:38--Whenever you start something new you are at the base of the S

25:00--The many different ways you can apply the S curve to your life

31:06--The six stages of growth that correspond to the S curve

39:00--That place where your identity is shifting

44:20--You want to race before you've spent time in the collector phase

47:40--How 2022 is the Great Aspiration rather than the Great Resignation

Show notes links:

https://whitneyjohnson.com/

Be one of the first three listeners to leave us a review on on Apple iTunes and receive your free copy of Whitney's brand new hardcover: Smart Growth: How to Grow Your People to Grow Your Company.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Co-Creating the Power of Joy with Anne Scottlin

Sun, 13 Feb 2022 12:00:00 -0500

Anne Scottlin is on a mission around the world to help people from business executives to creatives to startup employees who wear a lot of hats to find their joy. What does joy mean? What does it mean to possess it and carry it around with you wherever you go? Tune in to find out.

Plus, how Anne practices her own methods in her life. Also, what happened when Anne mind-mapped her life and connected the dots from Medieval literature to acting to altruism around the world supporting oppressed women.

Thanks for tuning in to this week's Big Self Podcast.

Show notes links:

Find Anne’s newly released book, Live For Joy, here.

Grab a one-week journal to foster and create your own joy awareness at https://www.annescottlin.com/joyjournal.

Time Stamps:

3:40--The difference between joy and happiness

6:00--Wishful thinking and how to overcome it, and how Anne's early experiences led to her life journey of finding joy and then wanting to share it with others

11:40--The relationship of the PERMA model

17:25--What Anne advises when people want to make a career transition

24:25--The conflict that creating such deep individualism often brings

33:46--We tend to remember where we fell short

40:00--The Big Self Takeaway

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Teams beat burnout at work with Paula Davis

Sun, 30 Jan 2022 12:00:00 -0500

Long before the pandemic gripped the world and blurred the lines between home and work, we had become a nation suffering high levels of burnout. It is one of the most discussed, and far-reaching problems in the workplace today. And that is why we are covering it from a wide variety of perspectives on our podcast here at the top of the year from top business professionals and trained coaches, researchers, and leaders.

In BEATING BURNOUT AT WORK: Why Teams Hold the Secret to Well-Being and Resilience, founder of the Stress and Resilience Institute Paula Davis provides a new framework to help organizations prevent employee burnout via a holistic approach.

Her research-driven and actionable book is the first to explore a comprehensive approach for building the resilience of teams of all sizes. Her framework works with organizations ranging from Harvard Law School to Walgreens, and is aimed at reshaping the organizational policies, decision-making, and political, social, and economic issues that contribute to workplace stress.

Time Stamps:

4:44--A big part of what people are getting wrong about burnout

8:42--We can't just keep approaching the systemic issue of burnout through the individual, which is what lead to the idea of working with teams first and foremost

12:06--Interesting research that you can be highly engaged and burned out

14:15--Psychological safety as a foundational element

20:16--Start with the Resilient Teams Inventory

25:10--Detecting your icebergs

29:23--The core values and powerful themes that come up for leaders that they're not always conscious of

32:40--We don't listen to understand; different kinds of listening

35:58--Suck it up and drive on and do it the way I did it

42:00--The importance of coaching

44:03--The Big Self Takeaway

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Beating the Burnout Epidemic with Jennifer Moss

Sun, 16 Jan 2022 12:00:00 -0500

We’ve been covering burnout from our inception at the top of 2020. We've suffered from it in different ways and at different times in our lives. Now we help organizations and leaders deal with it, and we had no idea how acute it would become and how the screws would tighten with the circumstances and chaos of the pandemic.

And who better to bring on the show to discuss her own unique strategies and experiences than Jennifer Moss? In her compelling new book, Moss argues our current strategies are getting it all wrong – that self-care won’t cure burnout and organizations need to entirely rethink their approach to wellness. Leveraging her latest research and evidence-based solutions, her recent book, The Burnout Epidemic: The Rise of Chronic Stress and How We Can Fix It, will help leaders and individuals prevent burnout for healthier, happier, and more productive workplaces.

We tend to think of burnout as a problem we can solve with self-care: more yoga, better breathing techniques, and more resilience. But evidence is mounting that applying personal, Band-Aid solutions to an epic and rapidly evolving workplace phenomenon isn't even close to enough.

Moss’s book is eye-opening, paradigm-shifting, and offers a practical guide, laying bare the real causes of burnout and how organizations can stop the chronic stress cycle that an alarming number of workers suffer through. Self-care is important, but it's not a cure-all for burnout.

Be sure and stay tuned to the end for our Big Self Takeaway!

Time Stamps:

4:31--The root causes of burnout

6:28--The World Health Organization definition of burnout

8:05--When your leaders are passionate about their work and they become less aware of the model they're setting

9:30--Feeling external pressure in high growth organizations

12:10--Industries we're seeing a lot of burnout in

14:08--Overwork is responsible for 2.8 million deaths last year

18:38--Research on video conferencing fatigue

23:52--How Jennifer used to look down on burnout before she went through it

26:30--Seeing an accumulation of small traumas leading to grief

31:30--The Big Self Takeaway

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

You CAN change other people with Peter Bregman and Howie Jacobson

Sun, 02 Jan 2022 12:00:00 -0500

“People change all the time,” write Peter Bregman and Howie Jacobson in their new book, You CAN Change Other People. “They make big changes like starting businesses, getting married, moving, or getting a new job. And they make smaller changes like eating healthier, waking up earlier, or listening better. But people change when they choose to change. If they feel like you’re trying to make them change? Forget it.”

How do we help others make changes they actually want and need to make? Well, drawing on decades of experience helping leaders, employees, and others to change, Bregman and Jacobson offers a straightforward, proven, and repeatable four-step process for helping people make meaningful changes, and we get a taste of that in our conversation today.

We are always on the lookout for those books that offer us depth, give us specific takeaways and challenges, and also inspire us. Oh, and do all this without shaming us to do better or else we suck. And today’s guests have executed on a book full of ideas that does just that.

Be sure and stay tuned to the end for our Big Self Takeaway!

Time Stamps:

2:10--So how did you all come to think of this and research this for the book?

7:00--Ally is the first step to shift from critic to ally

9:05--The first step in the process actually does begin with yourself when you step in as a supporter

15:30--What to do if you've asked for permission give feedback and they (on rare occasions) say, "No."

21:48--How do you handle working with shame with individuals

27:58--The people I most want to be in conversation with

33:27--Is there anything good in a person's "bad" behavior?

41:15--Develop a plan for people to track themselves

49:25--The Big Self Takeaway

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

5 Strategies for Your End of Year Review

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 10:47:00 -0500

It’s that time of year! Time for reflection. Time for slowing down and chilling out after all the social functions. And time to recharge those batteries. We are taking inventory to pat ourselves on the back for our accomplishments, to get real about the small and possibly big ways we can improve our coming year.

We break it down into five pragmatic and powerful ways to move forward in self-awareness, in confidence, in optimism, and to make those annual goals using the SMARTER method, and breaking them down into small, manageable steps.

Time Stamps:

2:47--This is more like a life audit and not like some kind of PIP

3:49--The guiding question

10:27--As much as what you stop doing as by what you do do

15:00--As yourself what you're avoiding and why

19:32--Looking at those moments where you came alive

21:06--Annual goals should be SMARTER

26:49--Start thinking in micro steps toward the big goals

32:05--Our final word for the year

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

The way out is through with Sebastian Matthews

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Sebastian Matthews experienced a life-changing event that was almost life-ending. Besides the broken bones, part of his growth process for him and his family was dealing with the trauma.

He tells us that sometimes PTSD doesn’t even set in until a couple of years after the event. He also tells us that we don’t all have to go through such an intense trauma to experience things like burnout, anxiety, and disconnection from yourself and others.

He believes in the creative life, in soft boundaries between work and play, but definitely adheres to some clear and consistent routines.

He also believes in connection. He began that process first by writing about the experience with his book, Beginner’s Guide to a Head-On Collision. More recently, his award-winning Beyond Repair: Living in a Fractured State documents his experience in reconnecting with the culture, community, and country he found himself immersed in.

He reminds us that we need to start with ourselves, but after the healing begins, there comes a time to quit the navel-gazing and get out there and re-connect with the world.

While getting out of the house and meeting up with old friends in different places is one way, the deeper connection is to connect with your community. Sebastian reminds us of ways to do so in reasonable, realistic ways. One lesson he’s learned through the past decade of struggle is that “the only way out is through.” But the second, no less important one, is that when you give back to others, you reap unexpected rewards. This is the way to growth, healing, and beating the sense of disconnection so many of us find ourselves in here at the end of 2021.

Time Stamps:

2:43--Shelley says she sees burnout as a continuum

3:36--Sebastian describes his struggle with stress and how it may relate to burnout

7:09--Sebastian sees a definitive turning point in his life from his car accident

10:35--What was the impetus behind Sebastian's decision to move forward?

14:34--You don't have to go through a massive traumatic event to learn to cope and move forward

24:58--How can you serve and give back without necessarily being a frontline activist?

27:29--Multitasking gets a bad rap

31:32--Sebastian reads a section from his book called "Invisible"

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

What is Big Self?

Sun, 21 Nov 2021 12:00:00 -0500

The idea behind the name Big Self is a paradox. We encourage people to do the inner work before they take big leaps, so they know their ladder is leaning on the right wall in the first place, and that they're motivated for the right reasons. Or if they come to us in burnout or crisis, we still begin with inner work, which usually begins with self-awareness training, and personality "hacking."

When it comes to the self we want to diffuse the ego so that when we lean into our ambitions and aspirations we do so with authenticity, healthy boundaries, integration, and sustainable purpose.

We work with businesses to help them improve their communication and culture. That is why we do have an audience that talks about personality types in order to shortcut the inner growth. We've indexed hard on that this past year.

More recently we're hitting on topics like burnout, healthy work culture, shorter workweeks, boundaries, and topics related to the outward manifestation of real change.

What we’re talking about today:

How the idea for the name came about. The Buddhist idea of the Big Self.
How it came to mean aim high but also manage your ego and how you engage with the world.
How we focused on burnout at first.
How we have come into the Enneagram as a tool for personal growth and development
How we are for leaders in the professional world, but we also are getting ready to make offerings for parents and couples

Time Stamps:

2:49--Shelley quotes Thomas Merton's "ladder leaning on the wrong wall" verbatim without reading

4:50--Who we are is how we lead

7:45--We have discussed burnout from the beginning and have several experts in forthcoming episodes

9:34--The idea of Big Self as a name

13:27--The different ways you can use the Enneagram

17:05--Parts of ourselves that we own and disown

23:05--Three stages of reactivity

27:27--The brilliance of the Enneagram

30:00--You can use it for spiritual purposes, but if you're uncomfortable with that, you don't have to use it that way

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Let's make Thursday the new Friday with Joe Sanok

Sun, 07 Nov 2021 12:00:00 -0500

On this week’s episode we speak with Joe Sanok. In 2012 Joe launched Practice of the Practice to blog about what he was learning about business, marketing, and private practice. Since then, his income has gone up over 2,000%. In the beginning, he was making around $1000 per month. In 2015, he grossed over $200k. By 2019, he had sold his private practice.

Joe is a keynote and TEDx speaker, business consultant, and podcaster. He has the #1 podcast for counselors, The Practice of the Practice Podcast, which btw is a great podcast for entrepreneurs and solopreneurs as well.

Joe is also the author of five books and has been named a top Therapist Resource for his podcast, blogging, and consultant services.

His approach incorporates story, humor, research, and practical application.

The pandemic has forced conversations about meaningful change at work, and shown us that we can live differently. A remarkable positive consequence of this worldwide lockdown is the experiment it inherently created by everyone abruptly and continuously working from home and making our own schedules.

The last year has proven to even the skeptics, that work can be done differently. Will the change be permanent? Or will we, as usual, return to what we know? We’ve been asking this question on several recent episodes. Will we allow the Industrialist mindset to continue to define our week or will we reinvent ourselves and our time?

Joe has just released a new book on this very subject, THURSDAY IS THE NEW FRIDAY is essential reading for anyone in search of both peace and fulfillment. In 2021, that’s very nearly all of us. This book is inspiring and instructive and we are thrilled to have Joe join us for today’s episode.

Learn more about Joe here:

https://joesanok.com/media/

https://www.practiceofthepractice.com

Time Stamps:

3:42--The big shift that we're moving away from self-help type of books

7:04--In looking back Joe always got the most done during 4 days and the most important stuff always naturally rises to the surface

9:15--The difference between hard and soft boundaries

11:39--Boundaries are the actions we take to protect our values

15:32--What the Sprint Type is and how it's a helpful measurement for determining how we might work best with our values and boundaries

24:40--Setting expectations and boundaries at home is essential

27:40--The Industrialist mindset and how things have remained the same since 1926

33:36--We're an Enneagram 3 culture

41:00--How teams can work together to establish boundaries together while also maintaining their revenue and productivity

44:50--There are always going to be people who are against this thinking, but let's aim for the middle

48:59--The Big Self Takeaway

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

How Myers-Briggs Transforms You and Your Relationships with Personality Hacker

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Personality Hacker is an organization designed to help people leverage their own mental processes to optimize whatever can be optimized: productivity, communication, job satisfaction, and most importantly – your overall happiness. When we get these needs met we stop being so myopic through the lens of our own experience, and start seeing a bigger picture.

Today’s episode gives you some high-level overview of the Myers-Briggs as a system from Antonia Dodge and Joel Mark Witt. We also nerd out a little. In the end, we think you’ll learn something about how this all works and the powerful potential value it holds when you use it as a tool for growth. The entry point isn’t the important thing, it’s how you apply it to become the best version of you.

Listen to the end when we give you the Big Self Takeaway.

Time Stamps:

5:30--The way we approach Myers-Briggs is not your mom's Myers-Briggs

6:57--The point of origin of Myers-Briggs is actually Carl Jung (from Psychological Types)

8:40--It has something that can applied

12:24--There's a lot of one-sidedness to our personalities

15:48--This system works well to identify a problem in our personalities, especially when things aren't working well

19:40--We have a tendency to over-attach to our type, especially at first

20:20--Most people aren't coming to the system with so much depth, they want practical applications

31:40--The people sitting in the car when it comes to the functions of your personality

36:00--Personality systems create a map for us to leverage

36:34--Is the goal integration?

40:41--Trust and working with businesses

43:10--The challenge in talking about the difference between Sensing and Intuition

55:05--The Big Self Takeaway

Find Joel Mark Witt and Antonia Dodge at:

https://personalityhacker.com

https://personalityhacker.com/ph-podcast/

And check out their book here: Personality Hacker: Harness the Power of Your Personality Type to Transform Your Work, Relationships, and Life

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

How to stop white-knuckling and start motivating with Remmington Curtis

Sun, 24 Oct 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Today we speak with a boots-on-the-ground guy. Remmington Curtis is a fan of the podcast and reached out to see if he could join us on the show. We love to hear from our listeners, and we love hearing from not only thought leaders, influencers, and authors, but also the coaches doing the work themselves.

A person some might say had the dream job. He spent the first 10 years of his career on Wall Street, researching companies as an equity analyst initially, and later a client relationship manager and ultimately a wealth advisor. But the summer of 2012, he pivoted. He left Wall Street to go and run a small healthcare company, as their CIO for about six years before pivoting, again, to advocate on behalf of the private sector, as the business liaison director at the US Department of Commerce. You could say it’s been quite a journey, as now, some 9 years since he left his Wall Street job, he’s settled into a role helping leaders be better, more effective versions of themselves, and helping them be the leader they wish they had had when they were coming up in their career.

Also, introducing our new segment, The Big Self Takeaway, at the end of each guest episode.

Time Stamps:

1:56--Remmington had the dream job

3:50--How he was unhappy and unsettled in his Wall Street job

5:34--What it was like shifting to an operations role

8:00--Specific techniques he uses with clients and their current challenges

11:28--Managing your energy

15:09--Leaders who believe expressing your emotions is a sign of weakness

21:43--Permissibility versus possibility

32:02--The Big Self Takeaway

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

7 steps to transformation through grief with Barbara Dalle Pezze

Sun, 17 Oct 2021 12:00:00 -0500

This week we speak with Barbara Dalle Pezze. Barbara is a speaker, author and seminar leader with two decades of experience living and working in Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Canada, and the U.S. Barbara works to inspire others, especially entrepreneurs and leaders, to reconnect with their purpose. She does through helping them make mindset shifts and breakthroughs, which in turn helps their teams and organizations effectively create large scale changes. Barbara is a member of the Leadership Development Faculty for the Aisa Pacific Region at a top global financial institution, and visiting professor at FSU, Beedie School of Business (Vancouver, Canada), where she teaches Negotiation and Conflict Resolution at the MBA program. She has also recently published an inspirational memoir, The Unexpected Gift.

Today she speaks with us about her journey through a sudden and traumatic divorce. It's about how she picked up the pieces and turned her life around in a foreign country, piece by piece.

Time Stamps:

3:39--Always something exceeding our reality

7:40--The seven steps begins with owning your story

10:30--Radical friends

13:13--Clarity of mind

15:00--Barbara is a doctor of Philosophy in Ontology

16:40--The idea of "reality testing"

17:37--Listening to the body

21:40--Partnering with mentors

25:20--The idea of finding mentors in books

27:00--Forwarding the future

35:40--Leadership begins with being a leader to yourself

39:00--How do you work with leaders who are hesitant to admit to their blind spots

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Is the Great Resignation a Trend or a Fad?

Sun, 10 Oct 2021 12:00:00 -0500

What is the Great Resignation? What's causing it? What are companies doing about it? And what's our final takeaway?

The Great Resignation is a term first used by Anthony Klotz, a psychologist and associate professor of management at Texas A&M University, during an interview with Business Insider. It describes a profound shift in the way Americans are viewing their relationship to work over the past four months.

For four months in a row, a record number of Americans are quitting their jobs. In July, the last month for which the Bureau of Labor Statistics published data, 3.98 million workers quit; that's slightly lower than the record-smashing 3.99 million quits in April.

So what about it from an individual and collective level?

Time Stamps:

2:23--The Great Resignation is a thing

5:29--Burnout a contributing factor

6:45--Still "missing quits" in the system

9:08--A high-level tech employee who is disgruntled

13:28--Are we seeing companies do anything to address the situation?

18:12--People are the most complex and least understood asset

23:49--People are adults

25:29--Will we just go back?

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Enneagram 7s Talk Head Types, Joy, and the Virtue of Sobriety

Sun, 03 Oct 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Today we speak with Justin Sainton, Elle Worsham, and Erin Maslowski.

Enneagram 7s don't like constraints. They tend to want it all, and they have a lot of the tools for getting it. They're head types with the ability to solve a lot of problems through their own structures and spreadsheets. At the same time, they're upbeat and positive. They have loads of interests and plenty of energy.

What could go wrong?

Sometimes that can be a little complicated. One of the answers our panelists discuss is that trying to blind yourself to pain doesn't always work because life doesn't accommodate your avoidance. It still keeps coming. Also, sometimes being a Seven can be like a "river without banks." You need constraints and boundaries to stay contained and focused.

As we conclude our first series of Enneagram panelists spanning the spectrum, Sevens discuss the joys and sorrows of being a Seven. Each of them is doing a lot of growth with their wings and arrows, passions and virtues. Each has their own way of engaging with the world. Today they give us a glimpse of that inner reality, and in vulnerability and discernment, show us a way forward.

Time Stamps:

1:38--Justin introduces himself

3:23--Elle introduces herself

6:30--Erin introduces herself

9:38--Elle discusses the differences between how she communicates as a head type and her heart type partner

12:24--Justin discusses how surprised he sometimes is by his analytical side because he is also constantly wanting to have fun, especially in the eyes of others

14:28--Erin agrees with the other panelists but as a counter type (social 7), she also discusses the fear side of being in the thinking side of her own center of intelligence

34:14--Elle talks about getting real through the virtue of Sobriety

35:58--Justin says that as a 7 he can be like a river without banks

37:06--The ego of the 7 is so blinded from pain

40:00--How the panelists lean into their six and eight wings consciously and unconsciously

45:47--How the arrow work helps in growth

53:54--Coming back to mindful practices

The Big Self Leadership Accelerator is open! We launch October 4, and we've saved a space for you. For details go to: bigselfschool.com/bsla

Ready to unlock your potential? Check out our Enneagram Guide at bigselfschool.com/enneagram.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

5 Strategies to Grow with the Enneagram

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 12:00:00 -0500

The Enneagram is so much more than a typology. It is so much more than a static symbol. In fact, the Enneagram is a living, breathing, dynamic process-driven system to self-observation and self-understanding. It helps you to understand yourself ("Know Thyself") at deeper level much faster than you ever could without it. It helps you to understand others.

In today's episode, Shelley and Chad cover five proven approaches to going beyond just knowing your number. Knowing your number is a start, but then what about it?

We discuss the concept and approach to (1) self-observation and why it's mission critical to begin here. Then, we hit on (2) centers of intelligence, (3) wings, (4) arrows, and (5) the passions and virtues as ways to integrate your understanding. Today's episode helps direct to patterns of conscious growth and to escape from your habitual and ingrained personality patterns that keep you stuck.

Time Stamps:

2:15--The growth paths we're going to cover today

3:30--Self-observation is key to everything we teach

4:20--And you can't know yourself until you see yourself

5:00--We are machines

8:04--Definition of Self-Observation

14:38--Centers of Intelligence discused

21:14--Wholeness is not achieved by cutting off a portion of one's being, but by integrating the contraries

23:03--The moment everyone's been waiting for: wings

28:34--The arrows can direct you in terms of big moves in your growth

33:49--We also need to be filling up our knowledge bank, as well as what we're learning about ourselves

34:18--Discussing the passions and the virtues

The Big Self Leadership Accelerator is open! We launch October 4, and we've saved a space for you. For details go to: bigselfschool.com/bsla

Ready to unlock your potential? Check out our Enneagram Guide at bigselfschool.com/enneagram.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Enneagram 6s Talk Second Guessing, Fear, Dealing with Authority, and Trust

Sun, 19 Sep 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Today we speak with Suzy Anthony, Marta Gillilan, and Roger Coles.

We discuss what it's like getting into the heads of Sixes. Sixes are sometimes named the Loyalist, and sometimes the Skeptical Troubleshooter. Their archetype centers on a person who seeks security and certainty, but ironically often doesn't find it. Of all the personality types, Sixes are the most loyal to their friends and their beliefs and ideas. At the same time, it's easy to break trust with them if you don't pass their sniff test. And they do find themselves testing others even when they don't always consciously realize it.

They tend to look at all scenarios in order to locate potential problems. They ask lots of questions, and look for weak points. Sixes are always aware of their anxieties and are looking for ways to construct security supports. In today's episode we have three Sixes--one for each subtype (we think). These Sixes are vulnerable and open about what it's like to be them, and the work they've done on themselves to work on their growth paths.

We discuss all this and much more on this week's Enneagram Six episode.

Time Stamps:

:52--Suzy introduces herself

2:20--Marta introduces herself

5:30--Roger introduces herself

8:12--Talking the head type center of intelligence and the voices in their heads

19:42--How they test their reactions

24:42--Struggling to trust

31:53--Struggling with fear

34:09--Marta opens up about her experience in dealing with cancer with both her parents and with her husband

39:40--Sixes are great truth-tellers, and how do they step into their courage

46:58--Shelley confuses Hamlet for Frodo

55:12--Shelley asks each Six to discuss one thing they're working on

The Big Self Leadership Accelerator is open! We launch October 4, and we've saved a space for you. For details go to: bigselfschool.com/bsla

Ready to unlock your potential? Check out our Enneagram Guide at bigselfschool.com/enneagram.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Enneagram 5s Talk Holding On, Feedback Loops, and Learning to Trust

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 06:00:00 -0500

Today we speak with Richie Daigle and Chris Schoolcraft, two Fives who have done a lot of work to under their personalities and how they show up in the world.

We discuss what it's like being a headtype as our center of intelligence, and how they hold on to their knowledge and skills and share it only when they feel completely ready.

Fives highly value working independently. They're more comfortable with data and facts than with people and emotions. They also tend to see the work they do through the lens of information that needs to be mastered in order to get the job done. Fives sincerely enjoy learning and you can count them to provide a high level of expertise and authoritative information when given the time to prepare. They also make for good listeners and you can count on them to stay focused on their tasks.

We discuss all this and much more on this week's Enneagram Five episode.

Time Stamps:

1:16--Richie Daigle introduces himself

3:35--Chris Schoolcraft introduces himself

5:52--Richie discusses what it was like being in his head as a semi-professional baseball player

8:05--Chris talks about being disconnected from his heart and body (as a head type)

16:25--Richie says he feels like Fives need a certain sense of control

20:50--It's like being out on a frozen pond and not being sure the ice can hold

28:59--Having had people encroach on their boundaries, Fives can sense from a long way away if someone is being nosy

34:02--Shelley asks the panelists about the passion of Avarice

38:42--The idea of being prepared is really important

42:45--Chris discusses how he may avoid things by generating a defense of indifference

47:55--Chris has tried to trust more and think less when it comes to his growth path

51:33--Richie talks about getting stuck within feedback loops

The Big Self Leadership Accelerator is open! We launch October 4, and we've saved a space for you. For details go to: bigselfschool.com/bsla

Ready to unlock your potential? Check out our Enneagram Guide at bigselfschool.com/enneagram.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Enneagram 4s Go Deep on Authenticity, Envy, and Empathy

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 09:16:00 -0500

Today we speak with Shay and Amanda, along with our very own Chad. We all know how special Fours are, and how much they fear being anything but ordinary. But it's not every day we get to hear the perspectives from two self-preservation subtypes and one relational (one-to-one) subtype at the same time.

We discuss what it's like being a heart type as our center of intelligence, how the subtypes really opened up our self-understanding, and the concept of envy. Fours are constantly feeling what they're missing both consciously and unconsciously.

Fours highly value authenticity. They are also image focused, but not in a self-absorbed way as some may think. The lens is turned in on themselves a great deal. They have superpowers with empathy, but sometimes when they turn the introjection upon themselves, they can become moody or melancholic, even angry, as they take on the feelings and impressions from others.

We discuss all this and much more on this week's Enneagram Four episode.

Time Stamps:

1:54--Shay Bocks introduces herself

4:05--Amanda introduces herself

7:36--Chad discusses how he knew pretty much right away that he was a Four, but it was discovering the subtype that really helped

11:00--Amanda talks about how it is as a heart type being married to a body type

17:20--Amanda agrees with Shay about the image focus of the fours and how it manifests

22:50--Amanda picks up on what Chad said about the way he had become angry among his peers when he wasn't being recognized for his value and contribution. She discusses how you just want to feel like there's a place for you in the world.

27:10--Shay helps us understand the concept of introjection by beginning with the more commonly understood idea of projection

36:18--The masochism comes in for the Fours when they take on the emotions of everyone else and with no clear outlet

45:47--Chad discusses a growth path that he is currently on

46:46--Shay starts with her growth path and Amanda follows (they encourage everyone to check out the CPEnneagram with Beatrice Chestnut and Uranio Paes)

49:10--Shay talks about her meditation of a burning bush

The Big Self Leadership Accelerator is open! We launch October 4, and we've saved a space for you. For details go to: bigselfschool.com/bsla

Ready to unlock your potential? Check out our Enneagram Guide at bigselfschool.com/enneagram.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Enneagram history, sub-types, and what’s in it for you

Sun, 15 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Today we’re answering some of your fantastic questions, and it is making for a great show.

Could you give us more background on the history of the Enneagram?

We give credit to a 20th-century pioneer of the Traditional Enneagram, Oscar Ichazo. We also briefly touch on the influences and how it reached the west.

Interesting sidenote: According to Gurdjieff’s student JG Bennett, the Enneagram was developed in the 15th century by mathematicians in the Sarmoun mystery school to express principles symbolized by the newly discovered decimal point. The Enneagram as a symbol represents aspects of mathematical laws — law of three, law of seven, law of one.

Could you tell us a little more about what the sub-types are about?

Among other things, we discuss the three basic instincts, why they tend to be overlooked in North American teaching of the Enneagram, and how the combination of your type and instinct comprise what we call the sub-type.

What is the value or point of the Enneagram besides recognizing your type?

We love this question because it’s something we all consciously or unconsciously wonder about as we begin to learn more about ourselves in really any format, any personality typology. In fact, the more we learned about the Enneagram from its many teachers, and the more we understood about ourselves and others as we are in personality, the more we realized that learning our type was just the beginning. It alone is not the point.

We are machines, and we live our lives on autopilot. Whether it’s our habits and patterns, our negative emotion traps, our inability to see ourselves clearly, identification, we live our lives unconsciously. We are asleep to ourselves. Also, it:

Moves you out of your machinery, wakes you up (use only if you're into self-development work) can actually be detrimental to identify type and leave it there, double down on your patterns, shame
Helps you grow efficiently and shows you your personalized path for growing
Identifies blind spots that you can’t see

Time Stamps:

3:25--Who Oscar Ichazo is

5:40--George Gurdjieff gets a lot of credit for bringing the Enneagram to the West, and why

9:39--To see where the Enneagram is now and give Claudio Narajano credit for his contributions

14:23--The sub-type piece of the conversation is often left out in the U.S.

20:19--Why did Chad believe certain sub-types were associated with being introverted or extroverted

28:28--Shelley really wants people to start understanding their sub-types as a piece of their self-understanding

32:14--We are asleep to ourselves

36:50--Why could it be dangerous to only use the Enneagram as a typing system and stop there

38:03--What Gurdjieff said you will get from becoming one of his students

40:17--The Enneagram reveals things you didn't even know were self-sabotaging you

Ready to unlock your potential? Check out our Enneagram Guide at bigselfschool.com/enneagram.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Enneagram 3s Talk Work, (Self)Deceit, and Compassion

Sun, 08 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Our two Enneagram 3 panelists this week have done a great deal of work on themselves. While Jim Gum certainly has done a tremendous amount of work over his 30 years of working with the Enneagram, Steph Barron Hall's six years or so has brought her a long way as well.

If you are ready to learn your Enneagram type and what to do with it, we have a giveaway for you! We’re offering a free Enneagram typing package to a lucky someone who gives us a review on iTunes or Spotify.

These typing packages are valued at $375, and include an interview, a proprietary test, and one follow up coaching session. So you heard it here: if you go to iTunes or Spotify and search for The Big Self Podcast and leave us a review, you can enter into a giveaway to get a free Enneagram typing package.

After you leave us a review, go to BigSelfSchool.com/enneagramgiveaway and fill out the form so you can be entered to win.

Time Stamps:

1:25--Jim Gum introduces himself

3:42--Steph Barron Hall introduces herself

7:41--30 years ago, Jim discusses the intense emotional conflict he was experiencing before he learned about the Enneagram

12:30--Steph discusses the validation she felt that 3s are potentially the most emotional type of all

18:55--Steph agrees with Jim's point about feeling fragile, and goes on to explain her experience as an Instagrammer

33:55--Jim discusses how he has grown out of always having to do something even on his time off

40:41--Jim discusses the Thomas Merton prayer that he's memorizing, and also the concept of deceit and how that plays into our lives (and specific to 3s)

53:35--Steph discusses the importance of self-compassion for her inner growth

62:30--How 3s are so misunderstood

Ready to unlock your potential? Check out our Enneagram Guide at bigselfschool.com/enneagram.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Enneagram 2s on Their Core Fears, Passion, and Growth Points

Sun, 01 Aug 2021 01:30:00 -0500

Shelley is super excited to introduce you today to her brother and sisters of the Enneagram type Two. These are her people.

After you leave us a review, go to BigSelfSchool.com/enneagramgiveaway and fill out the form so you can be entered to win.

Time Stamps:

0:50--Carolyn Swora introduces herself

2:34--Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober introduces herself

4:56--Jonathon Bow introduces himself

7:15--What it means to be a heart type

14:27--The definable characteristics of a Two

25:23--Core fear that Twos are not really lovable

35:28--The passion of pride in the Two

43:10--Talking about the growth points of the Two

57:10--Jonathan talks about the importance of boundaries

60:00--Carolyn brings up the idea of slowing down and listening

Ready to unlock your potential? Check out our Enneagram Guide at bigselfschool.com/enneagram.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Enneagram 1s Talk Anger, the Inner Critic, and Serenity

Sun, 25 Jul 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Type 1s are known as Reformers or Perfectionists. They're also body types, and when it comes to relating to others they can house a lot of energy inside themselves, often in the form of anger. In this episode's discussion, we meet Angie Liski, Kristi Rider, and Randa Hinton. We learn a little more about what makes these types tick, especially when it comes to dealing with anger and the inner critic.

*The sound quality on this episode is sub-standard, and we apologize for the issues which have been addressed in all other panelist interviews in this series.

Time Stamps:

2:00--Kristi Rider introduces herself

3:50--Angie Lisky introduces herself

6:05--Randa Hinton introduces herself

8:16--How Randa carries "the weight of the world" in herself and how learning about how 1s are body types have helped her understand and transcend being a body type

9:59--How Angie channels her anger and how it works in the body

11:45--How for Kristi being a body type means knowing things quickly

13:41--How does being a 1 translate into their work and leadership

19:50--How do 1s deal with their inner critic

32:05--A brief discussion of the varieties of subtypes in 1s

37:08--The virtue of Serenity

Ready to unlock your potential? Check out our Enneagram Guide at bigselfschool.com/enneagram.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Enneagram 9s Talk Anger, Self-Forgetting, and Vulnerability

Sun, 18 Jul 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Shelley speaks with two leaders who recognize the 9 within themselves. These two leaders, Suzanna Cooper and Lesley Scarce, have been working on their personal inner growth through the lens of the Enneagram for years now. They offer their deep insights into what it means to function as a body type, how they work with anger, and how they do or don't "self-forget." What does it mean for leaders when they're willing to do the self-development work themselves? Does it really benefit everyone? Is it possible to be vulnerable as a leader with your team? How does it impact their personal relationships as well as their professional?

We bring new levels of awareness and personal growth to you through the multi-faceted lens of the Enneagram. We bring you experts and leaders from all the stratification of personality types and human experiences.

Time Stamps:

2:24--Suzanna introduces herself

3:35--Lesley Scarce introduces herself

6:37--Shelley asks the panelists what it's like to be a body type

10:42--Shelley asks the panelists how aware they are of when the process of body awareness is happening

18:49--Shelley asks the panelists if they'd be willing to talk about their anger

22:40--The 9s adaptive strategy is to fall asleep to themselves

32:27--The passion of the 9s is the "sloth," also described as self-forgetting

40:00--When we do the inner work on ourselves, it builds trust with the team

45:55--When we do the work everyone around us benefits. Shelley asks the panelists what they've experienced as leaders when they've done the self work of personal inner growth

Ready to unlock your potential? Check out our Enneagram Guide at bigselfschool.com/enneagram.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Enneagram 8s Talk Body, Conflict, Lust, and Innocence

Sun, 11 Jul 2021 12:00:00 -0500

The Big Self Podcast is set to challenge you with everything you know about the Enneagram. Or at least everything you think you know about yourself through the Enneagram as a system for your whole self. On this week's episode we feature three 8s, and whether you think of them as Challengers or not, see what the spectrum of their sub-types reveals.

Enneagram 8s are a gut (body) type, and they lead us off on our series of the depth and breadth of the Enneagram. Next week, we represent the 9s. Thanks for tuning in and joining us on our self-development journey. The journey never ends, and there's plenty of work in front of you right now. Learn with us, and we'll see you on the other side.

Time Stamps:

1:51--Jared Byas introduces himself

3:15--Stacey Ruff introduces herself

5:52--Jessica Dickson introduces herself

15:30--Discussing the "gut" (or body) type of reaction

26:40--How 8s deal with conflict

40:40--How 8s are dealing with that inner wounded child

43:11--How being tough and strong does not always serve you well

51:47--The decision to stop with perfectionism

55:45--How 8s work with their passion of lust, and their virtue of innocence

66:46--How arrrows are quite important

Ready to unlock your potential? Check out our Enneagram Guide at bigselfschool.com/enneagram.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Hot Seat Session: An Enneagram Type 2 Peels Back the Layers

Sun, 04 Jul 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Shelley and Chad aren't going to ask anyone else to do what they aren't willing to do themselves. In this episode, Chad puts Shelley on the hot seat. He grills her on what it means to be a 2 with a subtype of self-preservation. She defaults to pride when it comes to her relationships, and a growth path for her revolves around humility. Just how vulnerable will Shelley allow herself to be? As a 2, she is good at listening to others and letting them open up, but part of the unconscious strategy is to avoid having to reveal much about herself. Can Chad crack the Shelley code and get her to cry at least once? Tune in to find out all this and more on this second week of Enneagram hot seats featuring Big Self Co-Founders, Chad and Shelley Prevost.

Next week, we dive into our panels discussing their types, what makes them ticks, what are their motivations, how do they function in work settings, where are their weaknesses and virtues.

Time Stamps:

2:50--What does Shelley think about the rising popularity of the Enneagram?

6:34--Heart types

15:01--The passion of pride, and how 2s have to work on this

21:20--How Shelley defaults in acute stress

29:01--How Shelley works with her arrows point at her 4 and 8

35:00--How Shelley sometimes has to name her emotions

36:35--How Shelley began to get traction with the Enneagram as a tool for growth when she gave herself to the system of the Enneagram

Ready to unlock your potential? Check out our Enneagram Guide at bigselfschool.com/enneagram.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Hot Seat Session: An Enneagram Type 4 Gets Real

Sun, 27 Jun 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Shelley and Chad aren't going to ask anyone else to do what they aren't willing to do themselves. In this episode, Shelley puts Chad on the hot seat. What has the Enneagram taught him about himself? What insights has it led to for personal growth? Where is he aware he still has work to do? What's so special about an Enneagram 4 (sexual subtype) anyway? Will Chad crack under the pressure? All this and more on today's special Enneagram deep dive.

Time Stamps:

3:35-How fours need to think they're special

9:37-Overview of the heart, head, and body types

11:40-How sadness shows up for fours

13:08-How learning the subtypes really helped in understanding exactly who Chad was

17:40-How authenticity feels for a four

22:40-The issue of inferiority versus superiority

26:17-Dealing with the humility of failure

45:50-The growth path as Chad currently sees it

54:13-The arrows in growth and stress for a four

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Frame your story, discern your callings with Dan Cumberland

Sun, 20 Jun 2021 12:00:00 -0500

This week we speak with Dan Cumberland, the CEO of UpsideBuilders and Host of The Meaning Movement to talk about how we can get more out of a career change. Dan is on a mission to 'shake people awake' when it comes to their careers and what they want to do with their lives. There is a common misconception that your career is where your purpose is found when in fact, what you do for work is simply an opportunity to flex the muscles of what makes you happy, what fulfills you.

Time Stamps:

4:00: Dan realized that the youth ministry wasn't for him

7:49: What are the voices that are misguiding

12:03: What is your working definition of calling

19:11: So how does that fit into your framework and how you think about callings

29:50: I don't think failure is necessary, but I but it's, there's usually that inciting incident and to use that language again, that's like something that pushes us over the edge.

36:57: I am extremely relational and emotional

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

All the reasons why you must discern your callings for an authentic life with Gregg Levoy

Sun, 13 Jun 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Gregg Levoy writes that we must be willing to get shaken up, “to submit ourselves to the dark blossoming of chaos” in order to continue growing. People tend to search for answers about their purpose more when they’re confronted by a problem, or when there is something uncomfortable in their life. Levoy has written from a multifaceted lens about calling.

"Listen from down below if you want to hear from above," says Levoy.

On this week's episode in the Callings series, Levoy shares his wisdom on everything from how to invoke your call, to whether a call is a right or a privilege, to how to listen, and even the consequences of following your call or NOT following.

Time Stamps:

2:15: How do you invoke a call?

7:05: Gregg's definition of callings

12:15: The wonderful Jewish proverb about listening from below to hear from above

18:40: Is it a privilege to pursue one's call in the first place?

21:15: Most people know it when they're in alignment with themselves

26:30: An example of someone who just stuck with it

34:27: On maybe not meditating some times

44:22: On managing paradox better

Find Gregg and his book, Callings, at his site here.

If you’re interested in callings go to Big Self School.com/corevalues and download the free activity we’ve created for you to get clear on your core values. It’s fun. It takes 15 minutes, and we believe core values are a critical component of your callings work.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Why so many miss their callings: and what you can do about it

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 15:33:00 -0500

Many people never discern their callings. On this week's Big Self Podcast we discuss what people misunderstand or resist about understanding and interpreting their calling (or sense of purpose and fulfillment in life). We touch on whether or not you have one True Call (with a capital C), whether or not your calling is really your vocation, as well as what it means to trust your intuition and embrace your shadow side.

This bonus episode was originally a LIVE episode on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. We are happy to bring it to you as a follow-up to an earlier episode where we discuss your five (count 'em, five) callings.

Knowing what you value is a critical first step in discerning your callings because it’s an indispensable part of knowing who you are. Your values tether you to your authentic self and they illuminate the way you should go. Download the Core Values workbook for free to get started.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Radical honesty with Jerry Colonna

Sun, 06 Jun 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Jerry Colonna is a professional coach, known for his unique teachings on entrepreneurship and business psychology. He is a co-founder and CEO of the executive coaching and leadership development company, Reboot and is the host of the Reboot Podcast if you’re looking for another great podcast. Among other things, he teaches leaders to embrace extreme challenges (as opposed to avoidance) and take time to discover the 'self' through introspection.

His book Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up is a must-read.

In this episode, you get a clear picture of how Jerry coaches, his concept of radical inquiry, and he offers his insights into how to do more while maintaining the practice of remaining your authentic self.

Time Stamps:

1:15: Shelley says, "I think I'm gonna cry" while welcoming Jerry to the show

4:45: Shelley asks Jerry to share about his own crucible moment

12:53: Jerry brings the conversation back to "calling"

15:15: Shelley asks Jerry if it took failure in order to come to the learning point moment

20:32: Jerry discusses listening to the inner voice and even gives it a name

25:35: Chad asks Jerry a complicated series of questions on calling and listening to the inner voice, and Jerry attempts to tie it altogether

33:35: Shelley talks about having a "death grip" on what she thought she was supposed to do

35:00: Failure is not necessary, the question is how you respond to life events

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Discover your five callings

Sun, 30 May 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Shelley and Chad kick off Season 2 with a series on "callings." In this week's episode, the co-hosts tee off the subject with their own working definition of what calling is and then dive into their own five-part framework for how to discern and build your callings.

Let us hear your calling stories. What are the most inspiring stories of people who have clearly found their callings?

In what ways would you say you have found your calling already? How do you know who you are already?

In what ways would you say you are still looking for your calling?

Time Stamps:

4:14: Your callings are the experiences you co-create with something bigger than yourself.

6:45: The five ways you are called, starting with you are called to grow

12:53: You are called to connect

16:20: You are called to contribute

21:36: You are called to play

26:17: You are called to create

27:57: Entering a flow state

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Mirror mirror on the wall with Tara Well

Sun, 07 Feb 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Although Tara Well calls herself a “mirror-gazing expert,” what this really means is that she helps people find a way back into themselves. She does that by teaching self-compassion through Mirror Meditation.

After many years of disregarding her feelings, Tara found that something as simple as looking into the mirror can help with self-awareness and emotional regulation. Now, she shares her method with others — and it seems to be working miracles.

But those miracles are well-backed by science. Tara is an associate psychology professor at Barnard College of Columbia University, where she teaches the theoretical base for her mirror work. On top of that, she writes a column for Psychology Today called The Clarity.

Time Stamp:

2:41 Tara explains Mirror Meditation

5:47 Tara shares the challenges that people face with Mirror Meditation

10:49 Self awareness and body awareness as part of Mirror Meditation

13:09 The first shift Tara sees in her clients once they start Mirror Meditation

15:35 Finding your true self under the layer of self criticism

17:45 The power of self talk and techniques to manage your inner critic

19:22 The technique of video journaling

26:53 Video journaling and its impact on image management

31:36 The mirror and narcissism

38:10 Tara shares how people react when she tells them that she is a Mirror Gazing Expert

39:36 Shelley shares a quote from Joseph Campbell

41:51 Tara shares about her book and where you can find her

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Letting your life speak with Jordan Gross

Sun, 31 Jan 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Jordan believes that personal development is a never-ending process of imagining who you want to be, interpreting why you want to be that person, creating a plan to get there, and then implementing that plan in the most enjoyable and fulfilling way possible.

He helps guide people to think differently and make daring changes in their lives. Jordan is trailblazing in the personal development field by using creative storytelling to allow people to gather their own insights from the characters he creates and the stories he shares.

He’s a former startup founder, restaurant manager, and soccer goalie. A solopreneur, podcast host, and 2x TEDx speaker, he is also the #1 bestselling author of Getting COMFY: Your Morning Guide to Daily Happiness and The Journey to Cloud Nine.

Freebie from Jordan: 61 of the Best Personal Development Books Summarized in One Sentence.

Time Stamps:

2:20 Jordan shares about his soccer journey and the experience of close but no cigar

9:27 How that same theme carried over into his experience when trying to get a consulting job

11:46 Jordan shares what these experiences revealed to him about life

13:34 How this experience led him to where he is today

18:06 The conversation shifts to the topic of luck

21:17 Jordan shares his life motto

22:33 Shelley shares a story that speaks to the power of reframing and rethinking about challenges in life

26.22 Three ways to redirect when things aren’t working out

28:54 Shelley talks more deeply about failure and ego

30:36 Jordan explains why he is more open to failure at this point in his life

32:29 Jordan shares about his morning routine and explains the C.O.M.F.Y acronym

38:59 His No News Challenge

41:32 Where to find Jordan

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

The new golden rule with Emily Golden

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Emily is a master certified coach who specializes in executive leadership and career coaching. She has seventeen years of corporate human resources experience; practical experience from more than 2,500 hours of coaching; and a deep understanding of the human mind, spirit, and potential.

Chad: Her clients range from seasoned executives to emerging leaders, to career changers who utilize her support to close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Emily’s ontological approach allows individuals to clarify their goals, shift beliefs and habits, take risks, execute brilliance, and make quantum leaps rather than incremental improvements.

Check her out here, or go straight to her book, The New Golden Rule.

Time Stamps:

1:48 Emily shares about the new golden rule

3:53 Emily talks about the bumpy road that got her to discover the new golden rule

9:18 Emily shares how her real transformation happened when she learned to ask for support

11:46 The new golden rule as a unisex message and how men struggle with this as well

14:55 How to know what you really need

17:52 Emily explains why it’s so important to retrain the people in our lives

19:29 Emily shares her fundamental belief that there are two sides of self

23:22 How to find the confidence to clarify your needs, communicate them and maintain them

24:42 We discuss fear of failure

26:24 Shifting to a growth mindset and committing to the work over looking for a quick fix

27:40 The importance of community

30:56 Emily talks about the importance of self awareness

33:27 Emily shares about her book: The New Golden Rule

35:21 Emily shares the practice and routines that work for her

38:21 Where to find Emily

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

The mind that can't be measured with Kevin M. Johnson

Sun, 17 Jan 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Kevin M. Johnson’s work is on the recovery of the space outside of ego, so our work in Big Self School swims in the same waters. Kevin is a teacher, retreat director, and co-host of the podcast Encountering Silence. Having spent years achieving a number of advanced degrees, speaking at large academic conferences, and even presenting at prestigious schools like Yale and Harvard Universities, he discovered he needed to walk a bit outside the halls of the Academy to explore deeper.

Although he continues to teach at the university level, he now jokingly refers to himself as “a recovering academic” who teaches online and in various settings outside the university that often crosses boundaries into spaces that are not currently on our cultural maps.

Kevin is looking to recover a space for holistic wellness and wisdom. Somewhere in the intersection of spirituality, psychology, wellness, self-help, and philosophy. A space that does not fit in easily on our current cultural maps.

Find out more about Kevin at his website and at his podcast, Encountering Silence.

Time Stamps:

2:15 Kevin explains why he refers to himself as a recovering academic

6:15 Kevin talks about the mental map and the difference between how we think about things today versus the past

12:06 We discuss Seneca and Stoicism

14:23 The philosophy conversation continues

17:36 Kevin shares the essential parts of what it means to be human and how it has been left out of our cultural map

21:06 Kevin talks about silence and why it is so essential

22:41 Kevin leads us through an exercise

26:01 Silence and our inner critic

28:23 Kevin answers the question ‘what makes us ready for silence?’

34:48 We discuss the intimacy of silence with ourselves and others

37:43 What silence actually allows us to see

41:34 Kevin shares two simple things you can do to help you feel more connected

45:20 Shelley shares a Parker Palmer quote that she loves

47:37 Where to find Kevin

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

The myth of hard success with Caterina Kostoula

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Caterina Kostoula is an executive coach and founder of The Leaderpath. Her mission is to coach pioneering leaders and teams for meaningful impact and fulfillment.

Prior to The Leaderpath, Caterina was a Global Business Leader at Google. She managed some of the company's largest C-level partnerships. She was also an internal coach, awarded a 5-star-rating distinction from her coachees.

Caterina has coached leaders from Google, Amazon, Vodafone, Ferrero, ArcelorMittal, Workable, and several entrepreneurs. She collaborates with INSEAD, coaching Executive MBAs and alumni. She is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council.

Caterina has lived in more than seven countries across America, Europe, and Asia. She now lives in London.

https://www.theleaderpath.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6741992273124433920/

https://www.theleaderpath.com/single-post/2019/11/04/Success-feels-easy-when-you-are-on-the-right-track

Freebie: www.theleaderpath.com/mindset

Time Stamps:

2:17 Caterina shares how team coaching set her on the path to writing her book

5:17 She explains the idea behind her 4 D’s Framework for meetings

8:13 Caterina discusses the importance of trust in meetings and how to foster that trust

11:14 The most common mistakes people make in meetings

13:02 Caterina shares about the myth of the lonely genius

15:19 Caterina outlines 3 reasons not to have a meeting

18:20 We discuss ego management

21:07 Caterina answers how she coaches her clients on the difference between when to push through the hard and when to opt out

23:04 Shelley shares a quote from her favorite book and how it relates to the illusion of struggle

25:45 We discuss burnout and the dangerous myth of associating struggle with success

28:03 Caterina shares how she coaches about failure

32:05 Caterina explains Leaderpath

33:48 Caterina shares about her book, Hold Successful Meetings, available now for pre-order

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Our relationship to ourselves and one another with Chris Collins

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -0500

A large part of holistic healing and being an upper cervical chiropractic practitioner is helping people manage pain, often chronic pain. What role does stress play in people’s pain? What is something Chris sees again and again and that he sees as vital to helping people manage their stress (and their pain)?

Today’s guest is Dr. Chris Collins. He received his doctor of chiropractic degree from Sherman College of Chiropractic in Spartanburg, SC. He received his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from University of Southern Mississippi, and has a background in exercise physiology and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Chris has advanced training in Knee Chest Upper Cervical Technique, which is one of the most researched, and advanced applications of chiropractic today.

We met Chris through the Big Self School, so we can honestly say that Chris is a verified Big Selfer. Chris has a big heart and wants to help build communities where people have access to everything they need to lead a healthy life.

Time Stamps:

4:22 Chris shares his vision for his community in Chattanooga

5:58 How to form connection mindfully

7:22 We discuss community and the importance of boundaries

11:58 The risk of connection and setting expectations

14:08 Chris talks about how his practice changed when he discovered that his chiropractic patients with chronic conditions all had an underlying relationship with stress

18:22 Chris shares the story about when his morning started with a Tik Tok video and the impact it had on his day

25:17 Chris makes a powerful point about managing stressful moments

26:33 We discuss emotional vulnerability

31:46 Chad shares why he was reluctant to become a chiropractic doctor and what shifted for him

36:04 Recommended healthy practices to process stress

42:35 Where to find Chris

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

The growth always hurts with Michael Thompson

Sun, 03 Jan 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Michael Thompson grew up with severe social anxiety and a stutter. He tells us about what that was like, and then what he did when he finally decided to take on a job that was going to challenge him in a whole new way.

He applies his lessons in coaching his clients to overcome obstacles. Some people say maximize your strengths, Michael, on the other hand, takes the bull by the horns and addresses pain points as growth opportunities.

He also tells us the story about the day he lost $250,000. How did it happen? What was his response?

Michael Thompson is a career strategist who works with business professionals and entrepreneurs to open more doors and receive greater satisfaction from their work.

As a communication coach he helps business executives and entrepreneurs be successful by making the right connections. As a career coach, he’s worked with over 250+ individuals from recent college graduates to CEOs of multinationals and award-winning creatives to take the right small steps to reach their next big goal.

Time Stamps:

1:29 Michael tells his story of growing up with a severe stutter and social anxiety

3:27 Michael shares what he learned about leadership from his experience

5:59 How stuttering taught Michael the importance of giving people room to lead themselves

9:10 Michael shares his advice for what builds confidence

11:49 We discuss the necessary balance of living in our strengths but also doing the things that scare us

15:20 the IKEA effect and the craftsman mindset

16:23 Michael shares the story about the day he lost $250,000

21:10 What his experiences taught him about happiness

22:59 Michael shares an update on how his coaching clients are doing through the pandemic in Spain

26:50 How to develop your self-awareness in just 4 minutes a day

32:55 Michael shares the practices and routines that keep him focused on growth in his life

38:18 Michael reveals a productivity tip he learned that serves as a reminder that we have a life and not a career

40:02 Where to find Michael

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Completing the whole person with Breslin and DeMarco

Sun, 27 Dec 2020 12:00:00 -0500

We talk about shifting your mindset into a lifestyle of sustained, healthy practices. From meditating to journaling, hot and cold water therapy to the outer impact of what we're doing to the planet, this conversation packs a punch. It's the very end of a wild and difficult year and this episode leaves you with lots to process and be hopeful for as we veer into a new year. Will it be a whole new you? Why not you?

Janna Breslin was born and raised in Southern California and is a former pharmaceutical representative for one of the leading Pharmaceutical companies in the world. After battling multiple health issues and realizing she could heal herself with food and nutrition, she discovered a passion for helping others achieve optimal health. Janna is now a well-known fitness model, certified personal trainer, health coach, and nutrition expert.

Evan DeMarco is a leading sports medicine and nutrition expert, published author, public speaker and frequent guest on television, radio, and digital platforms. Evan returned to school to study bio- and organic chemistry and went on to develop a vastly improved formula for prenatal supplements delivered in liquid form after finding out he was going to be a father. From there he worked to develop numerous ingredient technologies to improve brain function in infants, children and adults.

https://completehuman.com/2019/12/23/aboutus/

https://www.amazon.com/Mia-Go-Away-Monster-Spray/dp/1098342798

Time Stamps:

2:14 Evan explains epigenetics

3:44 Evan shares the four pillars of epigenetics

6:33 We discuss radical responsibility

9:04 Our ego and radical responsibility

12:16 Evan and Janna share how to establish and maintain good habits

14:17 The impact of reframing the idea of habits as creating a lifestyle

16:07 Janna and Evan share their why and how they connect it to their daily practices

19:55 The impact of stress and suggestions to modify your lifestyle to decrease stressors

21:53 Evan shares some scary stats about social media consumption and the impact it’s having on our stress levels and our health

27:41 Janna and Evan share more about the inner work they do and how it translates into their outer work

34:09 We talk about the practice of gratitude

36:42 Janna discusses empaths and shares her recommendations for recharging

39:40 The power of the negative ions of water for empathic people

43:56 Evan shares about the children’s book he just published and about how the proceeds are going to fight human trafficking

47:54 Where to find Evan and Janna

48:07 Evan shares about their product line and their mission

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

How sensitive strivers lead with confidence with Melody Wilding

Sun, 20 Dec 2020 12:00:00 -0500

Today we bring you Melody Wilding, an executive and leadership coach for smart, sensitive high-achievers who are tired of getting in their own way.

Through her private one-on-one coaching program, talks, small-group workshops, and articles, she helps you break free from self-doubt and overwhelm, master your emotions, and use your sensitivity as the superpower that it is. Recently named one of Business Insider’s “Most Innovative Coaches”, Melody coined the groundbreaking idea of “sensitive striving.” She has helped CEOs, leaders, and top-performers at the world’s most successful companies including Google, Facebook, JP Morgan, Verizon and more. Her work has been featured on The New York Times, The Oprah Magazine, NBC News, and dozens of other high-profile publications.

She currently teaches Human Behavior at Hunter College and is a columnist for magazines such as Inc. and Forbes.

Time Stamps:

2:50 Melody explains what it means to be a Sensitive Striver

12:18 Melody shares the 1st of 6 key qualities that make up being a Sensitive Striver: Sensitivity

17:02 Melody shares the 2nd key quality of a Sensitive Striver: Thoughtfulness

17:57 Shelley relates the 2nd key quality of thoughtfulness to her Enneagram type

20:00 We discuss the 3rd quality of a Sensitive Striver: Responsibility

21:40 Inner Drive as the 4th quality of a Sensitive Striver

24:19 Vigilance as the 5th quality of a Sensitive Striver

27:13 Melody shares the 6th and final quality of a Sensitive Striver: Emotionality

28:39 The number one challenge Melody sees in her client: Imposter Syndrome

30:35 Melody discusses how she coaches someone to step into their power

31:42 Melody shares her hack for dealing with negative self-talk

33:51 The discussion dives deeper into Imposter Syndrome

37:25 Melody shares how her practices of theming her days, limiting decision fatigue and doing a weekly CEO report help her flourish as a Sensitive Striver

41:05 Melody shares about her upcoming book: Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work

42:00 Where to find Melody

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

How you can be more productive and fulfilled with Melissa Gratias

Sun, 13 Dec 2020 12:00:00 -0500

Melissa Gratias, a Ph.D. in organizational psychology, is an international speaker, coach, blogger, and author. For more than 20 years, Melissa’s coaching and consulting work has improved productivity for multinational, billion-dollar companies as well as individual solopreneurs. She creates workable systems so people can accomplish their professional goals in less time and with less stress. As a result, thousands of business owners, CEOs, and other overwhelmed professionals have become more focused, effective, and balanced in their lives and work.

You know a lot of people listening may feel a sense of burnout already, and the very idea of trying to be more productive might sound off-putting. People don’t just want to be the sum total of what they get done. We also know--and what Melissa helps people she coaches to try and understand--is that productivity problems are basically people problems. We don’t always understand why we’re not getting more done with our time even when we want to. Melissa discusses how she helps people frame their “Why?” behind the issues that get in the way of their productivity.

Time Stamps:

2:27 Melissa shares what led her to organizational psychology, specifically the area of productivity

4:46 Melissa answers why determining your why is so important to being productive

8:36 Melissa reveals the biggest productivity problem that she sees: perfectionism

11:26 Shelley asks Melissa how she would define being productive

14:13 Your to-do list is crystal ball that predicts your future

16:20 Melissa shares why she doesn’t use the word habits with her clients and how she relates habits to Shawshank Redemption

18:08 Melissa explains the power behind rituals and why she encourages her clients to establish intentional rituals over habits

19:19 How you can use rituals to launch you into tasks that you typically procrastinate

22:13 Productivity as a mindset

23:42 Shelley has an a-ha moment

26:47 Melissa shares some recommended practices for productivity

30:57 We discuss the concept of micro-moments and how to handle competing priorities

36:46 Melissa shares the productivity tip that works best for her

37.48 Where to find Melissa

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Follow the process, not the outcome with Omar Itani

Sun, 06 Dec 2020 12:00:00 -0500

Omar Itani thought he had all the time in the world, until one day he found himself blacked out on the street, broken from an accident, unable to walk. It shook him to the core and reminded him that there’s more to life than just merely living—there’s the unparalleled thrill of ‘feeling alive’. So as soon as he recovered, he took a leap of faith, he left his job at Google and stopped talking about starting a business, or traveling around the world, or becoming a writer. Instead, he just did.

Omar Itani is a writer, an ex-Google, founder of Lovers of The Sea, and an advocate for doing meaningful work that sprouts from purpose-driven creativity. His work has been featured in Thrive Global and major Medium publications such as Mind Café, The Startup, and P.S. I Love You. He has lived in six countries, traveled to over 40, and is a certified diver and sailor. He has a background in Marketing and holds a Master’s of Science in International Business from Ivey Business School & CEMS Global Alliance.

Time Stamps:

2:20 Omar shares how an accident that left him unable to walk shifted his perspective on life and helped him transition from always talking about the things he wanted to do in life to actually doing them

4:31 Shelley discusses the idea of mortality motivation

6:35 Omar shares how reading Atomic Habits by James Clear made him realize that the transformation he was looking for needed to start with change on the inside

9:28 Omar shares about his realization that in order to create sustainable change and master your craft, you have to be willing to stick with something for the long term

11:17 We discuss the importance of falling in love with the process and not the outcome

12:51 Omar explains his philosophy that real happiness comes from the alignment between being and thinking and doing

14:40 We discuss the struggle of just ‘being’ in a culture where we are always doing

15:59 Omar gives advice and practical tips for getting into the ‘being’ state

18:55 Omar explains his life philosophy of slow living

24:50 We discuss the definition of success

30:34 The conversation continues to explore the idea of abundance when you are working within your purpose

38:45 Omar shares his vision and dream for his writing

40:33 Where you can find Omar

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Mind mapping resilience with Karen Nimmo

Sun, 29 Nov 2020 12:00:00 -0500

Today we speak with Karen Nimmo, a registered clinical psychologist with a private practice in Wellington, working in adolescent and adult mental health. She also has a background in physical education. In a former life Karen was a print journalist and media consultant. Karen works primarily in performance and life coaching. As a clinical psychologist, she is able to assess, diagnose and treat psychological problems where required. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy but draws on a range of models and tools to match individual needs.

Time Stamps:

3:42 We start the conversation with a discussion of how to not just survive during this time but also thrive

5:07 Karen shares her tools for coping with distress and building resistance

6:51 Karen explains the traffic light tool for managing what we can control and what we need to let go of

7:53 Shelley shares how she uses the PIIP - Put It In Perspective - method

10:24 Karen shares her personal story of her husbands stage 4 cancer diagnosis and the plan that they came up with to help them navigate that time, which eventually turned into her current book

14:33 We talk about the importance of recognizing the mind-body connection

20:06 Karen talks about the challenging but therapeutic experience of writing her book, Fish Pie Is Worse Than Cancer

24:45 Karen talks about despair, desperation and disgust as motivators for change

25:31 We dig deep into finding what’s stopping Shelley from going after her one big goal

27:35 Karen shares a powerful story about living your life based on a story that no longer holds true for you

31:21 What is the story that you are living that you need some help to confront?

32:24 Karen talks about listening as an art form

35:15 Karen shares the reason behind her book ‘10 On The Couch Sessions to Diagnose, Explain and Treat Busy AF People Everywhere’ and her biggest takeaway from it

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Bonus Episode: Writing your way to freedom with Megan Holstein

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 12:00:00 -0500

How Top Medium Writer Megan Holstein went from young entrepreneur to discovering the life of a writer. How she works through resistance, what she advises on figuring out how to get paid to live the life you love, and how less is more when it comes to goals. She's also a big proponent for minimalism both in terms of her "to do" list each day, as well as her material possessions. She also discusses her productivity experiments. She offers a step-by-step for how she tackles the writing process.

Time Stamps:

3:29 Megan shares the story behind the apps she developed at age 15

6:08 Megan shares the unique way she went from creating apps to being a published author

10:41 We discuss how to find clarity on what you want to do with your life

12:24 We discuss the idea of resistance as a psychological barrier, how resistance can give us clarity

18:14 Megan shares her insight on how the most productive people actually do less and have fewer goals

20:46 Shelley shares the meaning behind The Big Self

21:46 Megan talks about how to cut out overwhelm by looking at the daily commitment and not the larger goal

28:16 We discuss Megan’s take on minimalism

32:17 We discuss our views on self-help and what the end game of self-help is

39:42 How to find Megan

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Grow in gratitude and positive psychology with Nico Rose

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 12:00:00 -0500

Whatever it is you’re doing to cope with the constant new normal of these uncertain times as we barrel into the holiday season, we hope it is healthy but even if it’s not, we’re glad you’re finding a way to apply some positivity to your life. To help you do just that, we have brought on author of three books and positive psychologist, Nico Rose, who holds a doctoral degree in business administration. He´s also a graduate of the MAPP program at University of Pennsylvania.

Nico is a full professor of organizational psychology at International School of Management (ISM), Dortmund, one of Germany´s premier Business Schools. Prior to that, he served as the Vice President Employer Branding & Talent Acquisition at Bertelsmann, Europe´s largest media corporation. He is a frequent interview partner on human resources and leadership topics in newspapers, professional magazines, and online publications. Nico is also a regular keynote speaker at corporate events and conventions on leadership, coaching, and human resources. He lives in Hamm/Germany with his wife Ina, two children, and two cats.

https://nicorose.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Corona_Emotions_Growth_Study_040320.pdf

https://mappalicious.com/2020/03/27/10-well-founded-tips-and-tricks-to-cope-with-bad-moods-in-times-of-the-corona-crisis/

Time Stamps:

2:39 Nico shares how he got started in the field of positive psychology

7:25 We dive into the misunderstandings of positive psychology

12:03 Nico explains post traumatic growth and the five points used to identify it

17:50 Nico shares the results of his survey during the corona crisis and the role gratitude plays in post traumatic growth

20:33 We dive deeper into the power of gratitude

22:59 Shelley shares about her dissertation on gratitude

25:52 Nico shares his top recommendations for specific behaviors we can adapt into our lives and routines right now

34:22 The conversation switches gears to talk about organizational leadership and Nico explains his CAARMA Method and how it assesses people’s overall meaning and purpose at work

45:35 Nico shares the scientific finding in positive psychology that has intrigued him the most

49:18 Where you can find Nico

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

How to renew your surge capacity with Tara Haelle

Sun, 08 Nov 2020 12:00:00 -0500

Whatever it is you’re doing to cope with the constant new normal of these uncertain times as we barrel into the holiday season, we are glad you are here! Joining us today is Tara Haelle. Tara is a regular Forbes contributor and the core topic leader in medical studies for the Association of Health Care Journalists. As a freelance science and health reporter and parenting blogger, her pieces frequently appear in NPR, Scientific American, Slate, Politico, HealthDay, Everyday Health, and Consumer Reports.

Tara is author of The Informed Parent: A Science-Based Resource for Your Child’s First Four Years, coauthored with Emily Willingham. In another life, she was also a world traveler — backpacking, hiking, train-hopping and motorbiking through more than 40 countries on six continents while eating strange insects, climbing ancient ruins and swimming with sharks — before she became a mom. It was also pre-pandemic, and our interest in this interview is discussing what research is telling her about how we can cope in a crisis that just keeps going on and on.

https://medium.com/@tarahaelle

https://www.tarahaelle.net/

Time Stamps:

2:35 We open up the discussion talking about the pandemic and Tara shares her story about her personal emotional crash

5:43 Tara discusses surge capacity and how the pandemic created a situation for us where we have exceeded that capacity

7:20 Shelley talks about chronic stress syndrome and the feelings of tired and wired

8:25 We discuss why this time has been especially hard for high performers

11:00 Tara shares how accepting our current reality and accepting what that means are the keys to managing this pandemic

14:40 Tara explains the concept of ambiguous loss as it relates to the pandemic

17.40 We discuss parenting in the pandemic

24:16 We talk about screen time and how it relates to anxiety before and during the pandemic

30:12 Tara shares creative suggestions, practices and routines that she recommends to take care of ourselves through the pandemic and building up your resilience bank account

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Update your expectations and dig into habits with Nick Wignall

Sun, 01 Nov 2020 12:00:00 -0500

Whatever it is you’re doing to cope with the constant new normal of these uncertain times as we barrel into the holiday season, we hope it is healthy but even if it’s not, we’re glad you’re finding a way to self-care. And self-care is one of many topics that our guest today is a master at. Nick Wignall is originally from Northern California, but he’s also lived in Dallas, Rome, Chicago, and now Albuquerque where he lives with his wife, and three daughters. He’s a licensed psychologist at The Cognitive Behavioral Institute of Albuquerque where he does psychotherapy with adults.

Board-certified in behavioral and cognitive psychology (ABPP), he specializes in empirically-supported treatments for anxiety and insomnia, including interoceptive exposure therapy for panic attacks, exposure and response prevention (ERP) for phobias and OCD, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) for sleep difficulties. He is board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology, a Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, as well as a member of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies and the New Mexico Psychological Association.

https://nickwignall.com/about/

Time Stamps:

5:30 How and why the topic of mental health is still so misunderstood

8:01 Habits as the most important level of analysis when looking at mental health

9:14 We talk about the shame associated with mental health and the resistance to admitting that we are not okay

14:00 Nick gives his thoughts on positive psychology

16:45 We discuss men and their perspective on mental health

21:25 Nick talks about his Drill Sergeant Theory of Motivation

27:06 Best practices for managing our expectations of ourselves and others

32:43 How emotionally charged situations can clue you in to what expectations are causing friction in your life

33:42 Nick talks about mindfulness meditation and how it is currently the most under and overrated thing in popular culture right now

34:57 Nick shares details about his meditation practice

40:54 Why we should think of meditation as an exercise and not a coping strategy and how finding your why when it comes to meditation is so important

47:13 Nick shares strategies to get started with a mindfulness meditation practice

52:05 Where to find Nick

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Dancing into fearlessness with Mollie Eliasof

Sun, 25 Oct 2020 12:00:00 -0500

This release is officially our last release on how you can find greater meaning and purpose in your life by tapping into your inner self-confidence and getting BOLD.

When we reached out to Mollie and told her about some of our upcoming themes for the Big Self Podcast she said: “I love the sound of Boldness, since I am all about having it all in life and love, and I would love to talk about how to boldly move through making space for both, without sacrificing the other.”

Mollie Eliasof is a licensed Couples Psychotherapist helping high-powered professionals across the nation to have the same success in love, as they have in their career. Eliasof elevates relationships and marriages for government leaders, Fortune 500 c-suite executives, celebrities, media personalities and many others, so that they can stay focused on their life mission while maintaining their relationships at home -- truly having it all. Eliasof is a well-known Keynote Speaker, Online Course Creator, and host of the Next Level Relationship Podcast. Her expert advice has been featured in national publications including Forbes, Forbes Women, Thrive Global, and more. And check out her own podcast, Next Level Relationship.

Time Stamps:

2:37 Mollie describes having it all as a feeling of richness on the inside and not checking all the boxes of life

3:24 We discuss how we feel more full in life when we are in alignment with our values and when we are doing the inner work

4:51 Mollie shares how you can conquer fearlessness by focusing on being present

6:47 We discuss the importance of vulnerability in developing inner self-confidence

10:08 Mollie shares how to take steps towards vulnerability

13:35 Mollie shares her definition of wholeness and how she helps people obtain it

17:35 We discuss purpose as being present in the moment and how to balance being and doing in a way that feeds us rather than depletes us

19:28 Mollie shares how powerful fantasy and visualization can be to allow us to stretch ourselves and then work backwards to live in that boldness

23:07 Mollie shares her perspective on finding your purpose

25:16 We discuss confidence and boldness as it relates to gender roles

30:56 Mollie shares how to expand when you find yourself shrinking

34:59 We discuss being bold in relationships and how to handle when your visions as a couple don’t align and there is an imbalance of courage

39:09 Mollie shares practical takeaways on how to handle it when you have that imbalance in your relationship

44:15 How to find Mollie

44:59 How to join the Big Self School community and sign up for the free Gratitude Challenge 2020 at BigSelfSchool.com/gratitude.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

The courage to crack addiction and follow your passion with Brian Pennie

Sun, 18 Oct 2020 12:00:00 -0500

On today’s show we are thrilled to bring to you a very special and timely message from our guest, Brian Pennie. After spending years in a cycle of addiction, dealing with his acute anxiety, one day he had a breakthrough. This led him to develop what he calls a ‘programme for life’ to deal with mental and emotional well-being.

The program includes a vast range of tools and strategies that focus on self-awareness, decision-making, and mindset change strategies, as well as tactics to help people to boost their energy, find their life purpose, recognize negative thought patterns, and successfully navigate the relationships in their lives.

Check out his memoir, Bonus Time, here, and learn more about his message and his program at: https://www.brianpennie.com/

Time Stamps:

1:53 Brian shares the story of his detox and the resulting seizure that led to his awakening moment

5:52 Brian tells the story of how his childhood trauma led to his addiction

10:30 We discuss how we are the stories that we tell ourselves and how language is a vehicle for emotion

14:40 Brian shares about the practice of mindful self observation

18:45 We discuss the importance of a structured morning routine and Brian shares his acronym for his morning routine

24:52 We discuss how we can shift our mindset to look at obstacles as a way forward and the power of being anti-fragile and growing in the face of adversity

27:34 Brian shares how the Great Britain rowing team in the 2000 Olympics inspired him to create a decision making framework that allows him to align with the right values at the right time to make the right decisions

31:10 We discuss the importance of knowing your values and Brian shares strategies to figure out what they are

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Goals, habits and a life worth loving with Lisa Michaud

Sun, 11 Oct 2020 19:30:00 -0500

Today’s guest is Lisa Michaud, an International Success Coach, Speaker, Entrepreneur and Real Estate Investor. At the age of 32, she’s created a multimillion-dollar net worth, a growing real estate empire, incredible network and beautiful family. As a coach and speaker, Lisa inspires, leads and motivates everyone she works with. Her clients include entrepreneurs, executives, parents, and leaders who are committed to creating fun and meaningful lives.

There are many takeaways from our conversation today, but what I really want you to tune into is what she says about goals, and habits, and some of the practices and principles she lives by.

Time Stamps:

1:51 Lisa shares how a health scare changed her life

7:48 We discuss the mindset shifts and habits that we need to create change and the importance of being honest with ourselves about our dreams and desires for life

10:49 The importance of recognizing the thoughts that are keeping you stuck

12:08 Lisa talks about the power of getting started

14:35 We talk about the courage it requires to start something new and how fear is a natural part of the process

17:05 Chad shares his personal experience of this when he had the opportunity to do live Sirius XM radio

18:29 Lisa shares how we can reframe the fear

20:01 We discuss how goals are not about the outcome but who you become in the process

25:50 Lisa shares about her 100 Day Goal Focus Framework

35:03 We talk about the importance of asking yourself ‘is it serving you’

37:25 Lisa shares the staples of her routine

41:32 Lisa explains how and why micro-journaling is such a powerful part of her routine

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Why intellectual humility is the answer with Shauna Bowes

Sun, 04 Oct 2020 20:00:00 -0500

Shauna Bowes is a graduate practicum student at Nia. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Emory University. She most recently completed a clinical practicum working with treatment-resistant depression, and she has worked with diverse clients (including adolescents and adults from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds) in therapy and assessment.

Shauna tells us why intellectual humility is critical for our self-understanding and how it extends to empathy and greater dialogue. More and more we live in echo chambers that are breeding grounds for confirmation bias. She tells us that “the tendency to favorably interpret information that supports one’s beliefs while denying, dismissing, and distorting information that does not. We know that confirmation bias can be harmful across settings and contribute to ideological extremism.” One of the antidotes to this is intellectual humility.

She also tells us about her new blog on Psychology Today called, “Don’t Believe Everything You Think.”

Time Stamps:

4:08 Shauna shares how we become so fused with what we think that it's hard to understand or appreciate that we might be wrong

5:53 What is intellectual humility

7:16 Shauna explains that there is some evidence that we can increase intellectual humility with certain primes or manipulations but that there is also evidence that it's pretty stable

9:07 We discuss cognitive empathy and affective empathy and their correlation to intellectual humility

10:20 Intellectual humility versus general humility and the emotional element of our thoughts and beliefs

12:03 We discuss the role open-mindedness plays in intellectual humility

15:22 How being aware of our own limitations and humble about our beliefs allows us to be forgiving and tolerate of differences

17:50 We discuss how the goal of every conversation doesn't have to be to change the other person's mind

20:40 Shauna explains the power of metacognition and focusing on I statements

23:34 We discuss intellectual humility and the link to distress tolerance, how to recognize when your emotions are taking control and implementing a break system

25:10 Shauna shares how you can change your story by going from 100% certainty to 99% certainty

29:39 Shauna shares her two guiding principles for growth

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Lining up knowledge with values with Jon Hawkins

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 10:00:00 -0500

There are many ways we construct false narratives about ourselves. We tell ourselves the potential is within us, but we just never have the time. We tell ourselves forces outside us compel us to behave in ways that aren’t truly “who we are.” These truth distortions aren’t necessarily wrong. The question is how we lie to ourselves or distort our self’s reality, but why?

The pursuit of self-knowledge is practical, even if a degree in Philosophy might not seem to be. The truth is, you will be happier and more effective in your life if you know yourself.

To that end, we decided to reach out to a top Medium writer, blogger, and editor who recently graduated with a degree in philosophy, Jon Hawkins.

Time Stamps:

3:39 What exactly is philosophy?

6:27 How thought experiments work and how they relate to practical philosophy.

16:00 What does Hawkins do when confronted with a moral dilemma in real life? Someone in front of him checked out $50 worth of items at the self-checkout and then didn't pay. Should Hawkins tell on him?

27:00 The importance of authenticity.

30:29 How Heraclitus was right in the respect of flux and how we can't understand how others will respond and behave, but we can at least focus on ourselves when it comes to growth and developing self-knowledge.

37:00 How we learn from self-confrontation.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Practicing authenticity and radical acceptance with Tara Blair Ball

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 05:00:00 -0500

A lot of philosophy and psychology says that if you want someone else to change, you should first begin with yourself. There’s a great deal of wisdom and insight into us beginning with ourselves, but ultimately we don’t just know ourselves in a vacuum, we have to enter into community, into relationships.

At the same time, there’s a lot of self-improvement ideologies that say we shouldn’t listen to others because it’s always about them. How can we discern the difference between when we should listen to ourselves and when we should listen to the feedback of others?

Tara Blair Ball opens up about what went wrong in her first marriage, how challenging it was to be so vulnerable in writing about it in her memoir, The Beginning of the End.

She discusses how to get out of a toxic relationship, and gives her best advice for personal growth and the development of self-knowledge. She also offers a course on how to break free from your own toxicity.

Time Stamps:

2:24 the interplay between instinct and instruction in relationships

7:22 Tara shares her experience about finding herself in a toxic relationship, how she handled the situation and how she grew to take radical responsibility for her choices.

13:05 we identify a toxic person in a relationship but ignore the fact that healthy people do not date and stay with unhealthy people

13:38 unhealthy people and their behaviors are more likely to drag us down, then we are to bring them up.

17:40 the 4 step process -awareness, acceptance, action and application

22:02 it has to be a balance between recognizing our own self awareness and what we need while also taking into account what we get from others

23:52 Solomon’s paradox

27:39 dealing with grief in the process

30:27 a big part of being able to change a story is to acknowledge that we have the power to write it to being with

34:42 the practices that keep you connected to yourself

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Top 5 ways to tune in and track your desire

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 11:39:00 -0500

Coming at you live with another learning curve Top 5 takeaway in 30 minutes or less.

Finding your way to your desire requires a number of the principles we teach at the Big Self School. It requires a calm center and, paradoxically, the courage to put the ideas into practice. Whether you think you know your desires, but want to reconnect to them, or you simply have no idea, this book can help you realize your way to a deeper and more authentic connection with yourself and what you truly want.

Desire leads you out. Paying attention to your longing — whatever name you give it — leads you to life. Desire is there even if you aren’t sure where it went or how in the world you will access it again. Desire may go dormant as you play all the ready-made roles that adulthood throws at you, but it’s there even in dormancy, steady as a heartbeat, ready to be resuscitated.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Breaking free from limiting beliefs with Lyndie Putnam

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 06:00:00 -0500

Chad and Shelley have a session on how to break through the obstacles that stand in the way to living a bigger life, a life you want. Maybe you don't even know what that life is, or maybe you want certain things for the wrong reasons. Lyndie Putnam helps us see from the inside out where we want to be and how to get there.

Lyndie Putnam is a certified Life Coach and Seminar Leader who helps ambitious professionals and entrepreneurs strengthen their mindset to break free from personal limitations, reach their goals, and create a life they love. She does this by guiding her clients to go deep within for self-discovery and growth. Whether it is building a business, working on personal goals, or feeling more comfortable in one’s own skin, Lyndie’s mission is to empower her clients to grow and become the best version of themselves.

Time Stamps:

2:18 Common limiting beliefs that Lyndie Putnam sees with her clients.

5:30 And so awareness is the key to anything it's the first step and so I always help my client first and foremost we we identify what they truly want and why they want it.

9:44 The deeper why. The difference between an authentic calling and trying to prove yourself to someone.

13:30 Lyndie shares her experience dealing with crippling fear as a salesperson in the oil and gas industry early on after graduating from college with a degree in psychology.

15:00 For some people you maybe shouldn't quit your day job while building your dream.

23:36 The importance of practicing gratitude day and night.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Top 5 ways to stay stuck after failure

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 13:16:00 -0500

After a letdown, the idea is to gather your strength especially in the places you feel broken and bounce back even higher than you fell. Failing and falling is a part of life. It’s a part of growth, if you use it right. A setback is a setback if you don’t. Setbacks can lead you to getting enveloped in fear and anxiety. They can keep you looping in mediocrity, jaded and scarred.

At the same time, failure offers you an opportunity to grow and learn from your shortcomings. Failure is a mindset. You don’t really fail until you choose to end the story there. When you call yourself a failure, you begin to inhabit the identity of a failure. Every unsuccessful attempt isn’t a failure as long as you keep trying to learn. If you want to succeed, think of failure as your teacher—your personal trainer—raising the exercise bar so you can learn from your mistakes.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Five things extraordinary people know with Anthony Moore

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 06:00:00 -0500

Chad and Shelley sit down for a session of self-knowledge with Anthony Moore. In a fascinating and quick-paced session we get down to the fundamentals: the five things extraordinary people know, and do.

Anthony Moore has been a top Medium writer since 2017. His articles have been featured in Business Insider, Fast Company, Thought Catalog, CNBC, Yahoo!, and Thrive Global. Hundreds of thousands of readers view his articles every month. He is the author of What Extraordinary People Know: How to Cut the Busy B.S. and Live Your Kick-Ass Life. You can find out more about Moore at https://www.anthonymoore.co.

Time Stamps:

2:37 The impetus of the What Extraordinary People Know book. Looking at all careers and social classes and demographics of you know, actors, entrepreneurs, CEOs, artists, creators, and the extraordinary kind of like, section of that that group. It's like, what do they know? And what are their mindsets, their behaviors, their habits. And if you study these people, what makes them different, you actually start to see some pretty striking similarities and themes.

3:40 The first thing that extraordinary people know and do really well.

8:21 Anthony agrees with Shelley that you can know a lot of this way of trying to maximize your time like extraordinary people, but it can still be so hard to know how to turn it off at a certain time and keep your batteries charged.

11:44 The second thing extraordinary people know and do.

14:39 Easy money and hard money and the third thing extraordinary people know and do.

24:12 The fourth thing extraordinary people know and do.

28:36 The fifth thing extraordinary people know and do.

33:21 The way identity plays a role in inhabiting your mindsets and beliefs.

39:21 Getting clarity on what you value and what you want.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Five life-changing ways to build self-knowledge

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 13:12:00 -0500

At the Big Self School, we know you want to connect with the world in a way that’s meaningful and get rid of the feeling that life is just passing you by without you having anything to show for it. To do that, you need a community that supports you as you rediscover your purpose and resources to help you along the way.

We want to celebrate a few big happenings in the Big Self School.

What are five life-changing practices you can apply to your life to develop a deeper awareness and understanding of yourself? Tune in to find out.

Time Stamps:

2:00 Why is it so hard to develop self-knowledge?

5:00 Psychology's contribution to self-knowledge over the past 200 years.

7:00 The foundation of having higher emotional intelligence, being able to connect with people in a real way, being able to know yourself well enough to know where you're strong, where you're not strong. It makes for more durable relationships it makes for better parenting. Well, all these really practical outcomes that I, you know, I want people to know, there's that there's a point to all of this, this self knowledge.

15:00 The technique of active reflective writing.

20:30 Like there's a we have to take the punch and the criticism out of this kind of honesty that we need to give and ask ourselves some tough questions like what do I need to be taking responsibility for in my life, in order to get the life or move forward?

24:45 Doing the shadow work.

29:50 What's going on with Big Self School?

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

The three stages of self-compassion

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 06:00:00 -0500

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." –Dalai Lama

We could all use a little more self-compassion right now, but why is self-compassion so hard? We talk about the power of the inner critic, where it comes from and how it functions. In the face of this critic, we need to cultivate self-compassion.

Where does the inner critic and negative inner voice come from? You weren’t born with it. These voices are constructed. They tend to be an assembly of voices we’ve heard outside of us. All of the influences from our caretakers to our coaches to our friends to the media. And the voices reinforce our ego’s protective function — to ensure we’re not shamed or teased or corrected again. We want to be in the tribe. We want to do what pleases others.

Experts are starting to agree that self-compassion is more powerful than self-esteem. Kristin Neff's research, alongside the research of other leading psychologists, indicates that people who feel compassionate toward themselves, their imperfections, and their failures ultimately experience greater well-being than those who are hypercritical.

Letting go of dangerous and destructive self-criticism can finally lead to happiness and self-love.

We talk about Kristin Neff's three stages of self-compassion. At any point in your day, you can pause and have a self-compassion break.

Time Stamps:

4:55 Speaking of changing your life, today, we're talking about the practice of compassion, self-compassion. And the Dalai Lama. Let's start with this quote, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” I like that because Because what I've been learning about self-compassion. Shelley, is that it's how you interact with yourself?

6:10 Why do you think it's so hard for people? We're hard on ourselves. Now, why are we hard on ourselves? Especially in today's milieu, our cultural context, you start looking, you're just like, look at these amazing lives that every single person I'm looking at is living. And you start pointing the finger at yourself and you start thinking a little lesser of yourself.

11:47 The power of the critic, the inner critic that can really trip us up because it sees a deficiency and it latches on to it.

15:41 We have been talking about mindfulness from time to time on the podcast sometimes as an antidote to anxiety. By really looking it in the eye you disempower it. You confront it. And that's the same thing I think that we're talking about here. With a little self-compassion is to be aware of your emotions turn to them with curiosity.

19:47 The second stage is common humanity. And I love this step because when we are in a negative downward spiral, Usually, you know, when the inner critic is, is doing its job, it's meant to diminish us to keep us safe is a lot of how it works. We think we're the only one.

26:42 The first step is really about awareness that this is this hurts. This is uncomfortable. This is what I'm feeling. The second step with this common humanity is, you know, I'm not alone in this and we all struggle with this. And then the third one is truly being warm with yourself like, sometimes I'll even do this, like put my hand on my heart and like really talk to myself in terms of like kindness. May I be kind to myself.

29:45 And it's not self pity. It doesn't mean you're weak. It's not being selfish by you know, having compassion for yourself but I think maybe the most important one for us to contrast it with is self esteem. Because I could very much see you know, someone saying, Oh, this is being kind to yourself is that jack handy thing from Saturday Night Live have you know, people like me and yeah, so I'm okay and you're okay.

32:09 Write a self-compassion letter.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

How each of the 9 Enneagram types work from home

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Remember the days when we were dreaming of the opportunity to work from home?

The workplace can be full of distractions, empty time, needless meetings and interpersonal drama. At home you have flexibility, autonomy, and the comfort of working in your own space. Pre-pandemic, it was clear that in many cases you could simply get more done.

But now that it is forced upon us, and the days and weeks blur into one another, the perception of our work and home life balance has shifted again. Throw in the fact that many of us are functioning in crisis, and that many of our kids are going to school online, or half-online and half in-person, and we’re faced with a whole new reality when it comes to working from home.

On this week's episode, we discuss how each of the 9 Enneagram types flourish and struggle with remote work.

Timestamps:

3:00 We are discussing Enneagram types today and their work from home styles. Are you working from home? This topic will provide some insight into how to be your best work-at-home self.

4:48 Type 1. The Reformer, the Improver, the Perfectionist. They have high standards for their work but can have a hard time being flexible, which is a challenge in the work-at-home environment.

8:08 Type 2. They are the Helpers. Their pitfall is that they struggle with setting boundaries but the gifts they bring to the table include caring a lot about other's well being.

12:17 Type 3. They are achievers and are driven to succeed. They tend to ignore their own needs, though, in pursuit of that success. We share some ideas for threes to be best working at home.

16:54 Type 4. The Romantic, the Individualist. They are creative, artistic, and make beautiful things for us to enjoy. But they tend to become unproductive working on these creative projects.

21:44 Type 5. The Thinkers. Type fives are extremely boundaried, so others tend to see them as aloof and withdrawn. The great thing is that Fives are really great at working from home.

25:24 Type 6. The loyal skeptic. They are motivated by feeling safe. Their downfall is that they tend to look for problems. They are extremely loyal, and always prepared.

30:03 Type 7. The Enthusiast. They are motivated to enjoy. Sevens are energetic, fun, and exciting. Working at home, they may tend to be easily distracted.

33:09 Type 8. The Challenger or Protector. They are a body type, so are very in tune with their gut. One pitfall for Eights is that they can be seen as aggressors. On the flip side, one of their strengths is that they are clear and direct, and great with boundaries.

37:39 Type 9. They are the Peacemakers. One of the pitfalls of Nines is that they fail to speak up in order to maintain peace, but one of their strengths is that they have a way of making others around them feel at peace.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Learning Curve: Where do you struggle with trust the most?

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 12:51:00 -0500

Back by popular demand: the Learning Curve where Shelley and Chad dish on what they’ve been learning during this pandemic while we’re all still trying to flatten the curve.

Shelley dishes on what we’ve been learning about trust. She’s got this really cool equation for how you can know just how well you build and establish trust in all your relationships, and how well you receive it. We call it the trust equation.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

How adaptable are you?

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 06:00:00 -0500

“It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change.” —Charles Darwin

The American Psychological Association (APA) defines adaptability as “the capacity to make appropriate responses to changed or changing situations; the ability to modify or adjust one's behavior in meeting different circumstances or different people.”

On this week's episode we ask you six questions to help you discern and determine your own level of adaptability, and think about the soft spots where maybe you could do a little better. We're being forced to be adaptive under today's pandemic conditions. No one said this would be easy.

Timestamps:

1:56 After having to practice this very thing in a big way this week, we're talking about adaptability today on the podcast. We're defining adaptability according to the APA, and discussing whether it's a natural predisposition or a skill that can be learned.

7:43 Okay, let's dive into some questions you can ask yourself to gauge your own adaptability. Our first question has to do with your resilience, your perseverance, grit, and focus.

11:26 Are you open-minded? Do you have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset? We discuss our second question.

14:04 Our third question: How willing are you to improvise? do your perfectionistic tendencies get in the way or your adaptability? Guess which one of us needs a little work in this area.

17:55 Question number four has to do with our cognitive, emotional, dispositional flexibility. Which of the three would you say is most important? Shelley shares her thoughts on that question.

23:55 Our fifth question discusses problem-solving. Are you someone who looks for problems, that just knows things will go wrong? Are you defeated as soon as the problem arises? Or do you get creative when problems arise?

26:21 Our last question addresses that hard space where you're not really where you want to be but there is no solution. When things are just uncertain, are you okay with it?

30:10 It really is all easier said than done. Shelley drops a big truth bomb about how all this works together in our lives.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Self-care practice is not for the faint of heart (or the selfish)

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 06:00:00 -0500

“Self-care is never a selfish act—it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others. Anytime we can listen to true self and give the care it requires, we do it not only for ourselves, but for the many others whose lives we touch.” —Parker Palmer

The term “self-care” has been used and abused, and seems to be generally misunderstood. It’s become a buzzword, directly related to the retail side of the wellness industry. The marketing leads us to believe self-care means regular spa days, wine in the bathtub, expensive vacations, retail therapy, and basically anything involving gratuitous “self(ish)” indulgence.

Genuine self-care isn’t selfish. It’s healthy. It’s necessary for a thriving self and, therefore, life.

Self-care helps us refuel and recharge so we can be there for others. If we are not showing up for ourselves, it becomes harder and harder to show up for the people in our lives. It is no less true for women as it is for men.

We hash it out on this week’s podcast episode from the Big Self School. Shelley offers up some unconventional ideas and approaches to self-care, and Chad now feels free to go mountain biking every day. Maybe they’re still figuring a few things out too. Tune in to see what you think.

Timestamps

1:14 We're talking about self-care today and starting off the podcast by discussing some of the ideas and misconceptions around self-care and touch on how men approach self-care vs. how women approach it.

7:11 Shelley shares her definition of self-care, and we talk about how our own self-care is not only about ourselves.

10:00 Okay, let's get more specific about the kind of self-care practices we're talking about here. Avoid leap-frogging over the inner self-care with the band-aid approach

12:57 One way to understand the right inner self-care practice for you is to look at the Enneagram. We talk about the different triads within the Enneagram and the kind of self-care that can be really helpful for each type.

20:57 How self-care connects with our four pillars of awareness, connection, action, and wellness, and how you can hone in on those things with us at The Big Self School

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

5 Ways to Distinguish Your Ego from Your Call

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 06:00:00 -0500

Your ego and your “calling” in life can look surprisingly similar. Both pull you toward the realization of your desires. Ego assembles your personality. It manages your fragile identity while you figure out who you are. It protects you from the onslaught of societal expectations and motivates you to work hard and achieve things. But ego alone can also skew you toward thinking that hard work and achievement are the goals in life.

If your ego assembles your personality and manages your identity, then your calling is invested in making sure it’s authentic — who you really are. So, how can you know which one is really driving your work?

Time Stamps:

2:06 Shelley shares the impetus for this week's topic and how it is drawn from her own experience. Is the ego all bad? Should we work to rid ourselves of the ego? Shelley tells us what part the Ego plays in our mental health.

7:12 We talk about the difference between a small ego and a quiet ego

9:55 We discuss John Welwood's concept of Spiritual Bypass.

15:44 Get ready to go back to when you were 5. Let's dive into the 5 ways to distinguish your call from your ego. We talk about #1 here.

18:22 How are anxiety and silence clues? Shelley explains the second way to distinguish your ego from your calling.

21:20 Number three on our list is about burnout and fulfillment correlate with ego and calling.

24:14 The 4th way to distinguish your ego from your calling is to examine whether the focus is on the result or the process. We talk about that here.

26:15 Number five rounds out the list with whether we are focused on preserving ourselves or serving others.

28:40 We chat a little about the upcoming launch of Big Self School.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

What is purpose and how do you find it?

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -0500

You asked and we listened! On this week's episode Chad takes the bull by the horns on his own and answers one of the questions from our community: How can you find your purpose and prevent burnout?

Chad discusses the beginning point questions for answering the question: What is my purpose? Also, what is the difference between meaning and purpose? He offers some great questions to ask yourself to find your purpose if you've lost track along the way.

He concludes with a big challenge to every listener, and he undergoes the challenge himself. Tune in and discover the truth you've always known was there if only you knew how and where to dig.

Timestamps

2:16 Chad introduces the topic of today's podcast.

6:10 So where do we start in finding our purpose? Why do we tend to enter identity foreclosure as adolescents and young adults right when we should have flexibility?

15:57 Purpose and meaning. How do we define the difference between the two? Where and how do we find meaning?

25:51 Ask yourself these questions as you think about and try to discern meaning in your life

26:48 Now ask yourself these questions to help you find your purpose

32:12 I'm issuing a challenge. It might make you uncomfortable and make you reach, but it'll be worth it.

35:49 I wrote my Eulogy and I'm sharing it with you.

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

What is the Big Self School and 3 big questions to ask yourself now

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 11:02:00 -0500

Today’s episode takes us to our origin story. We learn as we go and the Big Self School has been slowly evolving and the evolution has sped up and things are happening fast. One of the questions we get asked a lot besides What is the Big Self School, is Who is it for?

We challenge you to ask yourself three BIG questions that can produce BIG results in your life if you take the time to track your experiences for even just seven days. What do you have to lose?

We’ve got the first half of a year under our belts, and we just want to say thanks to everyone who has been with us throughout these challenging months. One thing that makes such a big difference to the podcast are reviews. If you could take 30 seconds of your time and leave us a review that would be amazing.

Timestamps

2:25 We're talking about Big Self School came to be.

4:51 Shelley talks about her experience with burnout, which ultimately led to her Big Self work.

9:21 The Big Self Pillars

15:09 Shelley talks about who the Big Self School is for

18:26 We have 3 questions for you to think about this week. Here's question #1.

22:28 Question #2

24:01 Question #3

Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Learning Curve: Shining a light on the shadow side

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 05:00:00 -0500

On this week's episode we shine a bright spotlight on the shadow side that would rather lurk behind the scenes of our personalities. Do our shadows want to be left alone, or are they begging to be heard and leak out in uncomfortable ways?

We ask: How can you completely and wholeheartedly accept who you are if there are sides of yourself that you’re too afraid to explore?

The keyword here is “integration,” which comes from the Latin word integratus, meaning to make whole. To integrate an inner quality is to take ownership and responsibility for it, rather than rejecting or denying it. The benefits are many: sanity, healing, greater compassion, calmness, understanding, and wholeness are all to be found in integration.

We also leave you with five specific ways to learn more about these other sides of yourself, and what to do about it when you become aware. It's not easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is. Thanks for tuning in and being a part of the Big Self School of higher learning.

Timestamps

0:28 We begin our conversation by talking about the shadow and why it's so important to be aware of it as we're seeking self-knowledge.

4:04 The shadow, defined.

6:55 We talk about the persona as the opposite of the shadow

11:05 We share a Robert Green quote about how we're seeing people play out their shadow sides in this divided political climate.

16:32 The first of 5 questions we can ask to help us uncover our shadow.

21:03 We introduce the second and third questions

24:09 What do you want? That's question #4.

25:36 The fifth action we can take to understand the shadow.

28:30 We wrap up by mentioning a few books to help you shine a light on your shadow.

Subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Learning Curve: 5 things that block empathy

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 08:00:00 -0500

On this week's episode, Chad and Shelley explore empathy. Why is it on the decline when it was a trendy topic throughout the past decade? Why should we practice empathy in the first place? What gets in the way of us building empathy, even when it's something we say we want?

We explore these questions and more from our home studio in quarantine. As always, thanks for tuning in, subscribing, and leaving us a review!

TIME STAMPS

0:21 Chad opens up the podcast by introducing the concept of empathy.

3:42 As the expert, Shelley starts diving a little deeper into what empathy really is and why it's hard to practice in our culture.

9:32 We're discussing 5 empathy blocks today. The need for certainty is number one.

15:25 Shelley introduces empathy block #2: over-empathizing.

17:27 The need to manage your own anxiety comes in as our third empathy block.

20:37 Empathy block #4 is the need for agreement

24:51 Our last empathy block is the need to live in your head.

27:43 We've discussed these 5 empathy blocks, now what do we actually DO with this knowledge?

Subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Equal opportunities and authentic leadership with Marco Perez

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 06:00:00 -0500

We sit down with change-maker, Marco Perez, and discuss the need for our students to have equal access to quality education. We discuss a community's obligation to each other, and how we lift up everyone when help those in greater need. How do we rally as a community? We look for our lanes. We look to educate ourselves, and we look for authentic leadership and what that means.

Marco Perez is running for Hamilton County School Board District 2 seat. He has a passion for this community and wants all students to have an opportunity for an excellent education. He is the owner of ReLife Strategies where he helps businesses and organizations find finance and operational efficiencies. Marco has dedicated his life to servant leadership. Working with nonprofits, businesses and serving on various boards in the community, including the boards of the Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise and La Paz Chattanooga as Treasurer and later Chair. Marco and Leah have been married for 23 years and are the parents of 3 daughters. The oldest now attends Princeton University. The other two attend Hamilton County Schools.

Tune in to what is happening with the inner, transformational work, and how that translates to making an outer impact.

Timestamps

2:23 Marco shares how he landed in Chattanooga by way to Costa Rica

5:33 We ask Marco what his thoughts are on the current climate in our country right now in regards to race and opportunity.

10:51 We talk about the more insidious, quiet, systemic racism that exists and how we can dismantle and overcome those systems.

17:08 With people really examining their own implicit bias, how do we keep that moving forward? How do we ask the right questions to keep the momentum going? Marco weighs in.

20:16 We ask what policies Marco will be fighting for so there can be more equity for all in the education system.

24:00 We talk about ways to educate everyone, not just our kids who are in school.

27:18 We've been talking a lot about finding our lane in sustained activism. Marco talks about his lane.

30:06 Marco talks about what led him to run for the School Board and what advice he'd give to someone who might be thinking about running.

39:54 We wrap the podcast by asking Marco what he's reading or listening to that's making an impact on him, what his morning routine looks like, and what Big Self means to him.

Subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Embrace the suck and build empathy with Sabrina Moon

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 08:30:00 -0500

Sabrina Moon joins us to talk about what she means by “embracing the suck.” But why is it so hard? Is it a fear of losing control? A need for a positive spin on things? If we embrace the suck, are we somehow giving in to it?

We know that shame is not an effective tool for changing people’s behaviors. In this strange time of shared vulnerability and shared accountability people are operating from so many different value systems. We depend on each other in profound ways right now, yet we aren’t all operating from the same rule book. How can we co-exist without resorting to shame?

Sabrina offers practical ways to deal with the challenges we're facing with the constant anxiety of the pandemic ordeal. She’s described COVID-19 as vulnerability on steroids. She tells us what she's seeing right now, and how we can acknowledge this vulnerable time without being consumed by anxiety.

With a Masters Degree in Engineering Management and more than 20 years of combined experience as a railroad operations and manufacturing leader, Sabrina is an expert in leveraging leadership skills and qualities in corporate and non-profit settings. She is one of Dr.Brené Brown’s Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitators who believes that being ourselves is one of the bravest things we could do. Sabrina helps individuals tap into their courage as a powerful tool for organizational growth.

TIME STAMPS

2:21 We open up the podcast by talking about "embracing the suck".

5:54 Sabrina gives us her thoughts on Covid-19 and how we can embrace the suck without getting consumed by the fear.

9:28 The conversation moves to the meaning of authentic leadership and Sabrina's path that led her to become an authentic leader, as well as others reacted to her change in leadership style.

14:45 We ask about the turning point in her career that began her journey to authentic leadership.

19:54 How can someone begin to shift their mindset before reaching the point of burnout or failure?

24:40 We shift the conversation to talk about Sabrina's work with shame resilience.

29:29 We get vulnerable and talk about some really raw feelings. We also discuss holding people accountable without using shame as the tool to do that.

35:34 We ask Sabrina what big lesson we should all be learning through this great pause.

38:02 Sabrina talks about empathy as a skill and how to develop it.

42:01 We ask Sabrina what she wants to hold on to from our experience with Covid-19 and what she wants to go back to normal.

44:28 We wrap up by asking Sabrina what she's reading/listening to right now, what her morning routine looks like, and what Big Self means to her.

Subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Against the grain: Charles Loomis on mentorship and discipline

Mon, 25 May 2020 06:00:00 -0500

Charlie dishes on inner discipline, maintaining work-life balance, and not burning out on ambition.

Charlie has been cooking professionally for over 20 years. He began his love for cooking at the age of 6, always wanting to help his mother, grandmother, and Aunties in the kitchen. As he grew older, Charlie found his passion for learning about food maturing. Next he found work at a fast food fried chicken restaurant called Roy Rogers at the age of 15. He says that he almost felt as though he was cheating the system for getting paid to hang out with all of his best friends and cook food, but found his first true love… Fried Chicken…

At 17 he began working in a small bakery in his hometown of Leesburg, VA. He would go in very early to bake the breads. He says, “I felt as though I had something to prove because the chef did not believe that I would be able to keep up with a 4 AM shift, go to school by 8Am, and make it back again the next day." Charlie did this for a few months before moving into The upscale American restaurant upstairs, Tuscarora mill. He worked under Chef Patrick Dinh for 7 years, and gained all of his initial technique, cooking style and work ethic. He moved to Raleigh NC to assist in the opening of several restaurants to continue his culinary experience. It was here that Charlie earned his first sous chef position. After successfully opening several restaurants, he then chose to move to Asheville NC, where he worked as a chef for a vegetarian restaurant called The Laughing Seed café. It was here that he found his true passion for Fresh produce and also the need to have a more diverse plate. He moved on after a few years to open Greenlife Grocery In Asheville NC. He quickly became the Food service director for the company and the company then Propelled itself to become the Largest independent organic and Natural Foods retailer on the east Coast. Owner Chuck Pruett then asked Charlie to move to Chattanooga, TN to open a larger location. Charlie remained the Food service Director for both stores acting as the recipe creator for all of the perishable departments. The company sold to Whole Foods Market, and Charlie moved back into his love for restaurants.

He became the Executive Chef for 1885 Grill, which was known for their southern coastal cuisine, before opening The Feed Co. Table + Tavern southern comfort food, along with Dustin Choate and Miguel Morales. Both restaurants were voted some of the top restaurants in the city. Charlie has worked with multiple organizations to teach healthy eating in both cities. He assisted in forming “chef nights in Chattanooga, a successful program that would help children and parents in lower income areas to use fresh produce and instill healthier eating habits. He helped start multiple school garden programs, healthy school lunch programs, and healthy cookbooks.

Charlie has worked with multiple publications including Food and Wine Magazine, Organic Gardening, Epicurious, Southern Living, Local Palette, Michelle Obama’s The White House Garden Cookbook, and many others. He has enjoyed showcasing his talents on multiple Food Network and Cooking Channel shows including The Best Thing I Ever Ate, as well as winning the season one finale of Cooks vs Cons, and most notoriously, and most recently in January, he Beat Bobby Flay with one of his favorite dishes, Eggs Benedict. Charlie has recently relocated back to his hometown of Leesburg, VA after getting laid off due to Covid-19 and plans to focus on community outreach programs to help get restaurants back on track. He has started a livestreaming supper club called Ad Hoc Supper Club.

TIME STAMPS

1:03 We introduce Charlie, telling about his background and what he's up to right now.

4:00 Charlie talks about how he got into cooking as a kid and talks about some of the people who influenced him along the way.

9:42 We ask charlie about the process of going from young chef to restaurant owner.

15:32 Charlie talks about Ad Hoc Supper Club, his streaming supper club.

17:00 Not many people beat Bobby Flay, but Charlie did. He tells us about the experience.

19:10 We switch gears to talk about balancing ambition and work-life balance.

25:47 Charlie talks about the food industry culture and how it lends itself to high rates of burnout, as well as how he's avoided falling into it.

30:56 Charlie gives his take on WHY many chefs fall into bad habits of drinking, drug abuse, overworking, and subsequently, burnout. He also talks about what it will take for chefs in the restaurant industry to change the paradigm.

37:10 We ask Charlie how he's surviving and thriving during this pandemic. We ask what things he wants to hold on to as we move back into normalcy.

42:05 Charlie shares a restaurant dish that can be done at home.

43:57 We ask Charlie what book or podcast is leaving an impression on him, what his morning routine looks like, and what Big Self means to him.

Subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Learning Curve: Is your inner voice a good friend or a critic?

Fri, 22 May 2020 11:32:00 -0500

It's the weekend edition of the Big Self School, a segment we call the Learning Curve, where Shelley and Chad discuss the big and small questions they're having.

Chad and Shelley first consider what the literature says on whether or not we have a true self. Most people believe we have a true self, and that it is a moral core. But perhaps more importantly how does that inner voice of your speak to you? Is like a good friend? A reasonable judge? Or is it a negative critic? We discuss what it all means, how you should give yourself some unconditional love, even though that may not always be uncritical love.

These are the questions we're hitting at the end of another long week of quarantine. Thanks for spending a few moments of your weekend with us.

Subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Creating new beliefs and shifting mindsets with Camille Kennard

Mon, 18 May 2020 06:00:00 -0500

Being an observer of your experience

Camille Kennard is a Certified Health and Wellness Coach. She began her career as a social worker for a decade, counseling people with chronic medical conditions and providing grief counseling to patients and families. The inspiration for her business Flourish Wellness came from her desire to help people avoid chronic disease and illness through learning to nurture themselves as part of their lifestyle; body, mind, and soul. This passion came from her own journey with managing weight, improving her confidence, and learning to love and care for herself.

She talks about her struggles with anxiety throughout her life, and that a tremendous freedom comes when you can de-personalize it, when you can say “hello” to anxiety and know it’s there without the continued stories. What are the “continued stories” people with a lot of anxiety have? And how do you stay calm and just observe anxiety when it begins to take hold? Tune, and discover with us some of the answers to strengthening your sense of self and holding on to what matters.

TIME STAMPS

2:41 Camille shares how she got into the work she does at Flourish Wellness through her own struggles.

5:33 We ask Camille how she sees the cultural conditioning that women face with their body images show up in her work.

10:01 Camille talks about the inner work she walks with her clients through before getting to the outer work like food and exercise.

14:34 Camille describes the spike in stress levels she's seen with her clients in this Covid-19 reality.

18:27 We discuss the stories that play in our minds. Camille talks about depersonalizing these narratives that run through our psyche.

22:30 Camille talks about "standing at the door of your mind" and tells us some practical ways to put it into practice.

27:07 The conversation shifts to the outer-work piece of the puzzle. We ask Camille how she helps her clients begin that process.

32:00 We talk all about sleep. What can we do to create better sleep habits for ourselves and our families?

40:56 Camille tells us that things she wants to be normal again after this pandemic experience, and what she wants to hold on to

43:50 Camille tells us what book she's reading, what her morning routine looks like, and what 'Big Self' means to her.

Subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Learning Curve: Are we spiking on authenticity and dropping on the imposter?

Fri, 15 May 2020 11:59:00 -0500

It's the weekend edition of the Big Self School, a segment we call the Learning Curve, where Shelley and Chad discuss the big and small questions they're having.

This week we're learning about authenticity, and how we're seeing it more with the people we engage with. There's less outer props for validation for one thing. More people are seeking guidance for another. Chad's been working on a short book on building self-knowledge, and Shelley's been exploring the concept of Imposter Syndrome. Are we seeing more or less of it as the weeks and months float by?

These are the questions we're hitting at the end of another long week of quarantine. Thanks for spending a few moments of your weekend with us.

Subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Co-parenting three young kids and launching a business with Jena Beise

Mon, 11 May 2020 06:00:00 -0500

This week we shine the Big Self spotlight on Jena Beise. Jena is a doctor of Physical Therapy and a women’s health specialist. She’s been a Physical Therapist for the better part of a decade now in outpatient orthopedics. She is also certified in Dry Needling, and is the cofounder of Heal at Home Moms.

Jena talks about trying to change the postpartum psychology, how to form good habits that combat stress and help heal the body in sustainable ways. She also talks about some of the challenges and emotions she’s experienced in launching her own business, and how the underlying purpose of educating women, and giving them another alternative outside of traditional medical practices keeps her going. Jena lives in Chattanooga with her husband, Brian, and their three young children.

TIME STAMPS

1:36 We ask Jena how she and her family are doing as they navigate their Covid-19 reality

6:35 Jena tells us how Heal at Home Moms was born

10:08 Jena describes some of the barriers she had to overcome in order to start her own business

13:42 We talk about the comparison game and Jena shares how she's able to push through that to keep going.

17:15 We ask Jena about the trends she's seen with women's health over her decade of practice and how they compare to the stress of Covid-19

22:44 Jena talks about the types of women she works with and the physical problems they're facing after childbirth, as well as how her program is helping women with their stress levels right now.

29:05 We talk about how Jena's approach with Heal at Home Moms differs from the standard that our culture has mandated for postpartum women.

35:07 Jena describes what she wants to hold on to from the Covid-19 experience, and what was lost that she wants to get back.

39:30 Jena tells us what book she's reading right now, what her morning routine looks like, and what 'Big Self' means to her.

Subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Learning Curve: We are the leaders we need right now

Fri, 08 May 2020 10:17:00 -0500

It's the weekend edition of the Big Self School, a segment we call the Learning Curve, where Shelley and Chad discuss the big and small questions they're having.

This week Shelley is thinking about the senseless killing of Ahmaud Arbery, and dealing with people's emotional responses on a number of different levels. She shares some aspirational ideas about how we can "grow ourselves up."

Chad is thinking about how to develop the "inner citadel" and not take things so personally, whether for good or bad. He's also been learning about other methods for achieving deeper calm than merely through meditation (as powerful as it is), and he asks the question: Should we aspire to completely let go of anger? Or does it really have a place in our higher level responses?

These are the questions we're hitting at the end of another long week of quarantine. Thanks for spending a few moments of your weekend with us.

Subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Risk, versatility, and naming what you want with Kim Shumpert

Mon, 04 May 2020 06:00:00 -0500

Kim Shumpert talks with us this week about a new model of female leadership. Kim was selected to serve as the Executive Director for Chattanooga Women’s Leadership Institute (CWLI) in May 2018. Kim twice served as an executive director working with underserved women and children. And she reminds us that when women thrive, everyone thrives.

There has been such a tremendous amount of suffering either directly or indirectly from this pandemic. So much fear and uncertainty, and so much loss. This is a time where we should be mindful of the unprecedented reality shaping so many people’s experiences in tragic ways. At the same time, there are opportunities from the trials themselves. Kim tells us what can we as a society be learning through this “great pause."

More about Kim:

As an adopted Arkansan, she worked with multiple foundations and nonprofits across the state serving on the Arkansas Community Foundation Board, the Craighead County Community Foundation Board, Rotary Club of Jonesboro Board and the Arkansas Nonprofit Alliance Board. She is a member of the recently convened Chattanooga Nonprofit Alliance and Covid19 Community Task Force focusing on recovery efforts for the nonprofit sector. She and her husband, Brad, are leaving a legacy of strong female leadership for her two daughters. They live on Signal Mountain.

TIME STAMPS

1:26 We begin the podcast by talking about a recent Forbes article that highlights how female leaders in many countries are rising to the occasion.

6:42 Next we talk about the juxtaposition that Kim has observed in the male brain and how the leadership of men and women work together.

12:09 We shift the conversation and Kim tells us about her own personal leadership journey.

16:42 Kim talks about the ups and downs of being an Enneagram 3 in terms of her leadership journey and career.

20:41 Competition is a theme we're seeing lately in our conversations and we dive into that and how it affects women.

26:11 Kim talks about what women are fighting for, instead of against.

30:43 We discuss the challenges that women have in the workplace--getting promotions and having their leadership styles valued by the patriarchal institution.

35:19 Vulnerability in the workplace--a double-edged sword. How can we use vulnerability in a positive way as a leader?

42:45 We ask Kim how she and her family are surviving and thriving in this new normal.

45:05 We shift to the new normal. How will values shift? Who defines what these values should be?

49:37 We wrap up with our 3 questions. Kim tells us what book she's reading, about her morning routine, and what Big Self means to her.

Subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Learning Curve: Life as a comma, developing adaptability and calm

Fri, 01 May 2020 10:29:00 -0500

It's the weekend edition of the Big Self School, a segment we call the Learning Curve, where Shelley and Chad discuss the big and small questions they're having.

This week Shelley is thinking about the life skill of adaptability and how the happiest people she knows have developed their adaptive muscle well. She discusses an approach to bringing fears into consciousness, and how in times of stress "the only way out is through."

Chad has been researching and writing about the concept of calm, and how it is anything but a passive exercise. Developing a core inner calm is one of the keys to self-transformation.

These are the questions we're hitting at the end of another long week of quarantine. Thanks for spending a few moments of your weekend with us.

Subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Visualizing the process it takes to get around the world with Angela Ballard

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 06:00:00 -0500

What had at first started as just a big trip slowly -- drip by drip -- got bigger and bigger until it snowballed into a six-continent trip.

How did that trip turn into all seven? Angela tells us how it works for them.

When you start to learn that people are pretty much the same wherever you go, then you’ve probably been a lot of places. You may come to the same conclusion by going nowhere, but it’s a completely different mindset when you’ve been to every continent and lived with people all over the planet.

How did a couple without big personal wealth hold down their day jobs, armed with only curiosity and a desire to educate their boys first hand, crack the code and begin traveling the world? Angela Ballard tells us about her many adventures and her many day jobs, including how she visualized what she wanted in her life.

She also touches on habits, vocational versatility, creative visualization, what it’s like guiding undergraduates to find some direction upon graduation, and how to live in a meaningful and routine way even while traveling. Traveling with a purpose helps. So, how do you find it?

TIME STAMPS

2:21 we open up the podcast with Angela sharing a little about her childhood and how her upbringing shaped her into the adventurous, lifelong learner she is today.

7:15 Angela talks about how wemarriedadventure.com got started.

10:08 We talk about the logistics of traveling around the world for a year as well as overcoming the psychological barriers that arise.

16:09 Angela talks about some of the lessons traveling has taught her.

20:52 We talk about the fear of the unknown that Angela experienced as well and getting over it as she stepped off the plane in Madrid.

29:38 Angela's advice for someone who is feeling the call to travel and adventure in order to pursue their Big Self.

34:42 Angela talks about the sacrifices that come along with making travel a priority.

40:32 We ask Angela about her work in creativity and learning, and if a theory of creativity has informed her thinking.

44:36 Angela gives some great actionable advice while talking about her work teaching students at the university level.

48:30 We wrap up by asking Angela what she's reading, what her morning routine looks like, and what Big Self means to her.

Subscribe on Apple iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Learning Curve: To shame or not to shame during a plague

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 14:30:00 -0500

It's the weekend edition of the Big Self School, a segment we call the Learning Curve, where Shelley and Chad discuss the big and small questions they're having.

This week Chad is seeing COVID-19 as nothing less than a plague--and is drawing parallels and conclusions between how we're responding now and how people have responded to epidemics in the past. Is there anything we can learn from the past, or are we doomed simply to repeat it?

Shelley has been struggling with the usage of the word "shame." Is shame a good thing when it comes to protecting each other? Or is that the wrong idea? How do we speak up for ourselves when others are doing things we either think or know is wrong?

These are the questions we're hitting at the end of another long week of quarantine. Thanks for spending a few moments of your weekend with us.

Subscribe on Apply iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Recovering from burnout and drinking mindfully with Kristi Angevine

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0500

Kristi Angevine, MD is an Ob/Gyn and Physician Life Coach. She specializes helping physicians change unhelpful habits into intentional ones. Whether it’s overdrinking, overeating, overworking, excess screen time, procrastinating or simply chronically feeling overwhelmed and like there’s always something to fix, she targets unpacking old or compulsive habits to create permanent transformation. Kristi decided to become a life coach after her initial skepticism evaporated when she experienced coaching first hand. Getting coached and becoming a coach changed her life: her marriage, how she parents, her engagement at work, her own stress relieving habits, and most of all, her well being. “I believe no one can coach a physician like a physician. This is my way to give back to my colleagues who give so much of themselves.” She is a certified Life and Weight Loss coach through The Life Coach School.

She can be found at www.HabitsOnPurpose.com, in the physician only Better Habits Physician Group on FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2531244060443558/?ref=share or at Hello@habitsonpurpose.com

Kristi and her husband have two children, and she makes time for things like being on as a podcast guest by waking up very early.

On today’s episode she discusses

When is the end in sight for the current pandemic? How uncertainty can be a good place to be when it comes to lifelong struggling between faith and doubt, but uncertainty between what emergency room you run to is different, and how there are different responses to feeling lost. She also has some powerful thoughts on mindful drinking, habits, and just how far willpower can get you.

Time Stamps

2:26 Kristi talks about the Covid-19 climate in her region and practice as an OB-Gyn

7:41 Kristi shares her journey to becoming a Physician

11:13 We ask Kristi about her personal experience with burnout and how she found her way through it

14:41 The stressors that followed Kristi on her move to Bend, Oregon and how she stumbled into life coaching

18:55 Kristi tells us how she's integrated life coaching into her practice

22:31 What Kristi would tell someone who is struggling with their drinking right now

26:29 We can be aware of a habit that we aren't happy with, but how do we translate that awareness to behavior change? Kristi gives us her take on this.

31:24 Kristi share a really interesting perspective on sitting with and actually recognizing what it feels like to want something and choose not to give in to that urge

34:36 When we're unwinding ourselves from one habit should we always replace it with another? Kristi gives some great advice around this adage

39:43 Kristi shares some advice about how to develop some structure and good habits during Covid-19

46:09 We wrap up this podcast by asking Kristi what she's reading, what her morning routine looks like, and what "big self" means to her

Subscribe on Apply iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Listening to find your purpose, and listening as good business with Kenny Morgan

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 12:04:00 -0500

How do people find purpose? What is Counsel Creative all about? What’s it like to start a business with your spouse? Was it a calling? What was the leap that started building something from nothing? We have questions. Kenny Morgan has some of the answers. At least for how it’s worked for him so far.

From falling in with the cool kids in the music industry to pivoting to marketing and design and branding and development, Kenny didn’t know where he was headed when he started off. His first big trip was on the road on the Vans Warped Tour. All he knew was the internship was a cool opportunity.

So how did he get into visual design? He had an interest in visual design, but never thought it would be a path to making a living. Even when he got his first job at a printing company, at first he feared they’d realize he had no real background in visual design. But the opposite happened: they kept promoting him, and he kept figuring out how to evolve and adapt into the challenges and expectations around him.

Along the journey he had some good mentors and corporate and agency experiences, but he had also done something else. Unlike a lot of his creative friends who also went to college, and majored in design and other creative approaches, Kenny went the business and marketing route.

Thanks for tuning in to the Big Self Podcast. We are a learning community for people at a career crossroads ready to rejoin their soul and their role. We discuss self-awareness, relationships, tapping into your inner genius, and building sustainable habits -- and wherever the conversation leads!

TIME STAMPS

1:01 We kick off the podcast with Kenny telling us about his start in the music industry with the Warped Tour
4:09 Kenny tells us about a phone call that changed the course of his career
7:21 The interesting, non-traditional route that Kenny took to owning his design agency
11:17 We discuss why Kenny encountered imposter syndrome and how he overcame it.
13:35 Kenny tells us about how he was able to discern his calling and take that leap into building it from the ground up
19:28 How a trip to the Smoky Mountains put everything into perspective for Kenny and his wife and Counsel Creative was born.
21:43 How Kenny uses his gift of discernment at Counsel Creative to determine whom to team up with.
27:08 Counsel Creative has some great company values. Kenny talks about each one and why they're important in his business
33:54 We discuss an inevitable part of business--failure. Kenny tells us how they deal with it at Counsel Creative.
37:42 Kenny talks about the importance of knowing what you can actually give to a company by niching
40:20 Kenny answers our 3 Big Self questions

Subscribe on Apply iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us on Twitter @big_self and at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Change your life by changing your questions with Tom Heffner

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Tom Heffner consults with businesses and organizations across many different industries, including consulting, banking, education, product development, law firms, Dept of Defense (DoD), and the military. He specializes in helping them to build their own innovation capabilities and to solve complex and multidisciplinary problems.

If you or your organization is struggling to think creatively, to build an innovation capability, or just to improve the way you solve problems, Tom is a master. This week's episode is stacked with specific, actionable and practical advice on how to make small but powerful changes right now.

Timestamps
2:08 "Change your questions and you'll change your life" Tom explains what that means to him and how he uses this strategy with his clients.
5:15 How curiosity can help us view these uncertain times through a lens of opportunity versus a lens of fear.
6:48 Tom shares a fantastic resource to help you recognize your strengths and find more happiness and well-being in your life.
10:02 How did Tom go from engineering Combat Systems that protect soldiers at war to the world of strength-based and positive psychology?
14:28 Tom talks about the background of Master Resiliency Training in the military and helping soldiers be more resilient, as well as how the average, everyday person can use these tools to be more resilient.
19:12 How "thinking traps" work for us and against us
21:29 A deeper look at the ABC method, a tool used to help people see how they form their beliefs about a situation
27:26 Habits, motivation, willpower, processes...we talk about how all these pieces to the puzzle fit together
33:07 What about bad habits? We discuss the driving force behind them and what you need to get really clear on to break them.
38:45 Tom describes how design thinking and positive psychology overlap
46:27 Tom gives some really valuable, tangible advice on the questions and we should be asking in a post-Coronavirus world
57:11 We wrap up this episode by asking Tom about his podcast and what 'Big Self' means to him.

Subscribe on Apply iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us on Twitter @big_self and at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Every time you must go first: Getting okay in an upside-down world with Allison Foster

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 19:33:17 -0500

Making the mind body connection helps us literally connect with ourselves, but what does that mean?

Yoga leader Allison Foster tells us how connecting breathing with your thinking and feeling can be like an incarnate experience, being fully present in the person that you are in the present moment.

It may be one thing to slow your body -- like going to sleep or taking a nap -- but there isn’t as clear of a way to slow your mind.

Your mind need’s a job. Let it do what it’s good at, what it’s designed to do. Harness your mind.

Allison also openly discusses her transition through a divorce, figuring out how to really embrace developing a Yoga community, plus the real challenges of going through the process of believing in abundance as opposed to living in fear.

What do we need to get unstuck? Allison explains her personal experience and isn’t afraid to be open and vulnerable and let it all out.

Timestamps:

2:43 Allison wastes no time dishing out the wisdom about connecting mind and body
7:07 Allison shares some tangible advice on how to harness your thinking as you connect to your breath.
11:21 We talk about accepting what is and dealing with the paradox of doing something and doing nothing during our social isolation
15:12 How a simple thought of gratitude allows Allison to be a little more okay with the unknown
17:31 Allison shares about some transitions she's going through right now and how she overcomes limiting beliefs
26:53 Allison shares a really beautiful story about how she became whole again after moving through some difficult transitions.
30:08 Our conversation shifts to how men's acceptance of yoga has changed over the years
33:34 You've heard the adage that the first step is the hardest, but Allison shares a cool perspective that differs from that
36:05 Allison shares what her favorite poet, David White, has taught her about what being grounded means
42:14 Allison answers our three Big Self Questions

Subscribe on Apply iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us on Twitter @big_self and at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

From social construction to house construction: David Bell on theory and life practice

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Dr. David Bell has been fascinated with religion his entire life, and has come down on the side of being a "post-religious believer." He believes in the beauty of religion, but not in what he calls the supernatural. He challenges his students -- and his fellow faculty members -- to prove to him empirically that we have a soul. He loves taking his students on a journey of pulling out their intensely held religious beliefs that are mostly unexamined. All he asks is that we all strive to do the same.

Besides being a senior lecturer, David is a father of three kids all under ten years old. He's taken on the task of being an ultimate do it yourself-er. He's deep into flipping houses and designing his own. From social construction to house construction, how did he get here? How does he manage it all?

Do males feel more burdened to provide? Are there parts of us that are essentially instinctual? David takes us on a ride where we examine many of our beliefs -- both examined and unexamined.

Time Stamps:

2:18 David gives us a high-level overview of how our religious identity influences our being
5:20 The experience that caused David to question his beliefs surrounding religion and explore other philosophies
10:08 an objective look at Biology and science vs Mysticism
14:52 Shelley explains her reconciliation with her own spiritual beliefs and how it's ok to have these hard conversations.
17:13 How David Strives to make an impact as a professor
20:31 Our conversations shifts to how becoming a father has impacted David's beliefs and work.
24:08 David talks about his latest project--building his own home.
30:00 Shelley shares some great insight into finding and doing your Big Work
32:37 We ask David how he stays balanced
36:12 The conversation turns political and David shares an intriguing take on what's going on in our country and the western world
44:08 We wrap up our conversation by asking the 3 Big Self podcast questions we ask all of our guests.

Thanks for tuning in to the Big Self Podcast. We are a learning community for people at a career crossroads ready to rejoin their soul and their role. We have long-form conversations about self-awareness, relationships, tapping into your inner genius, and building sustainable habits.

Subscribe on Apply iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us on Twitter @big_self and at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Special edition: Love and silver linings in a time of coronavirus

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Everything changed this week. The response to the worldwide spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus upended all of our lives. Workplaces shut down. Schools closed. Airlines cut their flight schedules. Major league sports suspended their seasons. Hospitals began preparing for a predicted surge of patients. And on Friday, President Trump declared a national emergency.

"Social distancing" is the new catchphrase for how we are advised to behave. Staying away from other people seems to be the best tool everyday people have to flatten the rising curve of contagion and lessen the potential impact on hospitals and caregivers. As of the recording of this podcast, there are now 3,000 confirmed cases and we know that’s with extremely limited testing available: and that’s part of what’s so scary!

On this special edition podcast, Shelley and Chad discuss stressors and opportunities for us all on a personal and collective level. Things are changing by the minute and we need some community, even if it's digital. The time is now.

Time stamps:

1:42 The Coronavirus has brought out the best and the worst in people, and we're seeing wildly different responses to the crisis.
5:28 How we've talked to our kids about this upending of our normal lives
7:30 The conundrum that is self-isolating
9:20 We know the sobering facts, so what do we do with that now?
11:21 We discuss how consciousness plays into how we are dealing with this stressor on a personal level, as well as a collective level.
14:48 We're all familiar with the stress response "fight, flight, or freeze." But there's another intriguing stress response we're seeing play out that very few people have heard of.
17:10 Now IS the time for mindfulness and coming together
18:41 Chad shares a little about his big leap of faith and how he's intentionally building some habits
23:35 A little preview of what's to come from us on Facebook in the next few weeks and some very exciting news about an upcoming launch!

Subscribe on Apply iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us on Twitter @big_self and at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Designing a way through brokenness to a bigger self with Kaysie Strickland

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Kaysie Strickland went through a major bottoming out. Over the course of a year and a half, she and her husband both lost their jobs unexpectedly, they got pregnant, and her parents were bottoming out from a long battle with alcoholism, just to name a few of the stressors. She was left reeling emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Somehow, through the course of career and personal setbacks, she found her calling. It's the convergence of design and creativity -- all while making an impact in others' lives. Her mission is called Homes and Havens. Listen in to how she mended herself and, eventually, others through her journey.

Time Stamps:

2:26 Kaysie tells us about a turbulent time in her life and how she coped with it
7:44 Kaysie shares about her childhood and the story of her parents going through addiction
15:51 How Homes and Havens was born out of the trials Kaysie faced
22:09 We talk about the important role that environment plays in addiction recovery
27:09 How peace and stability can feel like death to some people
33:33 Kaysie tells us what it took for her to realize her true gifts
39:09 We have a conversation about what Big Self is really about
42:37 The conversation delves for a moment into our Enneagram types
46:06 Kaysie give some tips for creating a healing design in a home
51:54 Kaysie tells us what book she's reading, her morning routine, and what Big Self means to her.

Subscribe on Apply iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us on Twitter @big_self and at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

The body, the brain, and dealing with pain with Matt McClanahan

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 16:00:00 -0500

On this week's episode, we have a wide-ranging conversation with Matt McClanahan.

Acute, chronic, or auto-immune pain, Matt McClanahan has seen a great deal over the past decade and a half. What do you do when medicines don't work, and diagnoses are tricky to figure out? What's the difference between pain and tissue damage? And even if it's not tissue damage, while pain is in the brain, it doesn't mean it's just made up. At the same time, dealing with pain is very much a mindset.

We deep-dive into stress. Stress is there to protect us. But our bodies have a threshold depending on the input and output--and subjectivity--of stress. He talks about his own personal experiences in dealing with pain, and the processes involved in managing it, as well as the lightbulb moments. And are ice baths a real thing for health and wellness and longevity?

Train you mind and body and autonomic nervous system with us on this week's episode!

Time Stamps:

2:53 Matt tells us a little bit about himself and why he focused his medical practice on Musculoskeletal Medicine
8:31 Matt discusses the questions, "how does pain work?" and "why does it persist in some people and not others?"
13:29 Matt describes how he helps people understand where their pain is coming from
18:29 An important distinction between stress and stressors
22:54 When there isn't an easy cure or surgery for pain, how does Matt help patients still strive to be their best selves?
26:36 Matt explains his approach to treating pain when it's related to psychology and shares his own personal experience with this issue.
35:20 What happened when moms reacted with no emotion or response to their babies during the Still Face Experiment.
38:39 Shelley discusses the detriment of disconnection
41:58 How giving up the judgment lens and replacing it with a curiosity lens equals a growth mindset that can actually alter your physical health
44:34 We discuss the cold plunge made popular by Tony Robbins, and whether there's any real benefit to it according to Matt.
51:11 Matt answers our 3 Big Self podcast questions. Find out what he's reading, what his morning routine looks like, and what "Big Self" means to him

Subscribe on Apply iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us on Twitter @big_self and at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Breaking through defenses, and helping the whole person with Patricia McLelland

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 16:00:00 -0500

On this week's episode, we have a wide-ranging conversation with Patricia McLelland.

Patricia is a physician, but does more than merely meet bodily symptoms. She coaches and guides her patients to understand the whole person, beginning with what is going on within. She's been on a mission to help women for years, but over the years she's learned how to communicate processes and how to begin where you're at. She also asks: Where do you want to go?

She gives insights into how to manage stress, and fight back against overwhelm. It's not always easy to let go of the many things we feel we have to do, but among the things to let go is NOT self-care.

McLelland is also a voracious reader of the latest literature on sleeping, stress and wellness. Check out some of the surprising things she has to say about what's important, and how to make the best decisions to lead a big and sustainable healthy self. As she says, "You don't have to listen to me, but I've spent the past few weeks reading all the world's literature on sleep studies."

Time Stamps:

2:52 Patricia tells us about herself and how contracting a terrible illness in Africa when she was 16 shaped her decision to be a doctor.
10:46 How Patricia's love of Math influences how she practices as a leader in women's health
14:04 Patricia talks about the role of valuing yourself in overcoming health challenges
18:23 The important distinction between self-care and self-indulgence
21:35 Patricia talks about the two types of stress we face and tells us which type is most insidious
24:04 We have an in-depth conversation around the importance of sleep. Did you know sleep-deprivation is akin to being intoxicated? Also, the magic "sleep" hour when we should call it a night and go to bed.
33:32 Patricia talks about how critical proper nutrition is to being healthy and whole
38:50 We ask Patricia the age-old question: "what diet do you recommend?" Hint: it's probably different for me than for you.
46:52 The best place to start when you're striving for better health.
49:20 We wrap up with the three questions we ask each of our guests

Subscribe on Apply iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us on Twitter @big_self and at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

The power of story, truth-telling, and strategic family planning with Hilarie Robison

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 16:00:00 -0500

On this week's episode, we have a conversation with Hilarie Robison about the importance of listening well, and how that plays into good storytelling.

Hilary tells us about what she does with her work in helping people find their family stories, as well as digitizing it and making it a part one's legacy. She also talks about the why and the how it's done. What does it mean to publish a life story? What is the process like in sharing our stories with our children? A lot of it is about intention, and there's more and more research backing up the power of family storytelling and how it makes us stronger. Especially in these times of social and family fragmentation, storytelling is all the more critical. She also talks about strategic planning with the whole family, and how her faith is a part of her evolving story.

Time Stamps:

2:06: Hilarie shares a little about her personal history and the events that led her family to Chattanooga
6:48: Hilarie tells us about how her career transitioned from Ethics and Policy Studies to Memory Keeping, Storytelling, and Personal Histories
9:56: Hilarie shares a cool story about how her work benefitted a young woman going through a tough experience
13:46: We discuss the power of storytelling and the strong positive impact it has on children, as well as the biggest challenge adults face in telling their personal stories to their kids
21:41 We learn about the 20 "do you know" questions and what those questions indicate about how
25:53: The importance of family dinner in staying connected to your immediate family as well as extended family, plus a cool tip and app for keeping family records and making them accessible for your whole family
33:56 A discussion on feeling disconnected from family and ways that we can remedy this while staying authentic to ourselves
40:17 Hilarie shares about her approach to strategic family planning
43:22 We close out the episode by asking Hilarie what book is impacting her right now, about her morning routine, and what Big Self means to her.

Subscribe on Apply iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us on Twitter @big_self and at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Arm yourself with information with Lakweshia Ewing

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 16:00:00 -0500

On this week's episode, we have a wide-ranging conversation with Lakweshia Ewing.

From her ten steps toward self-improvement to building a community for everyone to re-structuring our thinking to building the right kind of product to what her faith means to her, Lakweshia Ewing has a lot to offer. An eternal optimist, she gives us her authentic self, and her powerful thoughts and insights into the things she's seen and learned working with individuals and communities all over the world.

Time Stamps:

2:58 Lakweshia tells us a little about herself and a life-changing event in her life

5:57 Lakweshia shares what struggle in her life led to her developing her UNLEARN approach

10:56 Lakweshia dives into the steps in her UNLEARNing process, describing each one by one

17:50 Lakweshia teaches a great lesson on failure

29:13 the conversation shifts to Lakweshia's work with organizations and the importance of knowing the history of that organization

33:55 We dive into an enlightening conversation on the equity (or lack of equity) of self-care

42:39 Our conversation shifts the idea of "community". What a loaded question we asked her!

52:41 Hear what books are impacting Lakweshia right now

Subscribe on Apply iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us on Twitter @big_self and at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

5 ways to rebuild after failure with Shelley Prevost

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 13:55:59 -0500

On this week's episode, we turn the tables on Big Self Founder, Shelley Prevost, and ask her the questions. We aim at what brought us here to the Big Self table. It's a story that emerged over years, and after the result of a heart-rending, teeth-gnashing failure. Shelley gets vulnerable about how she felt during the low point, and then what she did to steadily rebuild and become an invested student in herself. She tackles co-host Chad's toughest questions until Chad finally "stumps the therapist."

Time Stamps:

9:07: Shelley talks about a "pretty traumatic tender time" for her family.

11:55: Chad asks questions that lead to Shelley struggling not to cry.

14:29: Shelley talks about the process of becoming "a student of herself."

20:00: Shelley talks about starting to exercise because her body was "falling apart."

25:03: Shelley talks about her experience with doing intermittent fasting for the past year and a half.

27:45: Chad pushes back about gratitude and how it's harder than meets the eye even though.

30:00: The importance of family dinners as another way to rebuild.

38:22: Chad asks Shelley a big question and hear how she responds.

Subscribe on Apply iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us on Twitter @big_self and at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

Alex Lavidge on the entrepreneurial community and transformation

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 10:00:00 -0500

On this week's episode, we have a fascinating conversation with CEO and founder Startup Champs, a fast-growing agency helping new ventures (both individual founders and corporate clients) with risk assessments, design thinking, market research services, and growth strategies before identifying and securing strategic investment partners.

We hit on everything from how the startup scene needs a wellness checkup, to how do you define failure and success, to what does Big Self mean to Alex, and why his simulated near-death experiences in Columbia was tops among his most transformative experiences.

4:30--Chad asks Alex about the increasing likelihood of startups leaving Silicon Valley and dispersing throughout various parts of the U.S.

9:25--If you help entrepreneurs build personal wealth first, the entrepreneurial journey becomes much easier

15:52--This Silicon Valley model of entrepreneurship is not working for everyone and it’s not helping build a stronger middle class

22:05--Every country has its unique challenges when it comes to innovation and wealth building

31:50--Venn diagram that shows us the four major quadrants for finding our purpose

36:50--After one personal transformation, Alex discusses his even more powerful one in Columbia, a “deep spiritual rebirth”

45:45--Alex discusses, Unstoppable, a book that is “saving him now”

Subscribe on Apply iTunes.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Find us on Twitter @big_self and at the Big Self Community on Facebook.