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427: Eat Your Feelings - A Cooking Show Demonstrating True Connection, Featuring Sam Nathews   Highlights from the show: Sam initially wasn't sure about cohosting the show with Cory! He can be shy about performing or entertaining people he just met. It didn't take long to realize how grateful he was that Cory was persistant in starting the project and about Sam joining the show. Sam shared how the show helped him process his grief over losing his mother, and how being able to talk openly about his emotions has been healing for him. He emphasized the importance of normalizing vulnerability, especially for men. The Eat Your Feelings show's format of transitioning between lighthearted cooking and deeper emotional discussions resonates with Sam because he sees it as reflective of the ups and downs of real life. Sam has been touched by the feedback from viewers (and the show's crew!) who say the show has helped them feel less alone in their own struggles and given them permission to be open about their feelings. Sam hopes the show can continue to provide a model for men to be vulnerable and support each other, especially in smaller, rural communities where that may not come as naturally. He sees it as an important service the show provides. Quotes: "...especially when you're in the midst of raw, sudden, super traumatic grief, a lot of the feelings and thoughts that come up can make you feel like this is not normal." "...we've all cried together. We've all laughed together, we've all burnt the skin off the roof of our mouth together, and it's really, it's just been a really fulfilling thing because of the relationships that we've gotten out of that and the personal growth I've seen ... with the crew on the show..." "...the tagline of our show is 'everybody's got to eat and everybody's got sh*t to go through." "...I think the feedback that I've gotten ...is 'thank you guys for talking about this stuff and just showing that it's okay for two guys to talk about hard things and what you're feeling and making it normal that it's okay to feel these things.'" --- About Sam: Sam Nathews is a brand strategist and storyteller, and the co-creator of Eat Your Feelings, a conversation series that blends food, humor, and emotional honesty. With a background in building brands and campaigns, Sam is interested in what happens when we drop polish and talk about the stuff we're usually taught to hide. He lives in Virginia with his wife, son, and golden retriever and believes some of the best conversations happen in the kitchen. Be sure to check out Sam's Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. As well as Eat Your Feelings on Youtube and Instagram. --- About Sarah Sarah is a Montana based workplace communication trainer, TEDx speaker, DisruptHR speaker, public speaking coach, professional storyteller, musician, and podcast host. Her workshops and coaching packages with teams and their leaders are known to address and reduce miscommunication – the most common cause of tension and stress in the workplace. Using the team's results from the StrengthsFinder assessment, she guides teams in learning to speak each other's "language", learning to value each other's strengths and connecting with each other through enhanced self-reflection and effective listening.  Sarah's nearly 20 years working in government agencies inspired her to complete her MBA and to achieve her StrengthsFinder certification to improve work environments for others, guiding teams toward increased satisfaction, productivity, and happiness. Visit her website to purchase her book, Your Stories Don't Define You in paperback or audiobook.

426: Ending the Cycle of Family Trauma Featuring Sharon Weinstein "How did you ever come out of that household? How did you ever evolve into who you are and what you've become from that background?" We met in Washington DC at the final competition for the People's Choice speaker for the next TEDxUStreetWomen event scheduled on November 3, 2025. And when she won the coveted spot, all of us were thrilled. She earned it. In this episode we discussed her TEDx talk, "Think Differently to be Unstoppable", the use of the 4W framework to reframe personal trauma into recovery and growth. She shared insightful, powerful stories of how she modeled what she wanted to see in her children and family to end the cycle of family trauma. We also discussed her new book, Harmony by Design, replacing the concept of balance with a work and life integration. If you're curious to hear the story of that 18-month competition, listen to episode 421 featuring Kuti Mack. Highlights: 4W Framework Where am I? Assess your current reality, take inventory with honesty and clarity. What if...? Brainstorm different approaches and potential outcomes. What WOWs? Identify ideal outcomes given current resources. What is the best case scenario? What works? Find sustainable, repeatable solutions. Take small steps. Sharon's soccer story, choosing to start an adult women's league without any experience, so her children could see her trying something uncomfortable and new, and so she could be more aware of what her children were experiencing. Quote:  "...And sometimes the biggest question that I get from them is, 'how did you ever come out of that household? How did you ever evolve into who you are and what you've become from that background?' They say it to me all the time. 'Are you sure you weren't adopted?'" Watch Sharon's recently published TEDx! About Sharon: A global nursing leader, TEDx speaker, and advocate for personal transformation who empowers others to rethink what's possible and turn adversity into strength. A Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), she's an award-winning healthcare innovator and author. Founder of SMW Group and the #FromCrisistoCapacity framework, she develops nurse leaders and strengthens teams and organizations through resilience, stress reduction, and human performance. Visit, follow, and connect: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, website. --- About Sarah Sarah is a Montana based workplace communication trainer, TEDx speaker, DisruptHR speaker, public speaking coach, professional storyteller, musician, and podcast host. Her workshops and coaching packages with teams and their leaders are known to address and reduce miscommunication – the most common cause of tension and stress in the workplace. Using the team's results from the StrengthsFinder assessment, she guides teams in learning to speak each other's "language", learning to value each other's strengths and connecting with each other through enhanced self-reflection and effective listening.  Sarah's nearly 20 years working in government agencies inspired her to complete her MBA and to achieve her StrengthsFinder certification to improve work environments for others, guiding teams toward increased satisfaction, productivity, and happiness. Visit her website to purchase her book, Your Stories Don't Define You in paperback or audiobook.

In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Matthew Johnson discuss their work in their communities, from work with the city to their own personal endeavours as well as how this work helps the community grow and retain the character that makes it unique.   Highlights Why education in a community is important and how it has the potential to connect us. Loving to serve. Lead as those you look up to lead.    Quotes "It's a delicate balance between community growth and character, because both are necessary." "People don't always know what questions to ask to even begin to find the answers they're looking for." "It's good honest work."   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I'm curious to hear how you interact with your municipality? Do you notice the fine tuning going on in your local government and the facilitation work that goes on between the staff and your elected officials? Are you even paying attention to this because it matters. You may not have alot of control over statewide or  national government agencies and issues but in your little community, even a big community, you have something to contribute.    And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Matthew Matthew Johnson is a city manager with 25 years of experience working at the intersection of leadership, public service, and communication. He helps leaders navigate difficult conversations when stakes are high and tensions are rising, especially in the complex environment of local government. Drawing from his real-world experience managing relationships between elected officials, staff, and the public, Matthew shares practical strategies that help leaders stay calm, communicate clearly, and turn disagreement into productive dialogue. Be sure to check out Matthew's LinkedIn!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

424 The Art of Story Making and Being Present   In today's episode Sarah Elkins talks about her recent vacation and the reminder to remember a past lesson from her son about learning from your past regrets and choosing to live in the moment instead of allowing expectations or worries for the future to take away from the joy of the present.     Highlights Being present for the stories you want to share. Learn to just go with the flow and to take ownership of your own happiness. Don't grieve for the future, instead live for the present. It will still hurt regardless, but to build the happy memories right now can help ease your regrets later.   Quotes "When I'm fully present, I am making stories that I want to share later." "We must stop focusing on death as a medical concern. Death is a human matter, one that each of us will eventually face." "How many of us are so busy worrying about what our loved ones are forgetting, that we lose track of enjoying the time we still have together?"   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What are expectations you're holding on to that need to be released? What is something you're grieving before it's gone? Maybe you're experiencing a lot of last times with your high school senior; The last game, the last packed lunch, the last ride to school, and you're grieving before they've actually left the house.  Maybe it's a good time to think of the other side of the equation too. Like the first time your kid buys their own toothpaste or toilet paper, the first time your kid calls you from their first apartment or dorm room. The first time you hear your kid say, "Hey mom, you were right about-"   I'd love to hear your thoughts about finding the strength to enjoy the present moment. To avoid future regret by attaching too much expectations to a person or an event.        And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

423 We Need Each Other   In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Cory Brown discuss their ideas and the influences in their lives that they have had that gave them the push to act on their ideas or to think them through, as well as the importance of putting something into the world that will make a genuine authentic change.    Highlights Eat your feelings, coming together over a meal to discuss your feelings.  The importance of mental health and reaching out to others for their sake and our own.  You must be the one to take the first step to make a change.  What can you put into the world to make others feel less alone and begin to heal?   Quotes "I would do anything I can to help you, but you got to take that first step." "Over these past few years I've kind of  let myself be okay with being emotional. Because I was like, "how can I help people think about these stigmas and try to find these breakthroughs if I'm not willing to do it myself?"."    Dear Listeners it is now your turn, Cory mentioned that there was a point in his career where he hit a level of success where he knew that there was something more out there and he chose to serve, and he didn't know what that would look like at the time but he came up with this idea and almost didn't activate on it, until somebody said; "Get off your ass and do something. Stop talking about it, and do something."  Now you know listeners, I am a Gallup certified Strengths Finder Coach. One of the things that I've found when using any kind of assessment tool, is that we need to surround ourselves with people who have different talents than we have, for exactly this reason. Everyone who is quiet and talks a lot about things and does a lot of research, has a best friend or partner that activates them. That says; "We're gonna go get out of the house, come with me.", "I'm gonna go do this, come with me." And each of us that has more of the action behind us, we need those friends that do the research first and help us set up for success. So I encourage you, look for your personal board of directors. Those people who will help you take action or help you think through before you take action. Those people who are 'get shit done' people, and those people who are ideators and big-picture and lovingly relationship building people. We need each other and this is a perfect example.    And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Cory Cory Brown is a veteran, strategist, and creator focused on helping people reconnect with themselves and one another through honest conversation. After more than sixteen years of military service, including a combat deployment to Iraq, Cory experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to talk about mental health in ways that feel human rather than clinical. He is the founder of Eat Your Feelings, a cooking-centered storytelling project that uses food as a doorway to deeper conversations about resilience, identity, and care. Cory's professional background spans research, strategy, and leadership, but his current work sits at the intersection of service, storytelling, and creating spaces where people feel safe enough to be real. Whether in a kitchen or a boardroom, Cory believes how we tell our stories shapes how we understand ourselves and each other. Be sure to check out Cory's LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube! As well as his website Eat Your Feelings Show! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

422 Experience Awe   The natural world is one of few places in the world where we can truly feel at peace. Whether it be to get away from the hustle and bustle of life, or even just to get away from all the screens and pollution, we can find a moment to center ourselves and find genuine awe in the world.  In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Thomas Reed discuss the importance of the natural world, finding awe, how we talk to ourselves, as well as finding our own courage to seek the paths that call to us.   Highlights How we interact with the natural world around us. The importance of positive Self Talk.  Beauty of the natural world and its importance to the human psyche.  Where is the one place you can go to that turns off the chatter in your head?   Quotes "I don't know if it was a choice or it was just being me." "Use me as your inspiration, that you don't need inspiration."   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What will you do to experience awe? I am going to give you one chore, one piece of homework, one suggestion at the end of this episode, is to find an opportunity to experience awe. That could be watching your child do something for the first time, and have them be very proud of themselves. I can tell you I had many of those experiences while my boys were growing up and they had a realization as basic as finding their own thumb when they were infants. There's a sense of awe when you watch other people experience awe or when you experience that sense of awe about another person, like this Chinese woman from a small village that decided to go experience what she did. Experience Awe, go hug a tree, go stand in front of a man made bridge that is inspiring for its unlikeliness, for the fact that somebody had to create that, watch that daffodil start to bloom and realize you didn't have to do a thing to it to make it show up in all it's full color.  Find awe, remember it, and consider that desire to find awe, your connection to the natural world and your humanity.         And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Thomas I studied photography at Rutgers University as a Geography student. Major influences have been Ansel Adams, Edgar Payne, and the Hudson River School. Zen sensibilities profoundly influence my compositions, as I am a student of Japanese martial arts and aesthetics (chado). Black and white is my genre My work is centered on the experience of awe at the sight of a landscape, and I hope it leads to the consideration that nature itself is divine, sacred, and that stewardship, as opposed to the dominant utilitarian view, is the only sane attitude. Be sure to check out Thomas's Facebook, his Photos, LinkedIn, and Instagram! As well as Peak Wellness, his website Tom Reed, and his books at Tom Reed Books!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

421 The Lives We Live In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Kuti Mack discuss their unique experiences in being selected for a TED talk, the process in getting to their own important story they needed to tell, as well as the people who supported them along the way.   Highlights The benevolence of somebody else and admitting when you need help going hand in hand with not assuming people are capable when in reality they need help. Knowing we are all human and we all need somebody to lean on and to let ourselves lean on others as well.  You need to try things out of your comfort zone in order to grow.  Even if you're nervous, even if you're scared, do it anyway.   Quotes "There is still a self belief that you have to have to believe that you can do these things." "Having them understand that you don't have to be a great speaker, as a matter of fact when you are a little tense or nervous, just that that little bit of vulnerability is probably going to fly so well for your talk."     Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What is one thing you've been wanting to do that you've been hesitant to do? What is one thing that when you think about if you have the right people in your circle that could support you in your goal, in your idea in sharing something important to you. What is that? And I really encourage you to think about what your idea would be if you were to share something on a stage, like a TEDx stage. What do you bring that's unique? What are your talents? What matters deeply to you, deeply enough to put yourself in this extremely uncomfortable position? Stretch out of that comfort zone, reach out to either Kuti or me and we will gladly share our experiences directly and offer whatever we can to help you try to do that next big thing because the people that you surround yourself with are either your greatest assets or your biggest liability.            And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Kuti From selling millions of records to pushing kale juice, KUTImack. is a master of reinvention and the living proof of his Be Your Best Daily[image] philosophy. A former top music executive turned sought-after personal trainer, nutrition expert, and TEDx speaker, he turns complex science into simple, actionable strategies that transform wellness and productivity peaks. Creator of the 6-Week SuperYou[image] and BYBD™. Bedtime Blueprint, he's earned the nicknames "Fitness Philosopher" and "Rockstar Professor" for his unique ability to fuse entertainment-world experience with science-backed inspiration that connects with every audience member. Be sure to check out his Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram! Also be sure to watch Kuti's TEDx Talk, 6 Week Super You, and his Speaker Site KUTImack! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

420 Ted Talks: Let's Start Sharing Stories   In today's episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on her preparations for her Ted Talk, as well as seeing the need that had to be filled, and how she is filling that need in society with clarity and authenticity.    Highlights Seeing a problem and figuring out how you can fix it.  Let your ideas loose in the world, you never know who needs to hear it.  Bring yourself to whatever you do and good will follow.    Quotes "The answer wasn't to explain away what was happening." "I realized I wasn't just there to give a talk. I was there to bring who I am, and all of my strengths and all of my weaknesses."   Be sure to watch Sarah's TedTalk!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

419 Strength In Storytelling   Our stories are woven into our very being, they are what make us who we are and how we show others who we are and what we are the best at.  In today's episode Sarah Elkins discusses the many iterations of her business, her newest book, and the power that lies in the art of storytelling.    Highlights Improving satisfaction and skills in yourself and others. Core values and skills shown through our own stories. Our stories affect those around us in unseen physical and emotional ways.    Quotes "Your strengths are your stories." "That's the thing about our stories, even when we're not consciously aware of it we learn alot about eachother."   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, Have you always known the power of sharing personal stories to connect with people or is this a turning point for you in that recognition? Do you have trouble thinking of the right stories to share or do you always have a few go to options ready? You may not realize this but when you're present in your life, you make sharable stories every single day. I'd love to hear what resonated with you on this week's episode, please send me a message via email, Instagram, or LinkedIn to let me know.   And, as always, thank you for listening.  About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

418 Mindful Presence   Being mindful of our presence in the lives around us is an integral part of the human experience, whether it be for our own personal comfort and growth or to ease the lives of those around us. Though we all have our own unique reasoning and paths to walk, it is important to remember we don't have to travel alone and by working together we can all get to the finish line. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Renée Smith discuss the importance of community in becoming the best version of yourself as well as the importance of developing our problem solving skills to always be able to take action.   Highlights There is no linear path, take your time and find your own. Connecting with strangers through lived experience. Teaching others your toolset and learning others toolset so that everyone succeeds.     Quotes "Being able to be present with them in a trusting way." "A problem is a gap between where you are now and where you want to be." "Maybe you don't have what you need to take action." Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I'm really curious to hear what was sticky for you in today's conversation. Whether you're thinking now about your presence, about how you demonstrate love and support and care for people especially those that are strangers, those that you might disagree with. I know how hard it can be, how challenging it is to feel love for people that have different perspectives than us right now, more than ever before. And I'm here to say that if you can allow that open moment where you express your own experience and they hear it and that you are sharing this to connect with them and not to change their mind, this leaves the door open for them to carry that forward.         And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Renée Renée Smith, MSOD (she/her) is the strategist leaders turn to when they want to make their workplace more loving and human. As the creator of Love-Centered Leadership and the Human Workplace EX Roadmap, she helps people and results rise together. The founder and CEO of the consultancy, A Human Workplace, and the non-profit Center for a Loving Workplace, Renée promotes loving workplace cultures, primarily through research, education, impact projects. She led award-winning culture work as a state executive and served in the Governor's Office as Director of Workplace Transformation for the State of Washington. Smith is a researcher, writer, and speaker who's reached hundreds of audiences in eleven countries, making the business case for love. She earned a Master of Science in Organization Development from Pepperdine University and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from the University of Washington. She lives in Tacoma with her husband Jim in a multi-generational household with her son and his family. When she is not traveling, she enjoys sculling on the Puget Sound, watercolor painting, and hosting dinner parties. Be sure to check out Renée's LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! As well as Loving Workplace, Renée Smith Speaks, and A Human Workplace! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

417 Being Fully Present   Being present for those in your life can be a difficult matter at times, yes we can be in the same room as them, but it is far more meaningful to be there for them emotionally which can triple the difficulty of a situation. Which is why it is important to take a step back and to take stock of your emotions before responding, so that you can be your best self and not one that lectures or reacts with anger. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Phil Friedman discuss the importance of patience, empathy, and seeking one's one fulfillment in life that is not tied to a career nor who we associate ourselves with.    Highlights Do you tie your identity to others? At times, understanding and gentleness is far better than a lecture.  Are you an observer of your own life? How do you treat yourself when you aren't at your best?  How do you find satisfaction day to day?   Quotes "It's one thing to observe emotion in somebody else, for me I can't observe it that same way in myself." "There are so many things to write about and so little time." "If I worried about everything that could go wrong, since half of the things that could go wrong don't go wrong, then I'll spend my life being worried about things that half the time will never happen."    Dear Listeners it is now your turn, When have you had an experience where you didn't recognize your emotion until after the fact? Is there something you can do, a strategy you can use to try to be more aware in the moment of where your emotions are coming from? Maybe it's an angry reaction, an angry response to something that should have been a more empathetic response, but in the moment you were fearful for the safety or the health of the person in front of you.  And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Phil As a former university professor and college instructor, I spent years helping students think clearly and write with purpose. I also created and led North America's first fully certified two-year post-secondary program in boatbuilding and boatyard management, experience that honed my skills in curriculum design, educational program development, and mentoring learners at every stage. . Alongside my teaching, I've written, edited, and published more than 2,000 feature articles for major print and digital media channels. That experience helps me guide writers not just to overcome resistance, but also to approach their craft with the mindset and skills that lead to real publication. . My coaching style is supportive and judgment-free. I meet writers where they are and help them silence their inner critic, build strong writing habits, and trust their unique voice. Whether you're writing for personal fulfillment, launching a blog, or aiming to get published, I'll help you take the next step with clarity and confidence. During 30+ years in the marine industry, I've worn numerous hats — as a marine marketer and ghost writer, boating magazine writer/editor, yacht designer, boatbuilder, marine operations and business manager, marine industry consultant, yacht surveyor, and industry educator. I'm also trained and experienced in interest-based negotiation, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution for parties in the marine business sector. In a prior life, I taught logic and philosophy at university. Be sure to check out Phil's LinkedIn and Facebook! As well as Port Royal Group, Port Royal Marketing, and Social Philosophy and The Art of Boatbuilding!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

416 The Right Tool For The Right Job   Having the necessary toolset to build others and yourself up is something most of us continue to build and collect our entire lives. How we choose to interact with another, how we teach, learn, and grow with them is how we hone these tools in order to achieve excellence in our chosen life.  In today's episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on one of her former students, and how the lessons and tools she's experienced now have made her a better advisor and teacher, by taking into account everyone's personalized skillset.    Highlights Applying new understanding of the tools you've collected to help others and yourself.  Everyone has different talents, which is why it is so important to learn to work with them as opposed to against them. ADKAR and Strengths Finder working hand in hand to create meaningful change.   Quotes "The thing is my talents are the opposite to the ones I'm describing here so if I want to teach someone or help them move through the ADKAR change framework, I have to meet them where they are, I have to be able to speak their language." "If we can learn to bring people along for the ride with these tools; Strengths Finder and ADKAR, we can move forward into that uncertainty with improved and inspired resilience, persistence, and grit."   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, Are you curious to learn more about this ADKAR Framework and the layering nuance of Strengths Finder for individual and institutional change? Check out Episode 407 featuring Rachel Bohns, and send me your questions and ideas that pop into your head I'd love to hear from you.   And, as always, thank you for listening.  About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

415 Striving For Excellence   When was the last time you took a moment to truly acknowledge just how far you've come and the work you have done to get to this point? No exceptions, no talking down about your accomplishments, just true and genuine acceptance of how amazing you are because of how hard you have worked. Perfection is impossible, but Excellence is achievable. We can always improve, but we must also acknowledge and sit with how well we have done to get to this moment.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Anne Catherine discuss the importance of art and the soul, the necessity of knowing when we are truly excellent, and to encourage it in others and ourselves.   Highlights What super power are you hiding? What is the art you practice that you don't often think is art? Are you coloring in someone else's lines or your own? Letting go of perfection and striving for excellence.  What was the last thing you were really proud of? No buts.   Quotes "It's funny because I didn't study art or anything right? My medium is paint, of all sorts so I could say I'm a painter, but I never started. I always went straight to artist because I think it's in your soul, it doesn't matter even when I do science, I assemble molecules. There's an art to that. That's what felt right to me, I never defined myself as a painter even though that's my medium for traditional art as we would say so."     "You don't have to pick, you can be all the things that your heart desires." "I don't want to color in someone else's lines anymore."   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What will you do with your insights from this conversation? Will you choose to color out of the lines or to make your own lines? Will you choose to simply color within those lines just to express your own need for color for some form of relaxing, because it can be a great tool. But if you are driven, if you are compelled to stop coloring inside someone else's lines, I want to know what that looks like for you.   And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Anne Catherine Anne-Catherine is a French-Canadian PhD chemist and abstract artist whose work invites people to reclaim their wholeness. She bridges two worlds that rarely meet: science and art. What started as a personal outlet became a transformative practice that helped her process emotions beyond the reach of language. This shaped her belief that creative expression can regulate the nervous system and reconnect us with the parts of ourselves we tend to silence. Through her brand Labcoat & Leggings, she explores the intersection of scientific themes and bold creative freedom. As a scientist and a mother, she has witnessed how often women in STEM hide parts of themselves to navigate spaces not designed for them. Her work is about reclaiming what we mute and showing what it looks like when someone leads with honesty and humanity in a way that makes the world more welcoming and inclusive for all. Be sure to check out Anne's LinkedIn and Instagram! And be sure to check out her website Labcoat & Leggings!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

414 Following Your Own Star   There comes a time in our lives where we need to stop and take stock of what we want to do next and our next steps in getting there. Perhaps it's more than just one thing, perhaps you're just floating through life trying to figure out what to do next, or perhaps you think this goal is too lofty despite all your hard work. Which is why it is so important to take all you know about others and yourself and apply it to whatever comes next. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Professor KD Frick discuss the importance of that specific personal growth, as well as the importance of believing in others and yourself even when you aren't sure where your own star is leading you, and especially to greet the world with open arms.   Highlights Finding the right words for where you are in your life right now.  Leading with compassion and empathy. Position yourself to be able to understand.  Don't immediately dismiss someone, you never know where their combined ideas may lead. Everyone has their own North Star they follow.   Quotes "Empathy leads to approachability." "Look as long as I'm here and unless you tell me otherwise, I'm planning on reading names. Because it's the last connection students have with us."    Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What did you hear in this conversation that struck you as something that resonated? Maybe it was about not knowing what you want to do next, maybe it was I do know what I want to do next but I'm not being consistent enough to make it happen. I am so curious to hear your thoughts, please share them either in the comments or wherever you see this shared or send me an email.  And, as always, thank you for listening.    About KD KD Frick was originally trained as a health economist and began a career at Johns Hopkins as a faculty member at the Bloomberg School of Public Health; after a bit more than sixteen years in that role, with responsibilities like associate department chair and faculty senate president, a move was made to the Carey Business School as vice dean for education. The eight and one-half years spent in that role were a time of growth and expansion of opportunity. With colleagues encouraging a return to research, challenging decisions around COVID, a focus on ranking academic programs that was not of interest, and a lack of visible opportunities for advancement in administration, a decision was made to return to just a faculty role. The result has been great fulfillment, a change in teaching, and a focus on leading by teaching others to lead artisnally toward aspirational narratives for themselves and those they are developing. There is still room for work on the economics of eye care where Professor Frick has the opportunity to apply the leading with values approach that is taught in the classroom. Be sure to check out Professor Frick's LinkedIn, thoughts on tHERSday newsletter, as well as Business and Economics of Eye Care and Health!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

413 Love, Connection, Belonging, and Comfort Zones    It's easy to forget to take care of the many facets of our health in a world obsessed with value and progress. We forget to care for our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health in ways that dramatically affect us in the long run, which is why it is vital for us to sit down and take stock of our health and to take the time to tend to our own needs. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Kevin Strauss discuss the importance of connection, comfort zones, boundaries, love, and how important it is to ourselves as humans.      Highlights Emotional, physical, and spiritual health and what the differences are.  How we learn and how it shapes us into who we are.  Identifying your comfort zone so you feel safe stepping into your stretch zone. Taking care of every aspect of your health so that you can operate perfectly. Quit trying to distract, soothe, or numb yourself to your needs. Take the time to properly address them so that you can be a truly healthy and functional person.  What is your reference for comfort?   Quotes "There is no right or wrong or better or worse way, it's just that this is how we are operating in the world and this is how we learn." "Value in our brain translates to love, and that's really an emotional health need. So we're try to feel more valuable, because value equals love in our brain."  "We try to show our value, that we are worthy of love, but it's never enough. It never soothes, we always need more, more, more, because we aren't addressing the real problem. And the real problem is we don't feel love just for who we are." "How many people on the planet are actively, intentionally, daily, practicing love and connection?"    Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I'm going to ask you to define your comfort zone. Consider a moment in time when you felt truly comfortable, loved, safe, supported, just like when I stood in my doorway and saw my children in the room, and thought "If that's not nice, then what is?"  Find a handful of moments like that in your life, define what it felt like, because once you have that foundation, you can step out of it.  And, as always, thank you for listening.  Mentioned in this episode  The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter   About Kevin Kevin R. Strauss is the CEO of Uchi, a platform built on one simple truth — everything feels possible when you know someone has your back, every day. With 30 years in human behavior, innovation, and wellness, Kevin focuses on solving long-standing problems with simple solutions. His career began in biomedical engineering, earning more than 75 patents and multiple publications, but his deeper passion has always been understanding people and why we behave the way we do. Through Uchi, Kevin helps families, schools, workplaces, and communities create stronger relationships so people can do better together. He's also the author of Innovate The 1% and host of the Question It podcast. Outside of work, Kevin is a 24-year, injury-free Ironman Triathlete, expedition backpacker, and award-winning ballroom dancer. Be sure to check out Kevin's LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook! As well as his website, Kevin R Strauss, his Youtube, and Uchi Connections! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!