Leading Human

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 ego9:55 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.

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.Timestamps2:16 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 life26:48 Now ask yourself these questions to help you find your purpose32:12 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.

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.TimestampsTimestamps2:25 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 Pillars15:09 Shelley talks about who the Big Self School is for18:26 We have 3 questions for you to think about this week. Here's question #1.22:28 Question #224:01 Question #3Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes.Subscribe on Spotify.Find us at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

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.Timestamps0:28 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 shadow11:05 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 questions24:09 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.

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 STAMPS0:21 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 agreement24:51 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.

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.Timestamps2:23 Marco shares how he landed in Chattanooga by way to Costa Rica5:33 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.

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 STAMPS2:21 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.

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 STAMPS1:03 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...

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.

Being an observer of your experienceCamille 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 STAMPS2:41 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 to43:50 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.

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.

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 STAMPS1:36 We ask Jena how she and her family are doing as they navigate their Covid-19 reality6:35 Jena tells us how Heal at Home Moms was born10:08 Jena describes some of the barriers she had to overcome in order to start her own business13:42 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-1922:44 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.

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.

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 STAMPS1:26 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.

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.

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 STAMPS2:21 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.

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.

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.”&nbsp;She is a certified Life and Weight Loss coach through The Life Coach School.She can be found at&nbsp;www.HabitsOnPurpose.com, in the physician only Better Habits Physician Group on FB:&nbsp;https://www.facebook.com/groups/2531244060443558/?ref=share&nbsp;or at&nbsp;[email protected] 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.&nbsp;On today’s episode she discusses&nbsp;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 Stamps2:26 Kristi talks about the Covid-19 climate in her region and practice as an OB-Gyn7:41 Kristi shares her journey to becoming a Physician11:13 We ask Kristi about her personal experience with burnout and how she found her way through it14:41 The stressors that followed Kristi on her move to Bend, Oregon and how she stumbled into life coaching18:55 Kristi tells us how she's integrated life coaching into her practice&nbsp;22:31 What Kristi would tell someone who is struggling with their drinking right now26:29 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 urge34:36 When we're unwinding ourselves from one habit should we always replace it with another? Kristi gives some great advice around this adage39:43 Kristi shares some advice about how to develop some structure and good habits during Covid-1946:09 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.<a...

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 STAMPS1:01 We kick off the podcast with Kenny telling us about his start in the music industry with the Warped Tour4:09 Kenny tells us about a phone call that changed the course of his career7:21 The interesting, non-traditional route that Kenny took to owning his design agency11:17 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 up19:28 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 business33:54 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 questionsSubscribe on Apply iTunes.Subscribe on Spotify.Find us on Twitter @big_self and at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

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.Timestamps2:08 "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 us21:29 A deeper look at the ABC method, a tool used to help people see how they form their beliefs about a situation27:26 Habits, motivation, willpower, processes...we talk about how all these pieces to the puzzle fit together33:07 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 overlap46:27 Tom gives some really valuable, tangible advice on the questions and we should be asking in a post-Coronavirus world57:11 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.

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.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!Timestamps:2:43 Allison wastes no time dishing out the wisdom about connecting mind and body7:07 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 isolation15:12 How a simple thought of gratitude allows Allison to be a little more okay with the unknown17:31 Allison shares about some transitions she's going through right now and how she overcomes limiting beliefs26:53 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 years33:34 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 means42:14 Allison answers our three Big Self QuestionsSubscribe on Apply iTunes.Subscribe on Spotify.Find us on Twitter @big_self and at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

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 being5:20 The experience that caused David to question his beliefs surrounding religion and explore other philosophies10:08 an objective look at Biology and science vs Mysticism14:52 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 professor20:31 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 Work32:37 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 world44:08 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.

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 lives7:30 The conundrum that is self-isolating9:20 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 together18:41 Chad shares a little about his big leap of faith and how he's intentionally building some habits23:35 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.

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.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. Time Stamps:2:26 Kaysie tells us about a turbulent time in her life and how she coped with it7:44 Kaysie shares about her childhood and the story of her parents going through addiction15:51 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 recovery27:09 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 gifts39:09 We have a conversation about what Big Self is really about42:37 The conversation delves for a moment into our Enneagram types46:06 Kaysie give some tips for creating a healing design in a home51:54 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.

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!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. Time Stamps:2:53 Matt tells us a little bit about himself and why he focused his medical practice on Musculoskeletal Medicine8:31 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 from18:29 An important distinction between stress and stressors22:54 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 disconnection41:58 How giving up the judgment lens and replacing it with a curiosity lens equals a growth mindset that can actually alter your physical health44:34 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 himSubscribe on Apply iTunes.Subscribe on Spotify.Find us on Twitter @big_self and at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

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." 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. 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 health14:04 Patricia talks about the role of valuing yourself in overcoming health challenges 18:23 The important distinction between self-care and self-indulgence21:35 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 whole38:50 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 guestsSubscribe on Apply iTunes.Subscribe on Spotify.Find us on Twitter @big_self and at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

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.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. Time Stamps:2:06: Hilarie shares a little about her personal history and the events that led her family to Chattanooga6:48: Hilarie tells us about how her career transitioned from Ethics and Policy Studies to Memory Keeping, Storytelling, and Personal Histories9:56: Hilarie shares a cool story about how her work benefitted a young woman going through a tough experience13:46: 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 kids21:41 We learn about the 20 "do you know" questions and what those questions indicate about how25:53: 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 family33:56 A discussion on feeling disconnected from family and ways that we can remedy this while staying authentic to ourselves40:17 Hilarie shares about her approach to strategic family planning43:22 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.

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.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. Time Stamps:2:58 Lakweshia tells us a little about herself and a life-changing event in her life5:57 Lakweshia shares what struggle in her life led to her developing her UNLEARN approach10:56 Lakweshia dives into the steps in her UNLEARNing process, describing each one by one17:50 Lakweshia teaches a great lesson on failure29:13 the conversation shifts to Lakweshia's work with organizations and the importance of knowing the history of that organization33:55 We dive into an enlightening conversation on the equity (or lack of equity) of self-care42:39 Our conversation shifts the idea of "community". What a loaded question we asked her!52:41 Hear what books are impacting Lakweshia right nowSubscribe on Apply iTunes.Subscribe on Spotify.Find us on Twitter @big_self and at the Big Self Community on Facebook.

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." 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. 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.

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. 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. 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 easier15:52--This Silicon Valley model of entrepreneurship is not working for everyone and it’s not helping build a stronger middle class22:05--Every country has its unique challenges when it comes to innovation and wealth building31:50--Venn diagram that shows us the four major quadrants for finding our purpose36:50--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.