Ruthless Compassion with Dr. Marcia Sirota

Florence Ann Romano is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and author, known for her ability to cultivate meaningful connections. She is passionate about helping others create their own community to be seen, heard, and understood. As an acclaimed author, Florence Ann's insights are captured in her book, Build Your Village: A Guide to Finding Joy and Community in Every Stage of Life (Beyond Words), which has been celebrated as a top 10 in its category. Her expertise and charismatic delivery have earned her features across over 500 national and local media outlets across the country, including SHERRI, ABC/CBS/ NBC and FOX TV affiliates, Home & Family, Forbes Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and more. She is also currently a regular expert on over 10 national TV affiliates across America! Website: https://florenceann.com/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/florenceann.romano Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlorenceARomano/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/florenceannromano/

Gayle Kirschenbaum is an Emmy-winning filmmaker, photographer, writer, and coach. Her film LOOK AT US NOW, MOTHER! premiered on Netflix and has been credited with transforming lives. Her TED talk is "No More Drama with Mama." Gayle co-authored MILDRED'S MINDSET: WISDOM FROM A WOMAN CENTENARIAN with her mother, centenarian influencer Mildred Kirschenbaum. Gayle's memoir, BULLIED TO BESTIES: A DAUGHTER'S JOURNEY TO FORGIVENESS, is now available. Publisher's Weekly calls it "a mesmeric memoir... more than a story of trauma–riveting and beautifully wrought." Learn more: @glkirschenbaum https://www.gaylekirschenbaum.com/bullied-to-besties

ROBERT J. COPLAN, PhD, is a psychology, researcher, teacher, and author who has been studying solitude for more than thirty years. He is a Chancellor's Professor in the Department of Psychology at Carleton University. Over the course of his career, he has extensively explored the costs and benefits of spending time alone among children, adolescents, and adults. He is the author of the recently published book "The Joy of Solitude: How to Reconnect with Yourself in an Overconnected World". Learn more: Website: https://robertcoplan.com/ Twitter/x: @rjcoplan, https://x.com/rjcoplan/ LinkedIn: Robert Coplan, www.linkedin.com/in/robert-coplan-6a9495270 New book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Joy-of-Solitude/Robert-J-Coplan/9781668053423

Diane Dreher, PhD, is the author of eight nonfiction books including the best-selling Tao of Inner Peace and her new book, Pathways to Inner Peace. She is an award-winning university professor and positive psychology researcher whose work on hope has been recognized internationally. Her books, workshops, and webinars blend the wisdom of the past with powerful strategies from contemporary psychology and neuroscience to help us meet the challenges of our time with greater courage, creativity, and hope. Diane's books have been translated into ten languages and her work has been featured in USA Today, Entrepreneur, Redbook, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Science of Mind, radio and TV talk shows, podcasts, webinars, and web sites on leadership and personal growth. She has a Ph.D. in Renaissance English literature from UCLA as well as a master's degree in counseling, and is a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation. Her research on positive psychology and hope has been published online and in academic books and journals. Diane is currently professor emeritus and associate director of the Applied Spirituality Institute at Santa Clara University and a lecturer in the Positive Psychology Guild in the United Kingdom. https://www.dianedreher.com/

Stephen Marche is a novelist and essayist, and the author of, among other works, On Writing and Failure and The Next Civil War. He has written features and essays for The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Atlantic, Esquire, The Walrus and many others. He has collaborated with artificial intelligence on the first AI-generated novel reviewed in The New York Times, Death of an Author. His most recent novel, The Last Election, was co-written with Andrew Yang. @stephenmarche His website: https://www.stephenmarche.com/ His podcast: Gloves Off with Stephen Marche (https://shows.acast.com/gloves-off)

Todd Smith is the creator of one of the most popular podcasts for Highly Sensitive People. He's helped hundreds of HSPs break free from chronic stress and emotional overload using a powerful inquiry-based process that brings lasting peace—without needing the world around you to change. Website: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ Instagram: hspcoachtodd (https://www.instagram.com/hspcoachtodd/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HSPStressManagement/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theworkasmeditation Podcast: Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People HSP Stress Test at https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ HSP Inner Freedom Program at https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ PROMO: Listeners a 10% discount on the HSP Inner Freedom program if they mention the Ruthless Compassion podcast.

We've reached an amazing milestone: our 200th episode of the Ruthless Compassion podcast! Dr. Robert A. Neimeyer is a luminary in the field of psychology, particularly in the areas of death, grief, and loss. As Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Memphis, Dr. Neimeyer's contributions to research and practice have been nothing short of transformative. With 37 books and over 600 articles to his name, he has been included in Stanford University/Elsevier's list of the Top 2% of Scientists in the world for advancing our understanding of grieving as a meaning-making process and its profound implications for human experience. Dr. Neimeyer's dedication to education is evident in his role as the Director of the Portland Institute for Loss and Transition, where he continues to mentor and inspire future generations of grief therapists. His leadership in the field has also found expression in his service as President of the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) and Chair of the International Work Group on Death, Dying and Bereavement (AWG). His accolades, including multiple awards from ADEC, the International Network of Personal Meaning, the Viktor Frankl Association, and the American Psychological Association among others, attest to the sustained impact of his work on the field. Today, we are privileged to benefit from Dr. Neimeyer's wisdom as he shares his expertise with us. www.portlandinstitute.org New book: Living Beyond Loss: Questions and Answers about Grief and Bereavement (https://www.routledge.com/Living-Beyond-Loss-Questions-and-Answers-About-Grief-and-Bereavement/Neimeyer/p/book/9780367143480) Use discount code ADC25 for 30% off and free shipping on routledge.com

Ira Chaleff (Chay-leff) is an author, speaker and executive coach in the greater Washington, DC area. • His extensive experience with government includes directing the non-partisan Congressional Management Foundation, where he is now Chair Emeritus. • Ira co-authored the original handbook for new Members of Congress, now in its nineteenth edition, and facilitated over a hundred congressional office retreats on both sides of the political aisle • He has led and participated in Democracy strengthening programs in Asia, West Africa and Eastern Europe. • His classic book, The Courageous Follower: Standing Up To and For Our Leaders, and his award winning book Intelligent Disobedience: Doing Right When What You're Told To Do Is Wrong, were translated into multiple languages including Russian and Chinese. • He has spoken on these topics at the the US Naval Academy, the US State Department, the Royal Military Academy, the European Commission, and too many others to list. • Ira was named one of the top 100 "Best Minds on Leadership" by Leadership Excellence magazine and a pioneer in the emerging field of Followership Studies. • His newest book, To Stop a Tyrant: The Power of Political Followers, has won several awards and received high praise from both sides of the political spectrum. Website: https://irachaleffauthor.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/feathermaid Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irachaleff/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irachaleffauthor

Dr. Eugene Lipov is a leading expert in treating posttraumatic stress and the pioneer of using Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) to alleviate PTSD symptoms. Inspired by his own family’s struggles with trauma, he has dedicated his career to restoring hope for those affected. In 2006, he adapted SGB—an FDA-approved procedure since the 1970's for pain and circulation disorders—as a breakthrough PTSD treatment, later developing the Dual Sympathetic Reset (DSR) protocol for even greater relief. Beyond his clinical innovations, Dr. Lipov is a relentless advocate for redefining PTSD as post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) to reduce stigma and shift public understanding. He has testified in 2010 before the U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, collaborated with global military and medical communities, and published extensively in leading medical journals. His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Fox National News and NBC, underscoring his mission to make effective, science-backed trauma treatments accessible worldwide. Website: dreugenelipov.com Website: thegodshotbook.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugenelipov/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dreugenelipov Instagram: dreugenelipov (https://www.instagram.com/dreugenelipov/) His book: thegodshotbook.com is being released February 17th, 2026.

NICK BRANCATO is a seasoned personal development coach and educator with over 25 years of experience helping individuals and couples connect, communicate, and thrive. With a master's degree in education and a background as a Microsoft systems engineer, Nick blends practical tools with data-driven frameworks to guide clients through life's challenges, including career shifts, financial pressures, and personal growth. Nick's holistic process incorporates meditation, guided visualization, and hypnotherapy, emphasizing both emotional insight and actionable steps. By fostering deeper connections and mental clarity, Nick empowers couples to transform tension into trust and misalignment into mutual success, creating lasting, meaningful change in their relationships. Website: https://nickbrancato.com/ Instagram: @personaldevcoach (https://www.instagram.com/personaldevcoach/) His new book: "Prioritize Us: Unlock Lasting Love with One Simple, Proven Test" (https://a.co/d/82Ul7KS)

JONATHAN KEMP is a mental health advocate, entrepreneur, and creator of SmartWisdom, a scientifically validated note-taking technique. Born into privilege as the future 3rd Viscount Rochdale, he built careers in law enforcement and entrepreneurship and undertook postgraduate study, unaware that bipolar disorder, depression, and dyslexia were shaping his life. His mental illnesses were diagnosed aged 39, when he finally sought professional help. Jonathan won the British Dyslexia Association's 'Entrepreneur of the Year' award in 2011. Website: https://www.viscountrochdale.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathankemplondon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Jonathankemplondon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathankemplondon Forthcoming book: "FINDING PEACE OF MIND: An Inspirational Journey Through Bipolar, Depression, Addiction and Dyslexia"

Chelene Knight is the author of five books including Safekeeping: A Writer's Guided Journal For Launching a Book With Love (Anansi 2025), and Let It Go: Free Yourself From Old Beliefs and Find a New Path To Joy (HarperCollins Canada 2024). She is founder of her own holistic creative studio, Breathing Space Creative through which she's launched the BSC Bespoke Writing Mentorships which are thoughtfully designed to help writers elevate their craft, deepen their connection to who they are, while learning how to build a writerly ecosystem that over time, gives back to them emotionally and financially. www.breathingspacecreative.com Instagram: @breathingspacecreativestudio https://www.instagram.com/breathingspacecreativestudio/ Chelene's bespoke writing mentorships: "My 1:1 mentorship program is fully customized to each writer, diving deep into the craft of writing. We start by establishing your 'why,' your project's action, and your non-negotiables—giving you the clarity and confidence to move forward. While craft is a key focus, this mentorship goes beyond technique. It's about fostering a resilient, growth-oriented mindset so you can make aligned, intentional decisions about your creative life, while learning how to build a writerly ecosystem that over time, gives back to you emotionally and financially." https://breathingspacecreativeliterarystudio.hbportal.co/public/6574b2217ad8ec0023b33ca1/1-What_is_Mentorship

Dr. Ashley Potvin was drawn to the Crown Institute by the mission, approach to research, and the dedicated and amazing faculty and staff. She was eager to work in a community that strives to live out its commitments to collaboration, inclusiveness, and equity. She was also excited to collaborate with educators to think deeply about compassion and wellness in schools. Ashley has a PhD in Curriculum & Instruction from CU Boulder with a focus on research on teaching and teacher education. She also has an MEd in Secondary Education from Providence College. Prior to starting her PhD, Ashley was a middle and high school social studies teacher. She has experience supporting teachers in various roles as a curriculum leader, a coach, and a university instructor. Social Media Handles: Ashley's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aspotvin Renee Crown Social Media Website: https://www.colorado.edu/crowninstitute LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crowninstitutecu/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/crowninstitutecu Facebook: www.facebook.com/CrownInstituteCU Co-author of the new book "Creating Compassionate Change in School Communities: Leading Together to Address Everyday Suffering in Schools", available now from Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and wherever books are sold. (https://a.co/d/5OGc4o9)

David W. Brown's career reflects resilience and service. He began in 1980 at the Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois, earning the Navy League award and later graduating as honor student from Radarman School. He completed BUD/S training with class 115 and earned Army Airborne wings before serving in UDT-21 and SEAL Team 4 across multiple continents. After 1985, he taught Naval Aviation Water Survival and earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Troy State University. In 1987, David joined NCIS as a Special Agent, later holding leadership roles with the EPA's Criminal Investigation Division and the Department of Interior's OIG. Retiring as a Senior Executive after 35 years, he now lives in Sanford, Florida, and advocates for public safety. His education includes programs at the Center for Creative Leadership, the Federal Executive Institute, and Harvard's Kennedy School. New book titled, "And Goliath: The Littlest Navy SEAL's Inspirational Story About Living Your Biggest Life." Website: www.udtdave.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLittlestSEAL YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@udtdave Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/udtdave/ #udtdave

Dr. MaryCatherine McDonald is a researcher, author, and trauma expert who's been studying the mind's response to overwhelming experiences for 15 years. She holds a PhD, has written four books and over a dozen research articles, and specializes in reframing trauma through the lens of neurobiology, resilience, and empowerment. Her latest book, The Joy Reset, explores six barriers that block us from accessing joy - and how to get it back. Dr. McDonald blends science, storytelling, and deep compassion to help people reconnect with hope, healing, and their own inner strength. Learn more about Dr. MaryCatherine McDonald: TikTok: mc.phd (https://www.tiktok.com/@mc.phd ) Instagram: mc.phd (https://www.instagram.com/mc.phd/) Her latest book, The Joy Reset: Six Ways Trauma Steals Happiness and How to Win it Back.

**Thank you to this episode's guest, Benny of Muted Circus, for permission to use a clip of his song ("Wait for What") in this podcast episode. ** In the latest episode of the Ruthless Compassion podcast I speak with Benny, who makes music under the name Muted Circus. Benny is a trained musician (violin, viola, electric bass, guitar, etc.) and a graduate of the Berklee College of Music. After briefly touring with a Sony artist and seeing things from the inside he got disillusioned with music and set it aside completely to do other things. But when his artist father was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, music rushed back in. What started as one song led to two, which led to three, and on and on, which ended up becoming a 10 EP x 50 song cycle. Each song explores death, mourning, loss, and aging in its own way. Half instrumental, half vocal. Benny is gearing up to release the 10th and final EP of the Muted Circus project and is ready to share his story. You can check out his music on Spotify, YouTube, and Instagram. Listen to his song, "Wait for What" (discussed in this podcast). (https://open.spotify.com/track/07lyO9589z0elcgLg7alQr?si=7e9a6cb2d2194f4b) Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mutedcircus?igsh=MW52anUyczlwdHkzNg== Listen to his music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3BGFACqqp9d8Go9aGL26RZ?si=hb_76ZdtRvW949yeEGV2UA Check out The Starting Gun (Spotify Track) Instrumental Songs Collection (Spotify Playlist) *Permission granted by the artist to use a clip of his song ("Wait for What") in this podcast episode.*

A sociologist, psychotherapist and social worker, Ross Ellenhorn's work focuses on the importance of social worth and connections in psychiatric recovery. In 2002, he founded Ellenhorn, the robust program in the country serving individual experience extreme events of mind and mood outside of residential and hospital settings. In 2022, Ross co-founded CARDEA, a groundbreaking practice centered around psychedelics, assisting seeking to overcoming psychological anguish and individuals looking for greater awakening in their lives. He has published three books on Human behavior, the last, "Purple Crayons: The Art of Drawing a Life" by Harper Collins, explores the significance of play in modernity.

Julie Wignall received international acclaim for her trailblazing accomplishments in environmental practices, animal care, and leadership working with Mirage Resorts, a Fortune 500 company. Her unconventional career path has given her first-hand experience working with innovators in national politics, conservation, international business, television, and the arts. Along her unconventional journey, Julie encountered many remarkable people who, like her, had forged uncommon pathways to create meaningful change. Julie coined the term "Fireflies" to describe these visionaries: people you see beyond what is and take action to create a better reality. She shares her story and those of others in her multi award-winning book, The Extraordinary Power of Fireflies: How to Shine Your Light Brighter and Transform the World. Today, Julie is a sought-after consultant, workshop leader, coach, and speaker. She empowers changemakers with the tools to align with their purpose and amplify their impact as she shares what is possible when individuals harness their light to transform the world. Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExtraordinaryPowerofFireflies Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/extraordinarypoweroffireflies/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-wignall-38548668/ Multi award-winning book, "The Extraordinary Power of Fireflies: How to Shine Your Light Brighter and Transform the World" PROMO: Free download of "Flying Lessons for Fireflies" and Free discovery call, found at www.extraordinaryfireflies.com