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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Michelle Stinson Ross, Tina Schweiger, and Heather Hampton explore sadness - one of the most universally recognized yet complex emotions humans experience. The conversation examines how sadness differs from depression, the cumulative nature of unexpressed sadness, and the importance of self-compassion when experiencing this heavy emotion. The hosts share vulnerable personal experiences and discuss how to support others who are grieving or experiencing deep sadness.

Episode Highlights:* Tina describes sadness as having a "physical feeling, like a tightness and heaviness in the chest" and shares her current experience of feeling sad and helpless watching someone she loves suffer, noting how sadness can become "compounded" and engulfing * Heather introduces the powerful metaphor of sadness as a cup that fills with "little sadnesses" until one more tips it over, causing all the accumulated grief to spill out - often revealing sadness about things we didn't even know we were carrying * The hosts discuss distinguishing sadness from depression, with Michelle noting that sadness triggers tears and emotional pain while depression feels more like shutting down, though both share that heavy "lead muscles" quality * Tina emphasizes that self-compassion is the "guiding North Star" when sad, encouraging listeners to give themselves permission to feel sadness without judgment, noting that "sitting with those emotions is the more courageous thing to do" rather than pushing them down * The conversation explores how to support others experiencing sadness, acknowledging that people often avoid grieving friends because sadness is "contagious" and uncomfortable, but emphasizing that simple presence, witnessing, and validating someone's sadness ("I see how sad you are") is what's truly needed

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This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Heather Hampton, Michelle Stinson Ross, and Tina Schweiger explore the emotion of feeling sullen - that experience of being unhappy to the point where it becomes an ongoing mood. The conversation examines sullen as a protective response when we've run out of emotional capacity, the need for processing space when triggered, and how to support both ourselves and others (especially teenagers) when this withdrawn state emerges. The hosts share personal strategies for navigating and respecting the sullen experience. Episode

Highlights:* Heather describes sullen as appearing when something has "peeved you off" to a low simmering level of anger, requiring alone time to process what's bothering you before you might "erupt more" if forced to interact with others * Michelle uses the metaphor of a "Dairy Queen chocolate-dipped cone" to describe sullen - creating a "hard crunchy shell" around herself when she's run out of emotional capacity to deal with people, noting that the coating will eventually "melt and ooze off" * Tina connects sullen to being physically stuck or unable to accomplish things due to fatigue or illness, describing it as feeling "mopey" when prevented from getting the dopamine rush of completing tasks * The hosts discuss sullen as common during teenage years due to hormonal changes affecting brain chemistry, offering advice for parents to give space and acknowledgment rather than chasing teenagers for conversation during these moods * The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and allowing processing time when experiencing sullen, with Heather noting that being forced to engage while in "fight or flight mode" can lead to hurtful reactions that don't reflect what's really going on internally

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This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Tina Schweiger, Heather Hampton, and Michelle Stinson Ross explore the emotion of guilt - that feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing, whether or not harm has actually been inflicted. The conversation distinguishes guilt from shame, examines how guilt particularly affects women in society, and shares strategies for reframing guilty thoughts. Tina vulnerably shares a recent experience of standing up for herself with a healthcare provider and the conflicted feelings that followed.

Episode Highlights:* Tina clarifies the distinction between guilt and shame: "guilt is I did something bad and shame is I'm a bad person because I did something bad," noting that guilt relates to behavior while shame attacks identity * The hosts share Tina's experience with an unprofessional healthcare provider who made inappropriate comments about her appearance, exploring her conflicted feelings about standing up for herself and requesting a refund * Michelle identifies guilt as particularly common in the female experience, noting how women are socialized to "don't make a fuss, don't make noise" and be accommodating, leading to guilt when they advocate for themselves * The conversation explores "overly responsible syndrome" as a generational issue for Gen X women who hold themselves to impossibly high internal standards that others don't expect from them * Tina shares her strategy for managing guilt through reframing, choosing to focus on how she "probably provided that office a service" rather than dwelling on guilty feelings, and training herself to redirect from guilt to gratitude when her mind returns to self-criticism

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This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Michelle Stinson Ross, Tina Schweiger, and Heather Hampton explore the emotion of indifference - that feeling of having no preference when faced with choices or not caring about something that's happening. The conversation challenges the typical view of indifference as negative, examining how it can sometimes serve as healthy professional detachment or signal relationship problems. The hosts discuss the nuanced role indifference plays in boundaries, relationships, and professional settings.

Episode Highlights:* Michelle reframes indifference as potentially beneficial in professional settings, sharing how she wished she could be more indifferent when a stressed client tried to transfer their panic to her, noting that "professional indifference" can help maintain healthy boundaries * The hosts connect indifference to Buddhist concepts of detachment, with Tina suggesting that the desire for indifference often stems from wanting to detach from drama that's been imposed on you * Heather raises the important question of whether indifference in personal relationships signals a problem that needs addressing, particularly when one partner reacts strongly to something while the other feels indifferent * Michelle shares how complete indifference was a clear indicator that her previous marriage was ending, describing it as "purely, I'm indifferent" - neither good nor bad, but simply absent of care * The hosts explore how indifference might lead to contempt if the same situations repeatedly arise, while also questioning whether partners need to give everything the same priority level, suggesting that sometimes indifference reveals that one person's anxiety or stress "resides in you and not in me"

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Tina Schweiger, Michelle Stinson Ross, and Heather Hampton explore the emotion of feeling colorful - that sense of being interesting, multifaceted, energetic, and distinctive. The conversation delves into how colorful manifests as both an emotional experience and a personality trait, the connection between color theory and emotions, and why this vibrant feeling lands in the humor category. The hosts share personal stories about how they express their colorful nature through fashion, hair, and creative choices.

Episode Highlights:* Tina describes feeling colorful while writing a thank-you note with gold paint pen on blue glitter cardboard, explaining how creative expression with vibrant colors brings her self-satisfaction and joy, especially when "sparkles" are involved * Heather reveals that dyeing her hair pink and purple serves as both self-expression and a reminder that there's "something beautiful and effervescent inside" her, even during periods of depression when she may not feel it * Michelle connects her colorful wardrobe choices to her personality, noting how she gravitates toward vibrant clothing and uses even black as a base for contrast and impact rather than to hide * The hosts explore Tina's background in color theory and graphic design, learning how colors like McDonald's red and yellow combination are deliberately chosen to create discomfort that encourages quick turnover * Tina explains why colorful belongs in the humor category rather than joy or energy, noting that colorful people often have a "silly" quality and don't take themselves too seriously - embodying a "I don't give a crap about what you think because this makes me happy" attitude that celebrates uniqueness without needing approval

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This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Michelle Stinson Ross, Tina Schweiger, and Heather Hampton explore the emotion of feeling affectionate - that warm regard for another person or animal, characterized by loving and fond feelings. The conversation delves into the relationship between affection and physical touch, the biochemical aspects of affectionate feelings, and how past trauma can complicate our ability to express and receive affection. The hosts share vulnerable personal experiences about navigating affection with consent and emotional intelligence. Episode
Highlights:* Michelle describes the visual representation of affection as looking "a little stoned," connecting this to the dopamine and "love chemicals" that create a natural high when we experience affectionate feelings toward others * Heather shares how physical touch is central to her experience of affection, noting that while you can feel affectionate toward someone from a distance, expressing that affection is difficult without being physically present * Tina vulnerably discusses her anxiety around physical touch due to childhood emotional neglect and past abuse, explaining how this creates a challenging conflict between craving human connection and experiencing physical discomfort when touched * The hosts explore the distinction between feeling affection and expressing it, with Michelle emphasizing the importance of consent when offering physical comfort, always asking "Would you like a hug?" before touching others * Tina shares a powerful story about comforting a delivery worker who was grieving, illustrating how emotional intelligence allows us to step outside our comfort zones to meet others' needs, and reflects on how she's grown from losing a friendship years ago due to not understanding how to show affection during difficult times

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Heather Hampton, Michelle Stinson Ross, and Tina Schweiger explore the emotion of feeling moral - that sense of being connected to principles of right and wrong, especially regarding teaching right behavior. The conversation examines how moral feelings differ from other emotions because they're deeply rooted in our conditioning and values, making them particularly challenging to examine objectively. The hosts discuss how moral convictions can both guide positive action and fuel destructive conflicts.

Episode Highlights:
* Heather describes moral feelings as deeply tied to personal values and sense of self, making them more difficult to examine from different perspectives compared to other emotions, using current deportation policies as an example of how moral differences create unbridgeable gaps between people * Michelle distinguishes moral emotions from other feelings by noting they're based more on conditioning, upbringing, and cultural training rather than biochemistry or neurological wiring, requiring us to acknowledge how our responses are shaped by what we've been taught * Tina raises the provocative question of whether moral feelings might be "our deadliest emotion," pointing out that religious persecution and wars often involve both sides believing they're morally right * The hosts discuss how moral feelings can interfere with kindness and empathy, with phrases like "get off your high horse" revealing how moral positioning can become judgmental rather than genuinely principled * The conversation concludes with practical approaches to examining moral feelings, including using the "why ladder" technique to get to the root of beliefs and practicing self-acceptance to distinguish between core identity and potentially outdated belief systems

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This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Michelle Stinson Ross, Tina Schweiger, and Heather Hampton explore the emotion of worry - that feeling of being troubled or having a mind busy with anxiety or doubt. The conversation examines worry as primarily a mental rather than physical experience, its relationship to control and choice, and how it differs from anxiety. The hosts share contrasting perspectives on worry, with some experiencing it frequently while others find it largely absent from their emotional landscape.

Episode Highlights:* Heather notes how the visual representation of worry shows the character looking off into the distance rather than at the viewer, illustrating how worry takes us out of the present moment and focuses on an unknown future * Heather shares her approach to worry using the phrase "worry doesn't have a place in a plan," explaining how she gathers information before deciding if something is worth worrying about, and how having a plan eliminates the need for worry * Tina theorizes that worry can become addictive because it creates an illusion of power or control over situations we actually cannot control, suggesting people can become "worry warts" as part of their personality * The hosts contrast worry (primarily mental rumination) with anxiety (more physical sensations), and explore how worry represents "over-engaging in choice" while exasperation comes from lack of agency * Heather offers a surprising perspective that her intimate relationship with depression may actually make her "immune" to worry, since she already has a pessimistic worldview and doesn't need to add more negative thinking on top of that baseline

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This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

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This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Michelle Stinson Ross, Tina Schweiger, and Heather Hampton explore the emotion of feeling glad - that sense of being pleased, happy, and gratified. The conversation delves into how gladness differs from related emotions like happiness and joy, examining its unique combination of gratitude and surprise. The hosts discuss the sustaining nature of gladness compared to more fleeting emotions and emphasize the importance of recognizing these positive feelings when they occur.

Episode Highlights:* Michelle defines gladness as "the intersection of joy and gratitude," distinguishing it from simple gratitude (being grateful for paid bills doesn't spark gladness) and noting how relationships with friends create true gladness in her life * Tina connects gladness to unexpected pleasant encounters, using the phrase "I am so glad that I ran into you" as an example of how gladness often contains an element of surprise mixed with gratitude and joy * The hosts distinguish gladness from happiness, describing happiness as more ephemeral and fragile (like a balloon that could pop), while gladness has a "longer shelf life" and is more nourishing to the soul * Heather notes that while happiness can be more superficial and driven by external circumstances, gladness has more substance because of its gratitude component, which helps ground it and make it sustaining * Michelle emphasizes that the goal isn't necessarily to have more positive emotions in our lives, but to become more aware of when we're experiencing them, noting that we often miss moments of gladness rather than lacking them entirely

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This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

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This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Michelle Stinson Ross, Tina Schweiger, and Heather Hampton explore the emotion of exasperation - that feeling of having your patience greatly tested and feeling super annoyed or overwhelmed. Tina vulnerably shares her current experience of exasperation in real time, leading to an authentic discussion about how small things can feel overwhelming when we're already stressed, and how this emotion often signals that our boundaries or sense of agency have been compromised. The hosts examine generational and cultural factors that may contribute to this feeling.

Episode Highlights:* Tina shares her current state of exasperation, triggered by something as simple as not being able to find dry erase markers that were "right in front of me the whole time," illustrating how small things become overwhelming when we're already dealing with persistent stressors * The hosts identify exasperation as often occurring when circumstances take away our sense of choice, control, or agency, with physical symptoms including tension, headaches, and fatigue * Heather connects exasperation to boundary violations, sharing her experience caring for someone with Alzheimer's where emergency situations (like a lost dog) force her to drop everything despite feeling like she can't say no * Michelle suggests this may be a generational issue for Gen Xers, who were raised with "no pain, no gain" mentality and are now in the "sandwich generation," caring for both children and aging parents while lacking self-care skills * The conversation reveals how exasperation can evolve into resentment when the same circumstances repeatedly occur, and how simply having someone "bear witness to your emotions" and talk them through can be powerfully healing

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Michelle Stinson Ross, Tina Schweiger, and Heather Hampton explore the emotion of ambivalence - feeling two opposite feelings or attitudes at the same time, or simply feeling indecisive. The conversation distinguishes ambivalence from indifference and examines how this emotion can manifest both as a symptom of depression and as decision fatigue. The hosts discuss how ambivalence can put people on the precipice of isolation and share strategies for moving through this challenging emotional state.

Episode Highlights:
* Heather describes experiencing ambivalence in two ways: as part of depression where she simply doesn't care about outcomes, and more commonly through decision fatigue when overwhelmed by daily responsibilities and unable to make even simple choices like where to eat dinner * Michelle connects ambivalence to the "mental load of caregiving" that drives people to a point where they refuse to make any more decisions, noting there's a difference between "can't" and "won't" make decisions, with the latter tinged with irritation * Tina admits she struggles with holding space for people experiencing ambivalence because indecision is a pet peeve for her, honestly sharing that she might not be the right person to bring ambivalence to * The hosts discuss hope as the recommended mindset for ambivalence, with Tina suggesting that sometimes you can "trick your way out" of the emotional space by envisioning a positive future rather than trying to think your way out * Michelle shares the personal significance of her Phoenix tattoo as a symbol of hope and resilience, explaining how it reminds her that she has consistently risen from challenging situations and can do so again, providing evidence that "you can" rather than "you can't" get through difficult times

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This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

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This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Michelle Stinson Ross, Tina Schweiger, and Heather Hampton explore the intense emotion of feeling furious - that state of intense anger, actively raging, or feeling violent. The conversation examines fury as an "amygdala hijack" that can signal the need for significant change and growth, while also offering practical strategies for managing this overwhelming emotion. The hosts share personal experiences with fury and discuss techniques for de-escalation when this intense emotion emerges.Episode Highlights:
* Michelle describes fury as rare for her but connected to feelings of helplessness when she has no control over a harmful situation, noting that for her it takes "something excessive" to reach this level of intense anger * Tina explains fury as a complete "amygdala hijack" that can actually precede significant personal growth, suggesting that when you're helpless enough to feel furious, it can drive you to realize what you cannot control and need to accept * Heather shares that she rarely experiences fury in daily life except while driving (where her car serves as a safe space to express strong emotions), and emphasizes that anger emotions often signal core beliefs being challenged * The hosts discuss practical de-escalation strategies, including the "exit sign" visualization technique for removing yourself from volatile situations, and Tina shares a road rage story that illustrates how choosing not to engage can defuse dangerous confrontations * Michelle introduces the "whisper technique" for managing fury - deliberately speaking in whispers forces others to calm down to hear you while simultaneously helping regulate your own nervous system and buying time to regain clarity

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This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

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This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Michelle Stinson Ross, Tina Schweiger, and Heather Hampton explore the emotion of feeling charming - that pleasant feeling with an air of charisma that creates connection with others. The conversation examines the distinction between authentic and inauthentic charm, how charm functions in relationships and performance settings, and the positive dynamic that can emerge when people mutually experience this delightful emotion. The hosts discuss charm as both something we feel within ourselves and something we experience from others.

Episode Highlights:
* Tina introduces charming as feeling "pleasant with an air of charisma," using the old-fashioned greeting "I'm charmed" as an example, and questions whether charm is a natural state or something crafted to influence others * Michelle explores the difference between authentic and manipulative charm, sharing experiences of initially finding someone charming only to discover they were "working extra hard" to win her over, leading to disappointment when the charm disappeared * Heather describes authentic charm as feeling adjacent to "flow" - something that comes naturally without working hard, like being inspired in the moment or genuinely wanting to connect with someone * Tina observes that charm can create "positive escalation" where feeling charmed by someone makes them feel more charming in return, creating an expanding "dance of delight" between people * Michelle connects charm to public speaking and performance, noting how successful speakers and performers (including Tina's stage presence) use charm to create connection with audiences, describing it as "the intersection of charisma and connection"

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This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

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This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Tina Schweiger, Michelle Stinson Ross, and Heather Hampton explore the emotion of feeling novel - that sense of having no precedent or experiencing something completely new. The conversation examines how novel differs from fear of the unknown, the importance of actively seeking novelty as we age, and how this childlike sense of wonder can contribute to innovation, creativity, and compassion. The hosts share personal examples of experiencing novelty and discuss how to cultivate this positive emotion in daily life.

Episode Highlights:* Tina describes novel as a "childlike sense of wonder" that becomes harder to cultivate as we age and get stuck in patterns, emphasizing the importance of actively seeking new experiences to foster innovation and creativity * Heather distinguishes between encountering novel moments unexpectedly (like seeing a wild animal on a hike) and deliberately seeking them out (like watching "Love on the Spectrum" to better understand autism after meeting a colleague on the spectrum) * Michelle highlights the key distinction that novel is "the delight in the unfamiliar rather than the discomfort of the unfamiliar," noting how travel provides excellent opportunities for experiencing novelty through different architecture, culture, language, and food * The hosts note that when you identify you're feeling novel, the recommended action is simply to pause and recognize the positive aspects of the moment - the delight and enlightenment happening within the unknown experience * Tina connects novel to humor, explaining that something must be novel (catching us by surprise) to be funny, and emphasizes that novel is an emotion you want others to "catch" from you, promoting a mindset of compassion when experiencing this childlike wonder

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This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

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This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Michelle Stinson Ross, Tina Schweiger, and Heather Hampton explore the emotion of feeling lively - that sensation of being full of life and energetic. The conversation reveals how introversion and extroversion influence experiences of liveliness, using their recent conference attendance as a case study. The hosts discuss how to harness lively energy when it appears and emphasize the contagious nature of this positive emotion.

Episode Highlights:* Michelle describes feeling lively at their recent conference while working the expo hall floor, noting how as an extrovert she was energized by constant interaction with curious attendees despite being on her feet for long periods * Heather contrasts her experience as an introvert who found the conference draining but felt most lively during an intimate lunch conversation with colleagues, illustrating how introverts typically need smaller, deeper connections to feel energized * Tina shares her challenge with sensory overload at the conference, describing feeling "overwhelmed and panic" rather than lively in large crowds, but noting she becomes lively after recovery through one-on-one conversations and reflection * The hosts recommend using lively energy purposefully when it appears - tackling tasks you've been putting off, making phone calls that require energy, or engaging in creative or athletic endeavors like going to the gym * Heather emphasizes that lively energy is "strongly positive" and contagious, with the hosts agreeing that sharing this energy through smiles and random acts of kindness is a responsibility, noting that "kindness is the mindset for lively"

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This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

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This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Heather Hampton, Michelle Stinson Ross, and Tina Schweiger explore the emotion of feeling enlightened - that sudden feeling of understanding, awareness, or wisdom about something or someone. The conversation delves into the difference between learning and enlightenment, how enlightenment drives innovation and creativity, and the role this emotion can play in professional settings. The hosts share personal experiences of enlightenment and discuss how it connects to empathy and holding space for others.

Episode Highlights:
* Heather describes enlightenment as those magical moments when "several things that you know or have learned come together in a way that you've never thought about," creating connections that no one has ever explained to you before * Michelle distinguishes enlightenment from regular learning, noting that while you can't force enlightenment, you can create conditions for it by actively working toward learning new skills and pulling different aspects of your life together * Tina describes enlightenment as "finding the light from inside yourself," contrasting it with inspiration which typically comes from external sources, and shares how she often wakes up with new viewpoints or ideas that seem to arrive unexpectedly * The hosts connect enlightenment to workplace innovation, with Tina explaining how Feel Wise came from moments of enlightenment and describing these moments as "shoots" in a game of shoots and ladders that propel innovation forward faster * The conversation concludes with insights about how enlightenment connects to empathy - when you're truly in tune with yourself through enlightenment, you're better positioned to hold space for others and honor their experiences respectfully

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This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

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Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Michelle Stinson Ross, Tina Schweiger, and Heather Hampton explore the emotion of confusion - that feeling of being bewildered, unclear, or unsure what to do. The conversation examines whether confusion is primarily a thinking state or an emotion, how people typically respond to feeling confused, and how confusion can manifest in relationships. The hosts also discuss the concerning connection between persistent confusion and manipulative relationship dynamics, offering resources and insights for healthier responses to this common emotion.

Episode Highlights:
* Tina suggests confusion blends thinking and feeling, noting that people often say "I am confused" (active state) rather than "I feel confused," and observes it can trigger mild anger similar to frustration * The hosts contrast two common responses to confusion: either giving up ("throwing up your hands") which often involves negative self-judgment, or approaching it with curiosity and optimism * Michelle shares that her deepest experiences of emotional confusion occur in relationships, particularly when someone says one thing but behaves differently, making it difficult to understand what's true * The conversation takes a serious turn as the hosts discuss the "weaponization of confusion" in narcissistic relationships, with Michelle noting that frequent confusion in one specific relationship may be a warning sign of manipulation or gaslighting * Tina recommends resources for handling confusion more effectively, including "The Four Agreements" (particularly "not making assumptions" and asking questions) and Byron Katie's "Loving What Is," which helps with accepting uncertainty

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Michelle Stinson Ross, Tina Schweiger, and Heather Hampton explore the emotion of feeling adorable - that sensation of feeling cute and adored, or finding someone or something unbearably cute. The conversation examines the two-way nature of adoration, the concept of "cute aggression," and how we might cultivate more experiences of this light, positive emotion in our lives. The hosts also discuss the importance of recognizing and growing positive emotions, not just analyzing challenging ones.

Episode Highlights:
* Heather introduces adorable as a feeling associated with "puppies and kittens" but admits she often experiences this emotion toward others rather than feeling adorable herself, prompting the hosts to discuss the importance of both giving and receiving adoration * The hosts explore the phenomenon of "cute aggression" - that overwhelming feeling where something is so adorable you want to squeeze, bite, or physically express your emotion in response to extreme cuteness * Tina suggests that when adults seem adorable, it often involves a combination of kindness and silliness, distinguishing "adult adorable" from "baby adorable" through examples of thoughtful, agenda-free gestures * The hosts recommend being intentional about cultivating more adoration in our lives by deliberately expressing it toward others with expanded vocabulary beyond just saying "I love you" * The conversation concludes with an important insight about emotional awareness: while we often analyze difficult emotions, we should equally pay attention to positive emotions like adorable, as recognizing and cultivating them builds resilience and collective wellbeing

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Heather Hampton, Michelle Stinson Ross, and Tina Schweiger explore the emotion of aggression - that feeling of wanting to attack or argue with someone. The conversation moves from personal experiences with aggression to the challenges of handling aggression in children, particularly neurodivergent children. The hosts discuss how aggression can be contagious, creating escalating cycles, and share insights about maintaining calm in the face of others' aggressive behavior.

Episode Highlights:
* Heather shares how she experiences aggression primarily while driving, using her car as a "safe space" to express feelings she wouldn't verbalize face-to-face, and recounts working through persistent aggressive feelings after a friendship breakup using EMDR therapy * Tina describes living with three neurodivergent males and observes how aggression tends to escalate as a "one-up emotion," creating power struggles that can trigger anxiety in bystanders * The hosts candidly discuss the challenges of parenting children with aggressive tendencies, with Tina sharing vulnerable stories about managing public meltdowns and the importance of finding compassion despite being tested * Michelle reflects on witnessing and helping Tina during a difficult parenting moment, highlighting the value of trusted community support when dealing with aggression, especially in public settings where others lack context * The conversation concludes with insights about the contagious nature of intense emotions like aggression, with Tina noting that "advanced emotional agility" involves staying mindful enough of your own emotional state to avoid unconscious reactions to others' aggression

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Michelle Stinson Ross, Tina Schweiger, and Heather Hampton explore the emotion of being sorrowful - that feeling of being heavy-hearted and deeply unhappy, often due to a loss or disappointment. The conversation delves into the physical sensations of sorrow, its relationship to depression, and how different contexts can shape our experience of this profound emotion. The hosts share personal insights about moving through sorrow rather than getting stuck in it, offering powerful metaphors and practical wisdom.

Episode Highlights:
* Heather describes experiencing sorrowful in two distinct ways: during periods of depression (accompanied by despair) and in response to external events like receiving bad news about a friend's illness (which feels like "pure sadness" without despair) * The hosts discuss the physical manifestation of sorrow as a heaviness or weight in the body - Michelle notes it's "like our heart, our core is heavy" and requires extra energy to move, while Tina describes it as "the quieter side of sadness" with fewer thoughts and more physical sensations * Heather shares how she initially feared fully embracing sorrow, worried it might "swallow her up," but has learned that avoiding the emotion only keeps it around longer - acknowledging that "this too will pass" helps her move through it * Tina offers a touching technique for self-compassion during sorrowful times, suggesting we imagine ourselves as a sad puppy that needs gentle pets, patience, kindness, and space * The hosts use a powerful river rafting metaphor to describe emotional resilience - noting that you can't escape the river of difficult emotions, but you can learn to navigate it better each time, building skills that make future encounters less frightening and more manageable

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Tina Schweiger, Michelle Stinson Ross, and Heather Hampton explore the emotion of aversion - described simply as "feeling stuck in a state of dislike." The conversation examines how aversion serves as both a protective mechanism and a potential barrier to growth and connection. The hosts discuss their personal experiences with aversion, its relationship to anxiety, and strategies for managing this emotion rather than allowing it to lead to harmful avoidance patterns.Episode Highlights:
* Tina shares her experience with misophonia (aversion to specific sounds like chewing), explaining how it creates a desire to physically remove herself from the situation and can trigger anxiety about future encounters * Heather describes aversion as a protective emotion that can be beneficial in some contexts (avoiding spoiled food) but also detrimental when it prevents us from challenging our beliefs or connecting with others * The hosts explore how aversion can lead to problematic patterns of avoidance that might ultimately result in isolation and loneliness if not addressed * Michelle suggests that distraction can be a healthier alternative to complete avoidance - not cutting the aversion trigger out of your life entirely, but disrupting its impact through redirection * The conversation concludes by highlighting curiosity as the recommended mindset for addressing aversion, encouraging listeners to get curious about what's causing their aversion rather than immediately judging it or acting on it

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Michelle Stinson Ross, Tina Schweiger, and Heather Hampton explore anxiety as both an emotion and a condition. The conversation delves into how anxiety manifests physically, the distinction between anxiety and related feelings like nervousness, and practical techniques for creating safety and disrupting anxiety patterns. The hosts share their personal experiences with anxiety and offer insights on how to cultivate resilience against this challenging emotion.

Episode Highlights:
* Michelle describes her experience of anxiety as "being prepared for the truck to hit me," noting it often appears due to past trauma and manifests physically as tension and shaking, distinguishing it from nervousness which she experiences as "revving up" energy * Tina observes that anxiety is unusual in being both a condition (which can appear without context) and an emotion (tied to specific situations), sharing that for her it's a physical feeling of tightness in the chest * The hosts discuss practical techniques for managing anxiety, including box breathing (inhale 4 seconds, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4), conscious assessment of threats, and the "parade of horribles" approach of realistically evaluating worst-case and best-case scenarios * Michelle shares how self-talk and safety assessment can disrupt anxiety patterns by asking "Do I feel safe?" and either addressing specific threats or reassuring herself by listing safety factors ("I have enough food, bills are paid...") * The conversation concludes by connecting these practices to building resilience, highlighting how an optimistic mindset can help counter anxiety's fear-driven nature over time

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. FeelWise | Turn Emotions into Your Superpower ✨💫

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Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Heather Hampton, Michelle Stinson Ross, and Tina Schweiger explore the emotion of smugness - that irritating feeling of being excessively pleased with oneself or offensively self-satisfied. The conversation delves into different perspectives on smugness, its relationship to contempt, and how this emotion can serve as an important signal in relationships. The hosts discuss the importance of approaching all emotions non-judgmentally while acknowledging that certain emotions, like smugness, may warrant closer examination.

Episode Highlights:
* Heather describes smugness as having an element of arrogance and "demeaning another person," placing it in the category of contempt, which therapists identify as particularly damaging to relationships * Michelle offers an alternative perspective, suggesting that smugness can sometimes be an indicator of having endured abuse or being repeatedly dismissed, serving as a red flag that something deeper needs attention * The hosts agree that smugness functions as an "orange flag" emotion - positioned between a yellow caution and a red warning - signaling that attention is needed before the feeling potentially evolves into more destructive contempt * Tina points out how quickly we can judge our own emotions, reminding listeners of the importance of approaching all feelings with a non-judgmental attitude first * The hosts recommend mindfulness techniques for processing smugness, particularly "noticing who or what you're judging," as a way to unpack and understand what's beneath this potentially problematic emotion

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Michelle Stinson Ross, Tina Schweiger, and Heather Hampton explore the emotion of feeling blissful - that state of being extremely happy or full of joy. The hosts discuss how bliss represents an intersection of joy and peace, emphasizing its qualities of contentment, presence, and serenity. They share personal experiences of bliss and offer insights on how to create conditions where this gentle yet profound emotion might naturally arise.

Episode Highlights:
* Michelle describes bliss as the intersection of joy and peace - a feeling that's happy and good but also "very chill," without the overwhelming intensity of excitement * Heather suggests that bliss cannot be chased down but rather requires creating conditions where it can "alight upon you," comparing it to a butterfly that lands when we create the right environment * The hosts discuss the physical sensations associated with bliss, including the absence of tension in the body and a deep sense of presence or mindfulness * Heather shares her personal bliss experience of floating on a raft in a river with the sun warming her and her fingertips trailing in cold water - a memory she uses as a meditation when needed * Michelle reveals how small, everyday moments can trigger bliss, describing how the rainbows created by prisms hanging in her apartment windows still make her giggle with delight even after three years

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Michelle Stinson Ross, Tina Schweiger, and Heather Hampton explore the emotion of embarrassment - that uncomfortable feeling of being improperly exposed or self-conscious. The hosts dive into the physical sensations of embarrassment, share personal stories of embarrassing moments, and discuss how this emotion relates to other feelings like imposter syndrome. They also touch on how pushing through the fear of embarrassment can lead to personal growth.

Episode Highlights:
* Tina describes the physical sensations of embarrassment as feeling like "moths" in her stomach (not the happy butterflies), speeding up breath while simultaneously holding it, and having the urge to freeze or hide * The hosts discuss how blushing - whether on the face, ears, neck, or chest - is a common physical manifestation of embarrassment * Heather draws an insightful connection between imposter syndrome and embarrassment, suggesting that imposter syndrome might be "the potential embarrassment" or fear of being exposed as unprepared * Tina shares a vulnerable story about overcoming intense fear of embarrassment before performing with a band for the first time, describing physical symptoms and how the positive audience response helped her push through * The conversation highlights how embarrassment can be disempowering, particularly when caused by others intentionally, but also how facing the fear of embarrassment can create opportunities for growth and liberation

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Heather Hampton, Michelle Stinson Ross, and Tina Schweiger explore the emotion of apathy - that feeling of not caring about things that usually matter. The hosts discuss how apathy differs from indifference, its connection to depression and emotional exhaustion, and how recognizing this emotion can serve as an important warning signal. They share personal experiences with apathy and offer insights about how to respond when this emotional flatness appears.

Episode Highlights:
* Heather describes apathy as feeling like "going through the motions in life without really any purpose or direction," noting its connection to her experiences with chronic depression and ADHD * The hosts distinguish apathy from indifference, with Heather explaining that apathy involves a lower energy level and resignation, while indifference might still contain positive engagement * Michelle identifies a personal pattern where emotional tiredness can progress to apathy and then to full depression if not addressed early, using apathy as an important warning signal * Tina points out that apathy often emerges when we feel powerless or lacking control, describing it as a way to conserve emotional energy when we feel our efforts won't matter * The hosts discuss the clinical term "anhedonia" (inability to feel pleasure) as related to apathy and depression, emphasizing the importance of seeking help from both medical professionals and personal support networks when experiencing persistent apathy

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Michelle Stinson Ross, Tina Schweiger, and Heather Hampton explore the emotion of being delighted - that feeling of being greatly pleased or experiencing a strong sense of joy. The hosts discuss the lightness and buoyancy of delight, how it typically occurs in response to something specific, and why capturing these fleeting moments is valuable for building emotional resilience. They share personal examples of delight in their everyday lives and suggest ways to cultivate more of this uplifting emotion.

Episode Highlights:
* Michelle shares how she experienced delight while editing previous podcast episodes, finding herself giggling at the joy in her co-hosts' voices during their conversations * Tina describes delight as having a lightness to it and being directed at something specific rather than general joy, sharing her moment of delight about adding "feed Sky's dragon" to her calendar * Heather characterizes delight as "buoyant" and "effervescent" but notes it tends to be fleeting, using her recurring delight at seeing fireflies as an example * The hosts discuss how noticing and documenting moments of delight can contribute to emotional resilience, suggesting these experiences belong in gratitude journals * The conversation concludes with reflections on how art can help us both capture and share moments of delight, and how the real challenge isn't experiencing more happiness but paying closer attention to the delightful moments already present in our lives

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

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Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Michelle Stinson Ross, Tina Schweiger, and Heather Hampton explore the emotion of craving - that strong feeling of desire and yearning. The hosts discuss how craving manifests as a physical sensation, its repetitive nature, and how this emotion often signals deeper unmet needs. Rather than viewing cravings as simple impulses to be immediately satisfied, they suggest using cravings as valuable emotional data that can lead to greater self-awareness.

Episode Highlights:
* Tina describes the physical experience of craving as a tension in her body, emphasizing that while cravings are associated with unmet needs, they're neutral signals rather than directives we must follow * The hosts explore how cravings for specific things (like chocolate or food) might actually be pointing to deeper emotional needs, such as connection or love * Michelle shares that recurring thoughts are her primary signal of craving, noting how the emotion demands attention by repeating until acknowledged * The conversation highlights how journaling is an effective way to process cravings, with Michelle sharing her personal example of craving creative writing beyond her professional work * The hosts emphasize the importance of getting curious about what might be behind our cravings rather than immediately acting on them, creating space for deeper understanding of our emotional needs

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Michelle Stinson Ross, Tina Schweiger, and Heather Hampton explore the emotion of being thrilled - that feeling of extreme excitement and delight. They discuss how we often casually use powerful emotion words, the different ways people experience thrills, and the relationship between thrilled and other intense emotions like anxiety and elation. The conversation takes an interesting turn as they share personal experiences with thrill-seeking and emotional vulnerability.

Episode Highlights:
* The hosts contrast naturally experiencing thrills versus intentional "thrill-seeking" behaviors, noting that while thrilled is typically a positive emotion, thrill-seeking can sometimes lead to counterproductive outcomes * Michelle shares that being together in person with her co-hosts is thrilling for her, highlighting how connection with loved ones can create this intense positive emotion * Heather proposes that thrilled differs from elation by having "an element of danger averted," with nervous energy being enmeshed in the experience of being thrilled * Tina vulnerably shares her experience having a panic attack at the Grand Canyon, illustrating how quickly thrilled can transform into anxiety in certain situations * The conversation concludes with an important reminder for parents that sharing authentic emotional experiences with your children helps normalize emotions and teaches them it's okay to ask for help and support

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Michelle Stinson Ross and Tina Schweiger are joined by Heather Hampton to explore the emotion of being tired. The conversation distinguishes between physical tiredness and emotional fatigue, with all three hosts sharing their personal experiences with emotional exhaustion, particularly in relation to depression and mental health. They discuss coping strategies and the importance of support when experiencing this draining emotion.

Episode Highlights:
* Heather describes emotional tiredness as feeling "like slogging through waist deep mud in the dark," where everyday tasks require extra focus and energy despite maintaining outward appearances * Michelle explains how being emotionally tired can be an early warning sign of depression for her, prompting her to be vigilant when tiredness persists even after physical rest * Tina differentiates between situational tiredness (temporary irritations) and long-term tiredness connected to chronic health conditions, noting her experience with a decade of fatigue caused by medication side effects * The hosts discuss the cultural stigma that equates rest with laziness, sharing how they sometimes need explicit permission from others to take necessary breaks * Key takeaway: When someone makes a request, there are three valid responses - yes, no, or counter offer - and learning to accept "no" as a complete answer is crucial for supporting those experiencing emotional fatigue

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform

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In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Michelle Stinson Ross and Tina Schweiger are joined by Heather Hampton to explore the emotion of love. The conversation delves into the multifaceted nature of love, from romantic partnerships to passion for work, highlighting how love involves both feeling and choice. The hosts share personal reflections on what love means to them and how it manifests in their lives.

Episode Highlights:
* Tina discusses her love for studying the complexity of the human experience, particularly emotions, describing herself as a "connoisseur" who wakes up excited every day because of this passion * Michelle emphasizes that love is often a choice and requires intentional cultivation, especially in long-term relationships where the initial "buzzy, fuzzy romantic feels" may fade * Heather shares wisdom from her experience as a wedding officiant, quoting "love is an act of will" and highlighting how participating in nurturing relationships keeps love alive * The hosts explore the distinction between intellectually acknowledging love versus actually feeling it as a physical sensation of warmth in the body * Discussion of different types of love (romantic, platonic, passion for work) and how sustainable love requires reflection and intentional attention

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform

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#FeelingsMatter - Emotional Literacy (Season 3 Premiere)

In the Season 3 premiere of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Michelle Stinson Ross and Tina Schweiger explore emotional literacy and introduce Feel Wise, a tool featuring 156 emotions represented visually. This episode serves as a foundation for the new season format, where future episodes will offer short, "snackable" segments focusing on one emotion at a time to help listeners develop a comprehensive emotional vocabulary.

Episode Highlights:
* Introduction to Feel Wise, which goes beyond traditional emotion wheels by visually representing emotions and providing mindfulness techniques for processing feelings * Distinction between academic emotional literacy (knowing feelings, empathy, regulation) and practical application (developing vocabulary to identify and express emotions) * Discussion of how a limited emotional vocabulary (often just "mad, sad, glad") prevents us from fully experiencing and processing our complex emotional lives * Exploration of emotions as "flavors" with nuance, and how having words for these nuances helps shift power from being driven by emotions to making conscious choices * Importance of approaching emotions non-judgmentally, avoiding "good/bad" labels that lead to resistance and rumination

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform

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Join Tina Schweiger, Heather Hampton, and Michelle Stinson Ross as they dig deeper into a full vocabulary of emotional expression. This trailer is just a quick snack of what you can expect this season on #FeelingsMatter.

Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay

This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform

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Now, more than ever, a supportive environment for mental health is essential. As we strive to create a workplace environment in which everyone can talk more openly and proactively about mental health, most people struggle with how best to respond when they are concerned about a colleague.

Episode Highlights
- Dealing with the power dynamic with leadership
- "Psychological safety is not relaxing your standards, feeling comfortable, being nice and agreeable, or giving unconditional praise. Psychological safety is a culture of respect, trust, and openness where it's not risky to raise ideas and concerns" Amy Edmonson
- Listening and creating psychological safety
-- ask open questions
-- Summarize what they said and repeat it back to them.
-- Reflect: repeat a word or phrase back to them
-- Clarify: Tell me more about that...
-- Give words of encouragement: "Go on" or "I see"
-- Affirm and acknowledge and then share resources

Episode Resources
- How to support mental health at work - https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-support-mental-health-work
- How to Support Your Coworker Who’s Dealing With Mental Health Issues - https://www.payscale.com/career-advice/how-to-support-your-coworker-whos-dealing-with-mental-health-issues/

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN and produced by Kel Skonberg of Mossy Stone Media. Copyright 2022, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional Index
https://mindfulappy.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter mindfulness tracking project - Text the emoji that best represents the way you feel to (972) 778-6835

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Now, more than ever, a supportive environment for mental health is essential. As we strive to create a workplace environment in which everyone can talk more openly and proactively about mental health, most people struggle with how best to respond when they are concerned about a colleague.

Episode Highlights
- Check-in with your colleagues
- Ask open ended questions and pose them as “I” questions
-- I noticed that things aren’t okay lately
-- I care about you and I’d like to make time to chat
- Make time to create enough space for a difficult conversation
- Be prepared to be uncomfortable and be ready with empathy

Episode Resources
- How to support mental health at work - https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-support-mental-health-work
- How to Support Your Coworker Who’s Dealing With Mental Health Issues - https://www.payscale.com/career-advice/how-to-support-your-coworker-whos-dealing-with-mental-health-issues/

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN and produced by Kel Skonberg of Mossy Stone Media. Copyright 2022, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional Index
https://mindfulappy.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter mindfulness tracking project - Text the emoji that best represents the way you feel to (972) 778-6835

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A recent study confirmed that Americans are exercising less and sitting more during the pandemic. It may seem like no big deal, but the pandemic has impacted everyone's mental health as well. So, it's important to recognize the important and positive link between mental health and exercise. Studies have shown that exercise can be a great tool for improving common mental health issues.

Episode Highlights
Exercise enhances concentration, mood, energy and motivation with neurochemical changes that increase:
- BDNF (Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor)-the brain’s own “Miracle Gro”
- Dopamine-which helps motivate you
- Serotonin-which boosts your mood
- Noradrenaline-which stimulates your energy
- New connections between nerve cells and neurons
Exercise:
- Boosts memory
- Increases concentration
- Improves mental health
- Enhances creativity
- Slows cognitive decline
- Improves circulation
- Aids learning and memory
- Builds more brain cells
- Prevents disease

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN and produced by Kel Skonberg of Mossy Stone Media. Copyright 2022, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional Index
https://mindfulappy.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter mindfulness tracking project - Text the emoji that best represents the way you feel to (972) 778-6835

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Moving into post-pandemic operations is still creating a wave of stress and anxiety in our homes and community. It's important for workplace teams to recognize how stress manifests itself and adopt strategies and practices that can help them navigate stress in the healthiest way possible.

Episode Highlights
- Watch out for the negative coping strategies
- Good hydration, good sleep, exercise are important
- It’s important to complete the stress cycle
-- Stressor: anything perceived as threatening and activates the stress cycle
-- Action: to complete the cycle & release stress chemicals, must engage in action
-- Relief: once stress chemicals released, your body relaxes and feels safe again
- Activities that complete the stress cycle:
-- crying, laughing, walking, deep breathing
-- hugs and affection from a partner, family member, or pet

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN and produced by Kel Skonberg of Mossy Stone Media. Copyright 2022, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional Index
https://mindfulappy.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter mindfulness tracking project - Text the emoji that best represents the way you feel to (972) 778-6835

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Moving into post-pandemic operations is still creating a wave of stress and anxiety in our homes and community. It's important for workplace teams to recognize how stress manifests itself and adopt strategies and practices that can help them navigate stress in the healthiest way possible.

Episode Highlights
-91 percent of respondents say having an unmanageable amount of stress or frustration negatively impacts the quality of their work
- 83 percent of respondents say burnout from work can negatively impact their personal relationships.
-87 percent of professionals surveyed say they have passion for their current job but 64 percent say they are frequently stressed, dispelling the myth that passionate employees are immune to stress or burnout.
-Nearly 70 percent of professionals feel their employers are not doing enough to prevent or alleviate burnout within their organization.
-21 percent of respondents say their company does not offer any programs or initiatives to prevent or alleviate burnout.
-One in four professionals say they never or rarely take all of their vacation days.
-84 percent of millennials say they have experienced burnout at their current job, compared to 77 percent of all respondents.
-Nearly half of millennials say they have left a job specifically because they felt burned out, compared to 42 percent of all respondent

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN and produced by Kel Skonberg of Mossy Stone Media. Copyright 2022, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional Index
https://mindfulappy.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter mindfulness tracking project - Text the emoji that best represents the way you feel to (972) 778-6835

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In this episode we explore what it means to show empathy and how a few simple actions can help create stronger connections and build a culture of honesty and openness. These are important factors for nurturing a more productive and healthier workplace as we navigate the challenges of an uncertain time.

Episode Highlights
- 83% of employees would choose a workplace with a healthy culture over higher salary
- We need to reframe empathy as the action of listening
- We can make assumptions about team dynamics, but we don’t know until we ask the question and listen.
- The biggest barrier to empathy in the workplace is being too busy. We are not empathetic when we are in a hurry.
- Accountability is necessary to successfully implement workplace empathy.

Episode Resource
Brené Brown on Empathy - Empathy is feeling with another person https://youtu.be/1Evwgu369Jw

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN and produced by Kel Skonberg of Mossy Stone Media. Copyright 2022, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional Index
https://mindfulappy.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter mindfulness tracking project - Text the emoji that best represents the way you feel to (972) 778-6835

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Whether your staff is in the office or working remotely, understanding other people's emotions is a key skill in the workplace. It can enable us to resolve conflicts, build more productive teams and improve our relationships with co-workers, clients and customers.

Episode Highlights
- Empathetic companies outperform competitors by 20%
- Empathy creates the environment for a more engaged workforce
- Empathy is essential for creating a positive and productive workplace environment
- Empathy and accountability go hand in hand
- There are 3 different levels of empathy:
-- cognitive: ability to understand how a person feels and what they might be thinking makes us better communicators
-- emotional: ability to share the feelings of another person (helps build emotional connection)
-- compassionate: ability to go beyond simply understanding & sharing (move us into action-like taking a meal when someone dies)

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN and produced by Kel Skonberg of Mossy Stone Media. Copyright 2022, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional Index
https://mindfulappy.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter mindfulness tracking project - Text the emoji that best represents the way you feel to (972) 778-6835

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What exactly is Emotional Intelligence? It’s not just empathy, it’s not just emotional awareness, and it’s more than the sum of all these components. Emotional Intelligence is a skill that one can actually improve upon through active practice. A good leader exemplifies strong emotional intelligence through openness and actively engaging employees, and even has an ethical responsibility to make sure they are utilizing positive communication.

Episode Highlights
- We often judge others by their behavior, but ourselves by our intentions. To resolve this, we need to actually ASK the other person about their intentions and find what they are actually feeling at the time
- We all have biases (gender culture, etc.) which are extremely difficult to get rid of, but emotional intelligence can impact how we deal with them
- As a leader, allowing yourself to be vulnerable will help people around you feel safe. Through we technology, we have more intimacy with customers than ever before, and it is essential that we make sure we are communicating to customers and coworkers positively

Episode Resources
“Former Facebook Product Manager Testifies Before Congress” Hypebeast, Aaron Chow, 2021
https://hypebeast.com/2021/10/facebook-whistleblower-testimony-news

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN and produced by Kel Skonberg of Mossy Stone Media. Copyright 2022, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional Index
https://mindfulappy.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter mindfulness tracking project - Text the emoji that best represents the way you feel to (972) 778-6835

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What exactly is Emotional Intelligence? It’s not just empathy, it’s not just emotional awareness, and it’s more than the sum of all these components. Emotional Intelligence is a skill that one can actually improve upon through active practice. A good leader exemplifies strong emotional intelligence through openness and actively engaging employees, and even has an ethical responsibility to make sure they are utilizing positive communication.

Episode Highlights
- The term emotional “intelligence” is a misnomer, as it implies that it is something you are born with rather than a skill that one gains through practice and exercise
- Emotions are neither good nor bad; rather the behaviors that they elicit are often what we conflate with being positive or negative.

Episode Resources
- “Bezos Wants to Create a Better Future in Space. His Company Blue Origin Is Stuck in a Toxic Past” Lioness, Alexandra Abrams, 2021
https://www.lioness.co/post/bezos-wants-to-create-a-better-future-in-space-his-company-blue-origin-is-stuck-in-a-toxic-past
- “Former Facebook Product Manager Testifies Before Congress” Hypebeast, Aaron Chow, 2021
https://hypebeast.com/2021/10/facebook-whistleblower-testimony-news

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN and produced by Kel Skonberg of Mossy Stone Media. Copyright 2022, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional Index
https://mindfulappy.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter mindfulness tracking project - Text the emoji that best represents the way you feel to (972) 778-6835

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Mental health myths are abundant and pervasive. Dispelling myths in the workplace creates a culture in which stigma is diminished, and employees feel more confident in seeking help when they need it.

Episode Highlights
Mental health issues are common are by no means a character flaw, workplaces need to abandon the stigma that comes from expressing mental health concerns
While many managers and employers may be well-intentioned, they might not be aware of how to address mental health in the workplace

Episode Resources
“Mind the Workplace”, Mental Health America, 2021. https://www.mhanational.org/mind-workplace
“Thrive: the third metric to redefining success and creating a life of well-being, wisdom, and wonder” Arianna Huffington, 2014
“How Employers Can Improve Their Approach to Mental Health At Work” McKinsey & Company, Erica Coe and Kana Enomoto, 2021
https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/healthcare-systems-and-services/our-insights/how-employers-can-improve-their-approach-to-mental-health-at-work?cid=other-eml-dre-mip-mck&hlkid=a774e1a8976d4a078406…

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and mixed at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional Index
https://mindfulappy.com/
NAMI Central Texas, offering workplace mental health training
https://namicentraltx.org/workplace/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter mindfulness tracking project - Text the emoji that best represents the way you feel to (972) 778-6835

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Mental health myths are abundant and pervasive. Dispelling myths in the workplace creates a culture in which stigma is diminished, and employees feel more confident in seeking help when they need it.

Episode Highlights
One of the main reasons employees are leaving jobs or feeling resentful is because they feel they aren’t being heard by management, or their boundaries are not being respected.
Mental health issues are common are by no means a character flaw, workplaces need to abandon the stigma that comes from expressing mental health concerns
Our emotions are part of our health, and need to be treated as such
While many managers and employers may be well-intentioned, they might not be aware of how to address mental health in the workplace

Episode Resources
“Mind the Workplace”, Mental Health America, 2021. https://www.mhanational.org/mind-workplace
“Thrive: the third metric to redefining success and creating a life of well-being, wisdom, and wonder” Arianna Huffington, 2014
“How EmployersCan Improve Their Approach to Mental Health At Work” McKinsey & Company, Erica Coe and Kana Enomoto, 2021
https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/healthcare-systems-and-services/our-insights/how-employers-can-improve-their-approach-to-mental-health-at-work?cid=other-eml-dre-mip-mck&hlkid=a774e1a8976d4a078406…

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and mixed at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional Index
https://mindfulappy.com/
NAMI Central Texas, offering workplace mental health training
https://namicentraltx.org/workplace/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter mindfulness tracking project - Text the emoji that best represents the way you feel to (972) 778-6835

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There are growing concerns that people’s mental health and well-being can take a hit when working remotely. Research shows that being “always on” and accessible by technology while working remotely leads to the blurring of work and non-work boundaries, particularly if you work from home.

Episode Resources
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/09/heres-what-we-know-about-how-remote-work-changes-us.html
https://theconversation.com/how-remote-working-can-increase-stress-and-reduce-well-being-125021
https://www.forbes.com/sites/chriswestfall/2020/10/08/mental-health-leadership-survey-reveals-80-of-remote-workers-would-quit-their-jobs-for-this/?sh=4c853c673a0f
https://www.verywellmind.com/the-stress-of-working-from-home-4141174
https://www.overcoffeegames.com/

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and mixed at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional IndexTM
https://mindfulappy.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter mindfulness tracking project - Text the emoji that best represents the way you feel to (972) 778-6835

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Psychological safety — the belief that one can speak up without risk of punishment or humiliation — has been well established as a critical driver of high-quality decision making, healthy group dynamics and interpersonal relationships, greater innovation, and more effective execution in organizations. When it comes to psychological safety, managers have traditionally focused on enabling candor and dissent with respect to work content. The problem is, as the boundary between work and life becomes increasingly blurry, managers must make staffing, scheduling, and coordination decisions that take into account employees’ personal circumstances — a categorically different domain.

Episode Resources
Building a psychologically safe workplace | Amy Edmondson | TEDxHGSE https://youtu.be/LhoLuui9gX8
https://hbr.org/2017/08/high-performing-teams-need-psychological-safety-heres-how-to-create-it
https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/what-is-psychological-safety-at-work/
https://hbr.org/2021/04/what-psychological-safety-looks-like-in-a-hybrid-workplace
https://www.businessinsider.com/psychological-safety-remote-work-how-to-foster-2021-5
https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/psychological-safety-and-the-critical-role-of-leadership-development

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and mixed at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional IndexTM
https://mindfulappy.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter mindfulness tracking project - Text the emoji that best represents the way you feel to (972) 778-6835

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Mental Health Advocate & Speaker, Co-Founder of The Yellow Bench Project & #YellowIsForHello Campaign Sam Fiorella joins us to share the stories of student mental health and the impact of suicide preventions on families.

Episode Highlights
Sam’s personal story of losing his son to suicide
Sharing Lucas’s legacy is how Sam worked through his pain and loss
The need for mental health education and literacy
The importance of self-compassion
Non-judgemental validation of how your kids feel and how you feel is the first step

Episode Resources
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samfiorella/
https://100misfits.com/
https://thefriendshipbench.org/

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and mixed at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional IndexTM
https://mindfulappy.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter mindfulness tracking project - Text the emoji that best represents the way you feel to (972) 778-6835

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Feelings are messengers of needs. Meeting needs unlocks positive feelings and energy; neglecting needs does the opposite. By integrating business objectives with meeting people’s needs, companies can make sure the strong wind of a positive emotional force is at their back.

Episode Highlights
- Real world example of feelings at work
- The value of emotional resilience
- Simple tips for reducing stress in the moment
- Meeting the need for connection and belonging
- Checking in before the start of a meeting gives remote workers a chance to be present
- Communication tips that get to the needs that drive feelings

Episode Resources
https://www.strategy-business.com/article/The-power-of-feelings-at-work
https://www.autismspeaks.org/types-autism-what-asperger-syndrome

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and mixed at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional IndexTM
https://mindfulappy.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter mindfulness tracking project - Text the emoji that best represents the way you feel to (972) 778-6835

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We often experience shifting emotions. Sometimes it just happens without our control. Sometimes a little mindful focus can give us the opportunity to move from one feeling to another. Flux in particular is a sign that we are moving from general positive feelings to more negative ones.

The highest correlations were found between a person’s perceived ability to distinguish multiple emotions at once and sense when emotions blend and change. Higher reported scores on this variable indicate a higher score in the psychological capital variable of optimism. Upon further research, several studies were found that confirm this relationship. One study found that the relationships between personality traits and both optimism and hope are mediated by emotional intelligence (Di Fabio et al., 2018). With further research, it may be possible to get a reliable score for emotional intelligence by simply testing a person’s ability to sense multiple emotions, emotional blends, or identify how emotions change from one to another. The DEAA is the first step in understanding which type of emotional awareness impacts emotional intelligence.

Episode Resources
Emotional Agility - https://www.susandavid.com/about-the-book/
https://www.6seconds.org/2020/08/11/plutchik-wheel-emotions/
NAMI Helpline 800-950-6264 M-F, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., ET
Or in a crisis, text "NAMI" to 741741 for 24/7, confidential, free crisis counseling

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and mixed at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional Index
https://mindfulappy.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter mindfulness tracking project - Text the emoji that best represents the way you feel to (972) 778-6835

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Emotional branding refers to the practice of building brands that appeal directly to a consumer's emotional state, needs and aspirations. Emotional branding is successful when it triggers an emotional response in the consumer. Emotional brands have a significant impact when the consumer experiences a strong and lasting attachment to the brand comparable to a feeling of bonding, companionship or love. Familiarity is the emotional side of brand recognition/recall.

Episode Highlights
- Emotion deeply relates to brand at the level of identity and brand voice
- How brands handle polarizing emotions related to things like politics
- Human beings make decisions based on emotion and then justify that decision with logic
- The association between brand and emotion impacts repeat purchase decisions
- The neuroscience behind the emotional associations we make with products and services
- Emotional engagement does lead to increased sales and customer loyalty

Episode Resources
https://clevertap.com/blog/emotional-branding/
https://digitalmarketinginstitute.com/blog/what-is-emotional-branding-and-how-is-it-effective
https://www.fastcompany.com/1682625/the-myth-of-marketing-how-research-reaches-for-the-heart-but-only-connects-with-the-head
https://medium.com/@salesforce/neuroscience-proves-we-buy-on-emotion-and-justify-with-logic-but-with-a-twist-4ff965cdeed8

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and mixed at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional Index
https://mindfulappy.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter mindfulness tracking project - Text the emoji that best represents the way you feel to (972) 778-6835

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Co-founder of pinksocks.life , Nick Adkins, joins us to talk about kindness. Nick says, "when I gift the socks, I always look the other person in the eyes and say 'Every time you wear your pinksocks you’re going to make people smile! People will come up to you and ask you about your pinksocks. That’s your opportunity to connect with another person, that had you not have been wearing your pinksocks that day, the two of you would have missed each other in the universe. Don’t miss that moment to connect and share space! Get off your bike, stay on the train or bus for another stop, look each other in the eyes and connect. That’s what we’re here for! Don’t miss it!'”

Episode Highlights
- How Nick went from a suit-wearing healthcare executive to a kilted nomad focused on kindness and connection
- How gifting PinkSocks took on a life of it’s own and became a movement
- How gifting creates connection and puts a stop to bullying and harassment

Watch Nick’s Ted Talk - https://youtu.be/xQLWUD6O9C0
How you can give a gift of PinkSocks https://pinksocks.life/gift-socks/

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and mixed at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional IndexTM
https://mindfulappy.com/

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter newsletter - https://mindfulappy.com/resources/introducing-the-feelings-matter-podcast

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Moral emotion is the idea that we believe some emotions are good and some emotions are bad and we judge them as such. Moral emotions also encompass how we use emotion to change behavior in others.

Episode Highlights
- How does judging emotion impact behavior driven by feelings?
- How are we internalizing this and judging our own emotions? How does that judgment impact behavior?
- Moral emotions seem to be a social construct, how are we using it to function as a society/culture?
- How do we use outwardly directed feelings to impact the behavior of others?

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and mixed at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional Index
https://mindfulappy.com/

Join the conversation! Share how #FeelingsMatter to you via Facebook Messenger
m.me/MindfulAppyEmojiApp

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter newsletter - https://mindfulappy.com/resources/introducing-the-feelings-matter-podcast

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Emotion regulation is the ability to exert control over one's own emotional state. It may involve behaviors such as rethinking a challenging situation to reduce anger or anxiety, hiding visible signs of sadness or fear, or focusing on reasons to feel happy or calm.

Episode Highlights
https://positivepsychology.com/emotion-regulation/
6 Most Useful Emotional Regulation Skills for Adults
- Self-awareness
- Mindful awareness
- Cognitive Reappraisal
- Adaptability
- Self compassion
- Emotional support

BONUS CONTENT - During the live broadcast, we also discussed how parents can help our children learn emotional regulation skills. Don’t miss out on this information available on the YouTube video - https://youtu.be/CEGuUcNC7oA?t=1453

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and mixed at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional Index
https://mindfulappy.com/

Join the conversation! Share how #FeelingsMatter to you via Facebook Messenger
m.me/MindfulAppyEmojiApp

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter newsletter - https://mindfulappy.com/resources/introducing-the-feelings-matter-podcast

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In this episode, we explore the value of mindful representation of mental illness in books, TV, film. Part of the cultural struggle with mental health stigma has to do with the media representations of OCD, PTSD, Paranoia. Mental health is not a dramatic device, but it is fair to present characters that the general public can relate to.

J. Alexander Greenwood is an award-winning writer, public relations consultant, speaker, and podcaster. He is best known as the author of the acclaimed John Pilate Mysteries. You can learn more about Alex, the John Pilate book series, and his podcasts Mysterious Goings On and PR After Hours at the following links:
https://amzn.to/2QEuZpv
https://mgopod.com/
https://prafterhours.com/

Episode Highlights
- How current events and media coverage contribute to the degradation of mental health across society
- The author’s responsibility to present characters with mental health issues as realistically as possible
- How Greenwood has represented mental health treatment in his books
- Modeling healthy coping strategies with your family

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and mixed at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional IndexTM
https://mindfulappy.com/

Join the conversation! Share how #FeelingsMatter to you via Facebook Messenger
m.me/MindfulAppyEmojiApp

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter newsletter - https://mindfulappy.com/resources/introducing-the-feelings-matter-podcast

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In this first of a 2 episode interview with suspense author, J. Alexander Greenwood we get the backstory about how his title character John Pilate came into being.

J. Alexander Greenwood is an award-winning writer, public relations consultant, speaker, and podcaster. He is best known as the author of the acclaimed John Pilate Mysteries. https://amzn.to/2QEuZpv You can learn more about Alex, the John Pilate book series, and his podcasts Mysterious Goings On https://mgopod.com/ and PR After Hours https://prafterhours.com/

Episode Highlights
- Introduction to author, J. Alexander Greenwood and the genesis of the first book of the John - Pilate Mystery series, Pilate’s Cross
- Quirky manifestation title character John Pilate’s experience of anxiety and PTSD
- Responsible representation of mental illness in literature and removing the stigma of seeking help for mental illness
- The relationship between suspense and anxiety

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and mixed at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional IndexTM
https://mindfulappy.com/

Join the conversation! Share how #FeelingsMatter to you via Facebook Messenger
m.me/MindfulAppyEmojiApp

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter newsletter - https://mindfulappy.com/resources/introducing-the-feelings-matter-podcast

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Everything about communication and social interactions is emotional. We are either making a concerted effort to elicit an emotional reaction or dealing with the fall-out of an emotional reaction. Knowing how words and actions are actually affecting the emotions of others is incredibly useful. How we measure and quantify emotional feedback is both tricky and highly rewarding.

Episode Resources
- Automated voice analysis using short recordings of patient speech may be used to augment depression screen and symptom management. https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:f9b653cc-b36c-44fc-87f1-6dbf8e507624
- Study that helped define 27 different emotional states https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:130495ca-a162-4fca-9a35-d96866e7610f
- Study looking at the intensity of emotional states https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:409fd03e-0c28-4dd7-9668-22dfedec377a

Episode Highlights
How emotions are defined
How emotions can be reported and measured
*The personal and professional benefits of engaging scientific measurement of emotion

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and mixed at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional IndexTM
https://mindfulappy.com/

Join the conversation! Share how #FeelingsMatter to you via Facebook Messenger
m.me/MindfulAppyEmojiApp

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter newsletter - https://mindfulappy.com/resources/introducing-the-feelings-matter-podcast

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Fatigue is a term used to describe an overall feeling of tiredness or lack of energy. It isn't the same as simply feeling drowsy or sleepy. When you're fatigued, you have no motivation and no energy. Being sleepy may be a symptom of fatigue, but it's not the same thing. Covid fatigue implies that more and more people are fed up with the quarantine and breaking the rules.

Episode Resources
Craft, David. Radical Acceptance And Self-Esteem: Embrace Your Gifts Of Imperfection, Overcome Your Confidence Gap And Build Self-Acceptance https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Acceptance-Self-Esteem-Imperfection-Self-Acceptance/dp/1724000853
Pandemic fatigue? How adherence to covid-19 regulations has been misrepresented and why it matters https://www.bmj.com/content/372/bmj.n137.full
Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health: A Longitudinal Study Using Penalized Logistic Regression - https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.21.21252159v1
Episode Highlights
Emotional labor of masking
Acknowledging the long-term fatigue of Covid-19
Radical Acceptance and how it helps with the fatigue of challenging circumstances
Increased drug and alcohol use to numb the constant feeling
What factors drive potential mental health issues

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and mixed at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional IndexTM
https://mindfulappy.com/

Join the conversation! Share how #FeelingsMatter to you via Facebook Messenger
m.me/MindfulAppyEmojiApp

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter newsletter - https://mindfulappy.com/resources/introducing-the-feelings-matter-podcast

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Hungarian-American psychologist, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, discovered the state of flow thanks to the technological innovation of pagers in the 1970. From Wikipedia - In an interview with Wired magazine, Csíkszentmihályi described flow as "being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your whole being is involved, and you're using your skills to the utmost."

Episode Resources
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mihaly_Csikszentmihalyi
The Experience Sampling Method - https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-94-017-9088-8_2
Ted Talk - Flow, the secret to happiness by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi https://www.ted.com/talks/mihaly_csikszentmihalyi_flow_the_secret_to_happiness?language=en
Episode Highlights
What Flow feels like
Definition of the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) and how it was developed
How the ESM is different from a survey
Problems with the original Experience Sampling Method
How ESM has been adapted to use smartphones and emoji to measure emotional awareness

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and mixed at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional IndexTM
https://mindfulappy.com/

Join the conversation! Share how #FeelingsMatter to you via Facebook Messenger
m.me/MindfulAppyEmojiApp

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter newsletter - https://mindfulappy.com/resources/introducing-the-feelings-matter-podcast

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The past year of social distancing and remote working has turned our ideas of what the workplace should be on its head. The opportunities for managers and co-workers to pause from the tasks of the work day and take a moment to connect are few and far between. Trying to gage how well an employee is dealing with stress at work and at home over Zoom and Slack are nearly impossible.

Tina and Michelle address the need for psychologically safe ways to ask for and get emotional feedback in the workplace. Inspired by the Net Promoter Score introduced in 2003, Schweiger has developed a way to track the emotional state of a group of people with the Net Emotional Index.

Episode Resources
Harvard Business Review article by Frederick F. Reichheld “The One Number You Need to Grow” Explaining the Net Promoter Score - https://hbr.org/2003/12/the-one-number-you-need-to-grow
Episode Highlights
The problem with isolation and independence when working remotely
Why businesses need better staff feedback
The relationship between company culture and the emotional state of employees
The Net Emotional IndexTM (NEI) is a single number between -100 and +100 that tells you how happy – or unhappy – your people truly are
How businesses can improve both culture and bottom line by tracking the NEI over time

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and mixed at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the only software suite for the Net Emotional IndexTM
https://mindfulappy.com/

Join the conversation! Share how #FeelingsMatter to you via Facebook Messenger
m.me/MindfulAppyEmojiApp

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter newsletter - https://mindfulappy.com/resources/introducing-the-feelings-matter-podcast

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Having crossed the loss of 500,000 Americans on February 22, 2021 the entire country started taking time to mourn. Grief is difficult. It’s at the core of our human condition and that we eventually lose someone. It is also very closely tied to love. The deeper we loved the person we lost, the deeper the grief.

Episode Resources
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Grief Counseling
https://www.betterhelp.com/
https://www.talkspace.com/
Episode Highlights
Grief can be a surprise and can show up without warning
Empathy at the workplace is critical when so many people are grieving at the same time
Guided Meditation

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and mixed at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the leader of leveraging the Net Emotional Index
https://mindfulappy.com/

Join the conversation! Share how #FeelingsMatter to you via Facebook Messenger
m.me/MindfulAppyEmojiApp

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter newsletter - https://mindfulappy.com/resources/introducing-the-feelings-matter-podcast

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Hosts Tina Schweiger and Michelle Stinson Ross discuss the cultural logic behind our need for happiness. Focusing on western emphasis of the “pursuit of happiness,” they explore the inner workings of how we naturally tend to process emotions and give tips how to do so in a healthier, proactive way.

Episode Highlights
Westernized ideals and falsehoods of happiness
Dopamine is the nervous system’s reward for happiness
Understand negative emotions as a signal, not as something to avoid
Mindfulness can help with processing emotions in a healthy way
Figure out what makes you happy in the moment

Resources Mentioned
Ingrid Fetell Lee - Designing Joy https://aestheticsofjoy.com/learn/

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and mixed at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the leader of leveraging the Net Emotional Index
https://mindfulappy.com/

Join the conversation! Share how #FeelingsMatter to you via Facebook Messenger
m.me/MindfulAppyEmojiApp

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter newsletter - https://mindfulappy.com/resources/introducing-the-feelings-matter-podcast

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The feelings of every employee matter because, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), depression causes an estimated 200 million lost workdays each year at the cost of $17 billion to $44 billion to employers. Unchecked stress and feeling unhappy and unfulfilled are often the reasons employees change jobs.

Episode Highlights
Most companies in the US address toxic workplace environment by adjusting policies and procedures to affect behavior, rather than digging deeper into the underlying emotions
While Covid is contributing to general anxiety, corporate culture also impacts the emotional state of the workforce
Empathetic leadership demonstrates how a co-worker is valued by making sure everyone knows they are heard and not dismissed.
Quantifying and measuring emotion makes corporate empathy possible.

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and mixed at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the leader of leveraging the Net Emotional Index
https://mindfulappy.com/

Join the conversation! Share how #FeelingsMatter to you via Facebook Messenger
m.me/MindfulAppyEmojiApp

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter newsletter - https://mindfulappy.com/resources/introducing-the-feelings-matter-podcast

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Introduction to the #FeelingsMatter Podcast - Episode 1

In the very first episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast, Hosts Tina Schweiger and Michelle Stinson Ross introduce you to their interest in feelings and emotions. They also provide a little background about themselves and what experience and expertise they bring to this discussion.

Tina Schweiger (she, her, hers) is the CoFounder, Designer and Chief Empath of Mindful Appy. She applies her passion for user experience with scientific rigor– blending the art of design with the science of positive psychology because in life, #FeelingsMatter. Her professional goal is to create digital products and experiences that elevate the human condition. You can learn more about Tina on her LinkedIn profile.

Michelle Stinson Ross (she, her, hers) is the Marketing Director and chief culture creator at Mindful Appy. As a writer and communicator #feelingsmatter to storytelling. Stories help us connect on an emotional level to each other as individual human beings and help us navigate in society. Her goal is to help tell the stories of the people impacted by the journey of mindfulness and share the ways we grow and learn together. You can learn more about Michelle on her LinkedIn profile.

Episode Highlights

FeelingsMatter to job satisfaction and stress

Trust is tied to emotion
Everyone has emotions and bottling them up is ineffective
Mindfulness and emotional regulation are key to personal and professional growth
Parenting and the lizard brain

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and mixed at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

This episode is sponsored by
Mindful Appy, the leader of leveraging the Net Emotional Index
https://mindfulappy.com/

Join the conversation! Share how #FeelingsMatter to you via Facebook Messenger
m.me/MindfulAppyEmojiApp

Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform and sign-up for the #FeelingsMatter newsletter - https://mindfulappy.com/resources/introducing-the-feelings-matter-podcast

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Coming Soon #FeelingsMatter Podcast

Hosts Tina Schweiger and Michelle Stinson Ross provide you with a few hints of what is to come on the Feelings Matter Podcast.

Tina Schweiger (she, her, hers) is the CoFounder, Designer and Chief Empath of Mindful Appy. You can learn more about Tina on her LinkedIn profile.

Michelle Stinson Ross (she, her, hers) is the Marketing Director and chief culture creator at Mindful Appy. You can learn more about Michelle on her LinkedIn profile.

Original podcast theme music by Lance Keltner. https://www.youtube.com/user/lancekeltner This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and mixed at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.

Join the conversation! Share how #FeelingsMatter to you via Facebook Messenger
m.me/MindfulAppyEmojiApp