The Be Heard Podcast: Recent Episodes

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They can’t all be brilliant. Nor should they be. One of the key things about producing content, and quality content, is that some of it isn’t going to be as high in quality as you would always like. What’s the solution? Stop producing? Stop speaking? Stop being? Absolutely not. Instead, focus on the fun of what it is you’re doing. If it’s not fun, make it so. Give yourself challenges. Understand what inspires you to create. Focus on those things.

One of my favorite books is called, The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. If you have not read it, you are doing yourself a disfavor for sure. It is, by far, one of the quickest reads I’ve had in a long time. It is also one of the most in-your-face pieces of work on what it means to create things I’ve ever read. Do yourself a favor and pick it up immediately.

Note: I recently came across an article encouraging or discouraging potential podcasters from producing content, saying we need more listeners and fewer producers. It threw me for a loop because I respected the person who recommended the article. I’ve decided to ignore this “advice” and continue to produce content that lights up my soul.

What lights your soul? What makes you sit up and take notice? Whatever it is, do it. Be it. Produce it. Give it to us. We’re hungry for what you have to offer. It’s never too crowded at the table. Ever.

The post They Can’t All Be Brilliant: The Be Heard Show Podcast – Episode 29 appeared first on Lisa D. Sparks.

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I hear it all of the time. “Get out of your comfort zone,” they say. “Do something new,” they say. “Your success is just outside of the things you’re already stuck doing,” the gurus holler.

This week, I listened. And it was terrifying. I’m not sure how things will turn out. But I do know I’m a better person for the attempt at doing something new and reaching for greater opportunities. One of my favorite people in history, Eleanor Roosevelt, was quoted as saying, “Do something that scares you every day.”

I moved from Philadelphia back to Florida. It is scary because I have no idea what is coming next. But I do know that I’m a better person for at least trying.

Sometimes circumstances can conspire to make us feel as if we shouldn’t say anything at all. That is one of the worst things we can do. Speak. Speak from the heart. Speak the truth. I do believe things will work out in the end. If things haven’t worked out yet, it’s not the end.

The post Consistency, Comfort Zones, and One Buttock! – The Be Heard Show Podcast Episode 28 appeared first on Lisa D. Sparks.

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http://lisadsparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Episode27.mp3 This week I want to talk about a crisis mindset. In each crisis there lies an amazing opportunity. There’s a saying, “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” Charles Duhigg was so enamored with the idea of crisis as a catapult he devoted an entire section of his classic book “The Power of Habit” to the subject. It’s a powerful mindset shift to see things this way.

I know for me it’s tough because I see the painful side of crisis, which is uncertainty. With uncertainty comes emotions we like to shy away from such as anger, confusion, and disappointment. These are all connected to stress. Stress surely, surely is painful and if managed improperly or not at all can lead to scary issues we may never overcome.

There is hope. Take uncertainty and deal with it in the way you should, with grace, aplomb, and a focus on a problem. That’s right, I said focus on a problem. We carry our problems around with us, even when we laugh, feel happiness, or love. They lurk under the surface, living in the status quo. Change doesn’t happen there, though. Change happens when we’re open to it. Nothing makes us open to change and to new ideas more than impending doom. That’s why a crisis can be a wasted opportunity if we’re not looking at it in the right way.

When crisis hits, our backs are against the wall, we have a chance to change. I know I have changed for the better after many of the crises I’ve faced. Whether it’s the loss of a job, the loss of a friend, or the loss of an identity, loss, as I mentioned last week, can tank us or make us. I want my losses to serve me. At least the pain will mean something.

To be heard, to truly be heard, we must find the power to run into the storm and not away from it. Why run into a storm? You’re looking for lessons.

Here’s a quick tip for you: Every night I write in my journal. One of the many things I include in the entry is a section called Lessons Learned. Sometimes it’s one thing. Sometimes it’s several. As I go through this time of loss, there’s nothing like looking back and seeing the lessons from the past based on what I’ve experienced. I suggest you give this a try. Do the deep work, and watch your spirit soar, and watch how you can find new ways to truly be heard because you’ll truly have something powerful to say.

This week’s music was provided by The Passion Hi Fi. The name of the track is “Spanish Winter.” You can find out more about the Passion Hi Fi on Sound Cloud

The post Turn Your Crisis Into a Catapult – The Be Heard Show Episode 27 appeared first on Lisa D. Sparks.

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Is how you do something just as important as what you do or the results you get? Absolutely. In fact, it may be more important. Bottom line: It’s time to show up and to show up in a positive way.

One of my favorite hip hop groups, De La Soul, had a perfect lyric to describe the essence of this Mindset Minute, “I always exhale the facts ‘cause I don’t inhale lies.”

What we put into ourselves is so much more important than ever before because it dictates how we show up in the world. I am in no way woo-woo but I do know it takes a strong and focused person to stand up against negative inner thoughts. The key is to replace them with positive thoughts as much as possible. One inner thought I focus on right now is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts I think towards you, thoughts to prosper and give you a future and a hope.”

Sometimes I feel forgotten, looked over, almost annihilated. And this verse helps me tremendously when I’m tempted to show up in the world with sadness, anger, and envy. I tell myself God has not forgotten me, even in the depths of my despair. Repeating, remembering, and holding on to the knowledge that God thinks about me is a huge help. It changes me. I really and truly believe God’s world has the power to change me at my core.

The post Time to Show Up – The Be Heard Show Podcast Episode 26 appeared first on Lisa D. Sparks.

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In this special episode, I share details on how to cope with loss, whether it’s the loss of a parent, pet, or client. I share five key insights I’ve used to keep performing at my personal best even when things don’t appear to be going my way. Enjoy this episode and stay tuned for more. Until then be sure to Be Heard!

The post Living with Loss – The Be Heard Show Podcast – Episode 25 appeared first on Lisa D. Sparks.

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This week our guest on the Be Heard Podcast Show is Jennifer Benoit of Starting Today. Our centered around personal development, self-acceptance, and the power of being vulnerable.

Jennifer Benoit has dedicated her career to being a change agent in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.  Jennifer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker as well as a Life Coach. She possesses over eight years of experience as a Mental Health Therapist. She has used a broad range of treatment modalities to serve the needs of hundreds of clients.

The post Be Your Authentic Self – Be Heard Podcast Episode 24 with Jennifer Benoit appeared first on Lisa D. Sparks.

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Traumatic brain injury. A week ago today I swerved my bike to avoid toppling over a car. The car’s driver swung out in front of me to get a parking space, it would seem. Only, she didn’t have enough room to pull all the way in. The butt of the car was sticking out. I swerved to avoid hitting the car. I used my hand to tap the back of the lady’s car. I tell myself I did this for several reasons: to let her know I was there or to balance myself. Both reasons are valid. The emotion behind those reasons was anger. What the driver did was dangerous and could have cost me my life, all for the sake of a small sliver of a parking space.

Putting my hand out destabilized me further. I ran into the trolley tracks, which kept my tires straight, while the momentum of my body was moving to the right. That caused my body to keep going while, just for an instant, the bike remained stationery. That was enough to send me careening over the handlebars and onto the street.

When Anger Takes Its Toll On Being Heard No longer was I angry. I was embarrassed. I was in a crowded area with tons of students and I’d just bit the dust in front of all of them. Then I realized I couldn’t move. Eventually, with the help of others, I was able to get up and sit on the curb. One of the students got my bike out of the street. Meanwhile, the person who so desperately had to get that mini parking space had driven on. I was livid.

With the help of others I sat on a nearby bench, then passed out. A doctor was passing by, saw what happened and shook me to wake me up. I did. Things were fuzzy. I was able to call 911. A student got my phone for me and called my aunt and my mother. That way my entire family would know what happened. Just then the ambulance came up. The EMTs walked me to the ambulance. As I was getting in, I fainted. The large, female EMT grabbed the flesh between my breasts and twisted super hard while saying, “Wake up! Wake up, honey! Wake up!” I have never felt pain like that before but I did wake up.

The sheet in the ambulance had been cleaned, but not enough to get rid of a few stains that were still visible. Funny the things you notice even going in and out of consciousness. OCD dies hard, I suppose.

One of the students got into the ambulance and rode to the hospital with me. When we got there she stood outside to look for my family to let them know I was inside.

The ER at Penn Presbyterian Hospital was insanely crowded. Eventually my brother came. Then my aunt came. My best friend called. My mother called. After four hours, a CT scan and an elbow x-ray I had a diagnosis of a concussion and no broken bones. Treatment included over the counter painkillers, bedrest and absolutely no screens for two days. That last part nearly killed me. No screens! But I was able to do it.

Lessons Learned from a Traumatic Brain Injury I’m getting better. Things are less cloudy but I am still quite fuzzy-headed sometimes. Here’s what I learned about traumatic brain injuries/concussions, treatment, and the kindness of others:

1. Wear a helmet. I was beyond lucky to have been able to walk away from the accident of my own accord. I don’t even want to think about the possibilities. The bottom line is I could have been paralyzed. Imagine, one minute biking down the street to get to a café and the next minute unable to move any part of my body every again. I have yet to see a cool-looking helmet for any price that will compliment my hair. I do not care. I bought one the first day I was off of bed rest. I know I don’t look cool and I will continue to look like a complete dork by wearing a helmet whenever I get on a bike. That is all.
2. Good people do exist. Two students, one nurse, and one doctor all stopped to make sure I got the care I needed before leaving the scene. One student went with me to the hospital. There is no way I can repay any of them. It boggles my mind. I would like to hope I would do the same for someone else. Now, I am looking for an opportunity to show the kind of compassion shown to me in my time of need. I am overwhelmed with gratitude. None of the people involved wanted their names mentioned, so I honor their wishes. I will repay them by being kind to someone else. They are all beautiful.
3. Anger kills. It’s embarrassing to admit, but I’ve worked hard to focus on controlling temper and anger issues. We all have our “something” and that’s mine. I look at this situation as a warning to be proactive in addressing the anger I sometimes feel. I’ve studied this a lot and it stems out of feeling unprotected, treated unfairly, and feeling as if no one is concerned or cares that an injustice was done to me. This is a sign that I must acknowledge injustices in my past, come to terms with them again, forgive those involved, and move on with my life in a healthy way emotionally. I have to “do the work” on the inside to avoid smacking the sides of cars, losing my balance, and keeling over on the side of the street. That, after all, is what anger gives birth to, an accident that could have ruined my entire life. Unfinished emotional business will make itself known one way or another.

As I discover and learn more, I’ll share it with you. Traumatic brain injuries are common. If you’ve experienced one recently, be gentle and patient with yourself. My next dispatch will be on the benefits of systems in coping with traumatic brain injuries and how to leverage them to be just as productive with half the screen time. Screen time seems to be a big deal when it comes to healing from these injuries. It’s ironic because using screens is how I make my living. Time to adjust, shift, and become even better than ever!

The post Traumatic Brain Injury – Be Heard Podcast Show – Episode 23 appeared first on Lisa D. Sparks.

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It was a great pleasure to have Nicole Vascianna of Maternity Village as the first guest for Season 2. She gave phenomenal insights that are simple, actionable, and results-getable! Here’s a quick summary of what we discussed but to get the full scoop you’ll just have to tune into the podcast episode.

Nicole Vascianna Takeaways

Strategic partnerships

Social media to position as an expert

Referrals

Educating the community

Why she started

• Family was in the industry (nursing)
• Her own pregnancy – providing for the child
• Baptist scholars program (Baptist Health Miami)
• Nursing was a strategic decision – never let go of the fact I’m passionate about working with women

Best way to be heard in the marketplace

• Get involved
• Make yourself visible on the scene in your area, capture it, and share it online
• Create partnerships and be seen
• Be your own paparazzi
• Become your own PR – everything you do you need to be recording it
• Don’t be afraid to be your own PR and really put your name out there.

Nicole was an excellent guest and we’re so glad to have had her on the show.

Here’s an article from SEO guru Yoast on how to tag images and get seen online.

The post Be Your Own PR Dept – Be Heard Podcast Episode 22 with Nicole Vascianna appeared first on Lisa D. Sparks.

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Protect Your Progress

This is the last Mindset Minute before we launch into the second season of full podcast episodes for the Be Heard Show Podcast. I’m ecstatic and amazed at all of the good that comes from the conversations I’m having with business owners and others who inspire me on a regular basis. Interviewing them is like nothing else in the world. I love hearing truly powerful stories.

Just like everyone else, I get down a bit and this week was pretty trying for me. I had an impromptu lunch with 14 family members. This is one of the great benefits of moving back to Philadelphia. I get to see my family at the drop of a hat. My mother came to town, my nephew got married, and I went to this enormous lunch. As good as that was, it comes with a downside. I was confronted with the possibility of seeing a family member who hurt me deeply when I was a child. The therapy I got years ago helped, but I see now I may need a refresher. It’s important to stay on top of traumatic emotional issues so they don’t have time to morph into something that could destroy progress.

That’s this week’s mindset minute, protect your progress at all costs. Sometimes that progress is emotional, sometimes it’s financial, sometimes the progress is a series of achievements or maybe it’s just the way you see yourself – or a combination of all of these things. Whatever that might be, it’s important to hold on to and preserve progress. I look at this “close call” as an opportunity. Clearly, I have more work to do to ensure I’m approaching the world, and this one person in particular, with forgiveness. That’s the only way I’ll be able to continue my forward momentum in life. I have some tough questions to ask myself. Do I forgive this person? If not, why not? What does forgiveness look like? Do I run up and give the person a hug? Do I hang back and become sullen? Do I strategically avoid the person? What does forgiveness really look like? I think as I’m back in Philadelphia and as my family has more of these get-togethers, I will surely find out.

The post Protect Your Progress – The Be Heard Podcast Episode 21 appeared first on Lisa D. Sparks.

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There are few things more intimidating than a blank piece of paper, a blank screen, an empty recording track. Nothing. What do you do, when you don’t know what to do? What do you do when the blank paper mocks you, laughs at you, tells you you’ll never fill it, that your ideas aren’t worth putting onto the page? What then?

You write anyway.

What do you do when you can taste and feel a positive change coming, but all indications on the outside are that people want to stop you? It could be extensive edits to a pristine article. It could be a misunderstanding blown out of proportion. It could be a person caught doing wrong, attacking those who found him out. Whatever it is trying to stop you, create anyway. Do anyway. Be heard anyway.

That’s the only way to get through it. Create your world. Design your future. Make your way through the very people who are standing in your way. They can sense your breakthrough before you can. God is using them as harbingers, as canaries in the mine, as an indicator light that good is coming. A good change is coming. Greater is on the way. Look over their heads. No matter how obstinate or difficult those human obstacles may be, overlook them.

See beyond them to the wonderful world that’s coming. Only then will you be able to forgive in the way you should. Forgive lavishly. Pardon excessively. Disregard slights as much as possible. It’s small stuff trying to keep you earth bound. But baby you were designed for more than this earth. You were designed for great and amazing things. One day and one day soon, you are going to soar so high no one can keep up with you. In that time I challenge you to look back and remember the human obstacles in your way. Remember them? Those people who mocked, laughed, scorned, lied – all because they were afraid of your trajectory? Forgive them now. Enjoy the fruits of your labor later.

The post Do It Anyway: The Be Heard Podcast Episode 20 appeared first on Lisa D. Sparks.