The Story in Your Head: Recent Episodes
Macklin Connection
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo. “The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences. Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better. Visit www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb sit down with Joel Strom, founder of Chief Value Officers, a business strategist and leadership development expert who helps transform companies from ordinary to extraordinary. Together, they explore what it takes to build a thriving company culture, strengthen leadership, and overcome the communication problems that often hold teams back from long-term success.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb examined how fear – especially during uncertain times – can shape business decisions, impact communication, and limit growth. They share insights from their careers, along with personal reflections on how fear manifests in business environments and how effective leadership can help overcome it.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb discover how internal competition, fear, and communication problems shape company culture and leadership development. Together, they explore how these problems shape the way organizations handle competition – both inside and outside their walls. Through a blend of real-world insights and storytelling, they uncover how leaders can build stronger teams, reduce destructive internal rivalries, and foster a culture that thrives under pressure.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb engage in a thought-provoking conversation with special guest Adry Munoz, a 20-year-old social media coordinator and senior at Michigan State University. Together they explore the narrative behind not hiring Generation Z and delve into the reasons behind this perception. Adry shares insights on how the corporate world's resistance to change, the impact of COVID-19, and the rapid pace of technology influence Gen Z's work attitudes. They also highlight the need for better intergenerational communication and understanding to bridge the divide and foster collaboration in the workplace.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore how to know whether your company is good or just lucky. Through personal anecdotes and industry examples, they delve into the concepts of preparation, opportunity, and the sunk cost fallacy. They discuss how market conditions, timing, and adaptability play critical roles in business success. They also touch on the importance of having diverse viewpoints to challenge assumptions and the need for continuously reassessing situations to avoid being misled by initial success.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb sit down with Bob Latham, managing partner and principal at IBG's offices in Arizona and Texas. With over 30 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, Bob discusses the critical factors that can make a business unsellable. He shares insights on the importance of diversified customer bases, clean financial records, and established management teams. Bob also elaborates on how company culture and leadership styles can impact the sale of a business. Whether you're a business owner considering selling your company or just interested in the M&A process, this episode is packed with valuable information to help you prepare and make informed decisions.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron Macklin and Deb Dendy explore a problem entrepreneurs often find themselves stuck in - a cycle of micromanagement – effectively keeping their company on “life support.” This episode of The Story in Your Head explores how company culture, leadership development, and better communication can help business owners step back while their teams thrive. Ron and Deb share practical strategies to replace micromanagement with trust and autonomy, creating a business that can run smoothly without constant intervention.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron Macklin and Deb Dendy unpack the evolving reality of hybrid work and remote work culture. They explore how leadership, trust, and company culture are being reshaped in this new environment—and why some leaders struggle to adapt. Through honest discussion, they reveal how communication problems and outdated leadership development strategies can sabotage even the most flexible workplaces, and how rethinking leadership training courses may be the key to building stronger, more connected teams.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron Macklin and Deb Dendy demystify the adverse effects of mandatory two-day leadership courses. They explore why believing you can learn leadership in such a short time is damaging to both individuals and organizations. Through discussing real scenarios, they highlight the disengagement and frustration these courses can cause, especially when leaders who mandate them do not participate themselves.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron Macklin and Deb Dendy talk with Fred Neil, Founder and CEO of Magellan Venture Partners, about what it really takes to grow your business – and yourself. Learn how to escape the day-to-day, avoid common leadership blind spots, and build a company culture that thrives without burning out its founder. Through a thoughtful conversation rooted in experience and strategy, they dig into how leadership development, strategic delegation, and company culture can help CEOs and business owners unlock sustainable growth.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron Macklin and Deb Dendy explore the surprising leadership strategy that top performers use to grow: surrounding themselves with disagreement. Learn how building a “challenge network” can elevate your leadership development, transform company culture, and drive better decisions—both personally and professionally. If you’ve ever felt stuck in an echo chamber, this conversation will challenge your thinking and show you how real growth starts with discomfort.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb take a closer look at a practice that undermines both leadership credibility and workplace morale: dry promotions. These promotions, where employees are given new titles and increased responsibilities without a pay raise, are more common than many leaders realize—and they carry long-term consequences for company culture and employee engagement.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb sit down with Lori Grubs, a seasoned HR leader and expert in leadership development and company culture transformation. With over two decades of experience, Lori shares her mission to make workplaces better across the globe. From piloting flexible workspace initiatives to navigating complex organizational challenges, Lori reveals how experimentation, strategic risk-taking, and a deep belief in people form the foundation of her approach.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore the essential difference between being busy and being productive. They discuss why it's vital to recognize this distinction, identify the pitfalls of busyness, the importance of strategic planning, and the role of leadership in fostering productivity. They also offer practical experiments and tips on how to transition from busyness to genuine productivity, ensuring that efforts lead to meaningful accomplishments for both individuals and organizations.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb delve into the current debate surrounding the return to the office—a hot topic as businesses worldwide are being encouraged to reassess workplace dynamics post-pandemic. They explore the benefits and challenges of both remote work and office work from the perspectives of employees and employers.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb delve into the controversial topic of company surveillance. Together they discuss the legal and ethical implications of employers monitoring employees, and explore the fine line between necessary security measures and building a culture of trust within an organization. They highlight the impacts on company culture, employee trust, and productivity.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Deb Dendy.In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb delve into how radical candor can build trust, while showing care for others by challenging them directly. The explore how this can foster a culture of openness and growth, and how radical candor can transform workplace dynamics by creating deeper connections and trust among colleagues.
The Power of Radical Candor in Building Trust and ConnectionIn today's fast-paced business environment, the ability to give and receive feedback effectively is crucial. But how can we do this in a way that builds trust and fosters connections? The answer may lie in the concept of radical candor.
What is Radical Candor?Radical candor goes beyond just being honest. It's about creating an environment where truthfulness and caring coexist. As Deb shares in the discussion, radical candor involves challenging someone directly while also showing that you care personally for them. This balance fosters a culture of open communication where feedback becomes a tool for learning and adapting.
Ron emphasizes the importance of presenting feedback in a straightforward manner, avoiding sugar-coating or dressing it up to be more palatable. Radical candor isn't about pointing out flaws; it's about sharing observations and interpretations in such a way that the recipient can genuinely reflect on them.
The Timing of FeedbackOne key takeaway from the conversation is the significance of timing when it comes to giving feedback. Delaying feedback until annual review time isn't effective if there are surprises. Instead, the real time to give radical candor is as soon as the opportunity arises. Immediate feedback allows people to address issues promptly and avoid forming bad habits. As Ron points out, "If you don't talk about it in the next conversation, you don't ever get to talk about it."
Overcoming the Fear of FeedbackBoth Deb and Ron acknowledge that the fear of delivering negative feedback can often prevent people from acting. Concerns about how the feedback will be received or worries that a valuable employee might leave can be paralyzing. However, holding back because of these fears only exacerbates any existing issues.
Deb highlights the importance of overcoming these fears and viewing feedback as a means to help others. Providing timely feedback allows both parties to remember the context and offers a better chance of fostering a constructive dialogue.
Creating an Open and Trusting Company CultureFostering an environment where radical candor is the norm leads to stronger connections within the workplace. Ron and Deb discuss how regular, timely feedback, delivered with care, results in open communication and increased trust among peers. When people feel they can ask for feedback without fear of reprisal or misunderstanding, it builds a foundation of trust and respect.
Moreover, radical candor is not about being mean or judgmental. It's about being open, truthful, and willing to learn from each situation. When delivered this way, feedback becomes an opportunity for both parties to grow and improve, leading to stronger, more trusting relationships.
The Courage to be Radically CandidDeb reflects on the courage required to be truly candid in a workplace setting. Past experiences have shown her that avoiding direct feedback and resorting to indirect methods, like involving HR, only serves to undermine relationships further. Courage in this context is about being willing to deliver feedback directly and respectfully, creating opportunities for real, meaningful connections.
Embracing Opportunities for Real ConnectionUltimately, radical candor and feedback should be seen as opportunities to build better relationships. They allow us to have conversations about things that truly matter, moving beyond superficial dialogues to address real issues. Each piece of feedback is a chance to strengthen trust, and for Deb and Ron, this is invaluable in any organization.
As Ron aptly puts it, radical candor allows us to have authentic conversations that build the deepest connections and trust. So, as you navigate your professional relationships, remember that each feedback session is an opportunity—don’t pass it up.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore changing your fundamental stories. They share personal narratives about how deeply ingrained beliefs—formed early in life—can shape one's reality. With compelling stories from their own lives, they explore the process of recognizing and transforming these narratives to alter one’s perception of self-competence and worth.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb navigate the complexities of leading through uncertain times. From global political shifts and AI advancements to company layoffs and market deregulation, they share personal experiences and offer valuable advice on building trust, being transparent, and fostering a calm, inclusive work environment. Whether you're a startup founder or a seasoned leader, learn how to turn challenges into opportunities and support your team through unpredictable changes.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb dive deep into two major forces that shape our lives, cultures, and businesses: fear and hope. They discuss how fear can manipulate and wear down individuals in a business environment, leading to decreased productivity and innovation. They then explore the power of hope, highlighting how it can drive resilience, creativity, and a positive work-life balance.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore the dynamic relationship between shareholders and employees in business. They delve into the roles and expectations of shareholders—who invest financial capital for returns—and employees—who invest their time and energy for compensation and growth. They discuss the challenges CEOs face in balancing these interests, the impact of stock price fluctuations, and the strategies for aligning both groups toward long-term growth. The episode emphasizes the importance of sustainable business practices, employee development, and ethical leadership in creating a thriving company.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb sat down with returning guest Dr. Mladenoff, a leading expert in concussion care, to discuss his new book which delves into the intricacies of diagnosing, treating, and understanding this serious health issue. Dr. Mladenoff shares personal experiences with concussions, both within his family and professionally, highlighting the physical, emotional, and long-term cognitive effects.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore how holding onto past traumas and grudges can stifle your creative potential and how forgiveness, whether towards others or oneself, can facilitate emotional freedom and personal growth.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb dive deep into the true meaning and power of apologies. Together they reflect on the psychological burden of unspoken guilt, the importance of making genuine apologies for personal liberation, and the four essential steps for a meaningful apology.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore how altering the stories in our heads and setting authentic stands can transform how we experience the holidays. They candidly discuss the importance of creating space, prioritizing meaningful interactions, and finding joy in simplicity. Tune in to discover how to shift from merely surviving the holidays to truly celebrating and cherishing family moments.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb dive into the complex world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Deb shares her personal story of being hired as part of a quota system and the struggles she faced in proving her competence in a male-dominated field. Ron reflects on his own challenges as an engineer, addressing the dynamics of fairness, inclusion, and the business implications of DEI policies.
The conversation explores the true purpose behind DEI initiatives, the fears and biases they provoke, and the potential for creating genuinely inclusive and innovative workplaces. Join us for an honest discourse about the power and impact of DEI on both employees and employers.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore the concept of continuous learning, its necessity to adapt to change, and the impact of continuous learning on career development. They emphasize the importance of individual responsibility in continuous education and offer practical advice on how to embrace a learning mindset.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb delve into chaos—both internal and external—and discuss strategies for creating peace. Ron and Deb dive into the aftermath of an election, highlighting the chaos that often follows such significant events and questioning how we can foster peace amidst the turmoil. The conversation explores the psychological aspect of managing turmoil by understanding and changing our mental narratives to foster calmness and resilience. Emphasizing the power of choosing positive stories, they highlight breaking habitual negative thoughts to align with personal values, promoting mental clarity and emotional well-being.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb delve into the timely topic of collaboration amidst personal differences. They explore the fear of being wrong and the importance of creating a safe space for dialogue both in personal settings and the workplace, highlighting the value of diverse opinions as a means of fostering innovation.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron dives into leadership development and the costs associated with leadership training. He emphasizes the significant returns on investment that can be garnered from proper leadership development programs. Ron shares personal insights and experiences, discussing the nuances of training leaders, why investing in leadership training is crucial, and the potential losses faced without it.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb dive deep into the topic of ghosting, focusing on both personal relationships and professional settings. They explore its impacts, possible reasons behind it, and the consequences of ghosting for both job seekers and employers.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb dive into common challenges faced in workplaces such as lack of communication, misaligned goals, and personal conflicts. They explore how these issues stem from the different 'stories' or perspectives individuals hold, and the transformative potential of aligning individual stories with shared organizational goals.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb dive into the world of team building exercises. They discuss their personal experiences with traditional team-building methods, highlighting the common issues and limited long-term impact of such activities. They also share a program focused on trust-building and self-discovery, that has proven to create strong, cohesive teams that carry their newfound skills beyond the workplace.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb delve into the profound yet often overlooked importance of active listening in communication. Whether it’s your peers, colleagues, or loved ones, actively listening has the power to transform your relationships and interactions. Deb and Ron engage in a lively conversation about what it means to actively listen and the impact it can have on your life.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore how to hire employees with dignity. They dive into aspects like defining the role, understanding company culture, and ensuring that both employers and candidates engage in meaningful conversations. This conversation is a must-listen for employers looking to refine their hiring practices and for job seekers striving to find the right cultural fit.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb dive into an often overlooked but critical issue in workplace dynamics: the cost of bad relationships at work. From emotional stress to reduced productivity, a toxic relationship can have a wide-ranging impact. Together they explore these hidden costs and offer practical solutions for transforming negative relationships into positive, collaborative partnerships.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb discuss the delicate process of firing someone with dignity. They explore why it's important that a termination should never come as a surprise, emphasize the importance of performance improvement plans, and outline how maintaining dignity benefits both the employee being let go and the organization. Whether dealing with a toxic employee or someone who simply doesn’t fit, the conversation highlights how to manage exits in a way that upholds everyone's dignity.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb, together with guests Eric Stiller and RJ Radobenko, explore a roadmap for leaders looking to integrate distinct groups into a cohesive, high-performing unit. They dive deep into the challenges and strategies involved in merging corporate cultures to achieve extraordinary business results.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore what it means when an organization's culture changes, how it can affect employees' experiences, and the various reactions people might have towards these changes. They discuss the tangible implications of culture change, such as not knowing coworkers in a rapidly growing company and the different options individuals have in responding to these changes.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and guest Nicole Edwards from San Pedro Fish Market, discuss her different approach to HR. She views her job as a coaching and supportive role rather than just administrative, emphasizing the value of treating employees as family to foster a positive company culture. Nicole also elaborates on her strategies for leadership development, team management, and the crucial differences between managers and leaders.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb delve into the complexities of getting promoted, challenging conventional wisdom and debunking tips as not necessarily paths to advancement.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and guest Justin Steinbach dive deep into creating a positive workplace culture through empathetic leadership, fostering a team environment that encourages open communication, and investing in employees' personal growth.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and guest Eric McDermott delve into the complex and often misunderstood concept of organizational culture. Eric offers profound insights into creating, maintaining, and transforming culture within organizations.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb delve into the intricacies of promotions in the workplace. They explore the conventional promotion paths and the incongruities often found in them, the importance of recognizing individual capabilities and the necessity for managers and leaders to pay attention to and nurture the skills of their team members.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and guest Luigi Resta, the CEO of R Plus Energies, discuss fostering a people-centric work culture, and overcoming challenges in the renewable energy sector. Luigi shared insights into his eclectic upbringing and the challenges with infusing ‘family’ into business culture at R Plus Energies.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and guest Mike Ungaro, CEO of San Pedro Fish Market, discuss ideal practices for organizational changes and employee management to foster a more conducive working environment. Mike gives examples of the cultural shifts happening within the various outlets of his enterprise and the different management strategies implemented at each location.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of ‘The Story in Your Head,’ Ron, Deb, and guest Mike Ungaro, CEO of San Pedro Fish Market, discuss the transformation of his family-owned business, giving insights about the importance of organizational culture, highlighting its role in creating a cohesive, effective team. He explains how his philosophy of family, culture of hard work, and core values have contributed to the company's success.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb delve into the concept of love in this Valentine's Day discussion. They explore how love impacts personal relationships, self-perception, and even company culture. They discuss how love is an internal creation, not an external event, and suggests that consciously choosing to love can create a sense of peace and belonging.
Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.
Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.
Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more fulfilling and productive future.
Tune in and take the first step towards rewriting the stories that define us, individually and collectively. Because when we change the stories we tell ourselves and each other, we can change the world.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb dive into the topic of switching roles and explore the dynamics involved in becoming a boss, leading former peers, and setting the stage for success in your new position.
“The Story in Your Head” is the best business culture podcast, that shares stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge, and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb deep dive into the topic of 'Leading Leaders', emphasizing the importance of creating a safe space for mistakes, learning, and growth within a team. They highlight the necessity of caring for the team, getting to know each individual personally, and fostering a feeling of connectedness.
“The Story in Your Head” is the best business culture podcast, that shares stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge, and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and guest Dr. Mladenoff provide essential wellness information by detailing five simple health-related tests anyone can do at home. They discuss how these tests can monitor the state of stress and the body's capacity to manage stress.
“The Story in Your Head” is the best business culture podcast, that shares stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge, and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb reflect on the last year, particularly around learning how to learn, gaining responsibility for our own learning, and understanding the critical importance of maintaining relevance and staying valuable in a rapidly evolving world.
“The Story in Your Head” is the best business culture podcast, that shares stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge, and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb and guest Dr. Bowen White continue their discussion further exploring individual perspective, choice, purpose, and the significance of playfulness and relationships.
“The Story in Your Head” is the best business culture podcast, that shares stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge, and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb and guest Dr. Bowen White discuss the acceptance of personal frailties, the need to take risks, embrace failure, and build a culture that fosters personal growth and effective leadership.
“The Story in Your Head” is the best business culture podcast, that shares stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge, and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb discuss Ron’s first book that was recently released: Everyone Is Afraid. They cover at a high level why Ron wrote the book, who the book is for. They also discuss how fear is a shared human experience, and through open dialogues about our fears, we can reduce the power they hold over us.
“The Story in Your Head” is the best business culture podcast, that shares stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge, and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore the intriguing and insightful future of human relationships in an increasingly AI-driven world. Together they delve into the impact that AI could have on the underlying purpose of businesses everywhere, what AI in a law setting could mean for society, and the rapid transformation of society at large.
“The Story in Your Head” is the best business culture podcast, that shares stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge, and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and guest Elon Hasson explore how to lead a remote team, while cultivating a collaborative business culture. Elon also shares his method of cultivating business relationships through empathic listening and embracing a diversity of perspectives.
“The Story in Your Head” is the best business culture podcast, that shares stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge, and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore the intriguing and insightful future of human relationships in an increasingly AI-driven world. Together they delve into the potential effects of AI on how we perceive reality and the relationships we form.
“The Story in Your Head” is the best business culture podcast, that shares stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge, and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and guest Dr. Mladenoff challenge the impersonal nature of Western medicine and discuss the profound significance trust plays in the doctor-patient relationship.
“The Story in Your Head” is the best business culture podcast, that shares stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge, and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb discover a new perspective on “fun”, not just as a source of amusement, but as a fully immersive, creative process where you lose track of time.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge, and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and guest Isha Antani discuss the power of resilience and the importance of self-reliance, and how sharing personal struggles fosters deep, genuine connections.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge, and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and guest Sunitha Sandeep discuss how traumas shape us, how they manifest in our lives constructing shields that protect us, and how to break free from these self-created narratives and move towards a path of authenticity.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge, and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and guest Bobbi Kahler discuss the importance of self-leadership in both personal and professional life. Bobbi enlightens us on how everyday decisions can have a lasting impact on our lives, and how conscious choice can liberate us from self-blame.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge, and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and guest Krisstina Wise discuss her journey as she moved from being a ‘super performer’, constantly seeking external validation, through a health crisis that led her to confront her priorities and ultimately surrender her old identity.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge, and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and guest Anish Majumdar discuss how navigating through toxic workplaces or dealing with unbearable bosses doesn't have to be a dead-end situation. They also dive into how to create authentic leaders that empower people in the workplace.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and guest John Wise discuss the power of what’s missing and the importance of discovering what is missing in our own stories and the stories of others. They highlight the importance of unlocking the potential for personal and professional growth by asking the right questions and cultivating curiosity.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and guest Beate Chelette discuss how to fail your way to success by utilizing a flexible strategy. They also discuss what causes people to not change, even when they recognize change is necessary for growth.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and guest Gemma Bailey discuss how to develop resiliency. They dive into ways to determine your resiliency level, and how to raise that by asking questions differently to change the stories in your head.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb discuss the placebo effect and how it is powerful enough to change the stories in your head. They discuss times when the placebo effect from these stories has impacted their lives and relationships.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
TW: References to child sexual abuse by family member
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and guest Kimberly Bell discuss how to accept an apology. They explain how this can help you move past a story that otherwise might be stuck in your head, and the impact this can have on your relationships.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb discuss “resenteeism” and how it relates back to the stories in your head that you tell yourself. They discuss how taking responsibility of your own story can give you a lot of power.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and guest Dai Manuel discuss the stories men must overcome to be vulnerable. Dai examines the impact becoming a vulnerable man has had on his entire life, and how his transition all started with one question from his wife.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and guest Becky Paroz discuss how to overcome the feeling of not belonging, and speaking confidently about your fears. They dig through Becky’s history as an introvert to becoming a public speaker and being on the cover of magazines.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and guest Marsha Vanwynsberghe, from the Own Your Choices, Own Your Life podcast, discuss dropping their shield, sharing their vulnerable stories with others, and taking ownership of those stories to change them for the better.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and guest Kathy Robinson from Athena Wellness, discuss how to ascend and descend the corporate ladder while your maintaining physical and mental health. They also discuss how to recognize and deal with both personal and societal expectations, while shifting your lifestyle to feel more fulfilled.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and guest Deadair Dennis discuss the struggles of opening up and being vulnerable to others. Dennis also describes his method for quickly connecting with his audience while on stage as a standup comedian.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin, Deb Dendy, and Melissa Nelson.In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and guest Matthew Ames discuss what it means to be your stand. They talk about some of their own stands, what to do when you notice you’re not living your stand, and the different ways in which the Macklin Method has helped them grow their relationships.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Ep. 51: How to Live Your Stand with Matthew AmesRon opens by asking guest Matthew Ames to introduce himself.
- Matthew introduces himself by discussing his wife and children, and then his realty business.
- He says he is in the business of creating and maintaining relationships.
- After prompting from Ron, he then describes why he finds being a realtor so exciting, and his process of switching from being an architect to becoming a realtor.
- He notes that his business is entirely built off of referrals, which means he focuses heavily on forming good relationships with his clients.
Ron notes that Matthew has been working with Macklin Connection for a few years, and wonders what difference the programs have made in his life.
- Matthew says that a lot change has come in the areas of believing in himself, and meeting himself.
- He discusses why he heavily focuses on “being enough,” and that learning is part of the process.
Ron asks which part of the 7 different parts of Macklin Method is his favorite.
- Matthew says that the one that has been showing up the most for him is “being your stand.”
- He then describes his mindset behind noticing what stand he is being, and times when he is not actively being his stand.
- Matthew adds that one of his stands is to always show up and contribute, and explains what that means to him.
Ron follows up and asks Matthew what it means for him to “be your stand.”
- Matthew says that he is always “being a stand,” and that what he is working on is always being the stand that he intends to be.
- He then works through what that means for him in terms of what he will do, what he won’t do, and what he might do.
- He says there are times when he notices not being his stand, and describes his process of how he cleans up whatever may have come from that.
- Ron then questions whether Matthew only has a stand for himself, or whether he has a stand for others.
- He says part of his stand is to be a stand for others, enabling them to find that space for themselves.
Ron notes that Matthew has led some sessions for Macklin, and asks what it is like to lead someone else through the Macklin Method.
- Matthew works through what it looks like for him, and why he views it as selfishly altruistic.
- He adds that his goal is to create a space, and describes what that means and how he hopes others see it.
- Ron tells a personal story of why creating that space is both exciting and scary.
- Matthew says one of his favorite parts is the “Imaginal Moment” that happens, especially when they invent a new story for themselves.
- He then relates this back to his job as a realtor, and how he views stepping into being a coach for Macklin.
Matthew then asks Ron what his stand for the podcast is.
- Ron describes what his goal for The Story In Your Head is, and how it’s centered on discussing fear, and realize that it’s normal to be afraid.
- Ron then tells a story of how he came to realize the stories in his head, and how he’s focused on helping others understand their own stories.
Matthew follows up by asking if anything new has developed by doing the podcast.
- Ron notes how his dad and his relationship has changed since starting the podcast.
- He then adds how he always learns from the guests they have on the podcast, and thinks it’s super interesting the stories that people have come up with to deal with their fear.
- Matthew says that as it becomes more common to acknowledge that everyone has fears, it becomes easier to discuss those fears.
Matthew concludes by asking Ron what he intends to produce in the new year with the podcast.
- Ron says he wants to continue to connect with a more diverse group of people, and help them realize that we all have the same story of fear.
- He then tells a couple of stories about how even others that look like they have it all together also have fears.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo. In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Michelle, and guest Dr. Kevin Gazzara discuss how to use the concepts behind positive intelligence to change the story in your head. Kevin shares personal stories around how he used to handle conversations with people before and after applying the principles in his own life.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Ep. 50: Positive Intelligence with Kevin Dr. Kevin Gazzara Ron opens by asking guest Kevin Dr. Kevin Gazzara to introduce himself.
- Kevin discusses his background and schooling including obtaining his PhD in Organizational Leadership.
- He mentions his long career in the corporate world, and then says he retired in 2007 to begin his own company with a couple of colleagues.
- They left to develop leadership programs, while also developing leadership programs for four different universities.
Michelle asks for more details about what Kevin means when discussing ‘positive intelligence’.
- Kevin says that most people are probably familiar with emotional intelligence (EQ), and that those with high EQ plays a greater significance in leadership than a high IQ.
- He then references Dr. Shirzad Chamine’s book on positive intelligence, which compiled the statistics behind multiple theories and put together an operating system.
- He notes that the system can be used to recognizing the stories in your head, controlling them, and then coming with a solution.
- Kevin mentions the differences between the sage brain and the saboteur brain.
- Kevin says that he runs programs to teach people, and that it is for anyone looking to take the next step up, or for people struggling to grow as a leader.
Michelle discusses the positive and negative stories in her head, and asks Kevin how he suggests to go about changing those stories?
- Kevin mentions the multitude of saboteur brains that anyone might have, and how the assessment can help you discern which ones you deal with the most.
- He then discusses the different sage brain practices one can utilize to counteract the saboteurs through thoughtfulness and meditation.
- After prompting from Ron, Kevin recounts a personal story of recognizing his saboteur and how he fought that.
Michelle asks how because of everything he learned, Kevin has engaged differently with his daughter, and others.
- He notes that in their lessons they also teach communications skills, and how to make sure every conversation is taken as an opportunity rather than as a threat.
- He then discusses a few other things they teach others in their Servant Leadership class, among other classes.
Ron asks what his method is for keeping that story top of mind when you enter into some of those conversations.
- Kevin says that is something positive intelligence addresses, especially for those in higher more stressful positions.
- He discusses the app that was made to help people practice PQ reps after getting a notification a couple of notifications.
- He adds that it actually tracks where you are currently versus where you should be.
Michelle asks how others can find out more about positive intelligence and where to get started.
- He recommends the book Positive Intelligence
- Kevin also mentions their website to also learn more about positive intelligence
- He also says to check out Shirzad’s website to take the saboteur assessment and your p level assessment.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin, Deb Dendy, and Melissa Nelson.In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and guest Molly Mandelberg discuss how to change the story in your head. Molly shares a bit of her personal journey, and how she works with the stories in her head around blame, shame, and guilt.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Ep. 49: How to Resolve Blame, Shame, and Guilt with Molly MandelbergRon opens by asking guest Molly Mandelberg to introduce herself and what she does.
- Molly says runs Wild Hearts Rise Up, where she helps coaches and holistic practitioners that conscious service-based businesses to do their work.
- She also notes that she has lived nomadically for the last 14 years, and is currently continuing that lifestyle by living in a sprinter van.
Deb then asks Molly what stories changed for her that enabled her to embark on the journey she is on right now.
- Molly says all of her stories had to change, discussing some of her traumas that had to overcome and change the story of in her own head.
- She also discusses the numerous stories that she had to overcome in order to start her business, and continue running and growing her business.
- She recognizes that as she helps others through her work, that her own stories have come up to stop her, and that happens with her clients as well.
- Deb asks Molly what enabled her to move past these stories, to which she responds that she finally had a vision greater than her fear.
Ron asks her to speak more about what having a vision greater than her fear means for her.
- Molly lists a few of her fears that she had to overcome, and what she had to change her stories to.
- Ron asks her if the fears are gone now, to which Molly says they do come back from time to time, but has discovered what helps her push past those stories and change those stories in her head.
Deb recalls a blog she read on Molly’s website, and asks Molly about some of the connections in her life that she’s made.
- Molly notes that making connections with people is the most important thing, even more than just making the right deal.
- She continues by describing how important the right connections with other people that are interested and following a similar path.
- She adds that having a good connection with yourself is also important, and can drastically change the way that you interact with others.
Ron asks Molly to speak more about how we craft the stories that we tell ourselves, how she crafts those stories, and how it helps her live a good life.
- Molly says a lot of the stories we tell ourselves come up automatically, as they have been taught to us once and then are ingrained in us.
- She says that she spends time writing and critically evaluating whether the story she has is helping her, and then whether the opposite of that story can be true, and looks for proof of that as well.
- That type of critical thinking enables her to change the stories in her own head, and notes that there are different modalities that help different people.
- Molly describes how this process has enabled her to do the work that she is doing in her life.
Deb recalls another blog she read on Molly’s website, and asks about the impact of blame, and what it means for Molly to come clean.
- Molly says that blame, shame, and guilt are stories that we typically hold onto for a long time, because we don’t know how to reconcile those stories, often because they involve someone else.
- She then goes through an example of blame, and how taking responsibility for it can help you move past that story.
- She says that by going through that process and freeing yourself of that story is liberating.
- After prompting from Ron, Molly then walks through examples of what shame and guilt look like as well.
- Molly walks through a personal story of what she did to work through her own guilt about something that happened in the past.
- Ron and Deb contemplate what they took out of those stories, and relate some of their own personal experiences of working through those stories as well.
Molly asks Ron and Deb what their big “why” is.
- Ron says that they hold as humans we love to connect, and yet people don’t know how to do it because of stories in our own head.
- He describes how by forming those connections, they are trying to create a better world.
- Deb discusses her own transformation that has happened, and how she is looking to create that space for transformation for others.
- Ron adds how they are trying to flip the story around taking responsibility.
Deb asks Molly to share what she is doing and whatever else she wants to share with the listeners.
- She describes the work she is doing, and what the end goal of doing this work is.
- Molly also notes that she has written a book called Wild Hearts Rise Up about her transformation and her experience.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin, Deb Dendy, and Melissa Nelson.In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and guest Nick Gray discuss hosting a two hour cocktail party. They dive into all of the fears associated with it, how to overcome them, and the benefits that can come from hosting your very own party.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Ep. 48: The Two Hour Cocktail Party with Nick GrayRon opens the episode by asking guest Nick Gray to introduce himself.
- Nick goes through a bit of his history, talking about his previous company that he sold a few years ago.
- He then mentions his new book that is largely the topic of conversation for this week’s episode.
Deb mentions the “loneliness epidemic” that Nick mentions in his book, and asks him to go into more detail about that.
- He discusses his understanding of how people make less friends and lose friends as they grow older.
- His then talks about how his book The Two Hour Cocktail Party encourages people to host a gathering to make as many connections as possible.
Ron asks what are some of the biggest surprises that he has noticed from others that are using the techniques in his book.
- Nick says he has helped almost 100 people hosts party, and then mentions some of the biggest surprises that have come out of those parties.
- He adds that others are surprised at how quickly you can get to 15-20 people, which he says is the appropriate size for a these types of parties.
- After some prompting from Ron, Nick discusses why this is just the right amount of people, as less is more work for the host to keep conversation going, and more might be overwhelming for most people.
Deb asks how to convince introverts to attend the parties?
- Nick discusses why his parties are perfect for introverts, such as sending out little guest bios before the party.
- He adds that the parties also include name tags, icebreakers, a start time, and even more importantly an end time, which gives them a much better sense of control.
- He then explains why listing an end time is vital to hosting a good party, for both you and the guests.
- Nick adds some details around why the icebreakers are a key part of the party as well.
Deb asks about the community after the party, and how those who attended can stay in touch.
- He says that it’s important to include those contact details in the guest list that goes out before the party.
- He notes that no matter how great the party is, he encourages people NOT to create a group chat because it helps keep the party as a special event.
Ron discusses how the story in your head around inviting people to a party also plays a role in who is willing to host a party.
- Mike jumps in and says that a party is a gift that you give someone, and gives some personal stories that dives into this further.
- He adds that there is a caveat to this though - noting that for your first party, ensure it is a low stakes environment to keep the pressure off and help you learn how to host this type of event.
- After prompting from Ron, Nick discusses how to keep people from thinking this is going to be a “sales party” where they are just trying to sell something to you.
Deb asks what to do if your spouse isn’t as excited about hosting a party.
- Nick gives a few pieces of advice for ways to either get your spouse involved, or even the guests who always arrive early.
- This makes Deb recall a piece of the Macklin Method where you need to give others a way to help or contribute to you and the things you’re doing.
Nick asks Ron and Deb if they have any suggestions or modifications about ways to improve running the party.
- Ron talks about a common story in your head is that you are afraid, but after talking about how everyone is afraid, Nick agrees.
- Nick talks about how after the icebreakers during a party, there is a moment of shared collective fear, which is then followed by a rush of energy into the party.
- Nick asks Ron and Deb how they would help someone that might be afraid to host their first party.
- Deb talks about how to get over the first seven seconds of fear when inviting someone or start talking to someone new at the party.
- Ron discusses to have people craft the story of what it is going to look like a few weeks and months after, and focus on all of the successes, which helps rewrite the stories in your head.
- Nick raves about what a great idea that is, and how getting people to regularly host parties as a part of who they are is another goal.
To learn more about Nick and the ideas he talked about, check out the links below:
How to Host a Party Website
The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: Book info
The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: Amazon
How to Host a Clothing Swap
How to Plan a Networking Event
How to Host a Happy Hour
My Parents Hosted a Party: Here's What They Learned
Mocktail Party: How to Host When You Don't Drink Alcohol
How to visit a museum
Nick Gray's personal website
Nick Gray's blog
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin, Deb Dendy, and Melissa Nelson.In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and Melissa discuss dropping their shields and becoming vulnerable. They dig into what modern shields look like and the radical changes that can happen if you choose to drop your shield.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 47: Dropping Your ShieldDeb opens by asking Ron to explain the concept of dropping one’s shield.
- Ron describes how shields can be used for both defense and offensive purposes.
- He then notes that the shields he’s talking about are the stories in our own heads, and describes where those stories come from.
- Ron shares anecdotes about his past and current self about what this looks like in his everyday life, and questions who decided carrying these shields was a good idea.
- Melissa jumps in and describes her shields that have formed over her life from times when she was hurt, and built that shield up to prevent from being hurt again.
- Ron agrees and describes how when others go through the Macklin Method programs, they learn to become vulnerable and often end up crying because they connected with some of the most important people in their lives.
Ron continues by noting in their programs, you’ll learn the process of Tossing Lines.
- He talks through a situation of what this might look like for someone, and what to do when you run into someone else’s shield.
- Ron continues by sharing what really happens to others when you share a vulnerable story with others.
- Deb thinks about how she would normally wait for someone else to lower their shield first, when in reality dropping your shield first means you have to trust yourself.
- Melissa then contemplates how being the one to drop your shield first can radically change your life as you are more free to be your true self.
- Ron shares a story of a documentary of soldiers during WWII that connected because they dropped their shields.
Melissa shares lessons learned from her time studying social psychology, and how when you become close with someone, there becomes a shared self.
- She discusses how by sharing vulnerabilities, that develops the overlap in personalities, which further lowers your shield, which can allow you to share more vulnerabilities.
- Ron says that by lowering your shield and sharing those vulnerabilities is how you create long-term lasting connections with others.
Deb asks Ron how one goes about changing their stories so that they can drop their shield and become vulnerable with others.
- Ron says that the first place to start is to recognize that everything you know is just a story in your head.
- The second part, he continues, is that being vulnerable is a story of courage, and to be courageous for 7 seconds.
- He notes that the first time you try to be vulnerable, you might not be at all, and that it can take a lot of practice to be open and vulnerable.
- Melissa discusses a way to practice being courageous, and Ron comments on other ways to practice it as well.
Ron asks Deb and Melissa what modern armor looks like for them.
- Deb discusses what armor looked like for her in her previously male-dominated career and workplace.
- Melissa agrees, and then adds how it’s important to know who you want to be in your head and work towards becoming that person.
- Ron then describes what modern armor looks like from his perspective, and how it changes through different generations.
- He also notes what happens when someone decides to not follow the norms of armor and goes after their authentic self.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin, Deb Dendy, and Melissa Nelson.In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and guest Peter Worth discuss the connections between the physical, metaphysical, and philosophical realms. They talk about a number of philosophical practices are related, how they are translating to our everyday lives, and the impact it is having.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 46: Connecting the Physical and Philosophical RealmsRon opens the episodes by asking Peter Worth to introduce himself.
- Peter discusses his history in computer sciences, and his philosophical studies and practices, both being done simultaneously over the course of decades.
- From that research, he has written many things and had multiple publications.
Deb then asks him what stories in his head changed over the course of all the research.
- He discusses his history of how he got into yoga, which led him to also studying the philosophical pieces behind it.
- Peter then discusses how these pieces shaped his view and perception of the metaphysical realm.
- He continues by describing how this has also altered his work as a computer engineer.
- Ron asks for clarification between the metaphysical, engineering, and physical worlds that he discussed.
- Peter then clarifies how he holds each of those, individually and especially in relation to one another.
Deb asks him to elaborate on how these many individual pieces are coming together in his field.
- Peter mentions how there are many philosophical ideas, but bringing them into practicality and everyday is not philosophers main focus.
- He says computer scientists are working on bringing some of those pieces, such as how we think and process information, into the real world with tangible end results.
- He mentions how artificial intelligence and machine learning came about and how closely those neural networks resemble the connections we find in our brains, which is how he relates these ideas back to his career.
- Following down the same path, he makes the connections between the metaphysical realm and the physical realm.
Ron asks what and how he thinks these things will be of importance to his children, and future generations.
- Peter says that raising his boy has altered his way of realizing how exactly we learn as humans, and the amount of effort that goes into that process.
- He notes that while thinking critically isn’t something you start off teaching, it ends up becoming more and more important later on, as determining what is true or not is going to shape our world in the future.
- Ron runs with one of the ideas that Peter mentions about how the methods of learning are changing very quickly.
- Peter notes how because we live in the era of information, everything is readily available at your fingertips, which is drastically different than how it was even just a decade ago.
Ron asks Peter to think about one of the realizations he came to during the course of his research that shifted his entire world view.
- Peter discusses some of the original texts that he read, and as he puts many of those pieces came together, they formed a nice empirical basis on how to perceive our world.
- He talks about how the philosopher Kant was able to express ideas that people from many different backgrounds and ideologies can all agree on.
- After prompting from Deb, he discusses his latest research publication, which talks about how believing something to be true, the fake it ‘til you make it mentality, can become the reality that you get to live in.
- Ron comments on how this connects with the Macklin methodologies and the things they are teaching.
- Peter and Ron continue back and forth about how these practices and ideologies are playing out in our current world, and how they directly relate to the interesting times we are all currently living through.
- Peter mentions how the younger generations are entirely shifting their priorities and how they are choosing to live their lives.
- Ron puts it in stark contrast to the generations of broken stories that came before.
- Peter relates this back to the current economy that we are seeing and how businesses are struggling to adapt to the next generations as the values of the business are slow to adapt and keep pace with the rapidly changing environment.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin, Deb Dendy, and Melissa Nelson.
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and Melissa discuss burnout. They talk about their personal signs of burnout, how to deal with burnout, the cost of burnout, and the importance of taking time away.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 45: Burnout
Ron opens the episode by introducing his cohosts Deb and Melissa, and asking Deb to define this episode’s topic – burnout.
- Deb gives the definition, followed by Ron asking when how they notice when they are getting burned out.
- Deb describes how she notices a lack of passion, as well as negativity seeping in.
- Melissa says she notices how she sleeps, and how things she enjoys doing seem like an effort rather than something enjoyable.
- Ron says that he feels how things are just the same and he’s living in Groundhog Day.
Ron follows this up by asking the group what the cost of burnout is to them.
- Melissa says that she notices her mental health greatly suffers, which for a long time she thought was just a natural part of being an adult.
- Deb describes ‘negative work’ that happens as a result of burnout, and adds that her family also suffers when she is experiencing burnout.
- Ron says that for him the cost is creativity, which includes creating his day-to-day life versus just living the same rut he’s been stuck in.
- He then describes a period of time when he was experiencing burnout because of the amount of work he was doing.
Ron asks the group what they do to counteract burnout knowing that they understand the cost of it.
- Melissa starts by saying she radically changed her life by changing jobs, and goes into detail about that experience.
- Deb says her tactic is to set proper boundaries for herself and working, and ensuring to take breaks and remember to focus on selfcare.
- She continues by differentiating between short term versus long term burnout and what the difference is for her.
- She also talks about how the stress associated with burnout can physically change your brain, and impact your decision making and impulse control.
- Ron mentions how not that long ago in the history of humankind, we used to be able to work 20 hours a week and provide for everything we need.
Ron recalls a paper that he read that drew his attention to taking care of your body, and also the importance of playing.
- He describes what playing entails for him and what that does for your brain.
- He then details his experience living in Germany and how everything was built around ensuring the employee was happy and well taken care of.
- Ron continues talking about the mandatory vacation time of employees in Europe, and the difference between their culture versus the US work culture.
- Melissa jumps in and discusses one of her previous job prospects and how their vacation time was creating a template for burning out their employees.
- Ron notes how because those employees are burned out, you never get to see that employee’s full potential.
- The group continues discussing the importance of properly taking time away to recover and prevent yourself from burning out.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Deb Dendy.
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Deb, and guest Megan Hunt discuss burnout, work life balance, and what it means to be a recovering workaholic. They dive into how changing the stories in Megan’s head has allowed her to drastically change her outlook on life.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 44: Recovering Workaholic with Megan Hunt
Ron begins by asking his new Co-host Deb Dendy to introduce herself followed by their guest Megan Hunt.
- Deb says she worked in the semiconductor industry for a long time, and started working with Ron about 6 years ago teaching some workshops.
- She realized she needed to be doing that fulltime, so she joined Ron and his company in February.
- Ron notes that Michelle is taking a break and doing some traveling.
- Megan is a graphic designer, creator, and a recovering workaholic.
Deb asks Megan what it looks like to be a recovering workaholic.
- Megan discusses what being a workaholic looked like, and says that it’s a behavioral pattern that has been present throughout her adult life.
- She then talks about her past and where her story of only having value as a human if she was providing for others.
- She also notes that this is the first time in her life that she is only working one job.
Ron notes that she used the word burnout, and asks her to discuss what that looked like for her.
- Megan describes her work life balance, which led her to hit a point where she didn’t see the point to continue living.
- She says after telling her employer she needed a week off, she wasn’t able to do anything but lay on the couch.
- Megan realized she had to change something in order to see a change in her life, otherwise the cycle would continue.
Ron asks Megan how she went about changing the stories in her head.
- She says that she has started by self-reflection on who she is as a person, what she values, how she works best, etc.
- Megan notes that she had to relearn and re-establish who she was in both friendships and her relationship with her partner and children.
Deb asks Megan how the story changed in regards to how she takes care of herself.
- Megan says she was at the very bottom of the totem pole, and realized she needed to reprioritize that list.
- She describes how she began giving herself permission to enjoy certain things, and doing so for her own enjoyment rather than for others.
Ron notes that step 7 of the Macklin Method Workshop is to allow others to help me, and then asks Megan how she is with accepting help and how she is changing that story.
- Megan recalls how she used to never ask for help ever.
- She then discusses how she has started asking others for help in certain situations, how she is setting boundaries and expectations with others, and what she wants out of her relationships.
- Megan describes what she called an “empty cup” in relation to her energy.
Deb asks how she noticed she was burnt out, and if she can recall any signs.
- Megan describes signs of being burnt out, in hopes that others will realize the warning signs before they actually experience full burnout themselves.
- She also describes how to advocate for yourself, to things to look for in a good work environment.
Deb asks how receptive others were of Megan creating and setting boundaries.
- Megan says that everyone was very receptive of her setting those new boundaries for their relationship, often cheering her on when she would do so.
- She then dives into her experience of having to rework some of those relationships, as you rediscover yourself and the role you play in others’ lives.
Ron brings up some of Megan’s writing in “prework,” and then asks her to describe her thoughts on ‘balanced life’ and ‘love and connection’.
- Megan describes how her work is easier, done faster, and higher quality now that she has set the boundaries to ensure she maintains a better work life balance.
- She continues how she has found new and deeper connections with the people around her thanks to reworking the stories she has for herself and others in her life.
Ron asks Megan if she has any questions for him and Deb, to which she asks if there is a piece of content from Macklin that would be a great resource for someone who is looking to change their life.
- Deb discusses all of the different content available on their website, including their FAQ page to figure out of the Macklin Method is right for them.
- Ron tells the concept of ‘what is a scared self,’ and how even understanding that story for yourself can change your life.
- Megan responds to their thoughts, and gives her perspective on the scared self and how understanding that has changed her perspective and the stories she tells herself.
In order to learn more about Megan you can check out her podcast, or her website.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Michelle discuss remote work. They dive into how to establish a good relationship with your remote team, what are the benefits of remote working, and advice for leaders of remote teams.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 43: Remote WorkMichelle opens by reading the definition of remote work, and then asks Ron how he would define remote work.
- Ron discusses his definition, which is anytime two people are not in the same room but are still working together.
- This helps Michelle realize how her definition should change a little bit.
Michelle then asks what’s different about remote work and what skills does Ron think are needed for remote working, and what are the benefits of remote working?
- Ron begins from the fundamental space of a time before zoom or many other technologies that we have today.
- He discusses his previous career, and says how it requires a high level of communication and coordination.
- He works through his mindset of how to both send and receive communication from others when you are working remotely with them.
- Ron says that one of the most important pieces is being able to notice the person through those pieces of communication, and to be able to notice when something is off.
- Michelle then discusses her previous career and the remote work that she had been doing throughout that time.
- She says it took a while to learn the culture and practices, but concludes that sometimes she got to know them better than she knew people that she frequently worked with in person.
- This reminds Ron about how he heavily focuses on the individual person, so that he could connect with them, and intuitively understand when they need help.
- Ron says a key for being able to remote work is to be able to connect with the other people you are working with.
Michelle asks Ron if there are any practices that people can employ to help them build those skills?
- Ron says his foundation is to get to know the person before the project starts.
- He then discusses how working with people that you’ve worked with before isn’t always as easy as jumping right back in where you left off, because they have likely grown and changed in that time away.
- He notes that the most important thing to develop those relationships is to listen more than you talk, and the process of how to build trust with those people.
Michelle asks how it is different than working with people that aren’t remote, or if it is at all?
- Ron says that when we are around the same people every day, we get used to those people’s shields.
- He then discusses the reason that some of his remote relationships were closer than the in person ones.
- Michelle reflects on her remote relationships, and how those for her are the ones that have tended to last through the years.
Ron asks Michelle if she could go back and give a 30 year old version of herself advice, what would it be?
- Her first piece of advice is that people matter, no matter what you do.
- Her second piece is to truly get to know the person, not their role, and how that relationship can be around for the rest of your lifetime.
- Ron then thinks about his advice, which is that each relationship is as precious as whatever you’re trying to build.
Michelle and Ron reflect on how technologies have changed the way that people can connect now.
- Ron discusses how to look at these relationships in relation to current day social media.
- Michelle adds that we need to look at the core of the person, and social media might not reflect that.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Michelle, and guest Priscilla Shelp discuss the importance of building authentic connections with others, how to recognize those connections, and how to deal with the fear of rejection.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 42: Building Authentic Connections with Priscilla Shelp
Ron opens the episode and asks Priscilla to introduce herself.
- Priscilla proceeds to introduce herself, noting that her main focus right now is on her startup and finishing her PhD.
- Michelle asks her why she started her company, after which she explains her reasoning behind her startup.
- Her goal is to help others build authentic connections and broaden their networks by finding new members for private interest groups
Ron asks why she thinks having authentic connections is so important.
- Priscilla asks in return what does having a non-authentic connection give you, to which Ron gives a response.
- She continues by giving examples as to why we, as humans, need authentic connection.
- She notes that it all starts by having an authentic connection with yourself, otherwise you’ll be looking for someone else to fill those gaps.
Michelle asks how she recognizes authentic connections.
- She says there are two things she looks at – first is whether you are codependent on that person for something, and the second is a gut feeling.
- Priscilla adds that gut feelings can be wrong, but they will be trained over time.
- Ron asks how we can help ourselves or others when we did not listen to that gut feeling.
- She responds by saying the first step is to forgive yourself, recognizing that perfection is impossible, and then to learn from your mistakes.
Michelle follows up by asking for an example of when an authentic connection made a difference for her.
- Priscilla relays the story about her and her mentor’s relationship over the years.
- She notes that for authentic connections to exist, you should not be trying to get something from that person.
- She continues by explaining what to look for over the long term to determine whether the relationship is truly authentic or not.
Ron then asks Priscilla to discuss more about the fear of rejection and how she manages it.
- She begins by calling attention to fear of rejection is partially a rejection of ourselves.
- Priscilla then continues by describing how to shift your mentality so you will not be dependent on others’ opinions of yourself.
- She also notes how this mindset can help when it comes to rejection from other people.
- Michelle asks how she prevents the stories that others’ might be creating from affecting her.
- Priscilla gives a number of ways how to ignore those stories, or what other stories you can tell yourself, and other steps we can take to keep those stories from affecting us.
- Ron describes how he deals with his fears and shaping the stories that he tells himself, and how he creates other people as well.
Priscilla then asks Ron and Michelle what was their journey moving from a big company to starting Macklin Connection.
- Michelle gives her story of how she moved toward more philanthropic opportunities, and found how she wanted to learn and teach others how to lead with compassion.
- Ron then relates his story of how the old version of leadership never worked for him and how he always felt it was inauthentic.
- He continues to detail how developing authentic relationships helps people and teams perform better.
Priscilla finishes by asking what Ron and Michelle are aiming to leave behind.
- Michelle details how she wants to build something that is going to continue to shift our human nature a long time from now.
- Ron describes his goals for the very long term and how humanity will have to continue to work together.
- Priscilla and Ron then discuss how to avoid loneliness through authentic connections with others.
In order to learn more about Priscilla, visit her website: priscillaschelp.com
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Michelle discuss resilience and resistance. They dive into what those attitudes look like for themselves versus with groups. And they share personal experiences of how they changed the mindset of resistance to one of resilience.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 41: Resilience
Michelle opens the show by reading the definition of ‘resilience’ and then asking Ron how he defines and works with resilience.
- Ron gives his definition of resilience and then says he works with it by closely examining which stories we have in our own heads that don’t take care of ourselves.
- He notes that those stories make us less resilient, and gives a few examples of what this looks like in our everyday lives.
- He continues by saying this leads him to one of his favorite lines to toss, which is, “so what does that mean?”
Michelle jumps in and relays a story of when she had to show resilience in her personal life when she had to become her mom’s caretaker.
- She then also discusses what resilience looked like over the course of her career, and having your ideas shot down at work.
- Ron recalls times when he had to be resilient over the course of his career as well.
- He also adds that the opposite of resilient is being resistant, which is often easier to identify in ourselves and others.
- Ron says that when everyone is holding the space of being resilient instead of resistant, the team can create things that are much bigger than what they would have been able to do otherwise.
- Ron gives an example of one of the times this happened over the course of his career.
Michelle asks Ron how he helps people move on if he notices there is any resistance in the room.
- Ron says that he begins by telling himself the story, “everybody is just as scared as I am.”
- He continues stating that he figures out how to create a space where everyone feels safe opening up and bringing out their ideas.
- Michelle comments how amazing it is that our brains can link others ideas with very old distant memories and come up with new creative ideas.
Ron asks Michelle how she would create herself at the beginning of a meeting to notice when she is being resilient versus resistant.
- Michelle discusses the mentality she maintains when going into meetings, which is to be open and curious.
- Ron then talks about the two ideas he keeps in mind are being enough, and being modifiable.
- Michelle recalls a previous experience when she told people what to do versus when she asked people what they would do, and how the mentality of the group changed.
- Ron says that a part of making that shift is realizing that it’s okay to fail, and how people are often resistant to contributing because they are afraid of failure.
- He continues by saying that finding a way to let the group know that failure is okay helps others move from being resistant to being resilient.
Ron thinks on Michelle’s experience and asks her what changes in peoples’ way of being she noticed before starting the next project.
- Michelle says that the first thing was noticing the change in herself, coming to the conclusion that failure can be desirable.
- Ron then asks how she looks for resilience in people before the projects begin.
- Michelle discusses the differences in the mood and the attitudes of the people working on the projects, and how that can change the results.
Ron ponders about how to handle people who might not be meeting expectations, and around their ability to be resilient.
- Ron says he first focuses on bringing openness to the person or group so that they can feel more comfortable and open.
- Michelle then discusses how one of her tactics was to bring in chocolate chip cookies, and also spending the first ten minutes of a meeting discussing things people are interested in that are not work related.
- Ron recalls one of his favorite fun holidays ‘talk like a pirate day’ and how it changed the attitude of the group.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Michelle, and guest Shana Francesca discuss how to release stories and things that don’t belong in your life. They dive into how things we “should” do are all stories and constructs, and describe how to work towards being “enough.”
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 40: Releasing Things That Don’t Belong with Shana Francesca
Michelle begins by welcoming Shana to the show, and asking her how she came up with her company name: Concinnate.
- Shana reads the definition of concinnate, and describes the story of how she found that name for her company, and why it is so fitting.
- She adds how it relates to the story of our life, and going through the process also helps clarify what needs to be removed and no longer belongs there.
Ron asks why Shana chose interior design and where her passion comes from.
- She describes her childhood and the power her physical environment had, using her room as a vision board.
- After going to school for interior design, she had clients ask for her to design their homes because her style was divergent thanks to how she listened to those clients.
- Shana describes how those changes greatly affect the lives of those she has been able to help.
Michelle reflecting on Shana’s statement of finding what doesn’t belong and moving those items out of your life, asks her to speak more on that point.
- Shana describes her mindset behind being able to release the stories that no longer belong to us, which helps us live more authentic lives.
- She continues by noting how going through this process allows us to become freer and lighter, making it easier to create your own story and live more authentically.
Ron says this is relevant to what they work on everyday which is getting rid of stories in his own head that he no longer wants there. He asks how Shana deals with wanting an item or the story associated with it back after having gotten rid of it.
- Shana starts by saying not to get rid of something until you are absolutely certain you should – noting that “should” is a curse word.
- She continues by saying when we get clear on the story we want our lives to tell, we focus on that, and choosing that, releasing the stories where meaning doesn’t actually exist.
- Shana notes that we are the ones that assign meaning to things or stories, and how they are the lenses through which we see the world.
Michelle asks Shana to go further into the word “should” by describing why she thinks it is unproductive.
- Shana describes where all of her “shoulds” came from, and what started happening when she started releasing those from her own story.
- She notes that all of these things we “should” do are all man-made constructs, and you get to choose which ones apply to you.
- Ron asks Shana to give an example of some “should” stories she has worked through in her life.
- Shana goes into multiple stories that she “should” believe or follow, but has released through crafting her own story.
Ron asks Shana what ‘authenticity’ or ‘being authentic’ means to her.
- Shana says that she is still finding what that means and that it is ever-evolving.
- She notes that it is a conversation with herself and what is aligned with the life she wants to live.
- She continues by adding that it is recognizing what actually walks in the room when you do versus what you want to enter the room.
- Michelle follows this chain of thought by asking how she resolves the discrepancy between those two.
- Shana says that maybe there is no resolving this, but leaning into what actually enters the room when you do, and letting that be enough.
Ron asks Shana for more clarity on what she means when she’s talking about “what enters the room.”
- She describes what she means by this saying, and how this relates (or doesn’t) to who you are as a person.
- Ron asks how she handles when someone then walks into her room with all of her ‘stuff’.
- Shana says that she doesn’t fully knows what it means to shed all the ‘stuff’ and be defined by nothing.
- She notes that all the ‘stuff’ clouds the view of who we actually are, and defines a couple of those things that define us, regardless of whether the interaction is in person or online.
In Shana’s answer, Michelle found that she said you have to learn to be okay with being enough, and asks her how to get there.
- Shana says that she doesn’t know but she’ll let her know when she gets there.
- She continues by describing her thought process on how to get to that state of being.
- Adding in a few examples on what’s stopping us from being there, Shana describes how each of those affect our heads and the stories we are always being told.
- Ron asks if someone wants to start working their way towards ‘being enough’ what are some easy steps to get started.
- Shana responds by starting with meditation, and diving deep into the stories that emerge by doing this.
- Michelle says that she started meditating 20 years ago, and the effects that it has had on her.
- Shana adds in how meditation can look different from person to person.
Shana asks Ron and Michelle how their work around “being enough” has shown up in their lives.
- Michelle responds first saying that it has been her lifelong “should” to recognize what is “enough.”
- Ron describes his experience in working to notice this story and how to shift that story when he is telling himself that he is not enough.
Ron asks where listeners can go to find out more about Shana and her offerings to the world.
- Shana says the easiest place is to go to her website: concinnate.world
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Michelle discuss the word “noticing.” They talk about not only noticing the things that you typically notice, but also how to practice noticing what others are noticing and the positive impacts it can have on those relationships.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 38: Noticing Noticings
Michelle opens the episode by defining the word “Notice” from the dictionary, and then asks Ron what that triggers or means for him.
- Ron starts by saying it triggers a few different thoughts.
- The first is that he is noticing all the time, which is when he is making up a story based on the sensations he is receiving from his body.
- The second is what other people notice, which is the same thing he is doing, but to realize others are doing that same thing.
- The third is the one is where he says it gets really intriguing which is to notice what other people are noticing.
- Michelle responds to the first two types of noticing before they deep dive into the third version of noticing.
- Ron asks a follow up question to better understand the story that Michelle went through to recognize and change one of the stories in her head.
- Michelle describes her experience of shifting from her ‘scared self’ story to changing to being willing to be noticed in order to make a difference.
Ron then begins the deep dive into noticing what other people are noticing.
- He describes the method he uses to figure out what other people are noticing, which is to repeat the words that people are saying in his own head.
- What he noticed is that when he was repeating the words they were saying, he began to be able to recreate the stories they are telling themselves, but in his own head.
- He found that through doing this he found himself at peace, and being with that person, along with an endless list of questions to ask about what they are noticing.
- Michelle says that this practice is newer to her, but since beginning she has noticed that she is more present with the person.
Ron notes that there are two thoughts that he holds in his head about continuing this practice of repeating others words in his own head.
- The first is to surrender to being enough and the second is the power of being heard.
- He then describes what each of those thoughts mean in more depth, including a personal story.
- Michelle responds to the story by sharing her reaction when she realizes she is truly being heard.
- She notes that when you practice this, you build a level of trust with that person because you know they are truly listening to what you are saying and know they are willing to work through it with you.
- Ron says there are times when he notices that people aren’t aware of every word they are saying, and then reflects on himself and his own words.
- He notes that noticing what other people are noticing, you can understand who they are, what they care about, and it creates a space to connect on a level that is authentic and dignified.
Ron asks Michelle which she think works faster: repeating others’ words into your own head and thinking about it, or repeating those words and then asking them clarifying details.
- Michelle says it is definitely asking questions, because it not only slows the other person down to more carefully consider their words, but it also slows her down to keep her from creating stories in her own head that might not even be true.
- Ron says that he completely agrees, and it makes it easier to create a shared story and common understanding, while building trust along the way.
- Ron gives an example of what happens if you only repeat the words in your own head, but ask no follow up questions.
Michelle asks if Ron has ever experienced a time where the follow up questions have produced a common understanding but not a common agreement.
- Ron says he has experienced that and adds that there are ways for those two understandings to co-exist together, even if they don’t align.
- Michelle says that when this happens for her, understanding where the other person is coming from helps her come away with no judgement.
- Ron gives a personal example and how differently they view life, but neither one of them is wrong.
Ron and Michelle encourage people to reach out to them at ron@macklinconnection.com and michelle@macklinconnection.com about the following questions:
- What do you notice from this episode?
- What do you notice about other people?
- Have you practiced repeating what others are saying in their own head to figure out what they are noticing?
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Michelle, and guest Steve Norris discuss how making the effort to understand self-talk and implement healthy practices has drastically improved their lives. Steve opens up about his past and what led him to start searching out authenticity in people, and the lessons he has learned from them along the way.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 38: Self-Talk Your Stories into a Better Place
Ron welcomes Steve Norris to the show and asks him to give an elevator introduction as to who he is and what he does.
- Steve talks about his background, which included growing up in the Midwest in a big family with lots of foster children as well, and signing a record deal.
- Then after getting married he transitioned into a sales role and started a few companies.
- Later in life he hit a series of obstacles and major challenges, after which he had a longing to seek out goodness in the world, and along the way seek out a purpose.
- He decided that if it is something that does not bring him joy, he won’t do it, as he was working to find purpose in his life.
Michelle asks him to dive into the story of how he started the Better Place Project, what inspired him to do that, and how his daughter got involved.
- Steve notes that his daughter was the impetus of him starting his podcast, and explains where the idea originated.
- He then explains how his daughter got involved, and what her role is.
- He says how he wanted to find extraordinary humans that are doing good things in the world.
- Steve realized after recording a few episodes that the people he enjoyed interviewing the most were people he could learn something from.
Ron says that one of their principles they teach about is the idea of self-talk, and then asks Steve if self-talk is important to him and how it has shown up in his story.
- Steve explains how quickly he fell in love with the Story in Your Head just after reading the description of the show.
- He then talks about a guest he had on his show, Dr. Shad Helmstetter, who has written multiple books on self-talk and neuroplasticity.
- Steve recalls his conversation with Dr. Helmstetter and all of the things he learned after he started noticing his own negative self-talk.
- Michelle notes that one of the most important thing she constantly works on is improving those stories of negative self-talk.
- Ron adds in his experience of not noticing those stories until someone else points it out to him.
- Steve describes an SNL skit where they were making fun of positive self-talk, and how his mindset shifted once he realized the impact it can have in the actual wiring of your brain.
Michelle asks if there is a story that comes to mind around that mental shift and the impact it has had on his life.
- Steve begins by saying the biggest one is how self-talk then opens you up to self-reflection.
- He notes that while everyone would always say how positive he was, inside himself, he could tell that there was negative energy.
- He says what the best gift he has been given since changing the self-talk in his own head has been the ability to open up his heart to the others that have done him wrong.
- Steve explains how that power of forgiveness has opened up his world for more compassion and new mindsets of dealing with people.
- Ron relates his experiences working through the same stories in his head.
Michelle notes that on Steve’s website there is a phrase, “Celebrate the flows of imperfection that makes us human,” and asks him to explain where that came from.
- Steve explains how loving yourself is way more than just loving your good qualities, but loving and embracing the flaws as well.
- He describes how once you give yourself a break, it is easier to give that same relief to others as well.
- Michelle says it goes in line with a saying she tells herself all the time which is that she is, “imperfectly perfect.”
- Ron continues on this line of thought describing how important being open and trusting is in relationships, and how it can affect the way you understand when someone talks to you.
- Steve says how famous thinkers and philosophers say that trust is more important than love because without trust, the foundation of love can’t exist.
Ron asks Steve if he has any questions for them, which Steve then uses to ask them what the favorite thing about doing what they do on this podcast.
- Ron starts by saying meeting people like Steve is one of his favorite parts of hosting this podcast, and finding the similarities between all people.
- Michelle notes how the podcast has been a huge learning experience, and how frequently she finds others with the “I’m not enough” story she battles all the time.
- Steve relays a story of how the format of podcasts is so old, and yet how much of a godsend it is in order to be able to listen to stories and connect with other humans.
Ron asks how people can find out more about Steve or his podcast.
- Steve says people can find out more about the podcast Better Place Project Podcast with Steve Norris at his website: BetterPlaceProject.org
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self-talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Michelle discuss what it means to be vulnerable. They share personal stories of times when they were vulnerable, and how it affected the relationships with the people they shared those stories with. They discuss the hidden power of being vulnerable, and issue a challenge for themselves and the listeners.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 37: Vulnerability
Michelle opens by giving the definition of ‘vulnerability’ from the Oxford Dictionary. She then asks Ron how he holds ‘vulnerability.’
- Ron agrees with the definition, but says that it holds more power than what those words truly mean.
- Being vulnerable is sharing the stories inside your head that describe what your fears are, or are weak.
- He continues by saying that the power comes from the fact that nobody wants to admit that they are weak or afraid, but when someone starts that conversation, it then gives everyone else a place to relate.
- He says that relating to others, building that connection, is a way for people to not feel alone, and build a deep level of trust.
- Michelle then describes her take on the word ‘vulnerability’ and what it means to her.
Michelle then asks Ron if there is any particular story where vulnerability changed for him or someone else.
- Ron dives into a couple of stories about both others’ vulnerabilities, as well as his own.
- He then describes how being vulnerable with his wife opened up another level of connection that he had not had with her before.
- Ron continues by saying how speaking it out loud allowed him to really truly evaluate the stories.
- He notes that the more vulnerable he is, the easier it is to connect with people.
- Michelle relays a story that was the most impactful story around vulnerability, which is when the CEO of the Fortune 50 company she used to work at shared how lonely he was in his new role of CEO.
- She then continues by detailing how that level of vulnerability not only changed the culture of the company, but also caused her to shift her career path.
Ron asks Michelle what steps she takes to go about being vulnerable.
- Michelle describes a story where she had to be vulnerable, which started as a physical vulnerability when she was pregnant, and shares how that led her to the emotional vulnerability of admitting when she needed help.
- She then continues by describing how this changed her work environment as well when she was vulnerable with her team about her personal life.
Michelle follows the same line of thinking, asking Ron how the space of being vulnerable opened up to him.
- Ron says that once he noticed the connections being made between being vulnerable and others dropping their shields.
- He relays his strategy to incorporate vulnerable stories into conversations, and the impact it has on his relationships with others.
- Ron continues by describing what happens after he shares a vulnerable story, and how others often react to them.
Michelle plays off of Ron’s answer asking him if there has ever been a time where he was vulnerable and regrets it.
- Ron recalls times that he has been made fun of after being vulnerable, and the story that he now holds when that happens.
- Michelle thinks back on her own stories of vulnerability and how she often returns it back to herself on how she is being judged afterwards.
- Ron continues this line of thinking by reminding himself, and the listeners, that everyone is scared, and reacts differently to that fear.
- Ron and Michelle discuss how to handle the differences in reactions, realizing the differences between their own stories and others stories.
Ron concludes by giving a challenge to himself, Michelle, and the listeners of the podcast.
- What is it that really scares you to be vulnerable about?
- Can you be vulnerable about it?
- Can you surrender to being enough?
- What would your world be like if everyone you knew was vulnerable like that, talking about their real fears, and got help from one another?
- Is that a world you want?
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Michelle and guest Tyler Foley discuss the power of stories and the role they play in our everyday lives. Tyler talks about the methods he uses to recognize and change his story, as well as how the power of actually telling others the stories that we are most afraid to say can have the biggest impact on others.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 36: The Story You’re Afraid to Say with Tyler Foley
Michelle opens by asking Tyler about the story behind his book The Power to Speak Naked.
- Tyler responds by saying there is a different story behind the title of the book, and the content of the book itself.
- He relays the stories behind the creation of the title itself, including a story about a time when he truly did give a speech naked (for charity).
- He also describes where the content of the book came from, what it is about, and what he hopes that people can learn from the book.
Ron pulls a quote from Tyler’s response, “the thing that you’re afraid to say is what your audience needs to hear,” and then asks him to say more about that.
- Tyler says there is always a piece that speakers are always hesitant to share, for a multitude reasons, but that is the piece of the story that people can often connect to the most.
- He continues by stating examples of when this is the case, when people are often afraid to speak up, but once they do lots of other people connect with that story.
- Tyler then gives an example from one of his own talks where he relayed a personal story that he isn’t always willing to share, but noticed that once he did, members of the audience that were initially disengaged were now suddenly very attentive because they connected with that story.
Michelle asks Tyler if there were any stories that he had to change for that bravery to come out.
- He initially describes how nobody is really afraid of public speaking, but actually afraid of public judgement.
- Tyler continues by describing why this fear is irrational, and gives advice on how to change this story.
- He then gives real world examples of places and times where the story in your head is misleading you, and encourages people to think the opposite.
Ron notes that Tyler has used the word ‘story’ multiple times in his answer to the previous question, which Ron then asks what role that plays in his life and how he communicates.
- Tyler notes that this is how we, as humans, communicate with one another.
- He relates how stories are how we can walk a mile in others’ shoes, and it’s how we can gain empathy and sympathy.
- He concludes that the lack of stories is where there is breakdown of communication.
Michelle asks what stories have changed in his life in order for him to be able to be where he is today.
- Tyler describes how his viewpoint on this is constantly changing and evolving, including the example of how he thought he was going to a bachelor for his entire life, but then that changed when he met his now wife.
- He then relays another story that he worked to change which was, “I’m not good enough,” and how he was able to change that story by viewing it from a different perspective.
- He says that the reality of the world is a story that he tells himself, and it’s up to himself of how he wants to create his own world.
Ron asks Tyler what his process and strategy is for changing the stories that he doesn’t like.
- Tyler says that the first thing he does is script out the opposite of the current story he is telling himself.
- He continues by describing how there is a yin and yang of the world, ebbs and flows, and he focuses on just finding the truth.
- After figuring out the story and the truth behind it, he says, is when he can start playing with the “what if” scenarios, and whether he wants to change that, and how he can change that.
- He describes how he learned this skill very early on in his acting career.
Michelle notes that he has helped a lot of people overcome their fear of public speaking, and asks why he thinks people choose him over someone else.
- Tyler notes that there are two stories that he helps people work through: what is your story and how to tell their story so that it has impact
- He then works through this process himself of finding his own stories, which he notes he has done many times before, but wanted to give the example.
- He describes who many of his typical clients are, why they think they don’t have stories, and then says the final step is to figure out how to tell that story in an impactful way.
Ron asks Tyler the best way to get ahold of him in case the listeners would like to do that.
- Tyler says the listeners first go give this podcast a 5 star review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever they are listening to this podcast.
- He also asks to leave a comment so that they can better serve the audience.
- Then he says, people can reach out to him on his website: seantylerfoley.com
- Tyler continues by describing ways that people can connect via his facebook group, and all the freebies they will get.
Ron asks Tyler if he has any questions for either him or Michelle, to which he asks Michelle what the story in her head is that needs to be changed.
- Michelle says the most recurring one is the story of ‘I am not enough.’
- She relays a story of how she has recognized that story in her own life, and in other people in her life.
- She then says how she has realized that that story isn’t just hers, and how that helped her realize that she doesn’t need that story anymore.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Michelle discuss ‘Tossing Lines.’ They dig into what that phrase means, and where it originated. Together, they work through what the process of ‘tossing lines’ looks like, the different ways it might appear to others, and share personal stories.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 35: Tossing Lines
Michelle opens by tossing the questions to Ron of what is ‘Tossing Lines’ and how did he come up with that phrase?
- Ron says that the fundamental of ‘Tossing Lines’ is to be an offer of help to somebody.
- He continues by noting how it is different than just offering help of giving someone $5, but rather it is a process of asking a series of questions that helps that person make up a new story.
- Ron then relays the story of how the phrase ‘Tossing Lines’ came about, and why that phrase really stuck with him.
Michelle thinks back to the story that Ron just told and asks why and when does he find that he wants to open that space for someone else to learn?
- Ron says that he holds at a fundamental level, “I need help,” but not the ‘here’s $5’ kind of help.
- He says that what he really needs help with continuing learning and understanding others, and finding others who are in the same space.
- Ron then describes what that connection with someone feels like, once you’ve have put in the effort to find and make those connections.
Ron asks Michelle how those connections show up for her.
- Michelle describes what those connections look like to her compared to the help of offering $5.
- She then continues to describe how the connections have different costs, and how those costs change over time.
- Ron follows her line of thinking, saying that each of those connections where lines are being tossed is an opportunity to learn.
Michelle asks Ron what ‘tossing lines’ actually looks like in practice.
- Ron recalls how at first before he was ‘tossing lines’ he was throwing rocks, and describes the difference between the two.
- He describes his first experience of switching from throwing rocks to tossing lines, and the conversation he had with others around retirement.
- After realizing how approaching people differently when he changed his approach to be curious, that people were working with him rather than against him.
- Michelle said that thought triggered her to recall previous experiences where people were much more willing to work with her, especially when she started practicing being curious.
- Ron describes how this social network you gain as a result of this practice of ‘tossing lines’ is a great form of wealth.
Michelle asks Ron if he has examples of failure and recovery, or scenarios where it didn’t work the first time, but the other person might have eventually come around.
- Ron tells a story of how previous experiences when he threw rocks, or feathers, and how that hurt the relationship.
- He continues by retelling how that relationship eventually came around and how they worked past the initial rock throwing.
Michelle asks Ron whether he has a set of lines that he uses when ‘tossing lines’ or whether it’s all done on the spot.
- Ron says that the first line he tosses is always to himself, saying that he is enough.
- He says that creating your way of being before you’re even getting started is the most important part of the process.
- Ron continues by describing ways to work through if you tossed a line that might have shown up to the other person as you throwing a rock.
- He then gives a few examples of lines that he uses to open up conversations.
Michelle reflects on what Ron has said and finds a few lessons that she then relays.
- She continues by telling a personal story of when she thought she tossed a rock, and yet the other person took it as a line.
- Ron follows the line of thinking, saying why that people might come back to thank you for something that they created themselves.
- Michelle and Ron both talk about the relationships that have developed with this line of thinking where both people are tossing lines to the others.
- They both wrap up by reflecting on other lessons they are taking out of the conversation they had today.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Michelle discuss the word “Stand,” and what that means for them. They reveal some of their stands, where they originated from, and how those stands affect others around them. They also talk different techniques to recognize when they aren’t living their stand, and how to fix that so you can live at peace.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 34: Being Your Stand
Michelle opens by saying she looked up the definition of the word “stand” and noticed that it was listed as both a noun and a verb. She asks Ron’s take on this.
- Ron says that for him it is both, and then describes the circumstances in which each is used.
- He continues by detailing the way in which he thinks of the two definitions as one combined one when ‘being your stand.’
- Ron details what ‘being your stand’ really means, how he has re-examined his stand in situations to determine whether they are best for him or not, and changed his stand if he realizes it is not what he truly wants to stand for.
- Michelle asks for an example of a viewpoint on a stand that he took, but later changed.
- Ron then describes a story about changing the story of how he viewed lots of people and things as an enemy, but then was able to change that to competition which is a different, and in his opinion, healthier view.
Michelle asks Ron to help her with the stand she has taken around her mom - taking care of her after her father passed, and giving her a dignified end of life.
- She describes her story about how she developed this stand around her mom, and what that meant for her.
- Ron says that the promise she made and carried as her stand, and made herself to be that way everyday, is powerful.
- Michelle then gives the story of how that stand also changed for her husband and daughter in the process of her holding that stand.
- Ron says that when that happens, it isn’t just your stand, but it is also their stand to be there and support you.
- He continues by saying that when you live your stand, there are no regrets because you are doing what you believe you should be doing.
After realizing the changes that her husband and daughter made around her own stand to help her mom, Michelle asks Ron how your stand can make a difference of others?
- Ron uses this example to show how easy it is for other people to join you when you are living your stand, because they know who you authentically are and don’t have to worry about what you might do next.
- Ron continues to describe how if someone is not living their stand, how difficult that can be for others to be their stand and authentic self around you.
Ron asks Michelle if she has a friend that is really good about living their stand, and what she noticed about being around that person.
- Michelle says a good friend of hers, their stand is to always see the best in someone.
- She describes how that changed her viewpoint towards other people, being around someone with that stand.
- Ron continues this line of thinking by asking if she has been around someone who their stand was not to be open, trusting, and vulnerable.
- Michelle relays the story of someone she plays tennis with on occasions, and how she lives in that space.
- Ron and Michelle continue the conversation about how others handle the situation that don’t have the same knowledge or lines of thinking, and what Michelle can try in the future to work this situation.
Ron noticed Michelle used the work “vulnerability” in her answer, and then says how he is holding it differently than he used to.
- While he used to think this was an area that he was “weak” in, he is changing that story to be an area in which he can be courageous.
- He continues his thinking by saying the reason he is “weak” in those areas to begin with is because he hasn’t spent a lot of time in those types of situations before.
- Ron explains how this relates back to his stand.
- Michelle responds to his line of thinking, and what she does in situations similar to the one he described.
- They continue the conversation around their stand, how to recognize their stand, when they aren’t living their stand, and how to change or adjust your stand when you realize this is happening.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Michelle, and guest Lindsay Hanson discuss some of the stories in their own heads. They dig into what stories were the hardest to change, as well as which were the most impactful after they were able to change them. They also examine what success looks like for each of them.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 33: Changing Your Story with Lindsay Hanson
Michelle opens the episode by asking Lindsay what was the most impactful story she had to change for herself.
- Lindsay relays a few different stories that she changed around starting a business and entrepreneurship.
- Ron says he followed a similar path to her, but did it at a much later age, and also struggles with those same stories.
- Lindsay and Ron bond over how the story of “what will my parents think?” has impacted them, even with such a large gap between their ages.
- Lindsay explains why she thinks the idea of having a 9-5 job might not be the most stable thing in the world.
Michelle relays the stories she knows where people though they were secure in their job, but that ended up not being true. She follows up by asking Lindsay how she was able to take the leap away from that into where she is today.
- Lindsay says it was still scary, but decided that it was worth trying it out anyways.
- She explains her reasoning behind the mindset she was in when she made the choice to leave her corporate job and pursue her own path.
- Ultimately, she says, the fear of potentially regretting not trying was greater than all the other fears of it not working out.
- Ron says he was driven by the fear of “what if I don’t try?”
Ron asks Lindsay what the first steps someone should take if they are looking to move away from the traditional job/role holding world.
- Lindsay says it’s important to do something you truly enjoy and are passionate about, and then explains her reasoning behind that.
- She then details her personal story, also giving some examples of other ways to follow your passions.
Michelle asks when she is working with clients, whether they know what their passion is or if she has to help them find it.
- Lindsay says that many times she helps them find it by asking a few questions.
- She also explains what stories and mindsets have to change in order to be successful in this alternate job.
Ron says it’s apparent she has a passion for coaching, and asks her why she is passionate about it.
- She explains her background of how she fell into a coaching and mentor role, and how it lit her up.
- Michelle says that she really enjoys coaching as well, and often it’s because she learns a lot while coaching others.
- Lindsay adds what she has learned from others while coaching them.
Lindsay asks of Ron and Michelle what the biggest story in their head that they have had to overcome throughout their life or career.
- Michelle says the story she has been working on and continues to is the story of “I’m not enough,” and then details what her experience has been like working through that.
- Ron explains his story is, “I’m not smart enough,” and then talks through his own process of working through that.
Lindsay then asks Ron and Michelle how they would define success for themselves.
- Ron starts by explaining the different levels of success, both for the business and for himself personally.
- Michelle says she asks everyday if she’s living in a place of peace and joy, and her mindset behind what happens if that’s not the case.
Ron asks Lindsay what’s next for her and her business in three years time.
- Lindsay says she doesn’t know, and that she doesn’t always plan that far ahead.
- She explains why she is focusing on those short term goals.
- She then details out a couple of short and medium term goals for where she would like to be in the future.
- Lindsay then lists out a few messages and stories she would tell people that are looking to make a change in their life, or who feel like there is something missing in their life.
Ron asks where people can find out more about Lindsay.
- You can visit her website
- Follow her on instagram
- Or check out her podcast Quit Your Job, Sis
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Michelle discuss what the word “purpose” means for each of them, how they define what their purpose is, and how those purposes can change over time. They also talk about how not living in your own purpose often means you’re living in someone else’s.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 32: Purpose
Michelle opens the episode asking Ron what the word “purpose” triggers for him.
- Ron says that for him, it is a very complex word.
- He continues by saying goes hand in hand with asking yourself, “why am I doing this?”
- He describes that there are many different things you can have a purpose for, but it also opens up the opportunity to ask which purposes are more important than others.
- Michelle adds her own impression, asking herself what happens when she doesn’t have a purpose for something.
- She then gives her take on what the word “purpose” means for her, and relates it back to purpose for playing tennis.
Michelle then questions of herself when she finds she does not have a purpose.
- She realizes that if she doesn’t have a purpose for something, whether it’s career or otherwise, she finds herself just drifting.
- Ron continues with this train of thought saying that when he is not crafting or creating his purpose, he is living in someone else’s purpose.
- He then gives an example of how he applies this in his life when he watches Netflix.
Michelle asks how Ron notices when he’s not living for his own purpose, he is able to realize that he’s living in someone else’s purpose.
- Ron says that he has been practicing the story of “why am I doing this?”
- This, he says through relaying personal experiences, helps him realize his purpose in doing something, even if that something is just to relax.
- He notes that it has not prevented him from living in someone else’s purpose, nor does he want it to, so long as he has his own purpose for living in that other person’s purpose.
- Michelle asks what caused Ron to develop this practice, to which Ron responds by going through a past experience that led him down this path.
Michelle says what Ron’s story triggered for her is how the “purpose” of parenting shifts over time.
- She says you start by providing care for them as they grow into their own ability to take care of themselves.
- After that, Michelle says, your purpose is to help guide them into figuring out what they enjoy and want to do in a career.
- She then gives an explanation of how this played out between her and her daughter.
- Ron then thinks through how his purpose as a parent has also shifted through time.
- He says his first purpose is to make sure his children know that there is someone who believes in them and will always have their back.
- Ron continues down this line of thinking, expressing how he came to his current purpose.
- Michelle and Ron continue discussing what each other’s’ thoughts triggered for each of them.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Michelle, and guest Catherine McCourt, discuss how fear can keep you from discovering your true purpose. They also dive into how truly finding your authentic self can lead to a number of great discoveries that can benefit both your personal and professional life.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 31: Discovering Your Purpose with Catherine McCourt
Michelle begins by recognizing that Catherine talks a lot about fear in her work. She asks Catherine what fear she had to overcome to arrive at the place she is in today.
- Catherine talks about how becoming fearless is a large part of her coaching and podcast.
- She continues by discussing the different places that fear stems from, and then says that with her clients the first goal is to always find the root of where that fear originates.
- She details a personal story about how she moved into this line of work, and how she had to not only face her fears, but overcome them as well.
- Eventually, she says, she was able to leave those fears behind as she realized she was also excited.
Ron asks where her purpose and mindset shifted, or how they were connected together.
- Catherine says she has always been an intuitive person in the pursuit of purpose.
- She only discovered the true meaning of living with purpose when she was in her 30s, but in her 20s was still on the pursuit.
- Catherine notes the purpose is the why, or the reasoning behind us doing something, and that if it is truly purposeful to you, you or others will derive some sense of value from it as well.
- She details a personal story of how she found a company that was also driven by a purpose, and her purpose aligned with those purposes, which began her path of living with more purpose.
Michelle asks Catherine how she discovered what her purpose was.
- She details her process she took in order to find her purpose, which included hiring a life coach, but also doing a lot of introspective searching.
- After realizing she loved creating things, conversations with others, learning, and sharing that knowledge with others, she then was able to put the pieces together to figure out what she wanted to do.
- Catherine put these pieces together into being a coach, as she’s able to use pieces of each of the things she truly enjoys in her everyday work.
Ron says that one of the things they hold as important is to build authentic connections. He asks Catherine how authentic connections are to her, how they make a difference for her, and how important it is in her line of work.
- Catherine details what her idea of authenticity is, saying that it begins by understanding and becoming your true authentic self.
- She then says what effects it will have on your relationships, and on your own personal life, knowing that you put your true authentic self out there.
- She notes that as long as you’re authentically you, you should never be disappointed if something doesn’t work out because you know it wasn’t on a lack of you showing up and being who you are.
- Catherine then describes how this can be useful outside of just your personal life, but can have big impacts on your professional life as well.
Michelle asks Catherine what she believes holds people back from finding their authentic selves.
- Catherine describes the different things she has found that cause people to hold back.
- She then describes some of her coaching techniques, and how she helps people get past those barriers to find their true selves, and discover what is truly holding them back.
- She continues, saying that once they discover that, they will focus on what things truly resonate with them.
Ron then asks what story she had to rewrite about herself.
- Catherine describes the story she had to rewrite of not being smart, after realizing that there were more ways to be smart than just being good at school.
- She then discusses some of her life experiences that reinforced that line of thinking.
- Catherine also says that overcoming this story herself also helps when leading her clients through discovering that as well.
Catherine asks Ron and Michelle why they created this podcast and the meaning behind the title.
- Ron discusses what the purpose of the podcast is for him, and hopefully for those who are listening as well.
- He also says how they came to the name of the podcast by recognizing that the stories in our head are what they want to help people overcome.
- Michelle describes her personal story of fear that she constantly works in her position, and Ron responds to that story.
- Catherine discusses how the principles they mentioned are very similar to the tactics she uses in her coaching and podcast as well.
Catherine then asks Ron and Michelle what paths their lives took to creating the podcast in the first place.
- Michelle says her reason was to get this story out to as many people as possible, and that the podcast was a great way to do that.
- She then also discusses her own stories and fears that she had to overcome in the process of creating the podcast.
- Ron and Michelle then also discuss their relationship, and how they began working together and discovering the processes they wanted to take to get their messaging out to as many people as possible.
- Catherine then adds how she fell into a very similar line of work, and helping people find their purpose and messaging.
Ron asks Catherine where people can find out more about her.
- Visit her website to find different workshops she holds
- Ignite Your Soul – which is about how to find your purpose
- Selling the Soul – for those in sales looking to find a sense of purpose in their sales
- Podcast: Fearless Future with Catherine McCourt
- Where she talks with other leaders, as well as has some coaching to help others
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Michelle opens the episode by giving the definition of what a shield is from the dictionary. She then asks Ron what a shield is to him.
- Ron says that the definition she read is exactly the position that they hold at Macklin Connection.
- He says that shields are applicable not just to a physical item to hide behind, but also the stories in your head that we hide behind.
- He notes that there are times we make the shields impenetrable, and potentially permanent.
- Ron says that the shields we use most often are the stories we created in our own heads to protect ourselves, which at Macklin is called “scared self.”
- He then gives more details on the scared self, what that looks like, and how they protect you from different threats.
Ron asks Michelle after his brief description of shields, what showed up for her.
- Michelle says that she is an expert at shields, as she has used them her whole life, but only recently started to recognize them.
- She notes that she also has to have a story that she’s being attacked, and that’s why she is protecting herself.
- She then gives a story explaining one of her personal stories that she used as a shield.
- She realized that seeing somebody else that has the same shield as her, helped her recognize that shield in herself.
- She then gives another story and example of when it shows up for her in business situations.
Ron notes that we as a species have been under attack for a long time, so protecting yourself from threats is only natural.
- He details his own experience about working through one of his own shields, and how it was causing him to miss out on creating things with other people.
- He realized that once he got to the point of being able to work through his shield, and understand that his thoughts and ideas were enough, that enabled him to collaborate with others and create something great.
- Ron explains the different spaces that become apparent, the first of which is noticing your shield and putting it down, the other is noticing when you bump into someone else’s shield.
Ron then asks Michelle what she does when she notices someone else’s shield.
- Michelle says that her favorite shield is ‘being shy.’
- She then explains her practice for when she runs into someone else’s shield, and how she goes about getting them to either recognize or lower that shield.
- She notes that she doesn’t always get it right, and sometimes triggers even bigger shields, which she then has to work with as well, but that it’s okay.
- Ron then takes the opportunity to explain his practices and techniques for when he runs into other people’s shields.
- Ron explains that as part of his practice, he too opens up and shares a story with the person a time when he was in a similar vulnerable position.
- He notes that when he does this, they aren’t listening to him or his story, but rather are turning inwards and relating it to their own story, wherein they can begin to notice their own shields.
- He then explains what to do when someone takes advantage of the situation of you opening up and being vulnerable.
- Ron says that when going through that process of getting someone to lower their shield, others around will notice, and that also encourages them to lower their shields too.
- He goes on explaining that if everyone can lower their shields together, this builds a level of trust in an organization or group.
Michelle asks the how long it takes Ron to get some people or groups to lower their shields.
- Ron further explains his process and taking his stand, and how the goal is really to allow a space for that person to step into.
- He notes that whenever that person decides to step in to that space, is how long it takes, and that however long that is, is perfect.
- Michelle then gives examples of timeframes of her working with someone to get them to lower their shield, including when she decides to give up on people.
- Ron then tells a story of some of the times people have come back to him after he toss them a line years earlier.
Ron then opens up a few questions to the listeners of the podcast.
- Where does having a shield show up for you?
- Do you notice your own shield or others’ shields?
- What strategies have you or will you try?
- Reach out to Ron at ron@macklinconnection.com or Michelle at michelle@macklinconnection.com
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Michelle, and guest Dr. Robin Buckley discuss the power stories have over each of us, how difficult it is to change the stories that no longer serve us, and the impact it can have on your life by opening up and allowing your story to change.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 29: The Power of Changing Stories with Dr. Robin Buckley
Ron opens by introducing Dr. Robin Buckley. Then Michelle dives in by saying a lot of what they discuss in their lessons revolves around fear. She then asks Robin if there is anything in particular where she was initially afraid but was able to overcome that fear, and what difference that made for her.
- Robin says one of the scariest things she has ever done was switching from her traditional mental health therapy model to the model of coaching that she does today.
- She tells the story behind her transition, and the difficulty trying to distinguish between using her gut, her heart, and her head.
- She tells herself often that she knows things will ultimately be okay, it’s just the transition that is hard.
Ron asks Robin how her head, her heart, and her gut manifest for her as she is thinking about making certain decisions, and the fear associated with that.
- She says the heart is always the emotion and passion, which she thinks are important to becoming who you are supposed to be.
- Robin notes that sometimes that gets in the way of the logical and strategic part of your brain that deals solely with the facts.
- Her gut, which she also says is her own intuition, is just knowing that things have been okay in the past, and will continue to be okay in the future.
- Combining the three together she is able to come to a decision that isn’t based off of fear, but on some sort of cognitive reasoning.
- Robin adds that fear is an evolutionary leftover from the days when we had saber tooth tigers roaming outside of our caves, but that it is not as necessary now as it once was.
- She says fear can be a good motivator, but it’s also a good thing to tell your brain that you don’t need it anymore.
- Michelle notes how much fear can hold on and grip you, and then adds her own story of how she overcame one of her fears.
Michelle says that overcoming fears requires changing a story. She then asks what stories Robin has changed in order to be able to overcome some of those fears.
- Robin says her main story was, “I can’t do it.”
- She tells a story of a fear that she held on to around giving up working in a field that she got a PhD in.
- She was able to change that story to one of she is still using it, just in a different capacity than was initially intended.
- She looks at situations like those and then tries to look at data from past experiences that help her realize she can change the situation.
- Ron recalls one of his own stories that he was able to change after he told someone else about his fear, but also realized that the fear was still there, but that it no longer had power over him.
- Robin says that with the brain, in order to achieve our optimal level of functioning, you have to talk to it as if you are trying to reign in a toddler, which most of us do not do.
- She also notes that fear and excitement elicit very similar responses, so that often we have to actively tell our brains that we are excited rather than afraid.
Ron asks Robin what the key things she does to get her clients to recognize the story in their head.
- Robin says the humanization and normalization of telling people they are not the only person that feels that way.
- Getting people to recognize that is the first step, and then she teaches them how use that knowledge to feel more confident.
- Helping people reframe their stories by looking at the terminology they are using around the situation as well, Robin says, allows people to strategically control their thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and reactions.
Michelle asks if there are any very common stories that Robin works with and how does she deal with those.
- Robin notes that imposter syndrome is rampant, regardless of who you are.
- She says she uses what she calls a ‘resume review’ of their own life experiences and what got them to the point they are at today, which then replaces the thoughts around the imposter syndrome.
- This strategy, she notes, often helps get the brain aligned with the idea that they can do the things they felt minutes ago that they were an imposter at.
- She also has people create a resource list so that when you really don’t know what to do in a given situation, you know who you can go to for help.
- She breaks things down into categories of strengths, things you’re improving at, and things you absolutely need to get help with.
- She says you should focus on the things that you’re great at and improving at, and finding help for the things that you are not.
Ron says that some people experience failure very vividly for them. He asks Robin how she dances with that.
- Robin says she typically doesn’t deal with that very well, asking herself, or her clients, if she likes feeling this way, how it is serving her, and whether it will help.
- She says it’s a psychological technique to help realize that focusing on the failure is not serving you.
- Robin notes that having that direct confrontational conversation with your own brain can help reshape those experiences in the future.
Michelle says when she works with people in that direct manner, she experiences quite a lot of push back, as people feel they are being attacked. She then asks Robin how she deals with that from her clients, and how she opens the clients up so they can hear what she is saying.
- Robin says she usually takes a step back and examines what it was exactly that made them feel defensive.
- Once she works her way through the history and finds the root of the issue, she says they can then begin to address that story and change it.
- Robin notes that being open to feedback rather than being defensive is where growth really happens.
Ron says that there are times when they are teaching that they are also learning things at the same time. He asks Robin what is something she has learned while teaching.
- Robin says there are times when she realizes in her teaching sessions that she is being hypocritical because she has not practiced what she is teaching.
- She says while she does not enjoy that feeling, it really personifies her clients for her and helps her better understand what they are going through.
- Oftentimes that feeling of hypocrisy reminds her that she needs to check in with her own coach, or touch base with herself.
- Robin also tells a story of when her clients have called her out, and how she opens up to them, exposing her own vulnerabilities, and how her client relationships have improved because of it.
- Ron says he experiences the same thing of when he expresses that vulnerability to his own clients, and how there is a different level of connection afterwards.
- Robin details the difficult transition from being a therapist to a coach, and changing her openness to her clients.
Ron says that having the ability to put down your own shield, as they were just talking about, is a great skill to be able to use to connect with others.
- Robin suggests the book “Talking Like Ted” to learn about the power of storytelling
- She says the stories are what people remember and hold onto
- She hopes the stories that people remember are the good ones and not the stories that hold us back
- Michelle adds that the stories are how we translate meaning from age to age and that this story can sometimes be helpful, and other times not
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Michelle discuss how the stories we each tell ourselves in our own head can shape and influence the stories of others. They also talk about practices to implement in order to let yourself be freed of influence from others’ stories around you.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 28: How Our Stories Influence The Stories Of Others
Michelle opens by saying they are going to discuss how the stories we tell ourselves can influence the stories of others.
- She then gives an example of how when you’re driving in a car and one person says they are noticing how every car is red, suddenly everyone is noticing the red cars.
- Ron says he has a similar story from growing up where after his parents bought a new car, he noticed every other same exact car on the road as well.
- He says that this is because we notice the world based on and through the stories that we have in our own heads.
- Ron notes that this is true of any story or philosophy, but until you have that story in your head, you can’t notice it because there’s no story for it.
- He then gives an example of when he moved to Germany and didn’t speak German, and thought everyone was always talking about him, but it’s just because he didn’t speak the language to know that they were all talking about things other than him.
Michelle says she because of events that she has experienced in her life, that she has started purposefully and publicly acknowledging when others have a good idea.
- This allowed others to also take note of that good idea and also acknowledge those ideas.
- She says this is also true of being able to ignore the current stories of a group, i.e. gossip about a person.
- Michelle gives an example about when she was able to ignore the stories of others, and then create a new story not only for herself, but also the group.
- She notes this is how she came up with her stand of noticing people for who they are and not for how others are noticing them, or telling her to notice them through gossip.
Ron says that brought up a memory of when others would have an answer, he would have a story of how smart that person is, and how not smart he is.
- He later realized this is the wrong mentality, and that he just didn’t have that story in his head, or had not been previously exposed to that story.
- Ron gives the example of his old way of thinking which was embodied in his senior year high school yearbook, where his quote was, “better to keep your mouth shut and let everyone think you’re a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.”
- Ron says now the story he tells himself is the exact opposite, and that it is better to open your mouth to tell others the stories you have, as well as listen to those stories of others.
- Ron noticed that when he used to judge people for not knowing something or being able to do something, he now realizes that it’s because they don’t have the story in their head, or experience, or the needed background.
Now, Ron says, he likes to focus on ways to get all of those stories out so that others can also see and learn from them, and then asks Michelle how to go about doing that.
- Michelle laughs and says that was going to be her question for Ron.
- Michelle says the revelation she had a while ago is that while she can recraft her own story, she can’t recraft the stories of others.
- Other people have to craft and recraft their own stories, but what she can do to help them is give them the space to be able to do that.
- Michelle says the way she does this is by telling them her story of them, that they are valuable, and have something important to say.
Michelle says that is her way of giving others space to recraft their stories, and then asks Ron what his technique is for doing that.
- Ron gives a metaphor about trying on shoes and finding one that fits, and even double checking that even if it’s the same shoe as last year, the design might have changed slightly, and you find that it might no longer fit you.
- Ron says that at all of their programs, and even at his house, an ethic for him is to give everyone a chance to tell their stories.
- He says that when he gives people that space, they put out stories that he didn’t see or notice at all, and because they put it out there for the rest of the world, other people get to now try those stories on as well.
- Ron then gives an example of a time this happened recently, and how the group reacted.
- Michelle says that what showed up for her is how simple that is to ask one question and listen to the response.
- Ron says the way he crafts it for himself is the simple word “dignity,” both for everyone else, as well as for himself, which makes it easier for everyone to put down their shields.
Michelle asks if Ron starts with himself giving his story, or does he start with others and end with himself.
- Ron says it’s not easy, and that it depends on the group and the story he has made for them in his head.
- He says that if he waits until the end, then you don’t shape what they notice.
- Ron says that for them to be as authentic and real as possible, he tries to avoid going first and shaping the story of what they notice.
- However, he notes that if he has made up the story that the group is petrified, he will start off with something a little more benign.
- Michelle says she agrees, and realizes the intentionality of having leaders speak their story last.
Ron and Michelle close by noting that we always have something to say, and that we need to trust ourselves, that we are enough, and being authentic, and that whatever we say will come out great.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Michelle discuss different practices for learning. They talk about how homework can really be lifework if you shift your mindset from one of pure memorization, to one of learning and understanding different tactics. They also discuss the mindset of what happens when something is unknown to you, and the best ways to find answers to those questions.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 27: Susan Ruth
Ron begins by introducing the guest, Susan, and then asking her how she listens to people, and what strategy she implements when she listens to others.
- Susan said she learned early on that it’s not the best to be the smartest in the room.
- She then continues by saying that it’s okay to just listen to others talk about their experience, or their opinion, or tell a story without injecting your own into the mix as well.
Michelle says she has listened to a few episodes of Susan’s Hey Human Podcast, and admires how she’s able to draw out what people are thinking. She then asks what practices she implements in order to be able to accomplish that.
- Susan says she thinks that people are inherently shy, even the blowhards of the world, who will only give you the surface level stuff because they’re scared of what might be laying underneath.
- She continues that she enjoys leaving space to allow people to talk, and some people find silence uncomfortable and will continue to talk, which allows her to draw out people’s thoughts.
- Ron follows up by asking how Susan uses the word “space” in art, music, podcasting, or wherever.
- Susan details the difference what she means by space in each of the different mediums of art.
Michelle asks Michelle is able to notice the things that are unsaid in those silences and spaces she leaves.
- She says that she’s not waiting for the person to finish so she can say what she has to say, but rather that she’s taking that space and time to take in what they are really saying.
- Ron asks what she means by “taking it in,” to which Susan is gives an example, and the history on why she likely has the ability to read other people’s emotions before they even notice it themselves.
- Ron asks how she holds that responsibility of noticing people’s moods before they do, and what is she focused on.
- Susan describes her own experiences, helping others to understand that it is not all about yourself, and ensuring to give others the space they need to say what they need to say.
- She continues by saying that everything she experiences is filtered through herself, as her own lens.
- Ron follows up by repeating back the story that he made up which is that we are responsible for ourselves and our own emotions first.
- Susan explains her mindset of going into each new conversation with people, making sure that we each understand our own selves.
Michelle says that through listening to Susan’s podcast, she has heard Susan talk a lot about being authentic. She then asks Susan what ‘being authentic’ means to her.
- Susan describes how we all need to understand that everyone is just doing the best they can, but that is a sliding scale.
- She continues by describing the process she goes through mentally when encountering a person that makes a decision she likely wouldn’t have made in that same scenario.
- She says that authenticity is grounded in truth, being who you are as much as you can, but that authenticity is inauthentic because who is to say what authenticity is, because it is different for each person.
- Susan says how we even wearing different faces around different people is even a form of being authentic in each of the different situations.
- Ron describes how he understands the word ‘authentic’ and how he carries that fundamental view both as he is working to understand both himself and others.
- Susan has learned through interviews that she is also the same as every single person she has interviewed for her podcast.
Ron asks Susan to continue and expand on her mindset of “I am them” and having a piece of every person she has interviewed in her, especially when they say things that are different.
- Susan explains how she has an innate understanding of her presence and mindset around other people.
- She says that she knows who she is, and that allows her to truly place herself in others shoes.
Ron says one of the concepts they teach is the “scared self,” and describes how we each hide ourselves might be different but the one thing that is the same is that we are all afraid. He then asks Susan how she deals with fear.
- Susan says it is different based on what it is that she is afraid of, but that it is all based off of ego.
- She says she looks back on her own life and wishes she could go back and tell the younger version of herself so many things.
Michelle then asks what she would say if she could go back in time and whisper into the ear of her younger self.
- Susan says that she would try to explain to her younger self that ego is the mind killer, and the root of all of your worries and fears.
- She continues to describe how important it is to help others remember who they are.
- Susan then asks Michelle and Ron what they would say and how they deal with their egos.
- Michelle says she often reminds herself that she is ‘perfectly imperfect’ and that the imperfections are where the beauty truly is.
- Ron says that his story to go back to his younger self is to just tell them that they are enough, through any wins and losses in life, that you are truly enough.
- Ron continues that as much as he would love to go back and teach his younger self certain things, going through those tough experiences and lessons is what brought him to where he is today, so really he wouldn’t go back and change it.
- Ron also points out that something he has learned is that everyone in life is just as scared as you are.
- Susan describes a mindset or theory he has about the innocence of youth and how it makes people act out.
Ron has Susan continue to speculate down the same train of thought, and asks what she is speaking into the world.
- Susan says that to the world she wants to tell everyone that they are worthy of love, and that each person is perfect, even with all of their imperfections.
- She explains how in her mindset it is impossible to fully experience love for another until you can fully love yourself.
- Michelle says that her message to the world is similar in that you have to first love yourself in order to be able to love others.
- Michelle explains how learning this lesson, and learning imperfections are perfect, took her a long time to understand.
- Susan explains how every person’s story is worthy and enough, and how we are always in a symbiotic relationship with others around us.
Ron asks Susan if she has any questions for himself or Michelle.
- Susan asks Ron and Michelle why they started the podcast.
- Michelle gives the story about how both of them are introverts, and neither wanted to start a podcast, but that the importance of the message they are trying to spread drives them to continue.
- Ron says it really started when he began writing his thoughts and philosophies down, and how over time creating a podcast seemed like a logical step in order to help spread the story he is creating even further.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Michelle discuss different practices for learning. They talk about how homework can really be lifework if you shift your mindset from one of pure memorization, to one of learning and understanding different tactics. They also discuss the mindset of what happens when something is unknown to you, and the best ways to find answers to those questions.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 27: Susan Ruth
Ron begins by introducing the guest, Susan, and then asking her how she listens to people, and what strategy she implements when she listens to others.
- Susan said she learned early on that it’s not the best to be the smartest in the room.
- She then continues by saying that it’s okay to just listen to others talk about their experience, or their opinion, or tell a story without injecting your own into the mix as well.
Michelle says she has listened to a few episodes of Susan’s Hey Human Podcast, and admires how she’s able to draw out what people are thinking. She then asks what practices she implements in order to be able to accomplish that.
- Susan says she thinks that people are inherently shy, even the blowhards of the world, who will only give you the surface level stuff because they’re scared of what might be laying underneath.
- She continues that she enjoys leaving space to allow people to talk, and some people find silence uncomfortable and will continue to talk, which allows her to draw out people’s thoughts.
- Ron follows up by asking how Susan uses the word “space” in art, music, podcasting, or wherever.
- Susan details the difference what she means by space in each of the different mediums of art.
Michelle asks Michelle is able to notice the things that are unsaid in those silences and spaces she leaves.
- She says that she’s not waiting for the person to finish so she can say what she has to say, but rather that she’s taking that space and time to take in what they are really saying.
- Ron asks what she means by “taking it in,” to which Susan is gives an example, and the history on why she likely has the ability to read other people’s emotions before they even notice it themselves.
- Ron asks how she holds that responsibility of noticing people’s moods before they do, and what is she focused on.
- Susan describes her own experiences, helping others to understand that it is not all about yourself, and ensuring to give others the space they need to say what they need to say.
- She continues by saying that everything she experiences is filtered through herself, as her own lens.
- Ron follows up by repeating back the story that he made up which is that we are responsible for ourselves and our own emotions first.
- Susan explains her mindset of going into each new conversation with people, making sure that we each understand our own selves.
Michelle says that through listening to Susan’s podcast, she has heard Susan talk a lot about being authentic. She then asks Susan what ‘being authentic’ means to her.
- Susan describes how we all need to understand that everyone is just doing the best they can, but that is a sliding scale.
- She continues by describing the process she goes through mentally when encountering a person that makes a decision she likely wouldn’t have made in that same scenario.
- She says that authenticity is grounded in truth, being who you are as much as you can, but that authenticity is inauthentic because who is to say what authenticity is, because it is different for each person.
- Susan says how we even wearing different faces around different people is even a form of being authentic in each of the different situations.
- Ron describes how he understands the word ‘authentic’ and how he carries that fundamental view both as he is working to understand both himself and others.
- Susan has learned through interviews that she is also the same as every single person she has interviewed for her podcast.
Ron asks Susan to continue and expand on her mindset of “I am them” and having a piece of every person she has interviewed in her, especially when they say things that are different.
- Susan explains how she has an innate understanding of her presence and mindset around other people.
- She says that she knows who she is, and that allows her to truly place herself in others shoes.
Ron says one of the concepts they teach is the “scared self,” and describes how we each hide ourselves might be different but the one thing that is the same is that we are all afraid. He then asks Susan how she deals with fear.
- Susan says it is different based on what it is that she is afraid of, but that it is all based off of ego.
- She says she looks back on her own life and wishes she could go back and tell the younger version of herself so many things.
Michelle then asks what she would say if she could go back in time and whisper into the ear of her younger self.
- Susan says that she would try to explain to her younger self that ego is the mind killer, and the root of all of your worries and fears.
- She continues to describe how important it is to help others remember who they are.
- Susan then asks Michelle and Ron what they would say and how they deal with their egos.
- Michelle says she often reminds herself that she is ‘perfectly imperfect’ and that the imperfections are where the beauty truly is.
- Ron says that his story to go back to his younger self is to just tell them that they are enough, through any wins and losses in life, that you are truly enough.
- Ron continues that as much as he would love to go back and teach his younger self certain things, going through those tough experiences and lessons is what brought him to where he is today, so really he wouldn’t go back and change it.
- Ron also points out that something he has learned is that everyone in life is just as scared as you are.
- Susan describes a mindset or theory he has about the innocence of youth and how it makes people act out.
Ron has Susan continue to speculate down the same train of thought, and asks what she is speaking into the world.
- Susan says that to the world she wants to tell everyone that they are worthy of love, and that each person is perfect, even with all of their imperfections.
- She explains how in her mindset it is impossible to fully experience love for another until you can fully love yourself.
- Michelle says that her message to the world is similar in that you have to first love yourself in order to be able to love others.
- Michelle explains how learning this lesson, and learning imperfections are perfect, took her a long time to understand.
- Susan explains how every person’s story is worthy and enough, and how we are always in a symbiotic relationship with others around us.
Ron asks Susan if she has any questions for himself or Michelle.
- Susan asks Ron and Michelle why they started the podcast.
- Michelle gives the story about how both of them are introverts, and neither wanted to start a podcast, but that the importance of the message they are trying to spread drives them to continue.
- Ron says it really started when he began writing his thoughts and philosophies down, and how over time creating a podcast seemed like a logical step in order to help spread the story he is creating even further.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Michelle discuss different practices for learning. They talk about how homework can really be lifework if you shift your mindset from one of pure memorization, to one of learning and understanding different tactics. They also discuss the mindset of what happens when something is unknown to you, and the best ways to find answers to those questions.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 26: Lifework
Michelle opens by talking about how practicing for learning is typically thought of as ‘homework’. She then asks Ron what the word “homework” triggers for him, and what new practices he has developed now that he is past the phase of having ‘homework’ for school.
- Ron recalls being assigned homework in school, and how he would procrastinate which would ruin him having fun because he knew he had homework waiting for him.
- He then explains how he loves to run experiments, and how much fun they are.
- Those experiments have challenges, exploration, and everything that homework tries to instill, but does it in a fun way.
- He explains that much later in life, if he is able to change the mindset from it’s homework to it being “lifework” because this is how you grow in life, then he found the process much more enjoyable.
Ron then asks Michele what that word opens up for her.
- Michelle starts by recalling a time when she took apart the electric stove in order to figure out how it works, during which she learned a lot.
- She recalls school, homework, and tests is more about memorization than about learning.
- She then discusses how in college the lab, that’s where the mindset shifted more towards that experimentation that Ron was discussing earlier.
Ron then adds onto both of their stories.
- He notes there is something about how the brain works differently when something is real, such as taking the oven apart at home, versus doing experiments in a lab.
- Reading or watching a youtube video is no substitution for real world experience through running real world experiments.
- Ron holds that everything is an experiment. Sometimes you’ve done something similar before, but there will always be new challenges to overcome.
Michelle then recalls conversation she has had with some of their students.
- The students want to know that their answer is right, but she points out that there is no true singularly right answer.
- The homework is for them to explore and hold different thoughts and spaces in their own mind.
Michelle asks Ron what his experience has been with reflective questions and “lifework” and who is it really for?
- Ron notices that it is a product of our culture.
- We knew we had to get good grades in school, without understanding why it was important for us to learn.
- Ron says what is important is whether or not you can do something, and can continue to learn and grow on your own.
- Students will ask whether they have the right answer on the homework, but then Ron has to also point out that there is no real right answer, only the mindset and thought experiments that you are running while doing that work.
Michelle adds her own perspective from her previous career.
- She recalls a time when she was afraid to say “I don’t know” as a member of the company’s management, realizing after the CEO says it that it’s okay.
- After saying “I don’t know” in some of her meetings, she would then venture out to find the answers.
- After a few times of that situation happening, others started joining her on the journey to find the answers to their questions.
- Saying “I don’t know” is much more powerful than saying you do know something, when you really don’t.
Ron discusses how her actions likely changed the company where she used to work.
- He says that while she might not have changed the whole company, she likely affected her department where she made it an okay space to say “I don’t know”
- He then brings up the idea of the greatest knowledge is to know what you don’t know, and then asks Michelle how that shows up for her.
- She says that there are certain things she doesn’t know, and she’s okay with not knowing them.
- There are lots of things she doesn’t know because the world is changing so rapidly, but as long as you make the experience of discovering it fun, then learning will occur.
Michelle asks Ron what shows up for him when thinking about knowing what he doesn’t know.
- Ron says that he made up a lot of stories, but especially during the first 20 years of his life, he wasn’t paying close attention to who he was being influenced by when creating those stories.
- He notes that there is a lot of power to be open and searching for things that you don’t know, as long as you’re also able to re-evaluate old stories that you have told yourself along the way.
- Michelle jumps in by talking about chasing after knowledge that isn’t real, and being open to modifying your story if you figure something out that doesn’t align with the current story you have written in your own head.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Michelle, and Joanne discuss the concept of “should-ing” and how their perception of that word has changed over time. They discuss ways to change your mentality around the word “should” from one of shirking responsibility and blame into something that drives self-discovery and action.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 25: Should-ing with Joanne Rusch
Michelle begins by reading the definition of the word “should”
- She then details what the word means to her personally, and how it makes her feel.
- Michelle then asks Ron what the word “should” and “should-ing” means to him.
- Ron says “shoulding” is all of the things that he keeps telling himself he should do, but he lacks the time, energy, etc. that puts a burden and stress on him that takes him out of living in the present moment.
- He noticed that he will never be enough when he is “should-ing” on himself.
- Joanne follows up by saying that she has been working this word for a while and it now triggers her to just do that thing instead of saying she should do that.
- She also holds it as a way to shirk responsibility of things to happen in the future, or possibly shifting blame of things to others.
Michelle said that when she read the definition, it indicated obligation, but she feels differently.
- Michelle says that when she uses the word should, it doesn’t actually commit her to anything.
- She agrees with Joanne that it has an element of blame built into it, which is not a mood she is looking to bring into her life.
Michelle then asks Ron what practices he has around the word “should” and what actions he has taken around it.
- Ron says his best strategy is to speak it out loud so that it exists outside of his internal story.
- When he says it out loud, not only can others hear that story as well, making it larger than himself, but he also then audibly hears the words which activates a different part of his brain.
- He then says how he works to replace the word “should” with the word “choose” which helps keep his mindset in the present moment.
- Michelle agrees that switching “should” to “choose” really drives action, rather than inaction.
Michelle asks the group if they have any examples or stories where they caught the word “should” closing down opportunities, or not enabled them to do.
- Ron reflects on when he had a goal to ride his bike across Colorado, and said that he “should” ride the rest of the way across the state.
- He realized that by saying he “should” do that instead of what he really wanted to do, which was spend those next few days with his dad, kept him from being present and enjoying that time with his father.
- So he chose to not continue on his ride, but rather chose to spend that time with his dad instead.
Joanne reflects on how “should” also carries with it expectations, some or many of which may not even be your own.
- She found that she was carrying things with her that no longer served her anymore because she had a story of she “should” do that thing.
- She also realized that saying you should do something could also be a sign that you picked up expectations from other people.
- Continuing, Joanne says that if you’re able to let go of that “should” you can then refocus your efforts on what you truly want to accomplish.
- Michelle follows this with a personal story where she was carrying expectations of when she “should” be promoted, or when she “should” receive a raise.
- When she was able to let go of those “should”s she was able to focus on finding true enjoyment in her job.
Michelle asks the group what they do when they notice other people “should-ing,” and what lines they are able to toss them to help them.
- Ron says he speaks it out into the world in hopes of bringing it to the attention of the other person.
- He then recounts a story of when years later people say they “should” have done something differently in the past.
- By saying you should have done something in the past, you’re focusing on the regret piece of it, rather than focusing on the lessons you have learned and the growth that has happened since then.
- Joanne says asks people what they would have done differently if they could have, which usually helps them realize that what they should have done was not something they were in a position to do in the first place.
- She then digs deeper into this by asking what would they have had to give up in order to accomplish that thing they believe they should have done.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Michelle discuss the concept of learning and why it is so invigorating. They also answer the question of why there is no such thing as teaching, rather there is only creating a space for learning.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 24: What is Learning?
Ron opens by asking Michelle, “what is learning?”
- Michelle says how she used to think learning was just being able to pass a test in school, but it all changed during her college calculus class.
- She then tells the story of how that professor got her to realize that learning is a process of trying things yourself, applying what you know, experimenting, and then asking for help when you get stuck.
Michelle then asks Ron what learning is to him.
- Ron thinks about when he discovered learning and realized it was in middle school when he first took the Meyers-Briggs test.
- He recalls taking this test, and reading his results that were supposed to tell him about himself, including being excellent at exams. He felt this did not describe him at all since he was a B student, but then his dad told him not to get exams confused with tests in school.
- He noticed that learning for him did not happen in school, it was when he was out in the world trying to do something, or achieve something.
- Learning for him has turned into being able to take care of a concern that you have with the skills that you have.
Ron asks Michelle what showed up for her while he was talking about the differences between school and the real world.
- Michelle says she agrees, and returns to discussing her college professor and how he knocked her into a way of learning where it was focused on real world application of the skills you have acquired.
- She says he was really just there as a source of help when she got stuck, which she carried with her into her career.
- Learning in her mind is something that is her responsibility to go out and to try things and take lessons away from them, but it also includes the network of help that you have around you.
Ron then recalls how their friend Monte Roberts says, “there is no such thing as teaching, only learning.” He then asks Michelle what that means to her.
- Michelle says when she thinks about teaching, she thinks of someone telling you something, but that doesn’t mean that you have absorbed that information, or are able to apply it to solve problems. With that in mind, she says she is unsure of what teaching really is.
- Ron jumps in and says that when he first heard Monte say that, he got a big smile on his face because he understood.
- He says that learning is creating a new synapse in your brain, and there is only one possible source of that happening, and that is yourself.
- Ron continues by saying that what Monte helped him realize is that you can’t force that to happen for anybody else. That teaching is at best creating a space for other people to make something up and create that new synapse in their own brain.
- It also makes him think of the old Chinese saying, ‘when the student is ready, the teacher will arrive’ because no learning can occur unless that person wants it to occur.
- Michelle then works through the new information that Ron presented to her, and relates it back to her own life.
Ron brings up a quote that he knows Michelle likes from Alice in Wonderland, and asks how it is relevant.
- Michelle says the quote from the movie is, “Now here you see, it takes all the running you can do to stay in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run twice as fast as that.”
- She then explains how this is relevant to everybody because the world is constantly changing, that you also have to be constantly learning in order to stay in the same place.
- If you want to learn a new skill, it takes a lot of energy to learn that new skill or technology that can help you advance.
- Michelle says that continuous learning for her is part of her joy because she loves learning new things, which she did not expect to be the case when she left college.
Ron follows up by asking her why she says she loves learning.
- Michelle then describes why she loves learning, because it allows her to keep up and not fall behind.
- She also describes how from a career perspective, it was required, but that everyone was in it together.
Ron asks if there is something that really stands out to her from her learning over the years.
- Michelle shares a learning experience from one of her prior roles in a pharmaceutical company where they were able to speed up the time to market by a few weeks.
- She then asks Ron what stands out from his learning over the years.
- Ron walks through a story of how learning allowed him and one of his teams in past jobs ended up setting world records for replacing fuel rods in the nuclear reactors.
- He says that people learned a lot by working through those processes, and that he has spoken with people years later who still remember all of those lessons vividly because of all the learning that occurred during that time.
Michelle then asks if Ron thinks about learning everyday, and if so, how he has built it into his daily activities.
- Ron describes his daily process which includes reading and listening to something everyday, and then playing a game of trying to learn lessons anytime he watches a movie or tv show.
- Michelle then describes how she and her daughter play a game during commercials to figure out what you can notice, how you can learn about what works and what doesn’t work by analyzing what is already out there.
- Michelle says she also works to try to read both sides to every story.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron, Michelle, guest host Joanne Rusch, and guest Brian Robertson discuss holacracy. The group asks questions about it as Brian tells what it is, how it works, and why it is so revolutionary in the way that businesses are being governed.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 23: Brian of Holacracy
Joanne introduces Brian and then ties the idea of moving towards holacracy and the stories we all form in our own heads. She asks him to describe the story of what holacracy is and how it works.
- Brian describes holacracy as a framework for running a company without a top-down hierarchy.
- He continues to describe it as a way of getting clear roles, responsibility, accountability, and alignment.
- He then uses a metaphor comparing holacratic practices to the human body, and how nature has chosen this approach to scale levels of autonomy.
Joanne then asks as people are moving towards this new story of holacracy, what are the stories people have the hardest time getting rid of and replacing with the new stories.
- Brian says the hardest part of learning holacracy is not learning the new framework, but rather unlearning the old framework.
- He then details an example story of needing a boss or an authority figure that makes decisions, is particularly difficult to change.
- He goes on to detail other stories that are difficult to get rid of such as only getting the authority to do something if everyone agrees.
Ron then asks Brian how the story people have in their head about fear, and how he leads people through that space and that story.
- Brian says that the key to removing the fear that people feel is by giving a sense of purpose.
- He then continues to say that it has to be a compelling purpose, and while the fear might still be there, people won’t give that fear power over them.
- Brian describes how when you get into the meaning-making frame of someone, their identity, having a purpose can help someone more clearly have a sense of identity.
Michelle describes how in certain roles, there has to be a consistent story of trust. Trusting others to perform their roles, and trusting yourself to perform your role. She then asks Brian what is required to work in this type of environment.
- He says that nobody is typically ready, but rather by putting people into a role that expects it and calls upon them to build the skills in that context is the best way.
- The best way is to live holacracy, but with support, and understand that everyone is going to be constantly learning and growing in their roles.
- He then details lots of the different ways and sources where people can find others to support them in the process.
Joanne tells Brian of how they have found the less career experience people have, the easier they adapt to different models, learning, etc. She then asks Brian what characteristics he notices that clue him into who will have an easier versus harder time making the transition.
- He agrees with Joanne that the younger people are, the less stories they have to forget and overwrite to put new stories into practice.
- He then says that is one of the challenges as well, as the younger people are the less experience they also have.
- For a company however, he has typically found the leader is the one who has to bring in the idea of moving to a holacratic system. That leader has to be very capable of changing their frame and be an expert self-architect of their own stories.
- Brian then describes these leaders as typically having done a lot of self-development work and very self-aware, as well as very conscious of others.
Joanne realizes that if one’s current role is focused on the management of others, that this new system might seem like one big threat. She then asks Brian what the story should be for the people holding those types of roles.
- Brian says he gets asked this all the time, along side how he, as a former CEO, dealt with giving up power.
- He tells them that their question is wrong and that he hasn’t given up any power, but instead feels that he has more power not less.
- He then details how holacracy and the processes it involves gives more power to everyone in the system, and gives an brief example of how this played out at his own company.
Ron then says as people work through their programs, people are always surprised at the end with a new way of being and a new space for themselves. He asks Brian what that process looks like for him and others that go through the change to holacracy.
- Brian says people tell him all the time how life changing the process has been, not just professionally, but personally as well. He then gives a story he heard from an old client.
- The other change he sees is that when the boss – subordinate relationships are gone and everyone is working together as peers, it creates room for more love in the workplace and for people to be more human in the workplace.
Ron then asks where people can learn more about holacracy.
- Brian says start with the website: www.holacracy.org
- He also has a book people can find called Holacracy
- There are also trainings and online webinars to give people a better taste of what holacracy is, and what it looks like in practice.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Michelle discuss how important breathing is in taking notice of your own space, but also how you can affect others’ spaces by simply changing your own breathing.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 22: The Importance of Breathing
- Michelle begins by asking Ron why they are talking about breathing in conjunction with the story in your head.
- Ron initially says he thinks of breathing as just that, breathing. You don’t notice it unless prompted by somebody asking you to notice it.
- Michelle then asks if Ron ever notices his breathing in other situations, such as during exercise or before going on stage to give a presentation.
- Ron describes how he has noticed his breathing in each of those situations. He thinks back to a visit with Monte Robertson and where they learned about the power and importance of breathing, and how it can affect our performance.
- Ron then asks Michelle what she took away from that meeting and what she learned about how her breathing can affect other people.
- Michelle details a story of how, when helping her elderly neighbors, one of whom had fallen, she purposefully slowed her breathing which then helped them become more relaxed as well.
- After seeing the impact it had in that situation, she says how much she started to notice her breathing in other situations as well.
- Ron thinks back to when he was working with groups in the past, and there is a large amount of tension in the room, he always looks for a space to use humor to break the tension.
- Ron explains how this little break of humor allows everyone to reset, recenter, and feel a little bit calmer.
- Ron then ponders whether breathing creates calmness, or if calmness creates breathing, or do they always run together?
- Ron says how it is occurring to him as an ethic to monitor one’s own breathing.
- This reminds Michelle of how in tense work situations she would always say, “I’ll let you know when to panic,” but of course that moment never comes.
- She continues, pointing out that in the situation with her elderly neighbors, she didn’t need to do that. Changing her breathing was enough.
- Ron reflects back to his conversation with Monte, and how initially he was very tense, but that dissipated very quickly.
- He realized after the fact that Monte was creating that space of calmness for him, and helped him feel at ease.
- He then thinks about his own stand and whether it is part of it to be in control of his own breathing, be intentional with his own breathing, and to notice where other people are so he can shape his own breathing to help intentionally create spaces.
- Michelle reflects back to her conversation with Monte, and what he did to help her feel calm in a tense situation.
- Ron then describes why and how he creates breathing as a story, and just how important it is to create the story of breathing for ourselves and for others around us.
- Michelle reflects on how a large part of her yoga classes are focused around breathing.
- After discussions with her husband, she realizes that breathing is a tool that you will always have with you, regardless of where you go, or what else you’ve forgotten to bring along.
- Ron questions Michelle whether breathing is a “line,” and whether they can toss a “line” just by breathing.
- Michelle says that it is, and says it is a discovery and a new creation for her.
- Ron agrees and then describes his stand on breathing.
- Michelle says she agrees with Ron’s stand, and then adds her own piece on how to implement it.
- Ron then wraps up by asking if anyone listening has anything they have noticed about breathing to get in contact with them via email.
- Ron@macklinconnection.com
- Michelle@macklinconnection.com
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
Ron and Michelle, along with guest John Peragine, discuss the Fifth Industrial Revolution, and how John is helping others through following his passions in this episode of “The Story in Your Head.”
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 21: The Fifth Industrial Revolution with John Peragine
- Ron begins by introducing this week’s guest, John Peragine, asking him to describe his career, and how he got to his career
- John says he has had a couple of careers throughout his life, but looking back everything seems to coincide with a certain time in his life. He started off back in college as a musician playing in the symphony for 26 years, and in the middle of that obtained a degree in psychology and was a social worker for about 14 years. He realized during that time that he always wanted to write, and had imagined himself being an author or writer. He quit his job as a social worker in 2007 and started writing books for small businesses. He then followed another path as a journalist, writing periodicals and articles for Reuters, the New York Times, Bloomberg, and a bunch of other publications.
- After completing 12 books, he had questions from others about how he was able to write so many books. He realized there was a space for him to help others write books as well by becoming a ghost writer.
- This came as a culmination of all of his other past careers. Melding those roles allowed him to help entrepreneurs and CEOs to write books that they had been wanting to write for 10 years or more.
- John thought about this interview and how they would be talking about the Fifth Industrial Revolution, and how we live in a world of data.
- Data, from his perspective, is about stories and connecting to other people through those stories. In his mind connecting to others stories through our own stories goes right along with the Macklin Method. His job now is largely to figure out how to get others to connect with certain businesses or services.
- John gives an example of how a pen he got at a renaissance festival has a large story behind it, which caused him to want to not only buy the pen, but value that pen greatly because of the story behind it. He says a lot of people are connected to things that have a story behind them, and expresses the importance of delivering these stories in a way that people can connect to them.
- Ron says that part of what they hold as part of the Fifth Industrial Revolution is being able to notice what the other person’s story is. He then asks what advice John has for listeners around how to learn about someone else’s story and represent that story in a way that maintains that person’s voice.
- John says the best way is to just “shut up and listen” and stop trying to interject our own thoughts and opinions at the first available opportunity.
- The biggest goal is to move slower and truly listening so that you can ask the right questions is also an important step.
- He then describes how people reach out to him all the time on LinkedIn and rather than trying to form a genuine, valuable connection, they instead give him a sales pitch. He advises against doing this, as it is a terrible way to connect with others.
- Ron agrees and recalls a saying from an old cohort who used to say, “the hurrier you go, the behinder you get.”
- He took that and spun it to his own saying which is, “slow down to speed up.”
- Ron continues by saying following this principle allows the space to ask relevant questions to get deeper into that story, and truly connect and create that meaningful, valuable connection that allows for collaboration instead of competition.
- Michelle asks John, as a ghost writer who works with multiple authors at a time, how can he convey their voices?
- John describes his process which allows him to maintain a certain person’s voice throughout the piece.
- Ron recalls a time when John wrote something for him and after Ron read it back he thinks how much it does sound like his own voice.
- Ron asks how the Fifth Industrial Revolution and capturing those stories and voices has impacted his life, as well as how and why John and his wife Kate have started a publishing company.
- John says that while large publishers are only focused on the bottom line, their small publishing company started to capture underrepresented voices.
- He explains how he was helping people to write books, but then those customers often times weren’t sure where to go or what to do with their finished product, and he saw an opportunity to help.
- Ron asks John about what the hardest thing was and the most fun thing was about quitting his stable job and pursuing a new career.
- John remembers how when he started off in the new career, he had only written one article for $100. However, he knew that’s where his passion is, so he just had to find the money to match the passion. He recalls that there was still fear of whether taking that step was the right move.
- John says that now if he were to make another move, there would be much more planning involved.
- John describes the story he had in his own head about what it meant to be a successful adult. He eventually realized that story wasn’t true and he can look at success in many different ways.
- John thinks through these thoughts more also realizing the most:
- Follow the passion with a plan.
- Have confidence in what you are capable of, and if you see an opportunity that matches your capability, go for it.
- A support system and network of family and friends to not only celebrate the highs, but pull you through the lows, is also vitally important.
- Michelle works through John’s thoughts, realizing what an opportunity the Fifth Industrial Revolution is providing people. John and his wife are able to work from home and run a successful business by listening to what others want and need and providing a service to match.
- John follows this up describing what his process looks like and how that is delivering value to other people.
- A lot of publishing now is more than just the story being written. They want to connect directly with the authors themselves.
- Ron thanks John for going through the Macklin Connection program. He then asks John, as a former participant, what questions he has for Ron and Michelle.
- John asks them how they connect with people, and package that experience for people in a way that they desire that change in their lives without having yet experienced that change for themselves?
- Ron addresses the question: How does he connect with someone?
- Majority of the work is clearing away the stories in your head before you get started in building the connection with that person.
- Creating yourself to be someone that can connect with people is the first step. He then gives a high level overview of how accomplish that through their course.
- Michelle adds on to Ron’s ideas with her own.
- She wanted to be at peace with her life, and recognized that it was going to take work to get to that place. Realizing that has helped her work to open that space in her life, which has in turn helped her help others to do the same.
- Ron then addresses how most people think there is something wrong with them because they have fears.
- Ron says that having fear is okay and natural.
- The more powerful people he knows are open and willing to talk about their fears rather than trying to shelter themselves.
- John acknowledges how recognizing your own fears is such a powerful story.
- John observes that by the time we reach adulthood, we have so much baggage.
- He then details how having a program teaching these principles to children would be very beneficial.
- He continues, stating that if started early enough, you’re able to clear the cobwebs before they are even created. He ponders what this would look like in 10-30 years for children that are able to go through a program at a much younger age?
- Ron agrees that this is a great idea and that it is in the road plan for the future.
- John wraps up by describing how he is writing a second book for his child, discussing how he writes non-fiction, so all of the ideas and stories came from real life.
- You can buy John’s books here.
- For those interested in hiring John as a ghost writer – visit: https://johnpwriter.com/
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
Ron and Michelle discuss what it means to be busy, slowing down to speed up, and tossing lines in this episode of “The Story in Your Head.”
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 20: Being Busy
- Michelle begins by asking Ron: what does it mean to be busy?
- Ron says that he thinks back to growing up, and it was seen as a virtue to be busy. Being busy was equated with working hard. But now he has shifted his perspective, because you could be busy with something that doesn’t help you get closer to your goals. He feels it’s better to be strategic or technical when moving toward your goals rather than be busy.
- Michelle agrees and says that what Ron said triggered some thoughts for her. When you get paid by the hour, it’s about being busy, and no matter what you actually do, you get paid, so it’s a linear amount of work. But when you say you’re busy, you sometimes have to ask yourself: busy at what? What am I producing?
- She shares a story about a previous position she held where she was “babysitting” machines and it was a lot of busy work. But then she began thinking about how her knowledge could become exponential rather than linear by being more strategic.
- Ron says that he eventually learned that people cared more about what he produced than the hours he put in. He shares a story about a previous position where his team needed to have faster outcomes, but they kept bumping into a problem: a requirement that they needed to meet a certain number of hours.
- Everyone was assigned a certain amount of busy work because the assumption was that if there was a lot going on and everyone was busy, it was a good thing. But when they cut out 50% of the labor and the busy work, they were able to take a 40-day process down to 12, making it more efficient.
- Ron acknowledges how it can be difficult in some ways when it comes to the people who work hourly -- they may not want to do less work because they depend on working for a set amount of time in order to get paid. But Ron’s company was able to help find future job sites for these workers so they weren’t left high and dry.
- This caused many potential employees to want to come and work for them because there was a high level of predictability regarding their projects and the next jobs they could go to when the project finished.
- They would also talk a lot with the workers to find out how they thought the job could be done most efficiently, and take their lead and listen.
- Michelle asks Ron: What about someone who feels like “I’m too busy?”
- Ron says that some people have the story that they’re too busy. For those who are leaders -- managing others in a workplace, for example -- normally when they say they’re too busy, it’s often because they haven’t mastered the skill of delegation.
- People want to add value, and it’s one of the main reasons they stay in a job. Leaders may be trying to direct everyone and tell everyone what to do, and that can make you too busy if you’re not delegating. And that doesn’t give you any space to create new things yourself.
- For those who are individual contributors, it’s easy to get so deep into your work and be so busy that you’re not questioning what you’re doing or your methods. You may say things like “This is the way we’ve always done it,” and being too busy means you can’t find a new, more creative or strategic way to do their work.
- Ron asks Michelle: What shows up for you about people who say they are “too busy”?
- Michelle thinks back to one of her positions when she was a leader and they needed to hire a new person. It sounded like a lot of effort and time that she didn’t feel like she had -- paperwork, training, and more -- but she realized that either way, she would be in the same position in a month and she definitely needed the help. She says it was an example of “slowing down to speed up.”
- Ron asks what happens if she doesn’t take the time to bring in the right people to help. Michelle says she’s been in that situation before too, and it wasn’t fun. You’re months in, making mistakes, working constantly, and you’re working overtime and over budget. And then you need months to recover from that.
- Ron goes back to Michelle’s idea of “slowing down to speed up.” He says he had an early mentor who later worked for him, and he had a saying: “The ‘hurrier’ you go, the ‘behinder’ you get.” Ron says that all these years later, it still holds true: go slower and steadier, get help as you go, think through different designs and strategies. It always outperforms being hurried, busy, or working too hard.
- Michelle thinks back to what Ron had said about needing to delegate. She says that it’s easy to feel like your team doesn’t have the skills needed for a certain task, which means you may feel like you need to do it all yourself. But it’s like being a hamster on a wheel where you keep trying but never get anywhere.
- She says it’s important to bring in the people with the skills and knowledge to do the job -- or trust the ones you have -- and give them the space to figure it out.
- Ron talks about Tossing Lines, as a chance to ask a question or share a vulnerable story with someone and give them a space to discover something.
- He asks Michelle: When you see someone who’s on a hamster wheel -- even if they seem to be proud of the work they’re doing -- what lines can you toss?
- Michelle says she would usually start by asking how that person is doing. They might start by saying everything is great, but eventually mention how tired they are. Then, she moves to: “What help do you need?”
- She says this can be a hard question for people to answer. First, you’re finding out whether they’re willing to accept help. And then, they sometimes need to think about what kind of help would actually be useful.
- Michelle notes that these questions can take 20 minutes or months to work through. But it takes some self-reflection.
- Michelle then asks Ron what lines he uses in the same situation.
- Ron says he also asks someone how they’re doing and allows them to “empty out.” He says he’s noticed that if you wait long enough, people will often tell you about what conflict they’re having. And then he asks, “So what’s your strategy here?”
- Sometimes people don’t realize they don’t have a strategy. Then, asking how that strategy (or lack thereof) is working, can cause people to take the time to reflect. Sometimes they say it’s going well and they come back the next day and realize it’s not working at all.
- Next, he’ll ask how they want it to be different. But Ron says he always avoids telling people what they should do because he believes people can create it.
- Ron and Michelle discuss the value of having a network who is there to help you see that you’re on the hamster wheel -- even they sometimes find themselves laboring on something that isn’t helping them achieve their goals.
- Ron asks the listeners: When have you gotten busy? Who has tossed a line to you saying “How’s that working?” or who have you tossed that line to? Send Ron or Michelle an email at ron@macklinconnection.com or michelle@macklinconnection.com.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
Ron and Michelle, along with guest Dr. Paul Marciano, discuss difficult conversations, relating to each other, and respect in this episode of “The Story in Your Head.”
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 19: Courage To Have the Conversation
- Michelle begins by introducing this week’s guest. Dr. Paul Marciano.
- Paul is a friend of hers who has a doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Yale University. He is the president of the human relations consulting firm, Whiteboard, and he’s an expert in employee engagement and respect in the workplace, as well as difficult conversations. Paul is also the bestselling author of the book, “Carrots and Sticks Don't Work: Build a Culture of Employee Engagement with the Principles of RESPECT.”
- Michelle asks Paul: Why do you have such a great interest in how people relate to each other?
- Paul says that life is all about relationships; from a psychological perspective, the quality of our life is based on the quality of our relationships. He feels that a lot of the world’s dysfunction comes from a lack of skill or a lack of willingness when it comes to dealing with conflict. He even can think of moments in his own life where his relationships have suffered from him not wanting to have a difficult conversation.
- When it comes to the ideas of courage and fear, what are Paul’s feelings?
- Paul says he doesn’t like it when people say they wish they had the “courage” to have difficult conversations. As humans, we most often choose not to engage in activities or behaviors when we don’t feel comfortable or confident. When people say they don’t have the courage, what they’re really saying is that they don’t have the skills to feel confident going into that kind of conversation.
- Ron turns attention to Paul’s book, which has the 7 tenants of R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Is there one that’s most important, or one that seems to trip people up more than the others?
- Paul discusses how respect is what drives employee engagement in the workplace -- respect between all parties. The “R” in the respect acronym is all about recognizing people for their contributions.
- Paul then shares a story about going to the DMV to register a vehicle, and it was a nightmare. But the woman who was helping him was wonderful and helpful. And she said she would call him tomorrow to follow up, and she did. So Paul went out of his way to send her manager a message about his fantastic experience with her. The next time Paul went into the DMV, she was almost in tears and felt so grateful to have been recognized for her contributions.
- Most of the time, when people receive recognition, they hold onto it because it’s so special.
- Ron asks about changing your story about someone to make space for them to help you instead of harm you.
- Paul says that there are over 100 unconscious biases; in his new book, he names one bias the “personal history bias.” When you already think you know how certain interactions are going to go, you have preconceived notions. His best tip is to remain truly curious about what the other person is going to say.
- He also mentions that there are times in our lives when it’s healthier to walk away rather than staying engaged in certain relationships. That’s true in personal and professional relationships.
- Michelle relates what Paul is saying to the Macklin Connection, and the idea of creating others. She says it took her a long time to create her brother differently.
- Paul says we can create people to be whoever we want, and then we have to give them the space to live into that person. But it takes giving up your biases or your old ways of creating that person.
- Ron shares his use of the word “surrender.” He often says “I surrender to…” And he says he works to be 100% percent for his own end of the relationship as well as others’, but it doesn’t mean he gets to control anything. But he can be responsible for who he creates others to be.
- Paul and Ron discuss the need to be vulnerable and show vulnerability to others. Paul shares a metaphor about a dog rolling onto its back and exposing its belly in vulnerability; Ron shares his metaphor about people holding up their shields in self-protection.
- Paul says that, often, we try to make the other person wrong so that we can make ourselves right. But when we put down our shields and show vulnerability, that’s how you can work on healing a relationship and lowering both sides’ defenses. Especially if it’s accompanied by saying “I’m sorry.”
- Michelle agrees that an apology can be very powerful. She shares a story about a friend of hers apologizing to her for not paying attention. Not only did she appreciate it, but they were then able to discuss what was going on.
- Paul shares that one of our greatest fears as human beings is the fear of looking bad, which often makes us hold back. But when you can get to a point of not holding back but sharing, it can be really freeing.
- The group discusses the importance of creating space in the workplace for people to share their true thoughts and feelings, be vulnerable and authentic, and to create new things. Michelle asks Paul: how do you create that kind of space?
- Paul turns it back on Michelle, as she said there were times in the past when she would sit back instead of sharing her ideas. What got her back in the game?
- Michelle says she got annoyed that other people would have the ideas she had, but they shared them instead of sitting back. But most importantly, one manager told her “I believe in you.” So that made her feel safe and helped her engage.
- Michelle asks Paul: How do you define Respect?
- Paul talks about how the concept of respect is taught to us at an early age. We sometimes get caught up more in what matters to us instead of what matters to others.
- He discusses what he considers Empathy I and Empathy II. He says that Empathy I is about being empathetic, but Empathy II is about trying to understand how he feels in his shoes -- not how someone else would feel if they were in his shoes.
- Paul wraps up by talking about the idea of forgiveness. He shares a quick story about a woman who was yawning in the front row of one of his talks, and while he felt a bit annoyed, she came up to him at the break and said she’d been up all night with her paranoid schizophrenic husband.
- At another seminar he attended that was given by a monk, the monk said he knew that everyone in the room was getting through the world in the best way they knew how, and Paul says he believes that to be fundamentally true.
- At the end of the day, we all have to give each other a break.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
Ron and Michelle, along with guest Eric Stiller, discuss the concepts of forgiveness and forgiving in this episode of “The Story in Your Head.”
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 18: Forgiveness with Eric Stiller
- Ron asks Michelle: How does forgiveness or forgiving show up for you?
- Michelle shares a story about being at a conference in New York City. One of the speakers at the conference had lost her son, grandson, and other members of her family when a man walked into a Black church and started shooting. The woman said she forgave that person -- and she forgave herself for the anger she felt. Michelle says, if this woman can forgive, what could she possibly have to not forgive someone for?
- Ron then asks Eric about any stories of forgiveness. Who was the act of forgiving for?
- Eric says the act of forgiving is more for himself than the other person. He can get caught up in emotions about what the other person did, but when he doesn’t forgive someone, that’s him choosing to carry those emotions. It’s not about acceptance -- forgiveness is about letting go so he can move in.
- Eric says that, while there have been times in his life where trust was broken with close friends, family members, or colleagues, looking back, forgiving has always been the best way to move forward.
- Ron asks: Why does it feel different to forgive someone “in our head,” compared to speaking the story of forgiveness out into the world?
- Eric says it’s because it’s a public commitment when it’s in the world. You can’t hide behind the B.S. in your own head.
- Michelle agrees, and says even if she just says it out loud to herself, it still has the same effect for her. She says it’s because you say it and make it real, and then you hear it as well, going into a different place in your brain.
- When we create a story that someone has done something to harm us, we can still forgive them. But what happens when this causes us to hold a story in our head about who they are as a person?
- Eric says this is the hardest part to let go of. Even if he can logically tell himself the other person was just doing their best and looking out for their own interests, he says it doesn’t mean you have to lead yourself down the same path of potentially getting hurt again. He asks Ron and Michelle what they think.
- Michelle shares a story about when her father passed away, and she and her brother agreed on which of their fathers’ tools they would take. Later, her brother went back on their agreement, which really hurt Michelle. But she decided she didn’t want to ruin her relationship with him over a few tools, and she created the story in her head that he needed them more than she did. She was able to let go of the anger.
- Ron brings the conversation to the topic of forgiving yourself. Sometimes, if we make a bad decision, it can cause us to wonder whether we can trust ourselves. Ron says that noticing and forgiving ourselves can “free us up.”
- Eric says that, when it comes to forgiving himself, sometimes he feels like he’s “rationalizing” (making excuses) or being weak. He asks Ron: What does it look like to forgive yourself, for you?
- Ron says it’s important to take the lesson from these moments but not take the guilt and the shame. When he forgives himself, he puts all of the “heavy” things that are weighing him down behind him so he can be free and clear.
- Michelle says that “forgive yourself” is one of her husband’s favorite phrases. She recognizes that there are few mistakes in life she could make that are “unrecoverable,” and when she makes a mistake, she tries to learn from it so she won’t make it again.
- Ron asks Eric what he thinks about trying on this approach with Ron and Michelle.
- Eric says there’s nothing he loves more than being creative and innovating and coming up with ideas. When he can feel free to be creative, he knows he’s living a good life. He loves the idea of “free yourself to be creative.”
- Ron says when he creates himself in a free space, taking the lessons he learns and putting the heavy things behind him, he shows up differently in the world. And that’s how others can connect with him. When he takes care of himself, he creates space for others to take care of themselves.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
Ron and Michelle, along with Joanne Rusch and Deb Dendy, talk about holiday gatherings with family, traditions, and running experiments to create something new in this episode of “The Story in Your Head.”
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 17: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
- Michelle asks Joanne first: What does “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” trigger for you?
- Joanne says she thinks of family, wondering who’s going to show up. Is there family drama? Is it family members she hasn’t seen in a while? No matter who shows up, she tries to turn it into something positive.
- Joanne shares a story about one of her nieces who had always been a “contrarian” and would be dramatic about what foods she would eat as well as social topics. Years later when they got together for a family meal, she was amazed at the way her niece had evolved into a teacher who cared about her ESL students, and Joanne wished she’d been able to be there throughout the transition.
- Michelle and Joanne discuss the importance of mood -- their own and others -- and how you do your best to dance with whatever shows up.
- Then, Deb gets a chance to share what “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” triggers for her.
- She says her family lost their dad to a long battle with cancer this year, and it’s going to be the first holiday without him. Her family has a long tradition of going to Mexico for the holidays, and now they’re trying to figure out what this year is going to look like.
- Deb says she and her mom have been thinking about ways to get through the holidays, and Michelle asks her to share as many people are likely in the same position this year, with someone who isn’t at the table. Deb says they’re going to have a slideshow to bring happy memories to the forefront, trying to make a new tradition.
- Michelle shares that her family went through the same thing last year, losing her mother a few weeks before Christmas. She realized that by finding ways to keep her memory alive with them, they were helping everyone around them. They set their mood of celebration.
- Deb says it helps to think about what her dad would have wanted. They have funny traditions and contests, and her dad loved being a part of it, so keeping those traditions alive is a way to honor her dad and celebrate each other.
- Michelle asks Ron: What does “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” trigger for you?
- Ron says he thinks back to being a kid and going to big family gatherings. He didn’t have to guess who was coming to dinner, because it was the same people every year. He thinks about the stories in his head he had about different sets of relatives -- the “farm folk” and the “city folk” -- and he says he is still learning to be more responsible with the stories he creates about others.
- He shares that he’s been at recent family gatherings where he’s seen a shift, from people checking their watches and wanting to leave, to the time passing so quickly that they’re surprised how late it is. Enough people shifting their perspective was enough to change the experience of the group as a whole.
- When Ron thinks of “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” this year he’s thinking of “who is he creating that is coming to dinner.”
- Michelle asks Ron what he did differently to shift his perspective, that had people changing from looking at their watches to engaging in the moment.
- Ron says that he only has speculations about what happened, but he’ll share what he did. Several groups from his family participated in the Macklin Connection program. When they were traveling to the family gatherings, they would be intentional about who they were creating themselves to be. And even though the entire family didn’t participate in the program, those who did were enough to help shift the group as a whole.
- Michelle shares one of her family traditions. Now that her family is smaller, they invite other people with small families, singles, and other people who are alone for the holidays to their Thanksgiving celebration. Sometimes they meet people for the first time that day, and while that can bring anxiety, it also can be a lot of fun.
- Ron asks the group: What experiments can you run this year at your holiday gatherings to open up the space to create something new?
- Michelle says her experiment is to create everyone who walks through the door as “enough.” Whatever they bring as themselves is enough. It helps set the tone.
- Deb says Michelle’s answer triggers her to think about expectations. For example, is the table set perfectly, or is it messy? If it’s messy, it’s because people are there being human, and whatever happens, it’s going to be perfect.
- For Joanne, she says that last year she realized that everyone holds a story of what’s necessary for it to “be” Thanksgiving -- for example, if you don’t have the Brussels sprouts, it’s not Thanksgiving. This year, she wants to find out from her family: What is that memory of Thanksgiving that you carry? And what will you create for next year? She says it’s a combination of looking back and looking forward. It can help people take a look at what they’ve learned about themselves in the past year as well.
- Ron says the experiment he’s going to run is to “try it on.” Whatever other people are doing, and wherever they’re coming from, he wants to be curious and try it on. He says it helps him build empathy, understanding, and not judging. He wants to think, “What would it be like if I were them?”
- Deb says Ron’s experiment triggered her to think about allowing others to contribute, even though it can be easiest to just tell everyone else to stay out of the kitchen, for example. How can she allow for contributions from others? She’s going to try that on and see how it works.
- Michelle says it makes her think about the “perfectness” of how some family meals seem like they’re supposed to be, but it’s really not that big of a deal if a certain food item were to come out “late.”
- Ron says that, thinking back to when he was a kid, so much of a family gathering was preparing the food together and then sharing it, while these days people are more likely to prepare their dishes separately and then show up. He wonders what it would be like if they went back to the older tradition of preparing together.
- Deb says that making tamales together in Mexico was the most fun part of the day, even though the food wasn’t very good at all.
- Wrapping up, Michelle asks the group what showed up for them today.
- Joanne says she’s reflecting on accidental encounters vs. purposeful encounters and the stories she creates about others. She wants to be more intentional about giving people the space to be who they show up as.
- Deb says that she’s thinking about how she creates herself and how she can create others -- and be purposeful about that creation.
- Ron says that he created the responsibility that a single event can change the relationship over the long term. When things go well once, it can open a new space for things to go in a new direction.
- Michelle says that, for her, it was the idea of having an experiment. She wants to be open and create that new mood of everybody being enough. And if she does that, what will it change for others? And how can it have a lasting effect?
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
Ron and Michelle, along with Beyond Leaning In author Melanie Ho, discuss meaningful conversations, storytelling, and finding the space to follow your passions in this episode of “The Story in Your Head.”
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 16: Melanie Ho
- Michelle asks Melanie: What does “the story in your head” trigger for you?
- Melanie says she loves the title of the podcast because we all have so many stories in our heads -- some that are helpful and some that are not, some that we are aware of and some that we are not aware of.
- Melanie shares that the pandemic has brought some of that to the forefront. Before, she was always on the go and didn’t have time to think about them, but the pandemic has brought some stillness to her life.
- Melanie says that she sees herself as an early adopter of the “Great Resignation,” and she didn’t have time to think about what she wanted out of her career and her life. But being an extrovert and living alone during the early days of the pandemic, she had to work harder to connect with people. And she also had to think about what the pandemic was calling her to do and be. One of the things she ended up doing was finishing her book.
- Ron asks Melanie about her strategy for connecting with people. Melanie says she believes in serendipity; her favorite pre-pandemic conversations were those with Uber drivers or random people in line at the coffee shop. They can end up being very meaningful. As a result of the pandemic and lockdown, Melanie was looking to balance connecting with new and old friends as well as looking for moments of serendipity.
- Michelle asks: What are you looking for in those meaningful conversations?
- Melanie says that it’s something that shifts your perception in some way. It doesn’t have to be a dramatic shift. She shares a story about a daily quarantine chat she was doing, where you’ll get a phone call from someone else in the world and you get an icebreaker prompt. You just have a conversation with a stranger. While sometimes the conversations were only 15 minutes, sometimes they were 90 minutes or two hours long, and she was able to find meaning in these conversations.
- Ron shares a story about one of his previous positions and the cartoons that workers would make. Even if he didn’t remember all the details about certain conversations, he always remembered the cartoons.
- Melanie feels that these types of things stand out to us because people remember stories. That’s one of the reasons that her book, Beyond Leaning In: Gender Equity and What Organizations are Up Against, is told as a novel because it aims to engage more deeply with people than other types of books about similar topics might be able to.
- Melanie shares an example of one of her cartoons. It’s about two colleagues who get promoted: in a company memo, one is recognized for his work and the other is recognized for her baking skills. It quickly illustrates how unconscious biases can be formed. Ron says that these stories show up as our filters. Even if you didn’t set out to create that story, they still show up in our lives.
- Michelle asks Melanie: When you have these stories, how do you go about changing them?
- Melanie says the first step is awareness and taking stock of those biases. She says that people can be triggered by the word “unconscious bias” so she thinks of it as “mental auto-completes.” She says it’s like having faulty programming within ourselves, and the sooner we can see that, the sooner we can stop it in its tracks. Part of that is exposing ourselves to other stories.
- In one of Melanie’s previous positions, they would review potentially biased perspectives by simply raising their hands and saying “perspective check,” which wasn’t about calling out or blaming.
- Ron shares that, in Macklin courses, they explain that communication is the end result of what you say -- not what you mean. Are you throwing a rock at someone, tossing a line, or floating a feather? How does that show up for Melanie?
- Melanie says she likes the metaphor of the elephant and the writer. The writer is our rational brain, and it’s sitting on top of an elephant, which is our emotions. Even though the writer might know where they want to go, the elephant is bigger and can easily overpower it. When she talks to others, she likes to think: what is their elephant? What is stopping them?
- If she knows someone, it can be easy to talk to someone and find out what it is. But for those she doesn’t know as well, she has to ask other questions to find out.
- Michelle asks Melanie: How do you build trust with people to be able to get the elephant either smaller or more visible?
- Melanie says a lot goes into getting people into a space of psychological safety. People need to feel able to be vulnerable and like the truth isn’t going to come back to bite them. She hopes that workplaces can get to the point where people feel they can be vulnerable with themselves before they can be vulnerable with others.
- Ron asks: Does it have to be in that order? Melanie says it’s interesting, and she thinks it can probably go either way, but more often she thinks people have to find vulnerability with themselves first.
- Michelle asks Melanie how she overcame her fears and made the leap from her successful career to doing something else -- something she wasn’t sure how it was going to turn out.
- Melanie says a good therapist helps, and she’ll always recommend that to others. Part of what she was feeling was unworthy, like “Who am I to think I can be creative, and write a book?” She had to think about how much she defined herself by external validation vs. how much she wanted to define herself based on her self worth and what she can contribute to the world.
- The main story she had to change for herself was what success looked like. Before, her story said that success was tied to planning, certainty, and quarterly goals. Even after quitting her job, she realized she was still setting her goals based on quarters and had to ask herself why that mattered.
- Ron agrees that corporate habits can really stick with us.
- Ron talks a bit about the Great Resignation and how more people are looking to quit their jobs. He says he was a bit ahead of the curve, but one thing that stood out for him was thinking “If I don’t do this now, I’ll regret it in 10 years.” But sometimes people don’t feel they have the space to actually do it. How can we help others see that they can do it?
- Melanie says there’s knowing that there are other people who have done it and there are examples. And you also have to get into touch with who you want to be, even if you suppressed it earlier on feeling that it was unrealistic.
- Melanie asks Ron how he found his passion. Ron says that there was a skill he was lacking in order to live a good life, and once he acquired it, other people started asking him to teach them how to do it. Ron started to ask himself what it would be like if he did this full time.
- Melanie shares a story about a retreat she attended where they talked about how, in Native American tradition, a lot of different things are considered “medicine,” such as food, being in nature, and we can even be medicines to each other. And our purpose in life can be finding out what kind of medicine we can be to others.
- Michelle asks Melanie: What’s your medicine? Melanie says that someone at the retreat told her that her medicine is finding creative ways to help people shift their perspective. At the time, she just wrote it down, but years later after the pandemic she looked at it and it has a new meaning.
- Wrapping up, Melanie says that she is especially passionate about the use of imaginative arts to get people to think differently about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion because people have really big “elephants” when it comes to these topics. Any DEI training we attend, we’re going to feel a range of emotions like defensiveness, shame, anger, and more. But her goal with her books, comics, and workshops is to help people work through these emotions while still learning.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
Ron and Michelle, along with Wired For Success founder Claudia Garbutt, discuss the stories in our heads, being enough, and what it means to trust in this episode of “The Story in Your Head.”
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 15: Wired For Success with Claudia Garbutt
- Ron asks Claudia: What is the first thing you notice when it comes to “noticing your own stories?”
- Claudia says the first thing she notices is how much they’re holding her back. She shares a story about how when she became a mom, she decided not to go back to her old job. She didn’t know what other possibilities were out there. That’s when the negative stories showed up in her head.
- Michelle asks: How did you change those stories? Claudia says it happened gradually, and it’s still a work in progress. She works on figuring out what things are holding her back, and most of them are focused on not being “enough.”
- Ron asks Claudia for an example. Claudia shares that one of the stories in her head is that she hates public speaking -- especially speaking English in public. These are a couple of reasons that she started her podcast, Wired For Success.
- Michelle tells Claudia that she relates to the “not enough-ness.” What does it mean to be enough? Claudia says that enough means that we don’t see the world through the filter of lacking something. We have to honor ourselves for who we are and what we can contribute to the world.
- Ron asks Claudia about the fear of doing her first podcast, fear that triggers our instinct to run away. How did she create the space to move forward?
- Claudia says she tries to change her fear to curiosity. She calls it “kind curiosity.” Instead of looking at the worst-case scenario, she looks for the best-case scenario and how it can help the people around her.
- Most of the time, neither the best-case nor the worst-case scenario happens -- it’s usually somewhere in between. But the physical sensations of nervousness and anxiety, thinking about the best-case scenario can interrupt the stress response. It’s not about the outcome, but more about how to move forward.
- What was it like for Claudia the first time she tried to help someone else with changing the story in their head?
- Claudia says that for most people, it can feel easier to help other people than it is to help yourself. From the outside, it always looks so obvious what the other person should do. We all have our own blind spots. Coaching isn’t about telling people what to do, but helping them see in their blind spots. And so often, you can learn your own blind spots when they are reflected back to you.
- Claudia says that, when she thinks about authentic leadership, it’s about two main elements: self-awareness, and self-regulation. These help us understand ourselves better and make the switch from being reactive to responsive, and that’s when we can move into a space to change our way of thinking and create as part of a team.
- We can sometimes get hung up on our own ways of thinking and see those as objective truth without taking into account others’ points of views, motivations, and experiences. We don’t see the world as it is: we see it as we are. Being an authentic leader is being aware of these filters.
- Michelle shares an example: when she plays tennis with her husband, and she says “Let’s play on 5,” her husband interprets it as Michelle wanting to play until 5, when she meant she wanted to play on court 5. Michelle’s husband is worried about how long they’re playing, while she’s concerned about being closest to the tennis balls. It was just a misunderstanding that happened in 20 seconds, so imagine what can happen over a longer period of time.
- Claudia says that you have to question your beliefs and the assumptions. And if you do, maybe you can look and see if you have any beliefs or assumptions in the opposite direction -- the truth is usually somewhere in the middle.
- Ron asks Claudia: What is trust to you?
- Claudia says for her, it means she can rely on them to keep their promises, they will show up when she needs help, and they will give her the benefit of the doubt if she’s offended them. It’s the basis of believing that someone has your best interest in mind when they do something.
- Ron asks: Can you trust someone you’ve never met before? Claudia says yes; Ron says that they trusted Claudia to be on their podcast today even though they didn’t really know each other.
- Michelle brings up Claudia’s point of someone giving you the benefit of the doubt when you’ve offended them. How does that show up for you, and what do you do? Claudia shares a story about her husband, who is from New Zealand. While she says his German is “excellent,” sometimes things get lost in translation. Sometimes communication breaks down, but they talk through what happened and what they really meant.
- “You are more powerful than you think you are.” Michelle brings up this quote from Claudia’s website, and she asks her why she wrote it and what it means. Claudia says it goes back to those limiting beliefs and selling yourself short. Sometimes we feel like we can’t change or that our failures define us. But we can change the stories in our heads to enable ourselves to do more powerful things.
- Ron asks Claudia about being a mom with young children and all the stories they’re making up in their heads.
- Claudia says that it’s fascinating to see how they see the world because it can teach us a lot. They see the world without as many filters. Claudia is trying to be mindful in explaining to them how powerful they are. While she was always afraid of making mistakes, she wants to tell them that “sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.”
- Michelle shares a story that she had stuck in her head about her daughter when she was a teenager, though now she’s 24, and it took some time for her to change the story she was holding and see her as a beautiful young adult. It shifted her entire orientation and relationship with her.
- Ron says he remembers his father telling him “I’m learning from you now.” As his kids continue getting older, he’s learning from who they choose to be and he’s learning to be open and modifiable.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
What is an Imaginal Moment? Ron and Michelle discuss being an offer of help, opening up, and waiting peacefully in this episode of “The Story in Your Head.”
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 14: Imaginal Moments
- Michelle introduces the topic of “Imaginal Moments.” It’s the third step in the Macklin Method, after “Be Your Stand” and “Care and Assess the Help That Matters.” Michelle asks Ron: What does “Imaginal Moments” mean?
- Ron discusses the concepts of Plus Self -- when you’re not open to help; Zero Self -- when you’re only open to “really good” help; and Minus Self, who is open to getting help and giving help as well.
- He says there’s a moment when we dance between all three of those. An imaginal moment is when we have an internal dialogue and make the shift from being a Plus Self to a Minus Self and being curious.
- When a caterpillar goes into a cocoon to begin its transformation into a butterfly, it uses its “imaginal” cells to change the caterpillar’s entire makeup into something new.
- Michelle shares a story. Her husband, who is a retired chiropractor, is always an offer of help to people. When she was playing tennis, there was someone on the court who was having back issues. Her husband offered to help with an adjustment, but the tennis player kept saying no.
- Michelle’s husband was confused about why the man kept refusing his offer of help, and Michelle realized the man was just not open to the offer of help. She noted that it can turn into a fight when someone isn’t ready to accept the help that is offered.
- Ron says he has a long list of similar experiences, as well as him being on the other side of it -- rather than being a Minus Self, he would see people as trying to control his life. When you’re a Plus Self, you have a story in your head of not needing help.
- Michelle says it has caused her to re-evaluate times in her past when, even though she has had the best intentions in the world, she may have annoyed people with her offer of help, as well as times when she has closed down offers of help.
- Michelle asks Ron to share any stories about times when he’s tossed someone a line as an offer of help and saw a shift in them, to open up and be curious.
- Ron shares a story about a close friend. Ron kept tossing him lines -- but at first, his friend made up that they were rocks. He wanted Ron to leave him alone. And Ron learned that, until this person was ready to open up, he needed to “shut up,” be friendly, and come back later. It went on for 9 years.
- Eventually, the moment came when this person shifted from a Plus Self to a Minus Self, and they were able to become friends. But Ron says there are other people he’s known who made the shift in just a few seconds.
- Ron asks Michelle what stories she has. Michelle talks about “Peacefully Waiting,” which is part of the Macklin Method.
- She shares a story about her friend, a physical educator, who was used to working with people physically present in front of her. As Michelle had experience managing people in different time zones and working remotely, she offered to help her friend make a move to teaching virtual classes. But her friend felt adamant that she needed her students to be in front of her. Michelle realized she couldn’t change that story -- only her friend could.
- Over time, while Michelle worked with her, the pandemic hit and her friend had no choice. Then, her friend became curious about new methods and working online. She eventually started asking Michelle questions and started hosting remote classes. And she thanked Michelle for being patient with her until she was ready.
- Michelle asks Ron: Was there ever a big Imaginal Moment for you?
- Ron says that the biggest moment that hit him was the realization that you can never make a Plus Self do anything. He was talking with someone who felt that they knew what they were doing, and Ron said something, and that person asked him to share more about what he had just said.
- In Ron’s head, his Self Talk said “I’ve already told you about this before. Why are you asking me about this again now?” But the other person said they wanted to talk about that topic again on the next call.
- Ron said he realized that there are points where someone can suddenly decide to be open to something, even if they weren’t open to it before. This made him question whether the same thing was true of him and whether he could create that in his own head.
- Ron says he isn’t always perfect about being a Minus Self 100% of the time. He doesn’t try for perfection, but he keeps trying. If he can be open even 30% or 40% of the time, he’s opening new possibilities for himself.
- Michelle recaps Ron’s story. Even though he tossed the same line to the same person time and time again, it eventually resonated with that person -- and it depends on a lot of different factors and that person finally being open. Sometimes you just need the time, patience, and peace while you wait for them to open up.
- Ron says he looks forward to the greatest, most rewarding imaginal moments that are still yet to happen in the future.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
Ron and Michelle, along with guest Tania Kolar, discuss limiting beliefs and “False Selves” in this episode of “The Story in Your Head.”
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 13: Tania Kolar
- Ron and Michelle introduce this week’s special guest, Tania Kolar. Tania is a mindset coach, a speaker, a radio and podcast host, and the bestselling author of “Breaking the Stupid Mold: Overcoming Self-Sabotage And Limiting Beliefs, So You Can Live An Extraordinary Life.”
- Ron asks Tania: What is a False Self?
- Tania says at some points, we go through life “living a lie.” It’s like having a silent dictator controlling our thoughts and actions. That’s our false self that we adopt as truth. It’s someone else’s reality, or what we believe to be true. This won’t let you meet your full potential.
- How do you identify if you’re living as your false self? Tania says to ask yourself: What parts of life feel good? What’s working? Those are parts of your authentic self. The parts of your life that are a struggle are the parts that are your false self and overrunning who you really are.
- Tania says that our language patterns can also help us identify when we are living as our false selves. For Tania personally, she found herself saying “I was mortified,” when the experience she was talking about often wasn’t actually mortifying. While there may have been one time when she did feel mortified, she started bringing it into other parts of her life.
- If you find yourself overreacting, you’re reacting to a trigger, not to the topic itself. For example, a small fight with your partner could lead to an explosion based on different moments, not the current one.
- Ron asks Tania: When did you discover this for yourself?
- Tania says she experienced a traumatic event that made her aware of her thought pattern. You have to be aware of the pattern before you’re able to break out of it.
- She says that every person on the planet is unique and is meant to have an extraordinary life, but many of us feel unworthy. Tania says her mission is to help others learn to break those patterns and beliefs.
- Michelle asks Tania what she means by “limiting beliefs.” What do you do when you find one?
- Tania says the important thing to do is to challenge those beliefs. But it’s also important not to blame yourself, or else you may start feeling guilty. Remember that you can rise above any challenge. One limiting belief people have is that they are not enough, even though it’s unconscious. You can challenge these beliefs by telling yourself the opposite with affirmations.
- Ron talks about the concept of our Scared Self. What would Tania say to anyone who says they aren’t afraid?
- Tania says it’s okay to be afraid. You can allow it to mobilize you, or you can use it to empower you. Whatever challenges you’ve faced, you have the opportunity to learn something about yourself or express yourself. It’s okay to experience it, but don’t live in fear. And don’t suppress your emotions, either, because that can manifest into physical illness as well.
- What difference did it make for Tania to acknowledge her fears?
- Tania was used to hiding her fears, but she realized it should be less about what other people think of her and more about what she thinks of herself. When you’re stuck in fear, you refuse to take action to get to the next level. You’re telling yourself a story in your head to justify it. Keep in mind that, in every challenge, there is a lesson.
- Next, Ron acknowledges the importance of believing in yourself. He asks Tania: Do you have a strategy for believing in others?
- Tania says that, for some people, it’s easy to believe in others even when you don’t believe in yourself. But remember that believing in yourself doesn’t take away from anyone else. Instead of competing, be a creator. Create the life you want to live instead of comparing yourself to others.
- Michelle asks Tania about her book’s title -- “Breaking the Stupid Mold.” What is the stupid mold?
- The mold is the accumulation of our thoughts, patterns, habits, and beliefs. It’s called the stupid mold because it’s ridiculous that it’s running our lives. And it’s also a mold because at first, it’s soft like clay. When you have those repetitive thoughts, it becomes fixed and unmovable until you learn to break it.
- The excuses you make for yourself are your limiting beliefs, and that fear takes over. Step over the fear, to the other side of greatness.
- Ron asks Tania about the new skills that will be required for “post-pandemic” life.
- Tania says it shows how connected we all are. We want people around us to encourage us and help us get to the next level, together. Sometimes we get stuck in the materialism of life, but the pandemic has taught us that connection is the most important thing.
- It’s also caused us to question what we really want in life and what fulfills our souls. Are we doing what really makes us happy?
- Tania says that she’d like listeners of The Story In Your Head to know that your mindset is like a muscle that needs to be strengthened and conditioned. It’s important to cultivate the mindset that will empower us to get to the next level. You can do that by adopting a growth mindset. The thought patterns you create become your reality. And being grateful in the most challenging moments of life can help shift your feelings in that moment as well.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
Ron and Michelle, along with guest Joanne Rusch, discuss how life can change when you choose to be enough in this episode of “The Story in Your Head.”
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 12: I Am Enough
- Michelle asks Ron: When you hear “I am enough,” what do you think of?
- Ron says the first thing that comes to his mind is about leaving things in the past and not letting them “live” in himself today. Instead of remembering failures, which makes him think “I am not enough,” he is appreciative of all his past experiences and makes space for himself to be enough today, in any situation.
- Michelle introduces their special guest, Joanne Rusch, and asks her the same question: What story do you create when you hear “I am enough”?
- Joanne says that it means she’s not missing anything -- everything she needs is already within her. She’s accepting and celebrating that her past experiences have set her up for this moment.
- How can you shift the story from “I am not enough” to “I am enough”? Ron says that it’s a constant process of self talk, and it doesn’t happen all at once. His favorite way to talk to himself is by saying “I surrender to ‘I am enough’ right now.” Using this language for the past 7-8 years, it’s opened space for him to be who he is.
- Michelle shares a story about her experience learning to play tennis. She wonders whether there is a point where she should aim to be “more” instead of being “enough.”
- Ron says, when we’re learning something new, it’s important to go out and make space to simply be enough, but it doesn’t mean you can’t be open to getting better.
- Joanne says that what helps her is reminding herself she’s a work in progress. Even when she wants to be really good at something, it gives her space to remember that she has to go through the process of getting there, and that it’s okay. And she says it also helps her stay open to needing help -- being enough doesn’t mean that you never should need help
- Michelle asks Joanne whether there was a time when she started out feeling “I’m not enough” and then, after shifting to “I am enough, things started to change.
- Joanne says that in the past she wouldn’t shift her story because she would give up too easily, but she shares a story about getting diagnosed with cancer. While she wasn’t sure what to expect, she celebrated because she realized she had everything within her to do whatever came next.
- Ron shares a story about being asked to speak to an entrepreneur group. As he walked up to the front of the room to speak, he told himself “I surrender to ‘I am enough.” It opened up a space for him to bring everything he was in the moment.
- He reiterates Joanne’s comment from before, about how being enough doesn’t mean you never need help. In fact, it makes you more open and vulnerable to asking for and accepting the help you need.
- Michelle shares a story about how the “I am enough” story made a significant shift for her. She was selected to be an interim CIO for a $2 billion company in Japan and she felt that she wasn’t qualified to be there. Even though she thought this story was in her head, people could tell. And the CEO of the company told her “You belong here.”
- How can you help someone who holds the story that they aren’t enough? Ron says that the first step is paying attention. Then, the space is there to acknowledge them, and to tell them that you’re scared, too. Nothing makes it more okay to be scared than someone else sharing that they’re scared, too.
- Joanne agrees that it’s important to pay attention to other people. But she admits that sometimes it’s hard to imagine that other people are scared. Even those people who seem like they have it all together, may be the ones who most need someone to tell them “I believe in you.”
- Joanne shares a story about someone she worked with who was often picked on by the person they reported to. This person was new in her career, and she felt that she wasn’t enough. Joanne felt that it was important to call out her contributions and tell her she was making a difference, which helped her stand her ground in conversations with the manager. Later on, she came back to Joanne and told her what a big difference it made.
- Ron shares a story about someone he worked with who became a project manager. They said, “We believe in you,” and he eventually ended up setting a world record for how fast they got the process done. But three different times before that, he packed up all of his stuff to leave because he felt that he wasn’t enough. But when he shifted his story, he was able to believe in himself.
- Another story is about a person who was brought in to be an auditor. While many people within a business may see an auditor as an enemy, Ron talked to him about what was going on, and the auditor told Ron that he wanted to be on Ron’s team because of the way he believes in his team. Within six weeks, everyone saw Dave, the auditor, as an ally.
- Michelle asks Ron and Joanne: What practices do you have to shift your mindset to “I am enough”
- Ron says that for him, the most powerful step is having a group that understands and knows all of this along with you. People who can have an open, authentic conversation with others who can remind you when you’re having a hard time remembering you are enough. The next step is practicing to help other people remember they are enough, because it also helps you.
- Joanne says she comes up with a better story than “I am not enough.” She might tell herself, “I am not the right person for this.” It’s okay to get frustrated, but then put it on the shelf for a little while and let it go.
- Michelle says it’s helpful for her to think about how she doesn’t want others to need to “pull her out of it” when she’s feeling like she’s not enough.
- Joanne says it’s important to periodically question how the stories about not feeling like you’re enough are preventing you from launching the stories of what could be and what’s possible. If you were enough, what could you do and where would you be? Sometimes we limit ourselves and keep ourselves in our “safe zones.” She’s been practicing having those conversations with others and then having them with herself. What could be possible?
- Ron says this is the business they’re in -- if you believed in yourself, what would be possible? 30 years ago, he was in a conversation with someone who asked what he wanted to do in life. The other person didn’t believe that Ron could simply want to help people instead of just making as much money as possible. And it became important to him to make a difference for himself and the world left behind. This is what kept showing up for him.
- Joanne says that when you can hold a story that “I am enough,” it’s a different way of living. When you stop being your own worst critic, the experience of life opens up. It gives you a resilience to be open to everything and enjoy everything instead of being worried about not being enough.
- Michelle agrees with Ron and Joanne, and she says that when you decide you are enough, the amount of choices you have in life opens up exponentially. You can do whatever you choose. And -- Ron adds -- it’s a lot more fun.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
Ron and Michelle discuss making connections with others by finding out what people really care about in this episode of “The Story in Your Head.”
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 11: Caring for Others
- Michelle asks Ron: What does it mean to care for others, especially in the Macklin Method?
- Ron says that to care for someone else, he starts by thinking about their concerns. Whether it’s their family, their career, their body, their education, or something else. When Ron decides to care for them, he has to do it in a way that doesn’t damage him, but he finds common ground with the things he cares about as well
- Michelle shares a story about her neighbor across the street. While her neighbor may care what color the paint on her house is, Michelle knows that inside, she really cares about not being alone.
- Ron asks Michelle: How do you find out what someone cares about at a deeper level, not just the surface level? Michelle says that their conversation started because the neighbor knew that Michelle was a caregiver for her mother. The neighbor told Michelle that her mother was lucky to have a caregiver, and she was vulnerable by sharing with Michelle that she wouldn’t have anyone to take care of her.
- Ron says that he finds that getting people to talk about what they really care about -- aging, children, parents, marriage, etc. -- is hard because people are afraid. Talking about the color of the house or other surface-level things can be a shield because other conversations can be scary.
- Ron says that, at first, when he was building the Macklin Connection method, he thought other people didn’t care about the same things he cared about. But when he started talking about the things he was afraid of, he learned that other people felt the same way.
- Ron says he made it his stand to really care for those people and what matters to them. Even if they don’t want to talk about them at first, they really do.
- Michelle says that it took a few months in order to get her neighbor to open up and be vulnerable. And while they still talk about the color of their houses or the neighbors’ lawns, their conversations often shift to her neighbor’s future alone. Michelle can’t always give her answers, but she can sit with her while she works though some big questions.
- Ron says what he wants is to have someone to talk to, someone to share fears with, and someone to share accomplishments with. Someone he can be authentically himself with.
- He says that sometimes, people enter a relationship but never allow themselves to be vulnerable and talk about what they really care about. Their Scared Selves control the conversation, and Ron visualizes two people banging their shields against each other instead of getting to know each other on a deeper level.
- Michelle shares another story about her neighbor. Since they live in Florida, they deal with hurricane season, and she’ll often see people closing their hurricane shutters. She noticed her neighbor needing some help, and at first, her neighbor was uncomfortable accepting the help.
- After Michelle really got to know her and what she cared about, the neighbor started accepting her help much more easily.
- Ron says that even he has had a hard time accepting help in the past, and he feels that it was related to his upbringing. He was afraid that accepting help meant that he was “not enough.” But eventually, he shifted the story. If he always declined help, it meant his life would be harder. And no one would accept help from him.
- When he began to accept help, his perspective changed. Before, he didn’t like feeling indebted to someone else, but he learned to simply say, “Thank you. If you need something, let me know.”
- Michelle acknowledges Ron for being able to accept help. She says that, in her 55 and older community, a lot of people aren’t able to offer help in the same way they were before.
- What she noticed was that you can still give people space to help in different ways. When her mother had Alzheimer’s, she wasn’t able to do a lot around the house, but she didn’t want to be a burden. But they gave her space to contribute by letting her fold the family’s laundry.
- Ron says he always loved hearing older peoples’ stories, and that was the way they contributed. But he always wants to create space for people to contribute.
- He also asks himself: What will my stand be, when I’m 75 years old and can’t contribute in the same way I do now? And how will I accept others’ contributions?
- How can this idea apply to the workplace? Michelle shares a story about how one of her old teams was working nearly 24 hours a day on a big project. Even though she wasn’t a coder, she can still contribute to her team. She made sure everyone had coffee, and she would pick up breakfast.
- Ron says he noticed Michelle’s orientation toward caring for others in that story. It felt good for Michelle to help, but she was still able to contribute.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
Ron and Michelle discuss trust as a noun and a verb, and the importance of believing in others in this episode of “The Story in Your Head.”
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 10: What Does it Mean to Trust?
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Michelle asks Ron: What is trust?
- Ron says he holds “trust” in two ways. One way is a noun, and one is a verb. With the noun, you may be able to trust them based on your past experience with them, and with the verb, you’re choosing to trust someone even if you don’t have that history. Ron says trust is how he holds that someone will act and perform in the future.
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How do you handle a situation where you’re meeting someone for the first time, and others have told you about that person, whether they are trustworthy or not?
- Ron says this type of information is gossip, not the truth, because it comes through their own filters and interpretation. While that person may be trying to help, he tries to remember they have a Scared Self too, and he needs to create that person for himself.
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Michelle shares a story about her time working as a recruiter. Even though she’d heard some gossip about one of the candidates she wanted to hire, she decided to give him a chance. She trusted herself to make her own assessment of him, and she trusted him to do the job well. The first step is believing in them.
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What happens when someone breaks your trust? While you may be upset with them, you may be even more upset with yourself for choosing to trust them in the first place. This situation can be even more challenging. Michelle asks Ron: How do you deal with that?
- Ron says the first step is to notice those feelings in himself. When you allow yourself to feel it and pay attention, then you have the space to run experiments and move forward. If you don’t bring it to the surface, it feels even worse.
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Michelle goes back to another story about her time in the recruiting position and shares that, for a while, she didn’t trust herself to make a good decision when it came to hiring someone.
- Ron says that many people grow up with a flawed model of performance, needing to get a 90% or higher on a test in order to be a success (or get an A grade). But entrepreneurs and many historical figures haven’t been successful 90% of the time, because that’s not how it works in the real world.
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Ron and Michelle talk about some sports metaphors and how success is measured in baseball and hockey. In those sports, being successful even one-third of the time is seen as a great achievement.
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Michelle asks: What does it mean to build trust?
- Ron says he holds that building trust is using the noun version of “trust.” There were times throughout his career where he didn’t trust the people he was working with. He found out that if they didn’t feel trusted, they wouldn’t perform to their full potential.
- For the people he didn’t trust, the change was for him to show up and create them as trustworthy. Though it’s simple, it doesn’t mean it’s easy.
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Next, Michelle asks Ron whether there is anyone in the world Ron doesn’t trust.
- Ron says there are a few people he trusts not to take care of him. Those people may have a story that they don’t need each other to get along, and they don’t have space for Ron in their world. Ron trusts people who will value him, provide help, and he will value and provide help in return.
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Where does trust play a part as a leader?
- In self-led teams, there are several places where there needs to be trust in order for it to work. Leaders need to trust their teams, and teams need to trust their visionary. Also, team members need to trust each other, to be vulnerable, to achieve the best outcome.
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Ron shares a story about running an engineering factory. Someone who came to him really wanted a specific job, but he maybe wasn’t fully qualified. But what he focused on was care for the team and belief in everyone on the team. Ron said he created him as trustworthy, and he made a great leader.
- As a leader, Ron says he had to trust this person to do the job. But he also made sure to speak out loud to the group about his trust of this person. He continually told the story of his belief because people will take on the stories you give them.
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Michelle asks: Is it important to be public about your trust of a person and your belief in them? Ron says you can’t just do it once. You have to keep doing it, keep sharing the story.
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Ron says trusting someone can occur like magic, and believing in someone can occur like magic. When people feel that you believe in them, they’ll hold on to those standards. Positive reinforcement goes a long way -- even though it’s not actually magic.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
What is a self-led team and how do they function? Ron and Michelle discuss the power of self-led teams and letting go of control in this episode of “The Story in Your Head.”
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 9: Self-Led Teams
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Michelle asks Ron: How do you hold self-led teams? Doesn’t someone have to lead, somewhere?
- Ron says it’s about people leading themselves. It means the group works together without having someone in charge. Then, the team decides together how to achieve the outcome they’re working toward.
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How is a self-led team structured?
- There may be different points that different people take the role of leader, depending on who has the best knowledge, the best capacity, or the best idea at the time. There is no ego in this way of being. But there may be an “artist” who paints the picture of where the team is going. It means everyone will build on the team’s work.
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Michelle asks Ron what management or formal leadership needs to know about self-led teams in order to find success with it.
- Ron says the most important thing is to believe in the team you have. Notice if they’re scared, notice if their fears are showing up. Be there to encourage them to come back to the self-led team if they try to step away. Setting your ego aside to create with other people can help you celebrate as a group.
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Ron shares a metaphor about Egypt and the Pharaoh -- it can be scary making the shift from being told what to do, to having the freedom to do things how you want to do them. We may have a tendency to drift back into old habits, and being in a self-led team can be scary.
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When it comes to managers of self-led teams, or the “Chief Believers,” Ron says it’s all about trust. Believe your people are trustworthy, and create the story in your head that they are trustworthy -- and then speak that to them.
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Michelle shares a story about a previous position she had as the head of a help desk that had operations in 73 different countries. At first, she had a hard time letting go of control but she found that the local teams knew their markets better than she could, so she just had to trust that they knew how to do the job best.
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Ron asks Michelle: How do you work through it when you feel that a self-led team comes up with an answer that you don’t feel is the correct answer?
- Michelle says the first time she experienced this, it turned out that, after running an experiment, the team’s answer was actually correct, even though it wasn’t what she had expected. So they changed it, but it was hard because her management didn’t understand.
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Ron shares a metaphor about forming an “umbrella” around the team to keep his team protected from outside forces so they can create. And sometimes, Ron has to put himself on the outside of that umbrella. He thinks back to an old management training video he once saw: “The greatest compliment a manager can ever have is that he’s no longer needed.”
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Michelle asks Ron: Do you have any stories about leading a team to the “other side” and becoming self-led?
- Ron shares a story from when he was in Houston, Texas. When he joined the organization, the team was tired of hearing from upper management what they could and couldn’t do. Ron and the team did some rearranging, storytelling, and believing in people. It took a few years, but eventually they were nominated as the best place to work in Houston. You could see the trust, authenticity, and vulnerability with all the members of the self-led team.
- Ron says they ran lots of experiments for those who weren’t ready to transition into being a self-led team.
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In Ron’s experience, being part of a self-led team doesn’t work for certain people, and their best option may be to find a different place to work. He never starts by holding the story that they’re going to “get rid of someone,” but it might not be the right fit. But he always wishes them a happy life, wherever they go next.
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Ron says one of their stands was: “If you don’t want to be here, we’re okay with that. But then, you’ve got to go away.” The amount of people that were let go, in this example, caught the attention of the larger company. But Ron and his teams wanted to make sure the people in their self-led teams really wanted to be there.
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Michelle says that in her experience, sometimes people who have gotten let go are happy down the line, because it forces them to really sit down and examine what’s important to them and what they want to do.
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Ron says that it can be scary as a manager at first when you have a self-led team. You have to have the courage to let your team run experiments and figure it out. But you have the space to take care of your team in better ways before. Michelle says she was amazed how much she could learn from each person on a self-led team.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
What does it mean to be a real offer of help? And how is it related to finding out what it means to have a good life? Ron and Michelle discuss being a real offer of help in this episode of “The Story in Your Head.”
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 8: Real Offer of Help
- Michelle asks Ron: What does it mean to be a “real offer of help”? And is there an emphasis on the word “real”
- Ron says that if you’re making a real offer of help, the word “real” means it’s fitting into the other person's reality. No matter what we think, whether someone accepts our help or not, it depends on how they interpret that question: What help do I need
- How do we figure out what help we need?
- There’s certain help that we all need; for example, with our health, our body, our family. But each person has their own interpretation of the question: What is a good life? It may not be a question we ask each other often, but it’s an important one.
- Michelle asks whether Ron has had any instances of asking someone “What is a good life for you?” and they didn’t want to share their true answer because it may be different from what is considered the “norm.” How do you get people to open up and share?
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Ron says it’s more like people trying on shoes. They begin to create space for these realities and take a look at the skills or other steps it would take to get there.
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The first real offer of help could be helping someone figure out what a good life is for them.
- Michelle says that it took her about three years to become comfortable with her idea of a good life because she got caught up in society’s norms. For her, it came down to taking care of her family and living somewhere warm -- in South Florida.
- Ron says it can take courage to figure out what’s important to you and not just pay attention to the media’s idea of a good life.
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Michelle shares a story about the process and the time it took for her to come up with her idea of a good life. She figured out what was important for her. While at first it was disruptive, she eventually found peace.
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Ron asks Michelle what lines she likes to toss to others. Michelle says she likes to toss this line: “What brings you peace?” Peace may not be a word that’s used a lot, but then people stop to think about it.
- Ron shares a story about “trying on a lot of shoes.” Part of his journey was asking himself what he cares about and then deciding what was important to him. Ron realized he wouldn’t be happy if he’s not able to contribute and make offers of help to other people. He wants to be in a space to spend time with his family. If he’s doing something that isn’t helping him achieve those goals, he looks for ways to close that out so he can get back to what’s important.
- Michelle asks: Now that you know how to help people start thinking about what a good life is to them, what do you do with that.
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Ron says, when someone starts a dialogue with themselves, maybe they don’t have all the pieces. They don’t have the story. You can help by giving a real offer of help and sharing a story. It’s not a one-time thing -- you want to be in their network and help them along the way because they can’t do it all alone.
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“To be a real offer of help is to be able to bring forth what is missing in a way that doesn’t sting.”
- Michelle asks about the timing. As you see someone working through what they care about, you can toss lines when they get stuck. How can you help someone find what’s missing in a way that’s dignified?
- Ron holds the distinction of the “minus self, plus self, and zero self.” A plus self has it all figured out and doesn’t need to learn any more. A zero self is feeling pretty good but is open to learning more. A minus self is looking for help.
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Look for the people who have gotten quiet because they’re thinking about so many things. Then, they might be ready to ask a question.
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Ron shares a story about tossing lines with a man, wanting to find out what he wanted from his life. The man went quiet and didn’t come back to Ron. Five years later, Ron went out to dinner with the man and his wife. He found out that the man and his wife had a hard time with those questions but it was the best thing that ever happened to them, even though Ron didn’t hear from him again until then.
- Michelle shares a story about a friend of hers who wanted to open a school built on compassion, though the physical building was causing some problems. Michelle tossed a line to her friend: “What is a school?” She was afraid she had upset her friend, because she got very quiet. But after five minutes, she came back and the conversation shifted. Now, after COVID, her friend is teaching online with students from around the world and the physical building is less important.
- Ron and Michelle discuss the stories they tell themselves in those moments of silence, when you’ve just tossed a line and the other person is quiet and considering the question.
- Michelle asks what happens if you try to step in with help too early, when someone is a “plus self.”
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Ron shares a story about his friend James and a time that he went in “too fast.” James said he wasn’t sure who Ron was yet, and he wasn’t ready to share. Ron said he didn’t yet have the story on how to “clean up his own messes.”
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Ron says that while not everyone knows what they’re looking for, a lot of people know what they’re not looking for. Running experiments to see what happens can help, and having fun always helps.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Episode 7: Scared Self
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Michelle asks Ron: What is a scared self, and how does our scared self affect our actions?
- Ron says that the best way for him to hold it is a story from when he was 30 years old. He was in the Rockhurst Executive Fellows Program with other members who were much older and much more experienced, making him feel like he didn’t belong.
- A speaker at the program, Dr. Bowen White, introduced the idea of a “scared guy” that we carry with us at all times, trying to make sure no one else can tell how scared we are. Ron felt that Dr. White was speaking directly to him. When Dr. White asked how many people felt that they were the only one who was scared, everyone in the room raised their hand. Ron said his world shifted and learned that everyone had a scared self.
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If our scared self can never go away, what’s the best way to handle it? Ron says that his first step is to acknowledge it. ”There’s my fear,” he says to himself, so he can put it in the “back seat” and Ron can drive. The next step is to talk about it with others. Fear loses its power when you talk about it with other people, and then you can recognize it as part of being human.
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Michelle asks whether Ron has any stories about putting his scared self in the back seat, and whether doing so opened any opportunities for him. What changed when he was able to do that?
- Ron shares a story about when he moved to Germany in 2003 and didn’t know the language when he arrived. Not knowing the language makes everything harder, and he felt like he didn’t know how to do anything. He had a hard time finding a school for one of his kids, and his scared self had him really wound up. But in the end, it all worked out.
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Michelle tells Ron she can relate to the unfamiliarity of living in another country because she had also moved abroad, to Japan, for her job. But even while being afraid, how would Ron have handled the same situation differently today?
- Ron says he would tell himself, or anyone else in the program, to relax. “You’ll figure it out.” While it doesn’t stop the scared self, it doesn’t drive you.
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Ron asks Michelle: How has your scared self showed up for you?
- Michelle tells a story about trying to conquer her fear of roller coasters when she was a senior in high school, buying a season pass to the amusement park and going on every roller coaster to condition herself not to be afraid. But after three months, she didn’t like them any more.
- Eventually, she decided to stop scaring herself and learned to accept — and be okay with — her fear. And it gave her space to become something else, as a good friend who holds other peoples’ stuff while they enjoy the ride.
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Michelle shares another story about being afraid of speaking up at work. When she had a good idea, she wouldn’t speak up, and sometimes other people would later say the same thing, which everyone would agree with. Michelle learned that it was her scared self holding her back, and she would put her scared self in the back seat so she could contribute more in meetings.
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Responding to Michelle’s story, Ron says that sometimes it helps him to think of it this way: Instead of trying to have the best answer, he should share his ideas to see if they inspire anyone else.
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What strategies can we use to work with people’s scared selves? Michelle says she tries to notice the person in the corner who is afraid to speak up and make it a safe space for collaboration. And just talking about the scared self, and letting people know that you’re scared, too.
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Michelle shares a story about playing tennis, and being afraid of letting her partner down. When her partner says not to worry about winning or losing — just relax — she notices that they play better.
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Ron says our scared self likes to create a shield, hoping that no one will notice us. But for some people, always putting their ideas out on the forefront is their version of a shield. They’re afraid, but acting like they’re not is how they try to hide their true feelings.
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Michelle asks Ron: Does dropping your shield mean dropping your protection? How does that work?
- Ron says that it enables us to be vulnerable, opening us to hear other’s stories and opening us to be “modified.” When you keep your shield up, you feed into your scared self.
- Michelle thinks back on leaders that she looks up to. She saw their vulnerability and made up a story that they are authentic, which makes her feel trust toward them. When the shield is down, you can see the real person.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
How does a good leader create space for followers to join them? And what does someone need in order to flow seamlessly between the roles of leader and follower? Ron and Michelle discuss Followership in this episode of “The Story in Your Head.”
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 6: Creating Space for Followers
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Michelle asks Ron: How are leaders able to create a space for followers to join them?
- Ron says to imagine a crowded room: A leader makes a safe space for someone to step in and feel like they belong there.
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Ron shares a story about a hiring freeze in one of his previous positions. As a leader, he went out and talked to some of the stressed-out technicians on the job site. He took a stand to be a leader for his team. He decided to create space to take care of his people and turn down certain jobs if they didn’t have enough workers. While management wasn’t happy about it at first, their company’s quality and safety went up as a result.
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Ron never thought his managers would follow, but they created space to give everyone who wants it the opportunity to follow.
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Michelle clarifies: Space isn’t physical, it’s a narrative created in language. Ron says, in some ways, space is nothing.
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Ron and Michelle discuss how creating space for followers is a part of Ron’s stand. He wants to create space for people to produce a good life for themselves and for others. It’s a story they create in language by speaking it out loud.
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Michelle asks Ron about his story again, how management and industry leaders started following him. Was that his expectation?
- Ron says it was a surprise. It wasn’t his intent, because their stand was only to create space for people to follow if they wanted, but he wasn’t sure if their ego would let them. Now, the company’s stand is they won’t send people out to a jobsite if they don’t have enough resources.
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Michelle says when she thinks of followers, she thinks of employees. But she says her definition was too narrow -- followers can be managers or an industry. She starts wondering if there are times she follows her employees as a manager, and realizes there certainly are.
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Ron brings up the 5th Industrial Revolution and says that everyone is looking for a team and for someone to follow. In self-led teams, whoever is the leader is the one who has the gift that can lead; in any moment, it can be any person on that team.
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Michelle shares a story about coming in from corporate to watch the process that was working on an assembly line. She was thankful that the front-line employees took the time to help and teach her about assembly lines.
- If she could go back to two weeks before that event, she would have talked to the employees on the assembly line to learn more about the process and what needed to be done. And even before that, it would have been best to tell the employees that their input was valued, giving them the space to become leaders.
- Closing space would have been coming in as corporate and saying “we’re going to fix it and leave,” creating space was creating a stand for everyone to live a good life and keep their jobs.
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Michelle’s next question for Ron is about how some people may never think they can be a leader, or for managers to think they can never be a follower. What is the main characteristic a person needs to hold in order to flow back and forth seamlessly?
- Ron says you need to be vulnerable and courageous. Teams improve when everyone is open to bring their gifts, and everyone is open to accepting others’ gifts.
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Ron says that dignity also often shows up, when people are in a world where they feel empowered to speak up and offer their leadership, and it’s accepted. People go home and feel rewarded.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
How do you create who others are for you? While the last episode focused on crafting your own way of being, today Ron and Michelle discuss what it means to create who others are for you.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences. * Ron asks Michelle: What has been your experience with creating who others are for you? * Michelle shares a story about her daughter. As a teenager, her daughter was sarcastic and “snarky,” so every year for Christmas, Michelle would buy her a T-shirt that said something sarcastic. But now, her daughter is 24 years old, and she’s not the same person anymore as she was as a teenager. Michelle realized she was creating that way of being for her daughter. + Michelle decided to change the tradition this year. In addition to the funny T-shirt, she gifted her another one that was related to leadership. Not only did the gift change, but Michelle’s story about her daughter changed. * Ron says there have been times in his career where he made up stories about others: They’re mean, they’re jealous, or something else. But when he stopped to take responsibility for who he created them to be, he realized he hadn’t been helping them be successful. * Other people can notice the stories we’re making up about them through our body language and might put up a shield or start to hold those stories about themselves. * Ron shares a story about his experience with a colleague of his named Reid. They were both making snide remarks about each other and creating each other to be “assholes.” But they found out they had a lot in common and became close friends. Couldn’t that be the case for any two people? * Michelle asks how that transition happened. Did he decide one day to say to himself, “Reid is a great guy?” Ron says that it started by creating a story about himself that he was open to Reid. The second part is reaching out and being vulnerable. * Ron and Michelle discuss how a shift in perspective can change when you say something out loud compared to just thinking it. We notice ourselves differently, and it is very powerful. * Michelle asks Ron about how he started changing his stories about others and how long it took. Ron says he’s still working on it, but he has certain practices that he does. He created who Michelle was for him before this podcast, as well as the listeners. + Telling himself, “I surrender to…” is one way that he commits to being in the “now.” + Michelle shares that “surrender” is one of her husband’s favorite words, and he uses it often in situations he can’t change. Ron says that the word allows him to just “be me.” + In this case, surrender doesn’t mean giving up. It means being open to the possibilities of what could happen. * Ron asks: What would it be like if we all created our way of being and others’ ways of being before every interaction? What if everyone was open and authentic, every person felt like they belonged, and everyone felt they could bring up any questions or concerns without being judged? + Michelle said the word that comes to her mind is “trust.” She asks Ron whether there’s another word he would use. Ron says “love” is the word he would use. It’s total acceptance of who another person is. * Michelle asks Ron: Do you create a way of being for each person or for a big group? Ron says he’s making it up as he goes. While in the past he’s done it for a group, he sometimes creates it for an individual. There are no rules, and it’s about whatever works for you as you do experiments. * Ron and Michelle discuss how it can be more difficult to change your perspective around creating ways of being for others when you’ve created other habits. They wonder what it would be like if you taught younger children about creating ways of being for others.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
How do you craft your way of being? While the last episode focused on leading leaders and managers, today Ron and Michelle discuss what it means to craft your way of being by challenging the stories we have in our heads.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge, and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 4: Crafting Your Way of Being
• Michelle asks Ron: How do you start talking about crafting your way of being?
• Ron says it’s important to acknowledge we’re already doing it when we have stories in our heads about ourselves. But at some points in our lives, we may remember other people’s words about us and start thinking those stories are true. We forget that we made that up.
• How did Ron realize he was making all those stories up? While he wishes he learned it during junior high or high school, it wasn’t until he was in his 30s that he realized he could change his stories.
• One story Ron always told himself was that he was shy and quiet, so he didn’t need to speak up in groups. Michelle shares that she’s had a similar experience — she always told herself a story that she was introverted, but she’s still working on reinventing her story. How do you go noticing these stories and then reinventing them?
◦ Ron says he pays attention to his body to find out whether he’s feeling tense due to a story he’s noticing in his head about himself. When he’s able to notice the story, he’s able to take the opportunity to create a new one.
◦ For Michelle, she feels so comfortable holding the story about being an introvert and that sometimes she doesn’t want to change it. But she realized she was missing opportunities when she didn’t speak up. She’s still working on recrafting her way of being.
• Michelle asks Ron whether there was an initial story he noticed about himself that helped him learn to shift and recraft his way of being.
• Ron shares a story about being in elementary school and being happy to follow the “popular” kids when it came to being in teams… until the team would lose. Then, he would realize he wasn’t happy being a follower on a losing team. He realized he didn’t want to go through life losing games.
◦ He started putting his Scared Self aside and leading the team on the field during games. When Ron got into his career, he learned to take these lessons from the football field into business.
• Michelle shares a story of her own. While she was previously the CIO of a Japanese pharmaceutical company, she asked herself: “How did I get here?” She decided to step up and step forward. And when the COO told her: “You belong here,” she chose to accept that story and hold it about herself, which gave her confidence to act as the CIO of the company.
◦ Ron tells her that, in that situation, Michelle was making a conscious choice and deciding: “This is who I am. This is who I’m going to be.” While she had to remind herself sometimes, she was able to hold onto it, even when she was scared.
• Ron says that, in order for us to recraft our ways of being, we have to notice our way of being. Otherwise, that can easily get lost as “That’s just who I am.” We also have to notice that we’re scared, but we’re all scared — we can’t let it disable us. Finally, we have to focus on who we want to be.
• Michelle is appreciative of her co-worker in Japan for helping her recreate her story about herself. She asks Ron: How do you notice that someone else may need help shifting their way of being?
◦ Ron shares a story about a job he had in his 20s when he was called in as an “expert,” though he didn’t feel qualified to act as an expert. But someone else’s confidence in him helped him change his story.
◦ To answer Michelle’s question, Ron says we have to remember everyone is afraid. But when we can notice their shields — whether that’s being quiet or being overly loud — we can see what’s holding them back from being authentic and open. Then, Ron asks himself: “What line can I toss that shows them I believe in them?”
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
In this third episode, Ron and Michelle discuss leadership. While the last episode focused on leading yourself and followership, this episode discusses the differences between leaders and managers, as well as leading leaders. What makes leading leaders a unique challenge?
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 3: Leading Leaders
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Michelle asks Ron: Do you have to be a manager in order to be a leader?
- Ron says that you don’t have to be in a manager position in order to be a good leader. He talks about “roving leaders,” who create stories and ideas that others want to follow. Those people often know what’s really going on within the organization.
- Michelle shares a personal story about her time in a previous position and how they found these leaders to help solve a problem they were experiencing. Ron agrees that it’s important to find and trust those leaders.
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What is the difference between being a leader and being a manager? Ron clarifies that they are different, but it shouldn’t be a case of being a manager “versus” being a leader. “Manager” is a position created by an organization, while leadership is a social position. And the impacts of good leadership can reduce managerial duties regarding turnover and more.
- Ron shares a professional experience from his past that illustrates this point.
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How do you find the next leader? Ron shares that he’s learned a lot about this through making mistakes in the past. It’s not true that good workers make good leaders and bad workers make bad leaders. You have to look for the people who care about people and care about what they’re doing.
- Michelle asks whether these people that Ron chose to be leaders were managers as well. Ron says yes, and he worked with them to separate the two roles. They had their managerial roles, and they also had the space to be leaders and create stories for everyone.
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Michelle asks: How is leading others that lead, different from just leading others? Ron says there’s a simple difference. When leading someone, you need to know their story. But when leading leaders, they need to be curious and care about other people’s stories. And once people are leaders, they feel the confidence to go “all in” on their projects.
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Ron says that believing in the people who work for you is crucial. Michelle shares her experience that “I believe in you” is not very commonly said in the business world. For her, hearing “I believe in you” triggers a powerful mood. For Ron, when someone says they believe in him, he feels confidence that quiets his Scared Self.
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How can you sustain and nurture leaders? Ron and Michelle share the importance of acknowledgment in the leadership process. And putting someone in a management or leadership role who doesn’t have a coach or mentor for that position can cause them to create a story in their head about how terrible it is to be a manager or leader.
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Michelle shares a quote: “You join companies and leave managers.” Ron asks for clarification on that quote, and Michelle tells the story of a past position where she felt that her manager didn’t care. And one by one, people on her team started to leave.
- Ron says he’s experienced the same thing, and he stayed too long because he couldn’t reconcile the fact that he couldn’t make a difference there.
- Michelle says it taught her a lesson about the type of manager/leader she did not want to be.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
In this second episode, Ron and Michelle discuss leadership. They focus the conversation on followership and the importance of leading oneself. What does it mean to be a leader as well as a great follower?
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Episode 2: Leadership
- Michelle asks: What is leadership? Ron says there needs to be a leader and a follower, and it can sometimes be the same person. If no one is following, no one is a leader.
- What does it mean to be a great follower?
- Ron shares the importance of followers creating a space for a story in which a leader’s ideas will work. A great follower is listening to someone’s leadership offer and giving it a chance.
- Michelle and Ron share a laugh over their professional experiences with leadership and followership, and Ron shares a personal story from his time at Siemens.
- How important is followership?
- Michelle feels that followership, in addition to leadership, has been important throughout her career. For Ron, he reiterates there is no leadership without followership. And the followers make up stories in their heads about whether or not they choose to trust a leader.
- Does it take courage to be a leader? Does it take courage to be a follower?
- Ron and Michelle discuss the scary feelings involved when choosing to be a leader as well as a follower. Ron shares a story about being the “first follower” in a professional context and the courage it takes to be in that position.
- If you want to be a leader, where do you start? Should you start with yourself, and where does it progress from there? Michelle asks after hearing Ron’s story. Ron recommends starting with yourself: being a leader of yourself and follower of yourself. And then turn yourself into a follower of others.
- Leading is about crafting stories that the other person can hold, and they will want to follow. Without knowing the stories in the followers’ heads, you don’t understand how it’s going to land and how they’re going to hear it.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
In this first episode, Ron and Michelle introduce themselves and the show. They share how inclusion creates new ideas and solutions for each of us. How do we make room for inclusion in our personal and professional lives?
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so listeners will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” — and what you can do about it — could change your relationships and life for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Michelle Mosolgo.
“The Story in Your Head” podcast is about sharing stories through host interactions and interviews with guests so people will create space to learn about themselves, build authentic connections, produce opportunities to gain knowledge and get out of their own story to make space for others – no matter someone’s background and experiences.
Join us to hear how understanding the idea of “self talk” has changed relationships and lives for the better.
Visit www.macklinconnection.com