Coffee & Change: Recent Episodes
Coffee & Change
My next guest opens the aperture to untapped potential, illuminates lifelong purpose and captures possibility for healing, all from the most complex canvas on earth…the human face. Jon Meadows is a high-end headshot photographer and expression coach whose work changes lives. He builds up his subjects teaching them how to present themselves on camera and get the best out of them. His results speak for themselves, found in the faces of powerful humans who unite with themselves from a place of healing and happiness, all captured in a shot. Join me in this fascinating discussion with Jon as we talk about how expression, representation and healing all happen in front of and behind the camera. Enjoy the conversation.
Welcome back to Coffee & Change. After a much needed summer break, we are returning to kick off the Fall 2023 Season. This season we will be connecting with many creatives and hearing their stories in change. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoy the upcoming Fall lineup of guests, starting next week.
Such an honor to join Isis Latham and the Evolution Business Development Podcast with a few fellow hearts, each along their journey in storytelling and change making.
🎧 As a podcast host and storyteller, I encourage all who listen...consider ways to find your voice and discover your roots. The transformative power of telling your story with these goals in mind can change your world. That is when the healing continues.
💝 And this work in healing through change begins with finding your purpose.
✍ When you write your personal purpose and vision statement add an ellipsis to it rather than a period. It will never be done...
🎙 And if you are ready to share your story, I am here to help. And this advice is for you.
"Not every Podcast / Host / Journalist is for you. It is like a 2-way job interview, and you get to decide. Never let anyone dim your light."
In Part 4 of this Limited Audio Series exploring Generative AI, we discuss the power of and importance of Altruism in the arena of policy setting for Generative AI. Every gesture counts. If we are going to find out humanity in these technologies, then every gesture counts.
Part 3 of a Limited Audio Series on Leading Change in the Era of AI. A reflection on all the testimony on the topic of Generative AI.
Limited Audio Series: Leading Change in the Era of AI - Part 2. Are we sleepwalking through technology? What role has AI played in increasing our technology somnambulism? How do we wake up to what is happening all around us? Thanks for the listen.
Limited Audio Series on Leading Change in the Era of AI. This is an audio accompaniment to a LinkedIn Newsletter with the same title authored by the host, Bill Kirst. Enjoy the brief listen and deep reflections from each in this series.
Before taking the summer off to restore, rejuvenate and research new guests, I wanted to share a brief interlude to thank all the loyal listeners around the world. We've reached a milestone with 50,000 full episode listens from people around the world.
Remember to keep chasing your dreams, no matter what. Perseverance, resilience and passion matter more than ever.
Look forward to returning with more stories in change in the Fall Season 2023. Till then, have a relaxing and memorable holiday.
My guest on Episode 117 is Beth Banks Cohn, PhD. As President of ADRA Change Architects, Beth helps individuals and organizations reach their full potential. She uses a highly developed organizational intuition to help them see what others might have missed. All efforts are focused on giving the business results they desire.With over 25 years of business experience in the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare arena, Beth brings time in IT, Sales & Marketing and Operations and combines it with degrees in Organization Development and Human and Organizational Systems as well as a Certificate in Positive Psychology to bring a unique and proven approach. Beth knows that change and transformation isn't easy for individuals or organizations, no matter what the business drivers are. But it's amazing how much easier it can be when they can align their people and strategy - and look forward to seeing them all grow.Learn more about Beth at adrachangearchitects.comEnjoy the listen.
Edward Cleaves is the author of Kind Soul, Closet Maniac: A Memoir – a tale of a kid trying to escape a horrible past and navigate an uncertain future. All the while never giving up, and eventually coming to terms with life. Ever vigilant and ever hopeful. This is a powerful story rooted plainly with purpose and perseverance in prose. Learn more about Ed at: https://www.edwardcleaves.com/
On Episode 107, we meet Bryan Komornik. Bryan is a Partner at West Monroe where he leads and focuses on Healthcare Management and Health Strategy Solutions. Bryan is also an Executive Board Member at Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare, a non profit that provides integrated care that enables people in mental health recovery to build meaningful and independent lives.
Bryan is a frequent author of articles and publication on topics of navigating the future of healthcare and the transformative power of connected care. Bryan also wrote a very powerful article on Progressology.com in 2019 on his personal journey while becoming a father to twin boys and redefining his understanding of work-life balance, and how it is an erroneous myth.
Read Bryan's article here: https://progressology.com/articles/2019/02/26/throw-out-the-work-life-scale-a-father-of-twins-journey-to-imbalance/
Learn about Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare here: https://www.trilogyinc.org/
Welcome back and thanks for listening. As we approach the Thanksgiving Day Holiday here in the United States, I want to extend my gratitude and thanks to all the listeners that keep this show vibrant, relevant and growing.
One of the many gifts I get to experience from this platform built on a passion for both storytelling and story listening are the connections, recommendations and suggestions that former guests share with me for future shows. Today’s guest came to me that way as well, and from one Steven to another. My guest on Episode 106 is Steven Jaggers, founder of Somatic Breathwork.
Steven’s purpose in life is to liberate people from the stress & overwhelm that lies unprocessed in our bodies so that we become free in our mind. As we discuss in this episode together, Steven believes there is an exact correlation between our physical vitality and mental health. If we want to improve the quality of our lives we MUST address both…and that begins with breath.
Living and practicing out of Sedona, Arizona and Austin, Texas Steven helps people from all over the world align their Minds & Bodies through somatic breathwork, energetic bodywork and a deep reconnection to nature. Enjoy the conversation and feel into your breath as you listen.
You can find more about Steven and his great work at: https://www.somaticbreathwork.com/
To listen is to practice... To listen is to prompt... To listen is to love.
Thank you for joining me in and adventure in attunement and an alongside listen.
New Seasonal Theme music composed by Jason Latham. Poetry and words written by Bill Kirst and Jason Latham.
Landon Kissinger is a Manager at West Monroe and a member of the firm’s Customer Experience practice, where he focuses on High Performance Contact Centers, Salesforce CRM and Customer Experience Strategy.
With a technical background and an unmatched passion for people Landon continues to work on his pedigree with his uncommon blend of technology and business acumen. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Computer Science from Gonzaga University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, focusing in database management and data-structures. (GO ZAGS)
Landon also has a background in Ethical Philosophy and Psychology, Integration Technologies, and social media and marketing strategy. Oh, and I am not done yet folks…Landon has 6 certifications that he has earned with passion and perseverance in a digital first world: - He is a Certified Product Manager, earned from the Product School - A Certified Scrum Master, earned from Scrum Alliance - A Salesforce Administrator – that is not easy to earn and highly sought after in this market - He has both an Amazon Connect and Amazon Technical Certification – also highly in demand - And if that wasn’t enough, he is a certified Call Center Manager.
And somehow Landon has mastered the ability to bend time and space, because in addition to his full time job and family life, he is also a Master Set King, knowing all things possible about Pokemon, Pokemon Go, Dota 2, Clash Royale and more.
Yep, Landon is an active gamer and streamer with a large well-earned following on Tik Tok, Twitch, Twitter, YouTube, Disqord, Ebay and Instagram, where you can find him under the handle @jentilakgaming, always reminding his audiences to “Choose Happy.”
I bring you the gentle giant, my friend and proud mentee, Mr. Landon Kissinger. Enjoy the conversation.
Jon Becker has spent his life’s work making sure that those in uniform – all uniforms – are all secure. Spanning nearly four decades of service to law enforcement and military special operations units around the world, Jon’s commitment and expertise has influenced the innovation and application of tactical equipment for operators from around the world serving in top law enforcement and military units.
After founding Aardvark Tactical when just 17 years old, Jon has gone on to grow his company into one of the largest providers of tactical equipment in the world, while also becoming an attorney with a focus on civil rights and police litigation.
Jon attributes his success and remarkable journey to those who came before him, to those who invested in him, and to those who taught him the importance of compassion, care and commitment in developing his craft. His craft is saving lives. Each and every day. And that craft continues in the lost art of oral tradition, with his podcast called The Debrief.
On his show Jon and his guests help countless families, communities, protectors, leaders, and warriors with what seems to be a near mission impossible. Healing. True healing begins when we can tell our stories, and free ourselves, if only for a moment, from the unyielding grip of trauma and loss, Because we all have the right to heal.
I believe it is a powerfully shared purpose and passion for storytelling, heartbreak and healing that brought Jon into my ecosystem on July 12, 2022. What followed was a series of conversations, what is being born is a kinship for a common end state…that is healing through learning, sharing and meeting one another in our own uninhibited humanity.
Enjoy the conversation and tune in to the Debrief at TheDebrief.live to hear more harrowing stories from Jon and his guests.
On Episode 102, I am joined by Rudy Hunter who shares an incredible story in grief, loss, love and healing. Rudy is a unique healer, teacher and author who has worked with people and animals for 30 years to help them heal. Rudy's customers and clients have shared such sentiment as "If teddy bears could speak, they would sound like Rudy Hunter." Rudy's unique gift is meeting people where they are at in their pain and trauma journey and guiding them to a place of wholehearted joy and comfort. This was a fascinating conversation and one I hope you enjoy!
My guest on this episode is Andrew Bartlow, who brings 25 years of Human Resources and Talent Management experience to share in stories, wisdom and insights earned while supporting organizations of all sizes, stages and complexity. He is the co-author of “Scaling for Success: People Priorities for High Growth Organizations. He also leads Series B Consulting which helps businesses articulate their people strategy and accelerate their growth while navigating change. Andrew founded the People Leader Accelerator, a preeminent development program for startup HR Leaders. I hope you enjoy this discussion with Andrew who invites you to to reach out to him via LinkedIn to connect and learn more. And if you do, feel free to mention you heard his story on Coffee and Change, and he will send you a full length workbook of one of his People Leader Accelerator guides for free. Enjoy the discussion and happy listening.
On episode 100, I took time to sit with the resounding questions and reflect on the answers that formulated from a place of deep listening, raw vulnerability and heartfelt appreciation after having hosted 99 conversations with changemakers and guests. During the Summer of 2022, I went back to relisten and reacquaint myself with all the stories in change this platform has echoed out to over 295,000 unique listeners across six continents. Enjoy the listen. Here's to the next 100.
On Episode 99, I welcome back a former guest who holds the accolade of being the most listened to and most shared episode of this podcast. You may remember Julio from Episode 74 where he shared with us the importance of working on a kinder, healthier world. A year has passed since we had Julio on the podcast, and it is an understatement to say a lot has changed this past year in the world. Julio shares his growth and we even chat about the latest renaissance of music from Beyonce and the role it plays in our narrative in change emerging around us. Happy listening!
*Reminder, I will be taking a summer break to reflect on all 99 episodes of this podcast and write the 100th episode. Look forward to reconnecting with you in the Fall of 2022.
On Episode 98, I seized the opportunity to meet with a friend for the first time near one of my favorite places on the planet. If you have visited the Presidio, Fort Mason and Chrissy Field in San Francisco, California, then you know the magnetism and majesty of that part of the world. Amidst the radiant reflection of the Golden Gate Bridge, once described as “possibly the most beautiful, certainly the most photographed, bridge in the world,” my friend and guest, David Watson helped me snap a few selfies and then found a spot to sit and record a conversation that was a few years in the making. I first heard David’s origin story in September of 2020 and afterward reached out to him to thank him for sharing it. I have had the pleasure of benefiting from David’s incredible work, his passion and his calling…giving voice to the unvoiced. And at a time when the rights and voices of so many are being silenced it is more important than ever that we voice the unvoiced and echo it to the boundless potential for healing. Enjoy the conversation.
Fabiana Claure is my guest on this episode. Fabiana lies at the intersection of some of my favorite topics…music, business and technology. As the founder of the Musicians Profit Umbrella, Fabiana works with musicians to develop strategies to build financial and artistic freedom with prosperity. As you will hear in her story, she is passionate about empowering fellow musicians to build the life they dream of…on their own terms. Conversations like this, capturing wisdom to share, is important in the times we are in. Artists, now more than ever seek to stand on their own authority and in their own power of creativity. I hope this conversations inspires you to take that next steps toward creating and owning your craft. Enjoy the listen.
You can find more about Fabiana at her website: https://fabianaclaure.com/
On this episode I interview Lindsey Caplan of The Gathering Effect. Gatherings are like gateways...they take us to another plan as humans. We express, inquire, engaged, grieve and celebrate best when gathered. Without our togetherness we may have never known the fullness of friendship or the fathoms of love fulfilled. By its very definition gathering is another kind of awakening, because suddenly one's scene changes, as as the Spanish poet, Antonio Machado says, "you are now in a different world." And as the Irish mystic John O'Donohue reminds us, "that sense of difference and otherness is always what makes us wonder." My guest on this episode helps organizations and leaders wonder about the gathering effect. Her expertise is in scripting experiences in gathering to help boost morale, engagement, and retention for the long term.
From her beginnings as a comedy writer in Hollywood on shows like "Curb Your Enthusiasm" to her days an Organizational Psychologist and Head of Talent for successful Silicon Valley companies, Lindsey's journey in change has brought her to a place where she can help others gather to make change stick. Enjoy the conversation and learn more at http://www.gatheringeffect.com
Liz Kislik is a management consultant and executive coach, and a frequent contributor to Harvard Business Review and Forbes. Her TEDx “Why There’s So Much Conflict at Work and What You Can Do to Fix It” has received more than a quarter of a million views. She specializes in developing high performing leaders and workforces, and for 30 years has helped family-run businesses, national nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies like American Express, Girl Scouts, Staples, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and Highlights for Children solve their thorniest problems. You can learn more about Liz at: https://lizkislik.com/ Liz's free ebook: How to Resolve Interpersonal Conflicts in the Workplace: https://lizkislik.com/resolve-conflict/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizkislik/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LizKislik
On today’s episode, I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Dr. Barry Borgerson. Barry is a pioneer in developing a comprehensive theory to understand and manage our many hidden mental mechanisms including those that create involuntary habits (auto-behaviors) and automatic thought patterns (auto-contexts) that control "soft" success factors in business. On this episode we touch on the outlines of 2Selfs Theory, which Barry developed when his old interest became an object of intense study. His intense study became a passion and eventually he became convinced he had to share his insights into how to maximize the effectiveness of our automatic activities, and decided to retire early from a lucrative executive career to pursue creating 2Selfs Theory. Enjoy the discussion. Learn more at: https://www.2selfs.com/
Contend. This is a word that keeps coming up in my psyche as of late. C-O-N-T-E-N-D. Contend. And for those of you having flashbacks to the spelling bees of our youth, I know you want me to use it in a sentence. So, here it goes. I contend to learn in every conversation I have and host on this podcast. Yeah, see what I did there?
Perhaps it is because I am enjoying the great work of a fellow podcaster, Erick Godsey, who in his latest episode encourages listeners to go back to understand the definition of the word, the origin of the word CONTEND. And so I did. In its Latin root, it means “with stretch, or with strive” and to stretch with or strive with is one of the things I love most about meeting new people and hearing new stories. My guest's story on this episode came to me, and us, because we were both in a time of great stretch and strive personally and professionally. For me, I was attending my first work dinner in almost two years, and frankly I was nervous to be in a restaurant to meet new colleagues in a new job. And so, I stretched myself, and that led to a great conversation with a fellow human across a table, who also stretched himself. And so began a friendship and a kinship when we learned we had more in common than others may realize. Heck, we even surprised ourselves a bit in our ability to stretch and grow. It is joy to share Shannon Dickens' story and inspire him to capture stories of his own with a fishing pole, a lot of faith and family first. Enjoy the listen.
As I am editing a few upcoming episodes, I thought I would take a moment to provide an interlude and tip my podcast hat to a great source of inspiration, who is going through a lot of change at this moment.
As some of you may know, when asked who might be a dream guest to have on this podcast, I often cite the journalist, author and host, Krista Tippett. Krista is the host of my favorite podcast, On Being, which she created in 2014 after a long run of her show “Speaking of Faith” broadcast on American Public Media beginning in the early and mid 2000s. Now, after nearly 20 years of broadcasting and executive producing, change is ahead for Krista, her team and her loyal listeners. Let's unpack it together on this interlude episode.
Imagine you had a great friend who you met in your twenties when you lived in the big city. For six years you and this friend and her friends were pretty much inseparable. You made memories together, experienced heartbreak together and at some point life happened and you went your separate ways, keeping memories, but no longer together. Well, now imagine after nearly 20 years, you get a text from that friend to let you know he or she was in town for a few nights and wanted to see you. What would you do? Would you thumb through the rolodex of old times and try and book that favorite spot you used to go for dinner? Perhaps you would try that coffee spot you loved, if it was still open. Do you dare pull out that old dress to see if it still fits? See, Nostalgia sometimes get the best of you, and just like that, we are reminded that people change…and that is okay. Or is it? My guest on this episode returns to Coffee and Change to join us as the co- host of Coaching Carrie, a podcast that explore the rewatching of Sex and the City and inquires on how things might have gone if only Carrie had a personal coach. And then, flash forward nearly 20 years and we are at it again…only this time, I couldn’t help but wonder…was I the only one who felt this way about a revival?
On Episode 90, I welcome Steven Fielding, who I call the Talisman for Change. I first heard Steven's incredible story and journey in change on Erick Godsey's Podcast - The Myths That Make Us. I felt a resonance right away and knew I wanted to reach out to not only meet him, but also have him on as a guest on my podcast. Together we talk about archetypes of manhood, men's work, healing and hope for the world in times such as these. This conversation was recorded in a space that Steven is creating and curating to host retreats and workshops to re-connect and re-member who we are as men, as myth makers and marauders of the soul.
I guess grief is like fissures. They are like cuts in the earth to allow the pressure to release on this journey everward.
Learn more about Steven on IG at @steven.fielding or @stonewitchtalisman_
On today’s episode, I am honored to welcome David Nour. David has an incredible story rooted in resilience, co-creation and lasting change. David is not only the CEO of The Nour Group, a business he built after 20 years of professional practice, but also a great citizen, father, husband, son and storyteller. We delve into some of his story in this episode, and uncover the many tales we share in common as well as explore the new reality of the world around us both. David has written 11 books and is working on his 12th while rewriting some of his early work to reflect today’s challenges in building relationships and the importance of understanding the indelible imprint moments that make us who we are. I want to extend David a big thank you, or SEPAS, MERCI as they say is Persian, for his generosity and time in joining on the podcast. You can find out more about David at http://www.nourgroup.com
Today’s conversation is one that the universe brought to my inbox and my attention when the world is thinking and wondering about peace in our time. Just this week you have probably heard or read headlines that seem to jump from another era, right out of the pages of our history books. Negotiations, summits, talks, strained diplomacy, war games and alliances tested, it all leaves us with an ever evolving understanding about peace and conflict in our world. And my guest today is someone who thinks a great deal about peace in our time.
Steve Killelea is a global philanthropist and founder of the Institute for Economics and Peace. Steve’s work lies squarely in the intersection of policy, philanthropy and purposeful public discourse. His research looks at the golden thread between business, peace and economic development and what he calls “Positive Peace” - a model that embraces the attitudes, institutions, and structures required to create and sustain peaceful societies in our world.
Steve’s work has been recognized by the United Nations, the World Bank, the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu and Jimmy Carter. Steve is the creative force behind the Global Peace Index Study, launched in May of 2007, a fascinating report everyone should read to learn where the world’s nations and regions rank in peacefulness. I hope you enjoy this captivating discussion with a man of many talents and passions from surfing, to entrepreneurship and lifelong learning and paying it forward.
On Episode 87 we meet Shani Magosky, Founder of the LeaderSHIFT Project. Shani works with companies to help their leaders become better people. After decades of experience in the corporate arena, Shani decided to take some big shifts in her life toward purpose, joy and legacy. Enjoy the discussion and learn more about Shani at http://www.theleadershiftproject.com
A little out of order, but that is basically what life is these days, so I figured better late than never.
I wanted to share with you all the 2022 Season Preview for the podcast. Thank you for listening. I hope to bring you another season of inspiration, hope and reflection - all rooted from a place of intention and vision.
Thanks for allowing me to do what I do and share in something I love - storytelling and connecting. Here's to another great season together.
As always, I welcome your feedback, ideas and recommendations at: http://www.coffeeandchange.co IG: coffee.and.change LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coffee-change
Welcome back and thanks for listening. I am excited to kick off this season with our first guest in 2022 who will inspire you to pursue your passion and chase your dreams across the country and down the slopes. Jane Coughlin is a Change Management Consultant turned Certified Ski Instructor whose story showcases the importance of taking risks, listening to your heart and manifesting joy in your life. Sometimes finding joy means reconfiguring everything you have worked toward and built around you, and Jane reminds us there is always time to make a change and listen to that small voice in your head. Join me in this conversation with a courageous leader and generous heart as we learn how to navigate the turns, twists and jumps in this one wild and precious life. The day we connected for this conversation, Jane had just received her Level 1 Certification as a Ski Instructor. Thank you to Jane for joining to share this story.
And just like that we are at the last episode of the 2021 Season! On this episode, I am honored to speak with Tom Cridland - singer, songwriter and podcast host of "The Greatest Music of All Time." His is a podcast you should definitely add to your New Year's listening resolutions. Tom connects with some of the world's best artists and captures the story behind the story of their music, songwriting and creative process. It was a joy to connect with a fellow music lover and lifelong student of songwriting and song. Enjoy the listen and Happy Holidays! Look forward to connecting again in the 2022 Season of Coffee and Change.
As we reflect on yet another the year of grief, growth and gathering, I want to thank all the guests this year for your courageous sharing and storytelling that helped listeners around the world grow in change. In this brief episode, before preparing to record a final interview for 2021, I share a look back and reflection alongside a poet-philosopher's quote and usher in our continued wintering with "The Beautiful Haunt" - the latest composition from the one and only Jason Latham. This beautiful piece of music will be the opening theme for the podcast in 2022. Thanks for listening!
On this bonus episode I share the audio from a November 12, 2021 webinar where I spoke to three students who co-founded the "What in the Health" Podcast and shared insights and my journey in podcasting. “What in the Health?” is a student-led podcast founded by Eric Lynch, Rina Helt, and Fateha Zannath, three undergraduate students at Johns Hopkins University. The goal of this initiative is to help young adults make empowered choices about their health through the dissemination of credible information. By interviewing experts in all topics related to public health (i.e. COVID-19, patient safety, skincare, etc.), the goal is to create content that is easy to understand, relatable, and engaging. You can follow and listen to their podcast on all major platforms and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuHRfY587thBe56fcI_ohxQ
Today's story comes from Robert "Bo" Brabo. Bo is a retired Chief Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army, a leadership-driven speaker and author and podcast host. During his time in the service, Bo was the Chief of HR Operations with the White House Communications Agency and Presidential Communications Officer for President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama. In sharing his story Bo provides lessons in leadership, grit, resilience and ingenuity. Enjoy the conversation. And make sure to tune in to The Bo & Luke Show Podcast to follow the great work these guys are doing with some amazing guests.