Failing Forward: Recent Episodes
Failing Forward
Ever experienced failure? Of course you have. But what makes some people more resilient than others? Learn from successful people on how their failures launched them into success.
Peg Ruppert is caring, faith-driven and a seasoned leadership coach. But when her marriage of nearly 25 years ended, she questioned her identity. Now, Ruppert has used her experience to write a new book, “Rediscover You Post-Divorce.”On episode 140—the last episode of this podcast—Peg and Sarah talk about how to pick yourself up after failure and embrace the unknown future. Peg is a big believer in focusing on the future without losing sight of the past. She shares three tips for moving on from hardship in a positive way to connect with your inherent self-worth.Show Notes:- Read Peg’s book “Rediscover You Post-Divorce”: https://www.amazon.com/Rediscover-YOU-post-divorce-confidence-Wonderful/dp/B0BW23RTL4 - Read and work through “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron: https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252
When she was 7 years old, Corrie Loeffler fell in love with the Scripps National Spelling Bee when her brother competed in a regional competition. Today, she is the executive director of the annual event. But first, she had her own run attempting to become the national champion.On episode 139, Corrie shares how her shot at winning it all went south and how she ultimately learned the Bee is not about winning in the first place. Even after her competition days were over, Corrie volunteered and eventually was offered a job. She also talks about the evolution of the Bee to become more inclusive in recent years and how the organization weathered the pandemic.Show Notes:- Learn more about Scripps National Spelling Bee: https://spellingbee.com/- Read about Zaila Avant-garde, the 2021 spelling bee champion: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/02/us/spelling-bee-zaila-avant-garde.html
One of Michelle Spoelstra’s first career aspirations was to be an interior designer. Ultimately, she found her way into clinical psychology. When the pandemic hit, she thought more and more about the importance of space, and today, Michelle is a healing interior designer.On episode 138, Michelle explains what she does and why she created her business. She believes healing takes many forms, including through beauty and aesthetics. Through healing practices and clearing energy and clutter, Michelle helps her clients unlock the power of shifting their space. She also shares her infertility journey and discusses spirituality. Show Notes:- Learn more about Michelle and her work: https://www.michellespoelstra.com/- Read “You Can Heal You Life” by Louise Hay: https://www.hayhouse.com/you-can-heal-your-life-paperback
Kelly Seelig started working at tech startups in Silicon Valley in the ’90s. She adapted to her male-dominated environment, but when she realized she was losing herself in the process, she decided to make a change.On episode 137, Kelly discusses her experience as a woman in a male-dominated field and tells us about the dance class that changed her whole mindset. Her career journey inspired Kelly to write her book, “Right Brain Girl Left Brain World,” about how she found her voice and herself. She and Sarah also discuss psychological safety.Show Notes:- Read Kelly’s book “Right Brain Girl Left Brain World”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1QQCP7 - Read “True North” by Bill George: https://billgeorge.org/book/true-north- Read “The Go-Giver” by Bob Burg and John David Mann: https://thegogiver.com/the-go-giver/ - Read “Leadership Wisdom From the Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” by Robin Sharma: https://www.robinsharma.com/book/leadership-wisdom-from-the-monk-who-sold-his-ferrari
During the Christmas break of his junior year at college, Brian Joseph was home visiting his family when he experienced intense pain in his shoulder. Doctors couldn’t find an explanation, but the always-on-the-go Brian was bedridden for weeks and had to drop out of school. Recovering gave him the opportunity of a lifetime. On episode 136, the former insurance salesman explains how introducing payroll deduction to his nationwide company led to a division vice president offer when he was 21 years old. Today, Brian is the co-founder of RevJen Group, which focuses on human and financial sustainability by helping support the business side of nonprofits. He and Sarah talk about success and significance, finding your path and what it means to get into the arena. Show Notes:- Read “Surrender” by Bono: https://surrendermemoir.com/ - Listen to Brené Brown’s interview with Bono on “Unlocking Us”: https://brenebrown.com/podcast/songs-of-surrender-and-carrying-the-weight-of-our-contradictions-part-1-of-2/ - Learn more about RevJen: https://revjen.com/
Six months after coming out of retirement to join Under Armour, Randy Harward didn’t feel right. Not on his morning run or all day at work. He went to the emergency room, and it turns out he was experiencing heart failure. The road to recovery has been long, and today, Randy contends he isn’t the same person he was.On episode 135, Randy shares what it was like to return to work after double bypass surgery. He still experiences a fogginess, but his system for managing his confusion is one that anyone can adopt if you’re feeling stressed or anxious. Now a business advisor for Stanford and other organizations, Randy talks about the power of constraints, his years in the outdoor industry and why he always asks about brand’s long arcs.Show Notes:- Read “Getting Things Done” by David Allen: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/getting-things-done-david-allen/1101546710 - Learn about the Getting Things Done work management system: https://gettingthingsdone.com/
Claudia Jakubzick grew up in south Florida, the second daughter of Peruvian immigrants. Her childhood was filled with fun and love, then later partying and parental neglect. She graduated from high school with a third-grade reading level, but she was determined to not be a “loser.” On episode 134, Claudia shares how she found the will to forge a new path for her future. She pursued her childhood passion for science, and today, she is an associate professor within Dartmouth’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology. She tells Sarah about her relationship with her parents today and how she, in turn, parents her three children.Show Notes:- Read Claudia’s article in Journal of Experimental Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6400547/
Many of us have had less-than-stellar dates that make for a good story, but Stephanie Hibbert has a book-full of them. Once, her date even left her at a concert. It wasn’t until she began loving herself that she found everything she had always been looking for.On episode 133, Stephanie shares some of her worst date stories that inspired her book, Thank You for Swiping Right. She talks about giving herself a mindset makeover, abandoning her preconceived timeline and having gratitude even for people who weren’t her right match.Show Notes:- Read Stephanie’s book, Thank You For Swiping Right: https://stephhibbs.com/ols/products/thank-you-for-swiping-right
When JeRod Lindsey was looking for a path to success after dropping out of college, he decided to ask for help. He met Mike Rodarte through a mentorship program, and soon, their friendship cemented. JeRod’s educational and professional success followed.
On episode 132, the pair explain their friendship story and share their latest mentorship initiative: Level Up Cincinnati. The program offers scholarships and mentorship to Black, Latinx, and first-generation college students to develop future leaders. JeRod and Mike also delve into the importance of male friendship and are a great example of the people who help us through failure.
Show Notes: - Get involved and learn more about Level Up Cincinnati: https://www.levelupcincinnati.org/ - Listen to JeRod’s podcast, The Discussion: https://www.thediscussion513.com/
The day Bassey Eno-Idem’s brother passed away at 28 from diabetes complications, Bassey also lost his best friend. Out of the grief, he rooted himself in the desire to not let fear or his own insecurities dictate his future.
On episode 131, Bassey shares how he transitioned from mechanical engineer to sales leader and entrepreneur. In 2018, he and his wife, Jess, began the process of opening a Shred415 fitness studio. Everything was in place for Bassey to quit his corporate career and run the studio full-time, and then the pandemic hit. By relying on his engineering skillset, he pivoted, and they still found success.
Show Notes: - Learn more about Shred415 fitness studio: https://shred415.com/locations/redbank/ - Listen to the How I Built This podcast featuring Spanx founder Sara Blakely: https://www.npr.org/2017/08/15/534771839/spanx-sara-blakely
Crystal Render is more in tune with her body, her values and her internal monologue than most people. It’s how she knew something was wrong when she was pregnant with her third child, despite doctors and nurses dismissing her pain. After reexamining her, they found five blood clots and double pneumonia—diagnoses that could have killed her.
On episode 130, the chef and founder of Magnificent Morsels catering company tells us about how growing up in humble beginnings has led to a life of gratitude. It hasn’t always been easy, but Crystal embraces failure whole-heartedly and works to turn the tests she faces into testimonies of her character. A devoted practitioner of manifestation, she explains the 3-6-9 technique she uses to bring her goals and dreams to life.
Show Notes: - Learn more about Magnificent Morsels: https://www.mmcaterz.com/ - Listen to Sarah’s interview with Suzy DeYoung: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-96-suzy-deyoung-la-soupe-founder-chef/id1330322754?i=1000531160658
In the span of two months, Lauren Bates left her job as chief marketing officer at Urban Stems and ended her 7-year relationship. As she worked to reinvent herself, she kept thinking about starting her own women’s-only travel company, but it wasn’t until her friends and family encouraged her that she decided to go for it.
On episode 129, Lauren shares how she started Wild Terrains and how the business has evolved naturally and in the wake of COVID-19. Long before she started her company, she lived in Southeast Asia for seven months after graduating college. Later on, her experience working at a startup informed her own decisions as an entrepreneur.
Show Notes: - Learn more about Wild Terrains: https://www.wildterrains.com/
Paul Delaney had one goal at the start of his career: climb the corporate ladder to become a senior vice president of a national company. After all, that was the path modeled to him by his father, at job fairs, and in his network. Then, it all shifted as he got clearer on his purpose and values and expanded his thinking.
On episode 128, Paul explains how he came to reject the corporate ladder for a place within a boutique business. As partner at Amend Consulting, he works to foster a collaborative, not competitive, culture where every employee can be successful. Paul was born and partially raised in South Africa, and he reflects on how his native country’s apartheid government impacts his outlook on diversity and inclusion today.
Show Notes: - Read “The Earned Life” by Marshall Goldsmith: https://marshallgoldsmith.com/book-page-the-earned-life/ - Listen to Huberman Lab: https://hubermanlab.com
After starting out in more traditional advertising roles, Kelli Stam redirected her career to focus on purpose-driven work. She left her corporate job to join the Peace Corps at 40 years old and has since worked as Apple’s global director of social impact marketing and for the Human Rights Campaign. Today, she’s focused on answering the question: How can her work support her life, instead of her life supporting her work?
On episode 127, Kelli talks about recognizing when she has been in misalignment, the tragedy that propelled her into making bold moves, and what it was like serving in the Peace Corps. She was based in Nicaragua for two years, and returning back to the U.S. brought its own kind of culture shock. Kelli chooses to center her life and identity around her values, not her job.
Show Notes: - Watch or stream “Everything Everywhere All At Once”: https://a24films.com/films/everything-everywhere-all-at-once
Reckoning is a central word in Meghan Cummings’ vocabulary. Her career in nonprofits has been focused on reckoning and rectifying societal problems like racial, gender, and socioeconomic inequalities. But before joining the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Meghan was reckoning with her next career step.
On episode 126, the Vice President of Civic Advancement walks us through her work and how she moved forward during a period of self-doubt and uncertainty. By relying on her support system and reflecting on her truths and passions in life, Meghan found the right organizational fit and a new sense of confidence.
Show Notes: - Learn more about the Greater Cincinnati Foundation: https://www.gcfdn.org/
All her life Michele Hobbs has had an unbeatable work ethic and a determination to get what she sets her mind to. In high school, she was denied for a loan from Fifth Third Bank but convinced the bank president to give her another shot. Today, she is the founder of OTR Stillhouse and Pet Wants.
On episode 125, Michele tells us about becoming an entrepreneur, her leadership ethos and landing an incredible deal on the property that OTR Stillhouse now occupies. She also shares stories about her personal life, growing up on Cincinnati’s West Side and coming out in 1979.
Show Notes: - Check out OTR Stillhouse: https://otrstillhouse.com/ - Learn more about Pet Wants: https://www.petwants.com/
Mark Neff is no stranger to pivoting. He’s made drastic career changes—from the business world to hair styling to coaching. Years ago, after getting his second DUI in six months, he decided to finally face his alcoholism and get sober. He is a testament to what can happen when you embrace your authentic self.
On episode 124, Mark shares his career journey, his path to sobriety, and what it was like to come out as a gay teenager. Just before the pandemic, Mark sold his hair salon and followed his passion into coaching. At the beginning of the year, he published a book, “Diving Into Darkness to Find Light.”
Show Notes: - Read Mark’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Diving-Into-Darkness-Find-Light/dp/0578334852 - Brene Brown’s interview with Father Richard Rohr: https://brenebrown.com/podcast/spirituality-certitude-and-infinite-love-part-1-of-2/
Noelle Van Vlierbergen says writing saved her life. It gave her an outlet to explore her interior life after years of numbing herself through heavy drinking. Today, she is a life and addiction recovery coach, an author, and the creator of Day by Daybook, a journal for change.
On episode 123, Noelle shares her journey getting sober, discusses the benefits of writing, and explains how she transitioned from an HR position at Apple to take her coaching and writing full-time. Today, there are three Daybooks: Classic, Recovery, and Teen.
Show Notes: - Get the Day by Daybook journal: https://shop.daybydaybook.com/ - Learn more about Noelle’s coaching: https://noellevan.com/ - Read Noelle’s book, “The Sober Leap”: https://www.amazon.com/Sober-Leap-Practical-Amazing-Addiction/dp/1683507371
After college, Mike Sanford found immediate success as a software engineer. By 23, he was supervising a team of 30, but it ended in a train wreck. Reeling from the experience, he realized his job shouldn’t be the anchor of identity and began a journey to have a relationship with God.
On episode 122, Mike walks us through his search for faith, why Islam became his spiritual home, and how his faith has helped him through hard times. He explains some basics about the Islamic faith and touches on life as a single parent.
Show Notes: - Learn more about CAIR, the Council on American-Islamic Relations: https://www.cair.com/
As the director of corporate communications and media relations for Kroger, Kristal Howard was busier than ever at the start of the pandemic. When managing stress from her job and the open-ended health crisis reached a breaking point, she made a pivotal realization: She had her dream job but not her dream life.
On episode 121, Kristal tells us about giving herself permission to make bold changes in her life. She initiated a breakup, and this May, left her job to focus on play, travel, and making space for the unexpected. Kristal explains what deciding to go felt like and what’s next.
Show Notes: - Read "The Big Leap" by Gay Hendricks: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-big-leap-gay-hendricks?variant=32205677625378
Daniella Dayoub has had a love-hate relationship with her body. Her struggles with disordered eating began when she was a kid, but in her twenties, a personal trainer told her she needed to fuel her body well if she wanted to have energy to build muscle. Now, Daniella helps other people through her health coaching business, D Fit Life.
On episode 120, the certified personal trainer tells us about the tipping point that finally led to her changing her habits around eating. As a health coach, Daniella impresses upon her clients that eating quality, nutrient-rich food is much more important than how much you eat. And don’t miss the two tips she shares at the end of the episode about practices that can helps us all get more in touch with our body.
Show Notes: - Learn more about Daniella’s health coaching business, D Fit Life: https://www.dfitlife.com/ - If you or someone you know is struggling with disordered eating, help is available. The National Eating Disorders Association helpline is available Monday through Friday at 800-931-2237 and online: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ Text "NEDA" to 741741 to reach the crisis text line.
Danyetta Najoli grew up in Harlem—when it wasn’t the one of desirable New York City neighborhoods to live in. She remembers priceless memories with her friends’ families and dance lessons at her godmother’s studio, but in the background, her family was learning to thrive in the face of loss.
On episode 118, Danyetta shares one of her coaching programs that she has used in her own life and with her clients. The four-step process is: release, allow, attract, and act. She explains each step on this episode, and you can learn more about them in her new book “Micro Shift: Small Mindset Changes for Big Results.”
Show Notes: - Learn more about Danyetta’s work: https://www.danyetta.com/ - Read Danyetta’s book, Micro Shift: https://www.amazon.com/Micro-Shift-Mindset-Changes-Results/dp/B09SY39N8X
When Kendra Ramirez started getting calls from other sales people asking for a tutorial on how to use LinkedIn effectively, a business idea was born. She shared her idea with three business coaches who all said it would fail because LinkedIn was a fad. Kendra started her agency anyway.
On episode 118, Kendra talks about listening to her intuition and building confidence as a business owner. In February, she released her book “Micro Shift: Small Mindset Changes for Big Results.” One of the key ideas from the book is a practice Kendra calls looking for the wobble. The feeling of being off balance is an opportunity to ask yourself what’s not being fulfilled in your life.
Show Notes: - Learn more about Kendra Ramirez Digital Agency: https://www.kendraramirez.com/ - Read Kendra’s book, Micro Shift: https://www.amazon.com/Micro-Shift-Mindset-Changes-Results/dp/B09SY39N8X
One rule in Myron Rivers’ life is to question everything. His independent thinking is the lynchpin of his entrepreneurial spirit, and today, he is the CEO of Lerch, a concierge app. But growing up, he faced serious hardship.
On episode 117, Myron shares how he overcame the traumas of his childhood and talks about breaking the cycle of violence. His pride in being a Black man informs his approach to parenting. And he reflects on how his time in the U.S. Air Force influenced his diversity and inclusion work.
Show Notes: - Learn more about Lerch on its website: https://asklerch.com/ - If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available to help 24/7. Call the confidential hotline at 800-799-7233.
Robyn Johnson hated selling as a kid and became a youth minister, which she dubs the least capitalistic profession possible. But out of necessity, she started reselling garage sale finds on eBay, Amazon, and Craigslist. Success brought opportunity and a new passion: helping other entrepreneurs sell online.
On episode 116, Robyn shares her entrepreneurial journey from garage sales to her current consulting agency, Marketplace Blueprint. Her thyroid cancer diagnosis caused her to take a step back, and despite her fears, she watched the business grow under her team’s stewardship. Now a cancer survivor, her outlook on the business and life was changed for the better.
Show Notes: - Learn more about Marketplace Blueprint on its website: https://marketplaceblueprint.com/ - Read Think and Grow Rich for Women by Sharon Lechter: https://sharonlechter.com/women/ - Read The Source by Tara Swart: https://www.taraswart.com/the-source/
In 2005, Nick Marckwald dreamt of opening a fine dining restaurant called Hen of the Woods. After years of being a chef and a brief stint in property management, Nick was determined to make it happen until a new, even brighter opportunity—to create a pototo chip and snack company—appeared.
On episode 115, Nick discusses the evolution of his dream and how he and his co-founders started Hen of the Woods snacks. They knew next to nothing about running a consumer packaged goods company, but their hard work and determination have made it work. Along the way, Nick harnessed the positive side of FOMO and has embraced the ever-changing nature of his company’s namesake, the mushroom.
Show Notes: - Check out Hen of Woods on its website: https://www.henofthewoodsotr.com/
After 19 years with the Cincinnati Bengals, Jeff Berding left his executive-level position to bring a new sports team to the Queen City: FC Cincinnati. Early on, Jeff faced skepticism about the new venture, but he saw a bright future that he’s still helping to build.
On episode 114, the soccer club’s CEO tells us about his inspiration for the club, gets real about FCC’s disappointing MLS seasons, and explains why it’s crucial to decide whose support means the most to you. Although he had some soccer experience prior to FCC, Jeff embodies what it means to have a growth mindset.
Growing up in small town Ohio, Kristin Shrimplin was different. In high school, she was silenced by relentless bullies. Later on, she thought having power and being in control would protect her, but her journey to empowerment—and sobriety—actually involved acknowledging she was powerless.
On episode 113, Kristin explains the liberation of being powerless, the importance of language, and how she approaches serving others. Today, Kristin is the president and CEO of Women Helping Women, a gender-based violence prevention and crisis intervention center. Despite the challenges she’s faced, she brings a positivity to her relationships and work that is worth emulating.
Show Notes: - Learn more about Women Helping Women: https://www.womenhelpingwomen.org/ - If you or someone you know is struggling with gender-based violence, help is available. Call or text Women Helping Women’s 24-hour hotline at 513-381-5610. For support outside the Cincinnati area, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
When Brady Duncan and Kenny McNutt founded MadTree Brewing Co. in 2013, the craft beer boom was just getting started. A few years later, MadTree was one of the biggest craft breweries in Ohio, but Brady started to feel like it was just like any of the other thousands of operations across the country.
On episode 112, Brady tells us about his resetting process, how to create a values-led organization, and discusses the hardest part of any job: the people. Like every business, MadTree has been thrown some curveballs by the pandemic, but it’s poised to grow in new ways in 2022, including the opening of Alcove.
Show Notes: - Learn more about MadTree's Alcove bar and restaurant: https://www.madtreebrewing.com/news/madtree-alcove
Terrance Bacchus didn’t grow up with role models that looked like him, so today, the financial coach and author is committed to making sure other black and brown kids can’t say the same.
On episode 111, Terrance tells us about starting an affiliate of My Brother’s Keeper, a community challenge started by former President Barack Obama to support young men of color. He outlines his inspiration, the curriculum, and how you can help support their mission of sharing wealth creation with black and brown boys in Cincinnati.
Show Notes: - Learn more about and get involved with My Brother’s Keeper Cincinnati: https://www.mbkcincinnati.org/ - Read Terrance’s book, “Financially Empowered: Achieving Success Through Sacrifice”: https://www.bacchusempoweredcoaching.com/publications
Donerik Black’s journey with organ donation started around 2004. His dad needed a kidney, and two years later, Donerik would give him one. Years later, Donerik became a recipient himself.
On episode 110, Donerik tells us about receiving the best gift he could have asked for—a heart—the day before his 45th birthday. In the face of life-altering changes, Donerik has hardly skipped a beat, measuring success by the impact he’s made, what’s he’s learned and what’s he taught someone else. The publisher of The Dayton Weekly News also tells us about his dad’s vision to create a news outlet for Dayton, Ohio’s African-American community, which Donerik is still running today.
Show Notes: - Read The Dayton Weekly News: https://www.daytonweeklyonline.com/
Britney Ruby Miller, CEO of Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment, is back on the show to talk about her new book “5-Star Life.” The book shares Britney’s journey to overcome obstacles in all facets of her life.
On episode 109, Britney and Sarah discuss forgiveness of the self and others, including the people we love most. Today, Britney uses a six-step apology process with her family and in her business.
Show Notes: - Check out Britney’s book “5-Star Life”: https://www.britrubymiller.com/books
Josh Heuser believes the moment you have nothing is the moment you have everything. He’s motivated by crises and has reinvented his business ventures plenty of times over the years. Today, the lifelong party host is the founder of AGAR, an experience company behind Blink, Ghost Baby, Porch Pours (a socially distant city-wide happy hour) and more.
On episode 108, Josh and Sarah discuss fear, self-worth, and the evolution of social media. Josh’s entrepreneurial spirit and determination empower him to keep going in the face of obstacles, be it creating a new boundary-pushing concept or starting over after the 2008 recession.
Show Notes: - Find out more about AGAR and its work at https://theagar.com/
On episode 107, Siobhan Taylor discusses her Lyme disease recovery, faith during the pandemic, and abandoning her dream of being in lawyer to find what made her heart truly sing: youth and education. Today, Siobhan is the president and CEO of DePaul Cristo Rey. No matter where you are on your faith journey, Siobhan’s wisdom can help you reflect on your life, your relationships and community.
Early in her career, Jennifer Hafner Speiser worked for a boss who she grew not to trust. She could see a fiasco in the making but, as a junior employee, was too afraid to speak up. The experience taught her to trust her intuition.
On episode 106, the executive director of the Cincinnati Parks Foundation discusses how to nurture your intuition, what brave noise means to her, and why failure is an opportunity. Jennifer tells us about the supporting role the Cincinnati Parks Foundation plays to the city’s parks. She and Sarah also talk about youth and harassment in the workplace.
Show Notes: - Watch "Impeachment: American Crime Story" about President Bill Clinton’s affair with Monica Lewinsky: https://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/american-crime-story
When he was 25, Anthony Iannarino had brain surgery and woke up to find a small part of his brain had been removed. He was angry and panicked, and the musician decided to pursue higher education. He attended college, law school, and business school back-to-back. Today, Anthony is a sales coach and runs his family’s staffing company.
On episode 105, Anthony tells us about what impact his brain surgery had, the habits that keep him successful, and how he learned to face his shadows. The sales coach and expert also discusses his outlook on sales and how his failures have only made him stronger.
Show Notes: - Learn more about Anthony and his work on his website: https://www.thesalesblog.com/ - Listen to the Huberman Lab podcast: https://hubermanlab.com/ - Hear the Huberman Lab episode featuring sleep scientist Matthew Walker: https://hubermanlab.com/dr-matthew-walker-the-science-and-practice-of-perfecting-your-sleep/ - Read When by Daniel H. Pink: https://www.danpink.com/books/when/
Journalist and author Ben Montgomery has spent much of his career telling other people’s stories. Some have happy endings, and others—like the stories of the White House Boys in Florida—don’t. But the common threads that run through them all are our capacity for resilience and adventure.
On episode 104, Ben talks about reporting on tragedies and triumphs. His article in the Tampa Bay Times called “For Their Own Good” about boys who were abused at a reform school operated by the state of Florida was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Ben is also the author of four books, including “Grandma Gatewood’s Walk” and “The Man Who Walked Backward.”
Show Notes: - Read “For Their Own Good” about Florida’s White House Boys: https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2009/04/19/for-their-own-good/ - Check out all of Ben’s books: https://www.benmontgomerywrites.com/books
Julie Conrad has always had intuitive gifts, but it wasn’t until she was 29 and struggling with infertility that her mentor told her, “You’re supposed to be a healer in this life.” Julie started taking her gifts more seriously and eventually quit her high-paying corporate job to start her energy healing practice.
On episode 103, Julie tells us about finding and cultivating her gifts as a reiki master and medium. She also shares her journaling practice, the power affirmations can have, and why failure is opportunity by another name.
Show Notes: - Learn more about Julie’s work and business, Blossom Wellness and Healing Center: https://www.begintoblossom.com/ - Read The Source by Dr. Tara Swart: https://www.taraswart.com/the-source/ - Discover The Artist’s Way program and journal: https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252
As can be typical of an oldest child, Eisha Armstrong has perfectionist tendencies. The Harvard Business School alum has always had a lot of irons in the fire, but she couldn’t escape the voice that said she needed to work harder and do more. Eisha started drinking more to drown out the noise.
On episode 102, Eisha explains how and why she started questioning her relationship with alcohol and what led her to become alcohol-free. She also shares her career path, including what she learned from buying a business she grew to hate. Eisha is the author of the new book Productize, CEO of Vectris consulting, and co-founder of 0.0 Living (along with Sarah Brown!).
Show Notes: - Learn about 0.0 Living: https://www.zerozeroliving.com/ - Find out more about Eisha’s book Productize: https://www.vecteris.com/productize-book
Casey Hilmer Ward started running in elementary school and later joined her school’s cross country team. In July 2003, 13-year-old Casey went on a training run and was attacked a quarter-mile from her house. She managed to break free but only after being stabbed four times, including in the neck.
On episode 101, Casey shares her survival story and the scars—visible and invisible—she carried until later in high school. As a motivational speaker, she tells audiences you have to keep going through the tough times in life and embrace failure. After all, she opened her indoor cycling and fitness studio, Power Ryde, after being rejected from medical school.
Show Notes: - Learn about Power Ryde: https://www.powerryde.com/
Some of Henry Fenichel’s earliest memories are during one of humanity’s darkest eras: the Holocaust. His family was targeted along with many other Jews living in The Netherlands in the 1930s and ’40s. Miraculously, he and his mother escaped to Palestine—only to be separated once more.
On our 100th episode, Henry recounts what it was like living in a Jewish ghetto, how he made it to safety, and how he eventually reunited with his mother permanently. He credits his mom immensely for her strength in the face of countless horrors and her determination to keep them alive. Now a retired physics professor, Henry serves as a board member for The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center and lives in the Cincinnati area with his wife of 60 years.
Show Notes: - Learn more about The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center and museum: https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/
We think of entrepreneurs as strong visionaries who are ready to tackle any problem, and if you met Bill DeVille today, that’s probably what you’d think, too. As a kid, the founder and CEO of Health Carousel was mech less self-assured and way more fatalistic. Then one day, his mom shocked him into changing his mindset.
On episode 99, Bill shares what his mom told him way back when and explains how he realized he was a risk taker. His approach for assessing risk is similar to Jeff Bezos’ regret minimization framework, and Bill has used it for making business and life decisions.
Adam Symson says he owes his position as president of CEO of The E.W. Scripps Company to his failures. Or more accurately, his fortitude. He’s had to navigate layoffs, acquisitions, and a global pandemic in his role, and his resilience has come in handy.
On episode 98, Adam tells us why and how he embraces failure. He also shares how his family’s immigrant history and Jewish identity subtly influenced him to become a journalist. His dream of being an investigative reporter didn’t go as planned, but Adam embraced an alternate path that’s led him to being a media executive of the country’s fourth-largest local TV broadcaster.
In 2003, while working at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Cincinnati, Wende Cross decided to apply for a federal magistrate position. She was selected over 100 other people from around the country but ultimately withdrew her name after concerns about her now ex-husband’s record.
On episode 97, Wende explains how she got threw the dark period that ensued and how she ended up becoming a magistrate after all. Today, Wende is a judge for the Hamilton County Common Pleas court. She shares how her faith has been an integral part of her professional decision-making and what she has learned in her career so far.
As chef and co-owner of La Petite Pierre, Suzy DeYoung served sitting presidents, celebrities, and countless other people. She loved the challenge and creativity—until she didn’t anymore. She felt stuck because leaving the catering business would mean leaving her business partner—one of her two sisters—without a chef.
On episode 96, Suzy explains how she gained the courage to leave La Petite Pierre and how her passion for curbing food waste led her to start La Soupe in 2014. Today, the food rescue non-profit has 29 employees, receives about 25,000 pounds of food each week, and re-distributes it to food-insecure Cincinnatians and other outlets.
Show Notes: - Find more about La Soupe: https://lasoupe.org/
We’ve all had dreams that have stuck with us. Sometimes it’s because they are frightening or jarring, other times we have the same dream again and again. It makes us wonder: What did that mean?
On episode 95, Steve Kampmann returns to the show to delve into the history and importance of dreams. The host of The Dreams Course Podcast shares a language we can use to interpret them, and more broadly, discusses how we can leave our egos behind and connect to our most confident, aligned selves.
Show Notes: - Learn more about Steven’s coaching program, The Dreams Course: www.thedreamscourse.org/dreamcourse - Listen to The Dreams Course Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-…st/id1532417265 - Watch the “Clifford” screen test with Steven Kampmann and Martin Short: https://vimeo.com/536064868 - Read Breath by James Nestor: https://www.mrjamesnestor.com/breath
Amanda Valentine had been trying to lose weight and get control of her binge eating disorders for years. Then, the former radio host made a 90-day resolution on air to lose 15 pounds. Three months later, she had shed 20 pounds and was determined to keep going.
On episode 94, Amanda shares some great reframing tips that can be useful beyond the health and wellness realm, too. She also tells us about the time she was fired in the middle of radio show and pivoting from her dream job in radio to becoming an independent podcast host and health coach.
Show Notes: - Listen to the Pound This podcast: https://poundthis.com/ - Learn about Amanda’s health coaching and products: https://www.amandavalentinebites.com/
Jennifer McClure made just $12,000 in the first year of her business consulting firm, Unbridled Talent. Despite being an introvert, finding clients wasn’t the problem. A lack of systems and knowledge—like how to send an invoice—was.
On episode 93, Jennifer tells us about growing her business, how she learned to network, and how stepping out of her comfort zone led to the creation of DisruptHR. The event invites atypical speakers to share their best ideas in 5 minutes, with 20 slides and 15 seconds per slide. In the past eight years, Disrupt event have happened in 158 cities across 37 countries. An avid horse-lover, Jennifer also shares an incredible leadership lesson she learned from her horses.
Show Notes: - About Jennifer and Unbridled Talent: https://jennifermcclure.net/ - Learn about DisruptHR: https://disrupthr.co/
In 2014, Barbara Hauser used her talents of community building and creativity to launch The Red Door Project, a pop-up art show and silent auction held around Cincinnati. She often fielded questions about how successful each show was, but Barbara chaffed at the idea of measuring success based on attendance or number of pieces sold.
On episode 92, Barbara explains the inspiration behind The Red Door Project and how she refined her definition of success. She believes everyone is an artist and encourages creativity at every turn. Barbara also tells us about her work as Senior Community Relations Manager for P&G.
Show Notes: - Follow The Red Door Project on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thereddoorproject/ - Follow The Red Door Project on Instagram @thereddoorproject: https://www.instagram.com/thereddoorproject/
Craig Chavis Jr. dreamed of becoming an NFL player, and he was good enough to give it a shot until an injury in college ruined everything. As an entrepreneur, Craig has two failed businesses under his belt and a string of rejection letters from corporate America. And yet, the author and business consultant is endlessly optimistic.
On episode 91, Craig shares how he realized he could be his own worst enemy or his best friend, and why choosing the latter has made all the difference. He also talks about his book “Burdens of a Dream,” how he opened the first craft Pisco distillery in Peru, and advice for finding a career opportunity that fits.
Show Notes: - “Burdens of a Dream” is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Burdens-Dream-Actionable-Creative-Entrepreneur/dp/1647460212/ - Learn more about Craig’s work: https://www.cre8ivecraig.com/
Steven Kampmann and his wife, Judith, were expecting and building a home when he got the call that he was being fired from the Newhart show. The former writer and producer on WKRP in Cincinnati thought his time in show biz was probably over, so he started writing a screenplay without any expectations. Four years later, it became Stealing Home, which Steven also directed.
On episode 90, Steven tells us about his latest project, The Dreams Course Podcast, which he hosts with one of his sons. He explains the inspiration for the show and dives deep into the journey to discover the inner self. He also shares five principles to feed your inner life from his coaching program, The Dreams Course.
Show Notes: - Listen to The Dreams Course Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dreams-course-podcast/id1532417265 - Learn more about Steven’s coaching program, The Dreams Course: https://www.thedreamscourse.org/dreamcourse - Read about Alex Kerten: https://parkinson-gk.com/about/
Like many high-achievers, Karen Bankston had a full life. She was successful in her career, held advanced degrees, had a family, and knew her strengths. But a nagging feeling wouldn’t go away. She wondered: Where was her joy?
On episode 89, the retired hospital executive and nurse explains how she found her answer by learning to separate her identity from her accomplishments. Karen also shares her leadership lessons.
Show Notes: - Listen to Will Smith on Jay Shetty’s podcast On Purpose: https://jayshetty.me/podcast/owning-your-truth-and-unlocking-the-power-of-manifestation/
Kathryn Burmeister had struggled with depression and anxiety before, but it never was so bad as when she felt abandoned by her law partner. She reached out for help and shortly there after decided to start her own law firm.
On episode 88, Kathryn shares her career journey from law-obsessed high school student to business owner. This same journey also inspired Kathryn to write a book, "Overcoming Addiction to the Status Quo." She tells us what status quo means to her, how to find true happiness and why she believes we all can be heroes.
Show Notes: - Learn more about Katheryn’s book: https://kathrynfburmeister.com/shop-2/ - If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, 24/7 confidential help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Dr. Lisa Larkin knew life could be a bumpy ride even before she was diagnosed with breast cancer while going through a divorce. Patients of hers had told her cancer was a gift, but she didn’t understand until she found some gifts of her own.
On episode 87, Lisa tells us about those gifts, including why she started Ms.Medicine, a national practice model of women’s health trained providers. She also shares the tragic stories of losing both her parents, and how hardship has taught her to be less judgmental.
Show Notes: - Learn about Ms.Medicine here: https://msmedicine.com/
Pharmacist Regina Sih-Meynier had it all: a prestigious high-paying job, a nice home, a marriage, and the ability to travel and afford luxuries. She was fulfilling the model minority stereotype thrust upon Asian-Americans and Asian immigrants. But all her successes felt like Golden Handcuffs until she dared to break out of them.
On episode 86, Regina shares how she left the corporate world behind to start Oh Universe, her intuitive life coaching company. That journey involved connecting with her inner authentic self and voice, and now she helps her clients do the same. Regina also discusses how to leave your ego narrative, or Egon, behind, how to find what brings you joy, and how the inner authentic voice relates to manifestation.
Show Notes: - Check out Oh Universe and download Regina’s three-step framework here: https://www.oh-universe.com/
When he was a kid, Dave McGillivray dreamed of being a professional athlete, but soon he faced the painful reality that it wasn’t in the cards. He started running, and his passion led him to start DMSE Sports, a race and event management company that runs logistics for 30-plus annual events, including the Boston Marathon.
On episode 85, Dave shares why he doesn’t believe in failure and how he’s bounced back from life’s inevitable setbacks. While in-person races are temporarily canceled, Dave has pivoted his business in an incredible way and continues to serve others. He also tells us what it was like on the day of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and returning to the starting line once again.
Show Notes: - Read Dave’s memoir, The Last Pick: The Boston Marathon Race Director’s Road to Success: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Pick-Marathon-Directors-Success/dp/1594864225 - Learn more about DMSE Sports: https://www.dmsesports.com/
One of the first lessons Terrance Bacchus learned about money came at the expense of his job. Growing up in inner-city Boston, Terrance learned a lot about sacrificing for his future success. Now, he helps other people learn how to reach their goals as a financial coach.
On episode 84, Terrance shares how his childhood informed his attitude about money, practical tips from his book and how to think about sacrifice. He also discusses the racial wealth gap and the importance of giving back.
Show Notes: - Learn about Bacchus Empowered Coaching: http://www.terrancebacchus.com/ - Find out about Terrance’s book, "Financially Empowered: Achieving Success Through Sacrifice" here: http://www.terrancebacchus.com/author/ - Read about "Rich Dad Poor Dad" here: https://www.richdad.com/
Kyla Woods has never been afraid to be her full authentic self. Knowing her boundaries and personal values have helped her chart a successful career path and make decisions about when to move on. Of course, she’s faced hard times just like everyone else.
On episode 83, Kyla tells us about choosing gratitude in the face of grief and processing the current racial justice movement as a Black woman. Although she had never been interested in civic positions in the past, she realized she could make an impact on the criminal justice system by helping to build a community engagement program in the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
Show Notes: - Learn more about Crowd or Camera, Kyla’s communications consulting firm: https://crowdorcamera.com/
The people in our lives we spend a lot of energy thinking about often have something to teach us. That’s one lesson author Deborah Burns knows to be true. When she was a child, Deborah idolized her often-absent mother. Later, Deborah became the mom she needed.
On episode 82, Deborah shares the gifts that came from her complicated relationship with her mother, including her memoir, "Saturday’s Child." She also tells us about her forthcoming book, "Authorize It!" And building a new career after stepping away from her full-time position.
Show Notes: - Check out Deborah’s books, Saturday’s Child and Authorize It! (available this April) here: https://deborahburnsauthor.com/
Anthropologist and conservationist Lesley McNutt spent a decade trying to encourage adults to connect with the nature world in order to save wildlife populations in Botswana. She tried tactic after tactic, but people were more concerned about the HIV/AIDS crisis. That’s when she realized she was educating the wrong people.
On episode 81, Lesley shares her story of making a home in Africa, close encounters with apex predators, and finally making inroads with locals through Wild Entrust’s Coaching Conservation program. In 2015, her hard work was validated when the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals aligned the Coaching Conservation model. Lesley founded Wild Entrust with her husband, Tico, and the non-profit is supported in part by the Cincinnati Zoo. As a bonus, she tells us about the connection between African Wild Dogs and the wolves of Yellowstone National Park.
Brad Haudan was determined to blaze his own professional path and not join the consulting company his dad co-founded. On day one of his job in financial services, he knew it wasn’t the right fit. He tried law school, but that wasn’t right either. Then he interned at the family business and never looked back.
On episode 80, Brad explains how he knew Root Inc. was the right fit. He also discusses leadership strategies, keeping his cool in what could have been a less-than-stellar client facilitation, and how to make your employees feel connected to your organization’s mission.
Show Notes: - Are you ready to interrupt your patterns and live healthier and happier without ever feeling like you are missing out? Learn more about 0.0 Living’s 30-Day Alcohol Reset: https://www.zerozeroliving.com/
After 25 years of working for large restaurant brands, Jason Vaughn wanted to use what he learned to propel a smaller brand. That led him to Frisch’s Big Boy, one of Cincinnati’s most beloved restaurants. But instead of using Frisch’s rich legacy as a guiding force, Jason has worked to make it a grounding force.
On episode 79, the Frisch’s president and CEO talks about modernizing the restaurant by honoring, but not necessarily following, the past. Jason also shares a ton of leadership lessons he’s learned during his career, including why his employees are more important than he is and how to foster green light thinking.
Show Notes: - Are you ready to interrupt your patterns and live healthier and happier without ever feeling like you are missing out? Learn more about 0.0 Living’s 30-Day Alcohol Reset: http://0-0-living.mykajabi.com/30-day-alcohol-reset
In early 2017, Dr. Sanjay Shewakramani’s wife told him she wasn’t attracted to him anymore. He tried everything to make the relationship work, but by the end of the year, he was divorced for the second time. It was painful, but the lessons he learned have transformed his life.
On episode 78, the UC Health physician and president of Revive Strength & Wellness shares how he stopped being angry, learned forgiveness and expanded his self-identity through new hobbies and solo experiences. He also explains two tools that help him reframe his bad days: BAY LEAF and a three-step process of reacting to failure.
Show Notes: - Listen to Sanjay’s Tedx Talk, Who is the Asshole in the ER? https://www.ted.com/talks/dr_sanjay_shewakramani_who_is_the_asshole_in_the_er - Learn more about Revive Strength & Wellness: https://revivestrength.com/ - Are you ready to interrupt your patterns and live healthier and happier without ever feeling like you are missing out? Learn more about 0.0 Living’s 30-Day Alcohol Reset: http://0-0-living.mykajabi.com/30-day-alcohol-reset
Two years into her career, Elizabeth Edwards got hooked on venture capital. She moved from consulting to investment work and in 2017 started her own firm. Her high expectations around the amount of money H Venture Partners would raise and how large the company would be eventually became unsustainable, and she realized she was making the people in her life and herself miserable.
On episode 77, Elizabeth talks to Sarah about hitting reset, when to dream big and why it’s okay to extend your timeline. An early investor in Peloton, Elizabeth shares how she discovered what would become a household name and the impact of COVID-19 on the world of consumer goods.
Ron Houck was a young teenager when he saw “Camelot” in theaters. At the end of the movie, he realized he had fallen in love with Lancelot, not Guinevere. But it wasn’t until he was in his 20s and had moved halfway across the globe that he truly reckoned with his sexuality.
On episode 76, Ron tell us how he made it in the entertainment industry, became a backup singer for Italian pop star Giovanni Scialpi, and embraced that he is gay. Today, Ron owns The Plant Trolley, a business his mom started, and has been with his husband for 25 years. He also shares some great advice on how to be your true self.
When a crisis hits, fear and despair can set in. But Betsy Ross knows you can find positive opportunities from tragedies, too. She had an amazing gig at ESPN and was working in Connecticut on 9/11 and realized it was time to come back to the tri-state area and start her own company.
On episode 75, Betsy tell us how she became a TV sports journalist at a time when not many women were working in the field and the invaluable lessons she learned from her mother. She gave us her predictions for sports after the COVID era and shares the story of Lauren Hill, a high school basketball player diagnosed with terminal cancer who spent the last part of her life raising money and awareness for a cure.
Welcome to Failing Forward with Ados, a limited-run series hosted by Indian Hills High School senior Annie Schumann. On this episode, Annie interviews Dr. Maria Espinola, a UC Health clinician, about mental health and social media use among teens and young adults.
Maria specializes in trauma psychology and has a YouTube channel where she shares videos in English and Spanish. Her videos include mental health tips and advice on how to create healthy routines to improve mental wellness. On this episode, she discusses the positive and negatives of social media and explains several grounding practices to use if you're feeling anxious.
Show Notes: - If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, free and confidential help is available 24/7 through the following support lines: - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) - Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 - Trevor Lifeline for LGBT Youth: 1-866-488-7386 - SAMHSA National Helplife for treatment referrals: 1-800-662-4357 - Thank you to our sponsor Health Carousel, which provides world class staffing and workplace solutions designed to improve lives and make health care work better. Learn more at healthcarousel.com. - One of the nation’s top 25 public research universities, UC Health is revolutionizing how discovery-driven care is delivered. Learn more at uchealth.com. - Visit Maria’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrMariaEspinola/featured
Welcome to Failing Forward with Ados, a limited-run series hosted by Indian Hills High School senior Annie Schumann. On this episode, Annie talks with Ecuadorian immigrant Maria Maldonado.
Maria moved to the states in 2015 to attend the University of Cincinnati. Her lifelong dreams of becoming a singer were dashed when she didn’t get into UC’s music production program. At the same time, she was struggling to meet friends and build a new life thousands of miles away from home. But the source of her resiliency has remained constant: her family and the friends she’s been able to make since coming to America.
Show Notes: - If the pandemic has created new challenges for your college-age child or they’re feeling stuck and without a plan, our 10-week virtual coaching program can help. Move Forward Crew will help them discover a career path they love, build confidence, or navigate big life transition. The next session starts Tuesday, January 12. For more information and to sign up, visit our website at https://www.failforwardpod.com/sarah-brown-coaching - Are you ready to interrupt your patterns and live healthier and happier without ever feeling like you are missing out? Learn more about 0.0 Living’s 30-Day Alcohol Reset: https://0-0-living.mykajabi.com/30-day-alcohol-reset
Welcome to Failing Forward with Ados, a limited-run series hosted by Indian Hills High School senior Annie Schumann. On this episode, Annie talks with artist, poet and teacher Alena Cody.
Alena is a third-generation Cincinnatian and has invested more time in her art since the start of the pandemic. This summer, she and 86 other artists created the Black Lives Matter mural outside Cincinnati City Hall, just a few blocks away from where her parents grew up. Alena talks about how she became an artist and poet at a young age and the long-standing connection between art and activism.
Show Notes: - Follow Alena’s art on Instagram @starrlit_artworks and on Facebook at StarrLit Artworks. - If the pandemic has created new challenges for your college-age child or they’re feeling stuck and without a plan, our 10-week virtual coaching program can help. Move Forward Crew will help them discover a career path they love, build confidence, or navigate big life transition. The next session starts Tuesday, January 12. For more information and to sign up, visit our website at https://www.failforwardpod.com/sarah-brown-coaching. - Are you ready to interrupt your patterns and live healthier and happier without ever feeling like you are missing out? Learn more about 0.0 Living’s 30-Day Alcohol Reset: https://0-0-living.mykajabi.com/30-day-alcohol-reset
One lesson Dr. Chris Radchenko lives by: If you want something, go out and get it. It’s how he worked his way through school on a drilling rig, succeeded in becoming an interventional pulmonologist, and met his wife.
On episode 74, Chris tells us about the AI program that’s helping diagnose incidental lung nodules at UC Health. He also shares tips for taking care of your lung health during lung cancer awareness month and how he learned to trust himself.
Show Notes: - Thank you to our sponsor Health Carousel, which provides world class staffing and workplace solutions designed to improve lives and make health care work better. Learn more at healthcarousel.com. - One of the nation’s top 25 public research universities, UC Health is revolutionizing how discovery-driven care is delivered. Learn more at uchealth.com. - Learn more about UC Health’s Lung Cancer Screening Program and find out if you qualify by calling 513-584-LUNG.
In March, our lives were turned sideways at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s especially true for Dr. Suzanne Bennett, an anesthesiologist at UC Health, who went from performing relatively routine surgical procedures to helping craft the health system’s pandemic response plan.
On episode 73, Suzanne talks about how she realized her dream of becoming a doctor after working as a nurse and what is has been like on the medical frontlines. As the director of UC’s critical division, she’s made personal sacrifices including working 16 to 18 hour days and deciding to have her three youngest sons temporarily stay with their father full-time this spring. Suzanne is also one of the doctors who cared for episode 72 guest Tonia Elrod, who suffered from a massive heart attack and several cardiac arrests.
Show Notes: - Thank you to our sponsor Health Carousel, which provides world class staffing and workplace solutions designed to improve lives and make health care work better. Learn more at healthcarousel.com. - One of the nation’s top 25 public research universities, UC Health is revolutionizing how discovery-driven care is delivered. Learn more at uchealth.com.
Toward the end of 2018, P&G executive Tonia Elrod received a clean bill of heart health. Four months later, she suffered a massive heart attack and went into cardiac arrest. She was unconscious and didn’t have a pulse when the paramedics arrived. Against all odds and after two weeks in the cardiac ICU, Tonia survived.
On episode 72, Tonia shares her recovery journey that continues today. Her brush with death taught her that our reactions are what define us and that there’s always something to be grateful for. Tonia is also using her story to promote heart health as an ambassador for the American Heart Association and as the co-chair of the Cincinnati Goes Red for Women campaign.
Show Notes: - Thank you to our sponsor Health Carousel, which provides world class staffing and workplace solutions designed to improve lives and make health care work better. Learn more at www.healthcarousel.com. - One of the nation’s top 25 public research universities, UC Health is revolutionizing how discovery-driven care is delivered. Learn more at www.uchealth.com. - Did you know heart disease is the leading cause of death for all adults? Learn more at www.heart.org. - Support women’s heart health by donating to the Go Red campaign. Text “Cincy Go Red” to 41444 to give now.
In her early 20s, Christine Luken was working as an accountant, but her personal finances were in shambles. She had developed an unhealthy relationship with money, in large part due to her romantic relationship at the time. She had to learn the hard way how to move past her shame so she could pay off her debt, and now she helps other people do the same.
Christine calls herself the Financial Lifeguard and owns a financial coaching business that empowers people to take control of their money. On episode 71, she explains the relationship between money and our emotions, how we can create a healthier relationship to money, and shares a little from her first book, Money Is Emotional.
Visit Christine’s website: https://www.christineluken.com/ Read Money Is Emotional: https://www.christineluken.com/books/
Cincinnati native Iris Simpson Bush grew up in a chaotic but loving household. As the oldest, she helped raise her three younger brothers. So when her brother Ron was murdered in 2007, it felt like she had lost a son.
On episode 70, Iris discusses vengeance, forgiveness and how she has chosen to live with gratitude. The leader of the Flying Pig Marathon, Queen Bee Half Marathon and many other local races also shares when she became a runner.
Less than half of the 22 million jobs lost at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic have been recovered, but executive recruiter Debra Savage still sees opportunity for finding or creating a position that’s right for you.
On episode 69, Debra talks about her many careers, how to shift industries and return to work after taking time off, and how to network safely right now. She shares a ton of advice job-seekers won’t want to miss, including why you should never be afraid to tell your story.
After working at Cincinnati-based Convergys for close to two decades, Lisa Stoner wanted out. She wasn’t learning or contributing as much as she once had been and wasn’t excited. But it wasn’t until she hit the 20-year mark that she got the courage to take a year-long sabbatical.
Today, Lisa is the global head of support operations at Uber and chair of the Women of Uber employee resource group. On episode 68, she shares what it was like to navigate her career transition, the importance of diversity and inclusion, why it’s never too late to pursue a dream and two of her epic failures, including the time she left her 8-week-old son in the hospital for what seemed to be an important work event.
Watch "John Lewis: Good Trouble" here: https://www.johnlewisgoodtrouble.com/watch-at-home/
When you have free time, how do you spend it? Hobbies can be keys to happiness, but not all of our habits leave us feeling fulfilled. On this short episode, Sarah and Failing Forward Producer Adrienne Donica discuss a metaphor for how to think about the activities you spend your free time on. There’s dinner, dessert, and funnel cake. Gaining awareness about your own habits is the first step toward creating a balance that leaves you feeling satisfied.
Check out Failing Forward's new 90-day coaching program, Move Forward: https://www.failforwardpod.com/sarah-brown-coaching
Annette Wick is no stranger to caregiving and grief. She lost her first husband to cancer, her father to Parkinson’s, and watched her mother slowly decline from dementia. After her mom’s diagnosis, Annette started a blog that eventually became her second book, “I’ll Have Some of Yours.”
On episode 66, Annette discusses the backstory of the book, how she learned to stay close to her grief but not in it, and how we can do the same. Plus, you won’t want to miss hearing her read a short excerpt from “I’ll Have Some of Yours.”
Find more about Annette’s work: https://annettejwick.com/ Order “I’ll Have Some of Yours”: https://www.josephbeth.com/book/9780977485611 Read Annette’s blog: https://findyouinthesun.com/
In his late 30s, Jeb Blount was working his dream job as the vice president of sales for a company he loved. He and his family were living on the Florida coast. They even owned a yacht. And yet, he was miserable. He found his way back to happiness by sacrificing everything for a somewhat nebulous dream that eventually came into razor-sharp focus.
On episode 65, Jeb shares his journey starting Sales Gravy, a sales training and coaching company, and when he first discovered he had a passion for sales. He also discusses tips for finding your confidence and building resilience in a field where “no” can be a common refrain.
Learn more about Jeb, his books, and his podcast: https://jebblount.com/ Check out Sales Gravy: https://salesgravy.com/
While out on a training ride in preparation for a 100-mile bike race, Meriden McGraw was hit by a car. The accident changed the trajectory of her life. She discovered mindfulness, was diagnosed with anxiety and passed on a Ph.D. program in clinical psychology in pursuit of a career in mental wellness instead.
Co-founder of Quidwell and director of the UC Center for Integrative Health and Wellness’s Corporate Mindfulness Team, Meriden shares her journey on episode 64 along with lots of quick, easy mindfulness practices you can do anywhere. She also discusses the connection between breathing and relaxation, and slowing down in the age of COVID-19.
Find Meriden on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meridenmwb/ Learn about Quidwell: https://quidwell.com/ Find out more about the UC Center for Integrative Health and Wellness: https://www.uchealth.com/integrative/
In 2014, Brogan Dulle didn’t show up to coach his swim practice, and his mom, Beth, knew something was wrong. Eight days later, after an extensive search, authorities found Brogan had died by suicide.
On episode 63, Beth discusses the search party, and the good things that have come in wake of this tragedy. In 2015, the Dulle family started 8 Days of Greatness as a way to commemorate Brogan’s life each year. Today, mental health check-ins are a normal part of the family’s routine, and Beth works for 1N5, a nonprofit that increases awareness and provides education about mental health to stop the stigma.
Follow 8 Days of Greatness on Instagram @gr8nesstbd (https://www.instagram.com/gr8nesstbd/) Learn more about 1N5 and find resources: https://1n5.org/
Some addicts are “scared straight” after a run-in with local police, but Trevor Steinhauser didn’t rub elbows with the Cincinnati Police Department. He got a call from the Drug Enforcement Agency. After years of drinking and using drugs, his interactions with federal agents compelled him to finally go to rehab.
On episode 62, the husband and father of three shares his addiction and recovery journey. Trevor believes his anxiety, depression, and penchant for head trauma as a young child led to his addiction. His sobriety led him to mend his relationship with his formerly estranged brother and start a podcast about behavioral health, mental health, and addiction.
Listen to Stigmatized, Trevor’s podcast: https://www.stigmatizedpodcast.com/
Ten years ago, Cherylanne Skolnicki’s biggest fears were failure and humiliation. She had just left her job at P&G to start a coaching business that’s completely different from the work-life mentoring company that she runs today. But for Cherylanne, her first business didn’t fail. It was a pivot to get where she is today.
On episode 61, Cherylanne shares how becoming a mother changed her, how to find your purpose, and how to re-energize your life through foundational balance practices. She also discusses how she knew it was time to leave corporate America and strike out on her own.
Learn more about Brilliant Balance: https://cherylanneskolnicki.com/ Listen to the Brilliant Balance Podcast: https://cherylanneskolnicki.com/podcast/
Jim Price likes to say he fails occasionally and learns continuously. That’s the mindset he encourages his employees at Empower to inhabit day in and day out. After becoming CEO of the creative media agency, which his mother started more than three decades ago, Jim invested in creating and more clearly communicating the company’s core values, which includes the tenet “Dust yourself off.”
On episode 60, Jim discusses leadership, goal setting and the projects and ideas that have resulted from his forward-thinking attitude. A huge advocate for Cincinnati, Jim also shares his vision for our region, starting with ditching our Queen City nickname.
Note: This episode was recorded in early January when unemployment numbers were significantly lower than today.
More about: - Traction by Gino Wickman and the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) model: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/traction-gino-wickman/1100073595 - Harvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/
Support us by supporting our sponsor! Looking to create change and develop your emotional intelligence to become a better leader? Learn how Deni Tato and Corporate Consciousness can help at https://www.corpconsciousness.com.
When she was in her late 30s, Stacy Sims wanted to be and feel different every day. But every day, she was repeating the same behavior—drinking—that was keeping her stuck. The same week she went into recovery, she started practicing pilates. Since then, Stacy has opened and later sold Pendleton Pilates, published a novel, and founded TheWell.World, an international network of mindfulness gatherings.
Stacy discusses what she calls our resilience blueprint and how to foster your mind-body connection through meditation and other mindfulness habits on episode 59. And as a special bonus, she leads at short guided meditation at the end of the episode.
Links: Learn about TheWell.World and Mindful Music Moments: https://www.thewell.world/ Get more information about True Body Project: https://www.truebodyproject.org/ Stacy's books: https://www.stacysims.net/books
Support us by supporting our sponsor! Looking to create change and develop your emotional intelligence to become a better leader? Learn how Deni Tato and Corporate Consciousness can help at www.corpconsciousness.com.
After 12 years in commercial banking, Darin Hall joined the mergers and acquisitions arm for Coca-Cola. He liked being in development, but after closing a deal to buy a source water plant in Africa so Pepsi couldn’t have it, Darin had an internal crisis. “What the hell am I doing?” he remembers thinking. “I’m not doing anything substantial.”
On episode 58, Darin talks about recommitting to his passion and purpose and devoting his career to community development. Along the way, he’s worked in the philanthropic world, as well as the public and private sectors. The president and CEO of Civitas Development Group also shares an important lesson: Developing your network is a crucial part of creating change.
Support us by supporting our sponsor! Looking to create change and develop your emotional intelligence to become a better leader? Learn how Deni Tato and Corporate Consciousness can help at www.corpconsciousness.com. --
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a new normal, one complete with social distancing, remote working, and a whole lot of uncertainty and fear. Learning how to calm ourselves and reframe our thinking is more important than ever. Sara Hyzdu, a neuroscience coach and the founder of Why Grey Matters, joined us for our first live-streamed podcast recording to share coronavirus coping strategies.
On episode 57, Sara explains what happens in the brain when we feel stress and fear and how we can introduce the feel-good hormones of dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin back into our brain right now. She shares lots of tips on how to connect with and support your kids and yourself. By focusing on what we do know and understanding our brains better, we have more control over our choices and feelings.
Learn more about Why Grey Matters: https://www.whygreymatters.com/. These five foods boost brainpower: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/foods-linked-to-better-brainpower.
Support us by supporting our sponsor! Looking to create change and develop your emotional intelligence to become a better leader? Learn how Deni Tato and Corporate Consciousness can help at https://www.corpconsciousness.com/.
Gee Horton grew up in a poor family with three siblings and no understanding of how he could pursue his dream of being an artist. He became a college basketball coach, but at the end of 2015, he wrote that he wanted to find his way back to art and have his work displayed in galleries. Now, Gee has a thriving side hustle as a hyperrealist artist in addition to his executive recruiter job.
On episode 56, the self-taught artist shares how he developed his artistic skills, how his side hustle has influenced his career, and the burgeoning art scene in Cincinnati that’s being driven by minority artists. Plus, he shares some great tips about manifesting and aligning yourself.
A mentor once told Stacey Browning to start doing the job you want before you have it. She took that to heart, rising in the ranks at Paycor until she was president. As a lifelong learner and a high achiever, it was natural for Stacey to lean in to new opportunities. What didn’t come as easily was being vulnerable enough to show up as her whole self, including being the mother of a child with a severe genetic mutation.
On episode 55, Stacey shares why vulnerability is a strength, when you shouldn’t share, and how to care less about what other people think. Today, she is a managing director for venture capital firm CincyTech, and instead of staying isolated, she seeks out support when she needs it.
What do you do when you quit your great P&G gig to start a company and your best laid plans fall apart? If you’re William Schumacher, you have a midnight brainstorm session, screw up the courage to email a highly sought-after partner, and miraculously get a call back. So began www.uprisingFood.com, which today sells keto bread across the country.
On episode 54, William talks about fulfilling a life-long dream of being an entrepreneur, how to separate your identity from your professional performance, and what he learned from his father’s business failure.
P.S. William’s girlfriend said yes! Congrats to the happy couple.
Learn about Uprising, www.uprisingfood.com.
Take our listener survey: https://www.failforwardpod.com/survey.
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Looking to create change and develop your emotional intelligence to become a better leader? Learn how Deni Tato and Corporate Consciousness can help at www.corpconsciousness.com.
When John Lame was a teenager, his family was under significant financial stress that caused John to pay his own way at St. Xavier High School. Then, he lost his father and one of his brothers in the span of 10 years. But if it wasn’t for those challenging situations, John probably wouldn’t have left his unfulfilling job at P&G to start his own business. Today, he is the CEO and chairman of Lenox Wealth Management and Untapped, a wealth creation consultancy.
On episode 53, John discusses his grieving process and how facing loss taught him to put his happiness first. The financial advisor also shares advice for people looking to build their value and create wealth.
Listen to the Untapped podcast: https://www.livelifeuntapped.com/podcasts and for more info on coaching, email: info@livelifeuntapped.com.
Support us by supporting our sponsor! Looking to create change and develop your emotional intelligence to become a better leader? Learn how Deni Tato and Corporate Consciousness can help at https://www.corpconsciousness.com/.
In high school, Aaron Laine starting experimenting with alcohol and drugs, but he wasn’t an addict. At 25, he was prescribed pain medication for migraines and a persistent back injury. Aaron was a husband and father of three, but he wasn’t an addict then either. But 27 or 28, using drugs wasn’t a non-issue any more, and soon enough he was using heroin.
Aaron’s recovery journey has been long and difficult, but some of his greatest gifts have blossomed from his lowest moments. On episode 52, he talks about the life-changing power of compassion and what he’s learned from his own podcast, Tragedy to Triumph.
Listen to Tragedy to Triumph: https://fromtragedy.simplecast.com/ If you or someone you know is battling addiction, find help through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 or online at https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Support us by supporting our sponsor! Looking to create change and develop your emotional intelligence to become a better leader? Learn how Deni Tato and Corporate Consciousness can help at https://www.corpconsciousness.com/.
Matt Moran is a husband, father and successful salesman who has worked in the financial services industry for nearly 20 years. The Cincinnati native is also living with kidney cancer. Matt was first diagnosed in 2015, but after one of his kidneys was removed, doctors told him he was cancer-free. Then, in late 2018, the cancer returned, and the biopsied tumor was malignant.
On episode 51, Matt discusses why and how he has chosen to view his cancer as a blessing. In April, he started a blog to track his journey and inspire others. His disease has taught him that how you respond to situations you face defines who you are.
You can support Matt by reading his blog (https://gratitudematt.com/) or by making a donation to the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html)
Support us by supporting our sponsor! Looking to create change and develop your emotional intelligence to become a better leader? Learn how Deni Tato and Corporate Consciousness can help at https://www.corpconsciousness.com/.
To celebrate our 50th episode, Jamie Smith, publisher of the Cincinnati Business Courier, returns to the studio. But this time, he’s the host, and he interviews Sarah about her own story of failure and resilience.
In 2017, Sarah was the co-owner of Blown, a popular blow dry bar that was struggling to make ends meet. She was also using drinking as a crutch, and it was starting to affect her marriage. She realized it was time to make some changes, and as soon as she did, she started noticing opportunity all around her.
Healing from her failed business and her alcoholism hasn’t always been easy, but Sarah wouldn’t change a thing. She explains what she learned from it all and encourages us all to reject perfection on this episode.
Listen to Jamie Smith on episodes 30 and 34 of Failing Forward.
Support us by supporting our sponsor! Looking to create change and develop your emotional intelligence to become a better leader? Learn how Deni Tato and Corporate Consciousness can help at https://www.corpconsciousness.com/.
During her undergrad at UC, Britney Ruby Miller was diagnosed with epilepsy. Doctors told her it was her body’s response to severe stress and a lack of sleep. The experience taught Britney how to create boundaries that keep her healthy and allow her to spend time doing the things that are most important to her.
On episode 49, Britney discusses the method she used to discover the mission and vision for her life and her leadership style as President of Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment, which has doubled its revenue since Britney took the helm. She also explains the social covenants that dictate the professional relationships in the company, what place spirituality can have in the workplace and lots more.
Learn more about the Jeff Ruby Foundation. https://jeffrubyfoundation.org/
Support us by supporting our sponsor! Looking to create change and develop your emotional intelligence to become a better leader? Learn how Deni Tato and Corporate Consciousness can help at https://www.corpconsciousness.com/.
As a medical student in the 1980s, Carl Fichtenbaum saw his first patient who was suffering from an unknown illness that would later be known as HIV/AIDS. Carl didn’t know it then, but he would eventually become an infectious diseases physician specializing in HIV/AIDS research.
On episode 48, the professor of medicine at University of Cincinnati’s College of Medicine shares the history the AIDS crisis and what it was like to take care of deathly ill patients at a time when many health care providers refused to even enter their hospital rooms. In the early years, 90 percent of Carl’s patients died as doctors struggled to find long-term management solutions. Carl reminds us that staying hopeful when things seem bleak means remembering that our past failures have taught us just as much as our successes.
Rachel DesRochers says every failure and challenge she’s experienced is the best thing to happen to her. When she was fired from her job at Whole Foods, she realized it was her chance to live her purpose: bringing people together and practicing gratitude. That has led Rachel to start two successful businesses, Grateful Grahams and Incubator Kitchen Collective, and her podcast, In Gratitude. On episode 47, Rachel discusses how she learned gratitude, her favorite ways to practice it and why we all should talk about our failures.
Learn more about Rachel and her podcast: https://www.racheldesrochers.com/ Grateful Grahams: https://www.gratefulgrahams.com/ Incubator Kitchen Collective: https://www.incubatorkitchencollective.org/
Welcome to Failing Forward with Ados, a limited-run series featuring teens and young professionals with Cincinnati roots who have faced challenges, felt despair and then found a way forward. Our Ados series is hosted by Indian Hills High School junior Annie Schumann.
On this episode, Annie talks with Preston Kahn, who hiked the Appalachian Trail and raised more than $20,000 for teen suicide prevention organization Grant Us Hope. Preston shares the struggles with his own mental health that inspired his journey and reminds us we have the power to help our friends and family simply by asking them how they are doing.
Learn more about Grant Us Hope. https://grantushope.org/ If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Welcome to Failing Forward with Ados, a limited-run series featuring teens and young professionals with Cincinnati roots who have faced challenges, felt despair and then found a way forward. Our Ados series is hosted by Indian Hills High School junior Annie Schumann.
On this episode, Annie interviews Margo David, who was diagnosed with epilepsy before her senior year of high school and had her first seizure while flying to Fiji for a mission trip without any family or friends. At times, seizures have kept Margo from driving and playing soccer, but the current Elon University freshman has learned to persevere and to not let her diagnosis define her.
Welcome to Failing Forward with Ados, a limited-run series featuring teens and young professionals with Cincinnati roots who have faced challenges, felt despair and then found a way forward. Our Ados series is hosted by Indian Hills High School junior Annie Schumann.
On this episode, Annie interviews Jack Browner, a Cincinnati native who started experimenting with drugs and alcohol at age 13 and later began battling addiction and depression. Today, Jack has been sober for more than a year and tells us how his journey taught him to ask for help and be a beacon to his siblings and others.
Are you or someone you know struggling with addiction? The resources below can help. - National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) run by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - Narcotics Anonymous. https://www.na.org/ - Alcoholics Anonymous. https://www.aa.org/ - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255). https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Susan Branscome has found success in the male-dominated financial industry by knowing her worth, asking for what she wants and taking initiative—or as she likes to say getting the salt. The managing director of NorthMarq Capital joins us on episode 46 to discuss her career journey, which has included starting and later selling her own business. She also shares who her first female role model was and just this month launched her own podcast, Leading She.
Find Leading She on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. https://www.leadingshe.com/
As an 11-year-old, Kate Nelson started getting sick—really sick. Doctors eventually diagnosed Kate with ulcerative colitis that progressed into colon cancer. Her adolescent years were tough on her and her family, but looking back, she realizes that period of her life taught her not to sweat the small stuff.
Today, Kate is the co-founder of Change Guides, a consulting firm that helps organizations navigate change. On episode 45, she discusses how her self-published book became a best-seller on Amazon and why we all should embrace the hard situations in life.
Find more information about “The Change Management Pocket Guide” and other books Kate Nelson has co-authored here: https://www.changeguidesllc.com/products/books.html
Cincinnati native Pete Ruppert believes there are no straight lines to the top—even for a successful executive and Harvard Business School graduate like him. One of his first trials was as a student at DePauw University when he was academic probation and nearly missed the chance at an internship that later changed his life. And like most every entrepreneur, Pete has had his businesses fail, too.
On episode 44, the St. Xavier High School alum and current CEO of Fusion Education Group talks about overcoming his fear of asking for help, the champions who have helped him through his failures and his mini-book, Limitless: Nine Steps to Designing Your Extraordinary Life.
Want a copy of Limitless? Email Tracy at mailto:tward@fusionacademy.com
Deni Tato doesn’t see failures. She sees mismatches between expectations and reality. The CEO of Corporate Consciousness has always been that way, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t struggled. By age 21, she had two kids and an unsatisfying relationship. Years later, she sold her commercial furniture business at the onset of the recession and had to make extreme cuts to her family’s lifestyle.
On episode 43, Deni shares how she reinvented herself as a certified Enneagram teacher, trainer and coach. One of the biggest things she tells her clients—and reminds herself—is the importance of self-compassion. By not judging your actions and making time for your physical and emotional health, you can more fully step into who you are. That’s why Deni has been practicing transcendental meditation for decades.
Learn more: https://www.corpconsciousness.com/ Meet the Enneagram assessment: https://www.corpconsciousness.com/about-the-enneagram/ Meditation for beginners: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a24750828/meditation-for-beginners/
Cory Carlson had a successful career in corporate America, but he still felt stuck. So, he hired an executive coach and began focusing on his personal life—his wife, his children and himself—with greater intention. It might sound counterintuitive, but those changes actually helped Cory in his professional life, too. He came to work as a better leader for his team and started mentoring his direct reports to make similar changes in their own lives.
Today, Cory is a full-time leadership coach and the author of “Win at Home First.” He joined us for episode 42 and discusses marriage, forgiveness, how to be vulnerable as a CEO and the importance of interrogating the internal agreements we make. Even if you don’t have a traditional 9 to 5, his story will inspire you.
Order a copy of “Win at Home First” here: https://www.amazon.com/Win-Home-First-Inspirational-Work-Life/dp/173376710X/
Learn more about Cory at https://www.corymcarlson.com/.
Kamree Maull is a proud Unilever employee and founder of Unbox3d but he wasn't always showing the world who he really is. As a student at University of Cincinnati, Kamree had to learn to navigate an environment that wasn’t as welcoming to a black man like him. He lived a double life in which many of his classmates didn’t know the real Kamree, and soon, he was facing an identity crisis.
How many times have you played a role or became a certain person to fit in?
On this episode, Kamree reminds us to live as our authentic selves and shares how he learned to say “Nah, fuck that” to the expectations that other people might place on him through his side hustle, Unbox3d, which started in July 2018. Combining his love of storytelling and slogan T-shirts, Unbox3d seeks to challenge the status quo and inspire cultural change through personal testimonials and philanthropic initiatives.
To learn more about Unbox3d, visit https://www.unbox3d.net/. Read about Meek Mill and criminal justice reform here: https://time.com/5256757/meek-mill-symbol-prison/
Molly Wellmann has a trademark giggle that regulars at Japps can recognize well. But before opening her own bar and being voted the nation’s best bartender, Wellmann faced a devastating loss when her fiancé was killed.
Her grieving process changed her, and Wellmann learned to be gentle with herself and starts each day by asking herself: What amazing things will happen today?
On this episode, Wellmann also shares how she got her start in bartending, the importance of asking for what you’re worth and why she takes Sundays off.
In 2011, Devon Blythe was in a car accident that changed the trajectory of her life. The accident activated symptoms from a brain malformation Devon was born with. That led her to discover the benefits of practicing holistic wellness and inspired her to become a holistic health practitioner with her own studio, The Balance Effect.
The last time you had a bad day, did you notice that your body was physically strained? On this episode, Sarah Brown interviews Devon Blythe, who shares how feelings of failure physically manifest in the body and how to counteract that through developing mindfulness. A highly intuitive person, Devon also explains the first time she realized she was a medium.
Find Devon on Instagram at @thebalanceeffect or on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devon-blythe-959515159/
Sarah Brown interviews Lynn Watts, a diversity and inclusion speaker and facilitator.
Do you ever feel ashamed of slavery, segregation or racism? Well, as Lynn says, shame is like quick sand, it gets deeper and deeper so step into courage and give people grace. She also shares a powerful story of what happened to her at Johns Hopkins while facilitating, around unconscious bias. It's a story you won't forget.
We also have some bonus content on marriage. Lynn is in her second marriage and shares that marriage is a mirror -- a reflection. And if you don't fix the issue the first time, it will repeat itself. She said, you get to repeat your mistakes until you get it right. We think that happens not just in marriage but in all relationships.
In this episode Sarah Brown speaks with Neal Tew, Founder of The T Squash Academy, about his struggle and road to health with Bipolar Disorder.
Diagnosed while a student at Harvard, Neal was pre-med, Phi Beta Kappa, captain of the squash team and externally everything looked great. But he wasn't.
Neal gives us a unique perspective into the disease and de-stigmatizes mental health disorders. As he says, one way to understand this illness is as the brain's attempt to reach for order. Fascinating stuff!
Also, for more on Neal's story, check out this post:
http://neverapologizeforpassion.blogspot.com/
Ryan Morgan is the owner of 16 Bricks Bakery. He grew up in Norwood, Ohio, a working class neighborhood, was in and out of juvenile detention. And although he appears to be a tough, motorycyle loving dude, I love that you can hear the kindness in his voice when he talks about his brother who had Down Syndrome, his son and how he seized the opportunity to partner with Klosterman bakery.
https://sixteenbricks.com/
Dave Jenike, the COO of the Cincinnati Zoo, talks about the revitalization of the Cincinnati Zoo from the death of Harambe, the gorilla, to the birth of Fiona, the Hippo. The zoo has had it's ups and downs but Dave and the leadership of Zoo continue to focus on the serving guests as well as caring for the animals. He also talks about his favorite and least favorite animal. His least favorite animal is pretty lame but don't worry, Sarah let him know that. His defense: he would have some pretty upset keepers!
Jamie Smith, publisher of the Cincinnati Business Courier, talks about how sharing his story has had huge impact on others - more so than he expected.
When Dr. Rekha Chaudhary M.D. first started working with cancer patients, she didn’t believe food or stress reduction impacted cancer. She didn’t believe lifestyle changes made a difference. She was one of the physicians who said to her patients, eat the ice cream, it doesn’t matter and now she is embarrassed by that.
After reading the research, she discovered that processed meat is as dangerous as cigarette smoking. In another research study, for those who ate a mediterranean diet, there was a 30% reduction in cardiovascular disease and a 62% reduction in breast cancer. And so her passion is getting this data out to physicians and to patients.
She educates - if we reduce stress via meditation, exercise, spending time with friends and eat a plant based diet, there is a reduction in cancer.
We asked, how do we fail forward around managing our stress and diet? She said this is a journey and don’t stress about changing them overnight. So lean into meditation and exercise and for the plant based diet, try a 2 week detox.
For more information about her work, see https://uchealth.com/integrative/.
Roger David, CEO of family run Gold Star Chili, speaks to us about his family's immigrant journey to Cincinnati and how franchising Gold Star Chili helped many immigrants from Jordan start a new life in America.
He also talks about the challenges of being the only living son and the responsibility after his father died young. He did not stay in the family business, he actually left contrary to his mother's wishes. But it all worked out because it was those other work experiences, that he believes, has made him a more successful CEO.
Caitlin Steininger is relentless and only dreams big and that’s why she is not only the owner of Cooking with Caitlin and Station Family BBQ but she is a contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef. We love her tip: when you have a dream tell as many people as possible so they hold you accountable.
With our theme of “leaning into discomfort”, Jamie Smith, publisher of the Business Courier, talks about how he came out after 20 plus years of marriage. His greatest gifts from it were: learning about love; live every day like the last; cherish the little things and his 3 successful children.
His favorite quote is from his mother: be true to you, be true to others and you will prosper.
Karen Bosse, a 2 time cancer survivor and speaker talks about self induced healing; that our molecules respond to our thoughts and we create our own healing.
She teaches us that neurons that fire together wire together. We have ability to change our pathways of the brain through our thoughts, affirmations or choosing a different thought. Anything that follows “I am” is what I become.
You can choose to be a half empty or half full person. We make a choice every moment of the day as to how we are going to respond. It is a choice. If you have a negative thought - make a different thought. Catch yourself and say, wait, there is a reason because everything is for a higher reason and that is to teach us something.
Want to change the channel of your mind? Be aware of your thoughts and purge the negative ones via journaling. Journal a daily gratitude list and meditation helps you change the channel of your mind.
For more info on Karen Bosse: https://www.karenpbosse.com/ https://www.instagram.com/karenpbosse/
Mike Sipple, President of Centennial and Founder of Talent Magnet Institute TM talks about what he calls the fear of man. The fear of man is about letting others dictate what you do because you are fearful of what they might think vs. being who you are.
He also gives us some great wisdom around understanding what your authentic self is, especially when doing a job search.
Finally, he teaches us the importance of setting goals and the power of focus using The Full Focus Planner. It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you stay the course regardless of ups and downs.
Anne Chambers is a CEO, an entrepreneur and an activist. She teaches us that you can be an activist by activating a business. She has activated many businesses like Red212, an advertising and marketing business, a food business called Ma-Me and now Certifiably, a business that connects certified companies for purpose-driven purchasing.
She shines a new light on how to look at failure. It’s about the life cycle of a project; and the start of something new. And the importance of shepherding an idea. She said, don’t worry about how it’s going to happen, just focus that it will happen.
Tracy Brumfield, executive director and founder of Rise Up news talks about how she is serving the incarcerated who don't have resources to re-enter society.
Her recovery story is remarkable and listen when Sarah asks her what to do when you see a homeless person asking for money. It is a great reminder about humanity.
Lean into discomfort as Sarah Brown talks to Suzie McIlvain, therapist who specializes in trauma and PTSD. They discuss the Wise Mind, stuck points, and how the power and control lies within ourselves.
Brian Tome, Senior Pastor of Crossroads church (1 of the fastest growing Christian churches) talks about his new book, The 5 Marks of a Man; how he found his job at Crossroads from an ad in a magazine and how he overcame the death of a volunteer who died at their annual Christmas show.
And talk about being stretched. He has dreamt big and delivered on many of those ideas (not all) but many. And he reminds us that... "Not being stretched - I don’t see how that’s healthy; it is part of how are supposed to be as humans and how we add value to the world."
Mary Miller, President of Jancoa Janitorial Services inspires me on so many levels. She talks about focusing on what you are grateful for and how you can attract more of it. We need to treat ourselves as our most important customer. Therefore, give yourself the time and attention you need.
Additionally, prioritize the aspects of your life that are important and create a habit around it. Put it on paper - write it down and then schedule time for it. Also, be aware of your inner critic; don't allow the inner critic to be louder than the inner coach.
Book references: "The Power of Habits" and "The Willpower Instinct".
The founders of Cincy Shirts, Josh Sneed and Darin Overholser have had a few business partners come and go but it was their determination to listen to their customers and be agile to the business model that made the difference. And that same determination got them at the right time at the right place. Case and point: listen when they talk about FC and Cincinnati's one and only hippo, Fiona.
Jill Meyer, President & CEO of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, talks about finding her passion and why she does NOT like talking about work life balance.
What would you do if you had an active shooter scene and a subordinate who said, I”m taking this over. Listen as Maris Herold, Chief of Police, speaks about this story and how it changed her career.
She also speaks about how policing has changed and what it was like to be a woman in male dominated field.
Cincinnati’s favorite visual artist, Pam Kravetz talks to us about how to put together all your unique aspects of self to create YOU.
Rich Boehne, previous CEO of The E.W. Scripps Company, failed out of college 3 times before he graduated and at an early age rose to the CEO. He was one of the architects of HGTV and what became The Food Network. He shares his outlook on rejuvenating a dying business to fake news and the 1st amendment.
Why are we always our own worst critics? Nadirah Mutala tells us to resist being our own worst critics and to use and listen to “external confirmations” from others to guide us toward new opportunities and possibilities.
Paul Smith, an author, trainer and podcaster specializes in the power of Storytelling. His shares 2 powerful stories. 1 about a letter his father wrote him and another about swimming piggies.
I love this quote: "If you are the only person you are disappointing by not achieving our dream then it’s probably fine. All of us have someone else that wants to see us achieve our dream. If won’t do it for your sake, do it for them."
Paul Smith Books: Lead with a Story (Amazon #1 Bestseller in Business Communication)https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0814420303/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0814420303&linkCode=as2&tag=pausmispetraa-20
Sell with a Story (Amazon #1 Bestseller in Sales and Selling)https://www.amazon.com/Sell-Story-Capture-Attention-Build/dp/0814437117/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1459376833&sr=1-2&keywords=sell+with+a+story&linkCode=sl1&tag=pausmispetraa-20&linkId=c38689e2d031bcd8b235f6b541c546b2
Parenting with a Story https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/081443357X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=081443357X&linkCode=as2&tag=pausmispetraa-20&linkId=U6ZNYJIWUSFBVWQA
In this "mini" podcast, Liz Tilton shares how beekeeping found her and how she faced her fears of working with bees. Listen for all the ways we can learn from bees.
Scott Mautz, accomplished author and speaker, talks about how fear of failure sucks our power and inspiration - it blocks action. Learn how he overcame multiple no's to get his book published. And how he tried one last time and got a yes that launched his writing and speaking career.
Anyah Land, speaker and HR professional talks about managing stress through personal ownership and that failure is NOT fatal.
Rob McDonald, attorney and founder of The Brandery, talks about failure in the venture capital world and is it more socially acceptable to fail as a woman or a man.
Neuroscience expert, Sara Hyzdu tells us the sabertooth tiger is no longer a threat but as humans, we scan for social threats 5x/second. What are your social threats? A boss wanting to talk to you in their office; a spouse saying, we need to talk. Learn how to manage those innate fears that get in our way of joy and success.
After 23 years in a senior level position at P&G, Kirk Perry tells us why he felt called to uproot his family and move to CA to become President of Brand Solutions at Google.
Mike Hoeting, owner of Bang Zoom Design, a toy company, talks about his closet called the land of misfit toys. He believes that if he doesn’t have a room full of rejections he’s not trying hard enough.
Kurt Platte, successful businessman, architect and a warrior against the heroin epidemic or as he says, the addiction epidemic.
Lynn Meyers, CEO of Cincinnati Ensemble Theatre, talks about how to keep the theatre viable in a tough neighborhood by connecting with the community. She also tells a pretty great story about a drug dealer and a case of Heineken.
Chris Cicchinelli, CEO of Pure Romance, talks about living a life by design, not default. AND he graduated 2nd to last in his high school class!
Beth Silvers, podcast star of Pantsuit Politics, talks about the current political climate, a perceived failed election (on both sides) and how to re-engage in politics in a positive way.
Who has ever made it big and thought, they are going to realize I have no idea what I'm doing? David Falk, successful chef, talks about imposter syndrome.
Natasia Malaihollo, founder & CEO of Wyzerr, talks about the miracles she experienced on her way to securing funding and you won't believe how she lived on basically NO money.
Tony Miller, founder and CEO of Jancoa Janitorial Services, talks about his 3 greatest gifts: alcoholism, 3 marriages and diabetes.