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Empowered Human Academy

Empowered Human Academy

By Lightward Inc

We believe that we’re all meant to live our most expansive lives possible—but it can be overwhelming knowing where to begin, and feeling stuck is real. Empowered Human Academy exists to unlock your imagination with real conversations with inspiring humans of all different kinds, sharing the wisdom they've gained in their respective fields. Throughout these episodes we’ll explore holistic wellness, activism, self-discovery, emotional intelligence, and more. We’ve gathered some of the most heart-forward humans we know all in one place and we can’t wait for you to meet them.
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Abe Lopez: The Edge of Newness

Empowered Human AcademyNov 02, 2021

00:00
58:27
Isaac Bowen: The Space of Aliveness

Isaac Bowen: The Space of Aliveness

To close out this season, we’re shaking things up a bit. Writer and producer Rebekah Pahl is interviewing Isaac, and they discuss the starting point of identity, collaboration, evaluating old narratives, feeling for the space of aliveness, and Isaac’s musings on what’s going on here with this whole experiment of existence.

As a Wonderer and the CEO of Lightward, Isaac gives careful attention and presence to the evolution of his own identity, as well as Lightward’s—and it’s a treat to hear him unpack why identity is a resonating theme in his life.

As this iteration of Empowered Human Academy comes to a close, this conversation is both a fitting bookend and thoughtful framework for the art and exploration to come. There’s so much light ahead! With deep, deep gratitude and joy for what this chapter has meant to us, we give you our very last episode of season 1.

Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/53—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here!

Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: Where are you sensing the aliveness in your life right now?

Journal Prompt: Take internal inventory re: your relationship with collaboration. How would you describe it? Does it light you up, do you find yourself avoiding it—and why?

Action Step: Find an artifact that represents where you are in your journey right now. What does this say about you in your most present self and expression?

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Follow Isaac on Instagram: @isaacbowen

Walt Whitman quote 

This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Nov 09, 202101:03:18
Abe Lopez: The Edge of Newness
Nov 02, 202158:27
Rebecca Fralick: Stepping Into Integrity

Rebecca Fralick: Stepping Into Integrity

Rebecca Fralick is a chef and the owner of Mara’s Cafe based in Wisconsin. She’s a powerhouse business owner and is crystal clear about her values—she’s only interested in opportunities that deeply align with her intuition. Alongside her business endeavors, she’s also a mom, wife, and lover of plants, sunshine, good coffee, and tacos. Rebecca thinks in flavor profiles and makes decisions with the inner compass of integrity. She’s made it her mission for her insides to match her outsides—and it’s working. She’s only growing more unstoppable, the more she lives what she knows.

Throughout this conversation we discuss moving beyond fundamentalism, getting clear about your values, how her business outlived the fail-date she had in mind, the difference between hope that’s native and hope that’s handed, listening to your gut, and surviving domestic violence.

Despite the darkness Rebecca’s encountered in her past, the native and very real hope inside her is shining brighter than ever.

Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/51—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here! And if you want to take an even deeper dive, we've also recorded a bonus episode (available only via Apple Podcasts) where we digest the conversation's themes and swap art recommendations—it's a lot of fun. 


Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: What's a way that you're currently bringing your insides to match your outsides? 

Journal Prompt: Is there something inside me that I haven’t fully brought to my external world yet? 

Action Step: Find a way to weave in a sense of “play” into your work this week.


View the printable worksheet on Google Docs


Further exploration:

Follow Rebecca’s work on Instagram: @matenaercatering 

Learn more about Rebecca’s work: matenaercatering.com

Notes from a Young Black Chef: A Memoir by Joshua David Stein and Kwame Onwuachi

The Art of Flavor: Practices and Principles for Creating Delicious Food by Daniel Patterson and Mandy Aftel

Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/


This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Oct 26, 202101:00:13
Jim Jacoby: Live Your Truth & Let The World Reorganize

Jim Jacoby: Live Your Truth & Let The World Reorganize

During the first chapter of his career, Jim Jacoby built a successful, privately-owned agency pioneering user-centered design in finance, healthcare, tech, and manufacturing. Then, at the peak of his success, he took a step back and commissioned a world-renowned designer to build a revolutionary motorcycle. Jim studied the methods and behaviors behind the process, then codified his findings into a system that could be applied in any industry—giving a modern, 21st century twist to the idea of Craftsmanship. Jim then reimagined a user-centered design firm from the ground up, launched an executive coaching program, and established a fine-dining venue.

We first met Jim a few years ago at a Sofar Sounds show in Chicago. He and his partner Molly were hosting the concert, and their home environment immediately drew us in. And the more we’ve come to know Jim, the resonance has only grown. Not only has he moved through some courageous shifts in his career and personal life, but he’s also mined some profound insights along the way.

Throughout this conversation we discuss the difference between strength and courage, honoring your truth, and finding patience in the process. Jim’s life is a powerful example of the joy that’s waiting for us all on the other side of honoring one’s truth. We loved this hour with Jim and hope it sparks something in you, too.

Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/50—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here! And if you want to take an even deeper dive, we've also recorded a bonus episode (available only via Apple Podcasts) where we digest the conversation's themes and swap art recommendations—it's a lot of fun.


Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: What's a courageous choice you've made that might not stand out from the outside looking in, but was profoundly significant to you? How did that choice shift your life?

Journal Prompt: This is what’s important to me when it comes to my environment... 

Action Step: Write down a list of what you want—the bolder the better.


View the printable worksheet on Google Docs


Further exploration:

Follow Jim on Instagram: @jim_jacoby

Follow Jim’s restaurant on Instagram: @saintemeric

Follow Jim & Molly’s space on Instagram: @saintemericishome

www.admci.org

www.studio4dc.com

www.saintemeric.com

www.bienvillelegacy.com

A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho



This is a production of Lightward, Inc.


Oct 19, 202156:05
Ian Day: Showing Up As You Are

Ian Day: Showing Up As You Are

Today’s guest is someone who’s part of our daily life—our dear friend, and Lightward’s Wellness Advisor, Ian Day. We’ve known Ian for almost five years now and we’re so grateful to be doing life alongside him. Ian’s a whimsical blend of wellness knowledge and good-hearted fun—and as you’ll soon hear for yourself, the path to self-acceptance hasn’t been an easy one. He’s done the soul-work of getting quiet inside to discover who he is and to find his grounding in a self-love that’s not up for debate—and he shares that story with us here.

Throughout this conversation we discuss engaging life with playfulness, shedding self-consciousness, embracing imperfection, showing up as you are, and his journey to becoming sober. We recorded this conversation a few days before Ian’s 30th birthday, so it felt really significant to enter into that reflective space with him—reflecting on not only how far he’s come, but also the aliveness in how he’s continuing to grow. We love Ian so much and are thrilled for you to hear his open, radiant, and generous heart—as well as some wellness tips sprinkled in along the way.


Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/49—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here! And if you want to take an even deeper dive, we've also recorded a bonus episode (available only via Apple Podcasts) where we digest the conversation's themes and swap art recommendations—it's a lot of fun.


Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: In your own life, what's the relationship between self-acceptance and your ability to fully show up as you are?

Journal Prompt: This is what it means to show up as myself...

Action Step: Identify an area of your life where you feel resistance to asking for help. Share what you learn with a trusted friend and consider how you might take a small step toward asking for support in a tangible way.


View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Follow Ian on Instagram: @ian_day_

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz

You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero


This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Oct 12, 202149:24
Thorin Decatur: Learning Is A Constant State

Thorin Decatur: Learning Is A Constant State

Today’s guest is our dear friend Thorin Decatur— who also happens to be our barber. Whether through his profession or as a present father to his kids, Thorin stays energized by constantly learning. While the overarching societal trend tells us to stop exploring as we grow older, Thorin is actively choosing to stay open by way of compassion and curiosity. He’s a refreshing example of how the expansiveness of allowing ourselves to feel everything far outweighs the safety of remaining in old patterns that don’t fit anymore.

Throughout this conversation we discuss breaking patterns of pessimism, creating your own reality, learning what your body needs, setting small goals, fatherhood, compassion as a path to what’s possible, and staying focused on what’s right in front of you. Thorin’s an expansive soul and is bringing so much good to the world simply by being himself. His passion for learning is contagious and it felt really special to capture some of his essence here.


Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/48—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here! And if you want to take an even deeper dive, we've also recorded a subscribers-only bonus episode (available only via Apple Podcasts) where we digest the conversation's themes and swap art recommendations—it's a lot of fun.


Keep the conversation going...


Table Question: Where is your curiosity currently leading you?

Journal Prompt: Which emotion has been the hardest for you to access, and what have you discovered as you’ve allowed yourself to feel it?

Action Step: Make a conscious effort to seek out some good news this week.


View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Follow Thorin on Instagram: @thorin_d


This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Oct 05, 202149:29
Amanda Ewing: The Journey Is The Dream

Amanda Ewing: The Journey Is The Dream

Amanda Ewing is a Nashville-based luthier (violin-maker)—and is the first Black female luthier on record. She’s been apprenticing with her teacher since 2018, honing the intricacies of her craft—and there are many of them! On average, it takes about 250 hours and about 56 parts to make a violin. Amanda’s not only keeping a highly-detailed art form alive—she’s also changing the trajectory of a field that’s been strategically exclusive to white males for 500 years.

Throughout this conversation we discuss pursuing joy as a pathway to purpose, making your own space for what you want to do in the world, staying grounded in the midst of what you can’t control, using your platform for representation, existing in a space of allowance, and co-creating with your life.

Amanda holds a powerfully expansive vision for creating more inclusive tables for people who've been historically excluded. We're incredibly energized by her light—and we're thrilled for you to be, too.


Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/47—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here! And if you want to take an even deeper dive, we've also recorded a subscribers-only bonus episode (available only via Apple Podcasts) where we digest the conversation's themes and swap art recommendations—it's a lot of fun.


Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: How do you feel your soul’s purpose transcends your specific line of work, and how does it feel at home in your current expression?

Journal Prompt: Write about a time when following your joy revealed something to you about your purpose.

Action Step: Make a list of what you’ve been through already—taking stock of how you’ve expanded in the past as an encouragement to keep moving forward into your future.


View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Follow Amanda on Instagram: @lovinglyamanda & @lovinglydemeoviolins

Watch I Am Not Your Guru on Netflix

Read the Nashville Scene article

Follow #luthiersofcolor on Instagram


This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Sep 28, 202101:02:24
Mladen Rangelov: Creating An Environment of Care

Mladen Rangelov: Creating An Environment of Care

Mladen Rangelov is a product leader and team builder at Shopify, and he self-describes as a life-learner who’s energized by building environments in which teams can thrive. Born in what was then Yugoslavia, and growing up in the middle of a war—Mladen holds a unique perspective on making the most of being alive and leaning into vulnerable and tough conversations, from a place of empathy and positive intent.

Throughout this conversation we discuss prioritizing self-care in a leadership role, creating an environment for healthy feedback and debate, reframing deadlines, discerning when to be assertive and when to allow, holding non-judgmental space for differing motivations, leadership as unlocking the potential in others, and care as mutual growth.

In the tech space where burnout and turnover rates have been high, Mladen is forging a thoughtful path toward thriving and longevity. Whatever line of work you’re in, there’s a lot here that can be applied to all of life—so we’re thrilled to share this conversation with you.


Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/46—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here! And if you want to take an even deeper dive, we've also recorded a subscribers-only bonus episode (available only via Apple Podcasts) where we digest the conversation's themes and swap art recommendations—it's a lot of fun.


Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: What’s something you’re experimenting with or have woven in when it comes to creating an environment of care, wherever you are?

Journal Prompt: This is what motivates me...

Action Step: Create a list of your current personal values. What’s on your “must-have” list, and what’s on your “nice-to-have” list?

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Connect with Mladen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mladenr

This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Sep 21, 202158:10
Yumin Wong: You Learn As Long As You Live

Yumin Wong: You Learn As Long As You Live

Yumin Wong was born and raised in Singapore, then moved to the U.S. for college—and is now a staff software engineer at GitHub. She’s also the mother of a two-year old and is expecting baby #2 in just a few weeks. Yumin integrates her love for these co-existing parts of herself by exploring the parallels between parenting and engineering—or as she calls it, “parengineering”.

Throughout this conversation we discuss growing into confidence, compartmentalizing your work life while still being genuine, learning flexibility, balancing career and parenting, and the lineage of powerful women that she comes from.

As you’ll hear in the conversation, Yumin is right on the cusp of a move back to Singapore, so it felt very special to get this snapshot of all the feels surrounding that decision and hear how her mother’s boldness has shaped her into the powerful woman she is today.


Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/45—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here! And if you want to take an even deeper dive, we've also recorded a bonus episode (available only via Apple Podcasts) where we digest the conversation's themes and swap art recommendations—it's a lot of fun. Typically these bonus episodes are subscribers-only, but this week we're opening it up to everyone so you can get a taste of the party that's happening there. 


Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: What’s an empowering message, quality, or memory you’ve received from your lineage?

Journal Prompt: Write about what you hope to carry forward from your lineage and then describe an area in which you hope to pivot and do something different in your life.

Action Step: Write yourself a letter from the future version of you. Equipped with what your future version knows, what do they have to tell you right now?


View the printable worksheet on Google Docs


Further exploration:

Follow Yumin on Instagram: @yoomin19

Find Yumin on Twitter/GitHub/Peloton: @itsbagpack

This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Sep 14, 202154:27
Christian Picciolini: Rebuilding With Universal Glue

Christian Picciolini: Rebuilding With Universal Glue

Christian Picciolini is an award-winning television producer, public speaker, author, peace advocate, and former violent extremist. After leaving the white-supremacist skinhead movement he was part of during the 1980s and 90s, Christian began the process of making amends and creating a new life. He went on to receive a degree in international relations from DePaul University and launched Goldmill Group, a counter-extremism consulting and digital media firm. In 2016, he won an Emmy for producing an anti-hate advertising campaign aimed at helping people disengage from extremism and today he leads the Free Radicals Project, a global extremism prevention network. Since leaving the white-power movement, Christian has helped hundreds of individuals leave hate behind as well.

Throughout this conversation we discuss self-forgiveness, redemption, combating misinformation, confronting racism, second chances, holding power accountable, and the universal glue that holds us all together.

Christian has written about his involvement with and exit from organized hate in his memoir, White American Youth, and he’s the featured subject in season 3 of WBEZ’s “Motive” podcast. He unpacks his disengagement work further in his 2020 book, Breaking Hate: Confronting the New Culture of Extremism, as well as in the MSNBC documentary series of the same name. Christian hosts the “F*** Your Racist History” podcast, a scripted history show that tells America's hidden, overlooked, and unknown racist origin stories. Christian’s message of peace through empathy and compassion has taken him all over the world and we’re honored to share his story here.

Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/44—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here! And if you want to take an even deeper dive, we've also recorded a subscribers-only bonus episode (available only via Apple Podcasts) where we digest the conversation's themes and swap art recommendations—it's a lot of fun.


Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: What is your current litmus test for determining truth?

Journal Prompt: Describe the kind of world that you want to help build. What does it look like, what does it feel like?

Action Step: Reflect on how you might help dismantle the “othering” that you see in your specific ecosystem and circle of influence.


View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Learn more about Christian’s work: christianpicciolini.com

F*** Your Racist History podcast

Follow Christian on Twitter: @cpicciolini

Read White American Youth

Read Breaking Hate

This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Sep 07, 202155:33
Antonia Coffelt: In Lockstep With Serendipity

Antonia Coffelt: In Lockstep With Serendipity

Today’s guest is the intuitive, the powerful, Antonia Coffelt. We first met Antonia in Chicago a few years ago—and the soul kindredness felt electric from the start. With a master’s in Communications from Northwestern University and a passion for human truth, Antonia engages her work as a host, creative director, and founder from a place of inner expansiveness. Through her practice as an experiential marketing and communications consultant, Antonia guides teams to successfully actualize their ideas. And as a C-suite adviser, thought-leader, interviewer, and market researcher, Antonia helps enable clients to actually feel the data and articulate their experiences through insightful, intuitive, and empathetic conversations. Antonia also shares her presence and perspective in her role as the Director of Engagement for UN Women Chicago.

Throughout this conversation we discuss developing tools to navigate reality, discovering your purpose in the human ecosystem, finding play through adventure, spotting aligning intersections in your network, and building intuition within moments of neutrality.

“Life in lockstep with serendipity” is the tagline of Antonia’s company, On A Personal Note, and that’s exactly what being in Antonia’s orbit feels like. Antonia is a heart-expander simply by being herself, and we’re so grateful for how she showed up in her full radiance here.


Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/43—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here! And if you want to take an even deeper dive, we've also recorded a subscribers-only bonus episode (available only via Apple Podcasts) where we digest the conversation's themes and swap art recommendations—it's a lot of fun.


Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: What’s a moment of serendipity you’ve experienced that’s shifted the course of your life in some way?

Journal Prompt: Describe your current relationship to intuition.

Action Step: Take a leisurely walk this week and playfully practice following your intuition, deciding where to turn and where to go.


View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Learn more about Antonia’s work: onapersonalnote.com

Follow Antonia on Instagram: @onapersonalnote_ig

Follow Antonia on Pinterest: @onapersonalnote_pinterest 

A Series of Fortunate Events by Sean B. Carroll

brandedworld.co


This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Aug 31, 202101:02:14
Jedidiah Jenkins: The Devaluation of Certainty

Jedidiah Jenkins: The Devaluation of Certainty

Jedidiah Jenkins is the New York Times bestselling author of two books, To Shake The Sleeping Self—which chronicles his bike trip from Oregon to Patagonia, and his newest release, Like Streams To The Ocean, a collection of essays on ego, love, and the things that make us who we are.

Throughout this conversation we discuss letting go of certainty, shifting belief systems, the journey of embracing his sexuality, writing as an exercise to understand the self, and what it means to live with both malleability and integrity. Jed’s brain beautifully oscillates from the personal to the collective—from topics like growing up gay in the church to the future of humanity. He has a gift for assigning language to things that feel scattered and complex until he gathers them into a clear-eyed, yet open-handed, cohesion. We really loved this hour with Jed and are stoked for you to hear it.

Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/42—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here! And if you want to take an even deeper dive, we've also recorded a subscribers-only bonus episode where we digest the conversation's themes and swap art recommendations—it's a lot of fun.

Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: Has devaluing certainty played a role in your own spiritual evolution? If so, what has that looked like?

Journal Prompt: This is what it means for me to live in my integrity....

Action Step: Order Jed’s books, then curl up with your favorite drink and get lost in the adventure for a while ;)

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Follow Jed on Instagram: @jedidiahjenkins

To Shake The Sleeping Self: A Journey from Oregon to Patagonia, and a Quest for a Life with No Regret

Like Streams To The Ocean: Notes On Love, Ego, and the Things That Make Us Who We Are


This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Aug 24, 202156:22
Melissa Urban: The Cycle of Truthfulness

Melissa Urban: The Cycle of Truthfulness

The truth-teller and legend Melissa Urban is here, dropping her wisdom—so buckle up. Melissa is the co-founder, CEO, and spark behind the Whole30 program. She’s a six-time New York Times bestselling author, host of the podcast Do The Thing, and is also a prominent keynote speaker on social media and branding, health trends, and entrepreneurship. Melissa is a beacon of light in the world of wellness, and ranks #19 on Greatist’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Health and Fitness.

Throughout this conversation we discuss living in your truth, the difference between intimate vs. personal, examining limiting stories, perception and manifestation, modeling the behavior you want your team to embrace, cultivating contentment in the pursuit, and building a life that lights you up. Melissa truly glows from the inside out—she’s using her platform in powerful ways and is a shining example of how living in your truth is ultimately the greatest gift we can give the world. There’s so much wisdom, truth, and gold in this conversation—we can’t wait for you to hear it.

Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/41—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here! And if you want to take an even deeper dive, we've also recorded a subscribers-only bonus episode where we digest the conversation's themes and swap art recommendations—it's a lot of fun.


Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: What does truth-telling mean to you? What are the internal calisthenics, pep talks, and reminders you give yourself to stay in your own cycle of truthfulness?

Journal Prompt: What’s something that you’ve seen recently (about life, yourself, what is) that you can’t unsee?

Action Step: Create two lists to distinguish what is “intimate” and what is “personal” to you right now.


View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Follow Melissa on Instagram: @melissau

Follow Whole30 on Instagram: @whole30

Learn more about Melissa’s work: melissau.com

Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life by Byron Katie

Listen to Melissa’s episode on Do The Thing podcast: How I Bomb-Proofed My Self-Confidence


This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Aug 17, 202156:54
Linnea Gits: For The Love of Process

Linnea Gits: For The Love of Process

Linnea Gits is the creative director at Uusi, a design studio based on the idea that life is worth the meaningful effort, and its reward is one of discovery. Both Linnea and her creative partner Peter have a love of traditional craftsmanship, material exploration, and a search for the essential beauty in everyday objects. We first came across Linnea’s work through a project titled “Materia Prima”—a tarot deck inspired by the periodic table and recently picked up by CB2. After two decades in Chicago, Linnea and Peter have relocated to a small 1890’s wood cabin in a remote part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. From this remote sanctuary of quiet and respite, they have expansive conversations with nature that are reflected in their work.

Throughout this conversation we discuss believing in yourself prior to external validation, fearlessness in creativity, managing expectations, outsourcing help, and cultivating patience in the midst of process. As you’ll soon hear for yourself, Linnea is committed to the slow build of creating more of what she wants to see in the world. Her love for process has led her to some exciting places like working with companies like Herman Miller, Design Within Reach, Chronicle Books, Sharpie, Prismacolor, and most recently, Louis Vitton. It was a gift learning from the way that Linnea sees, what keeps her inspired— and we’re honored that she so generously shared herself with us here.

Full show notes, downloadables, and links are also available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/40—and watch the conversation on YouTube here! And if you want to take an even deeper dive, we've recorded a subscribers-only bonus episode where we digest the conversation's themes and swap art recommendations—it's a lot of fun. 


Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: What are you currently discovering about your process?

Journal Prompt: Write about an inner knowing you carry that you may have lost touch with along the way.

Action Step: Make a wish list of things you want to bring into the world.

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs


Further exploration:

Learn more about Linnea and Peter's work: uusi.us 

Follow Uusi on Instagram: @uusidesignstudio

Brain Pickings by Maria Popova

Memoirs, Dreams, Reflections by C.G. Jung

On Being with Krista Tippett

The Unknown Craftsman: A Japanese Insight Into Beauty by Soetsu Yanagi


This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Aug 10, 202157:23
Deborah Ann Baker: Keeping Hope Alive

Deborah Ann Baker: Keeping Hope Alive

Today’s guest is our Denver neighbor, friend, and the owner of Park Hill Yoga, Deborah Baker. As an Iyengar Yoga certified instructor with 30 years of experience, Deborah is sharing her passion for mindfulness and movement through her studio that she’s been running for 25 years now. Alongside her love for yoga, Deborah also has a love for language. She has her Masters in Linguistics, and is fluent in both German and Spanish—basically, Deborah has a love for life and is deeply in love with her own. This past year we’ve witnessed Deborah’s resilience, curiosity, and strength as she’s navigated some health concerns that have put her in touch with the magic of being alive in a whole new way.

Throughout this conversation we discuss strength as curiosity, power in the face of powerlessness, the value of human connection, wiring vs. essence, and staying close to hope in the midst of fear and uncertainty. As Deborah’s been navigating a potentially life-threatening reality, she’s devoted her energy to cherishing the life she has right now, in this breath. She’s chosen a life-affirming perspective—one that she so generously shares with us here. We’re moved by Deborah’s passion for life and hope this conversation might be a portal to this wild miracle of aliveness that’s here for you, too.

Full show notes, downloadables, and links are also available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/39—and watch the conversation on YouTube here


Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: What does hope mean to you, and what keeps you close to that?

Journal Prompt: This is what it means to “hold myself”...

Action Step: Come up with a short, clear list of self-soothing activities and/or mantras that ground you in the midst of overwhelm. Place it somewhere easily-spottable for reference whenever you might need it.

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs


Further exploration:

Man’s Search For Meaning by Victor Frankl

When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Hard Times by Pema Chodron

Learn more about Deborah’s work: parkhillyoga.com


This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Aug 03, 202155:42
David Malki !: Craft, Taste, & The Freedom To Make What You Like

David Malki !: Craft, Taste, & The Freedom To Make What You Like

David Malki ! is the cartoonist and creator behind Wondermark, the inventively playful and poignant comic that we’ve linked below—so do yourself a huge favor and check it out right after listening to the episode. In addition to his creative endeavors with Wondermark, David was also co-editor of the Machine of Death series of fiction anthologies and is presently the director of games development at Cut.com.

Throughout this conversation we discuss developing artistic taste, finding your audience, interacting with feedback, cultivating patience in the midst of process, and deriving your style from your work. Having been at this Wondermark expression for almost 18 years now, David’s made it clear to the universe that he’s here to develop his craft for the long game. He has some insightful reflections on process and building a creative life that he was generous to share with us, and we can’t wait for you to hear them.

Full show notes, downloadables, and links are also available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/38


Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: What have you learned from what other people see in things you make?

Journal Prompt: Identify and describe a recent evolution in your artistic style and/or taste.

Action Step: Ask someone you trust what themes they see in the work that you’re doing in the world. Invite a thoughtful mirroring to get a different perspective on the unique perspective you bring to the world.

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs


Further exploration:

Experience David’s work: wondermark.com

Follow David on Twitter: @malki

Order Machine of Death: A collection of stories about people who know how they will die

Explore the Wondermark series

Pre-order the upcoming game, TBH

Ira Glass quote on the gap between taste and work


This is a production of Lightward, Inc.


Jul 27, 202153:21
Orion Pahl: What Life's Always Been Doing

Orion Pahl: What Life's Always Been Doing

Today’s guest is someone who’s very dear to us—a frequent collaborator who’s filmed the anniversary videos that we make every year. We’ve shared some beautiful moments in some beautiful places over the years, and today’s episode feels like an extension of one of our many heart-expanding conversations—Joshua Tree, the Rocky Mountains, the California redwoods, and now here, with you. Orion Pahl identifies as an artist, space-holder, and healer. As a documentary filmmaker, Orion is currently exploring themes like cultural ideals, feelings, and rituals surrounding death. His most recent film, Bury Me At Taylor Hollow, won Best Tennessee Short at the Nashville Film Festival.

Throughout this conversation we discuss the origin of identity, staying both grounded and adaptable in the midst of growth, and reframing grief as healing energy. In many ways, this hour with Orion is an exploration of consciousness waking up to itself. Consciousness in suspension, curiosity, and participatory evolution. Going off the grid to see what we might find—like exploring the back roads on your way home. Time with Orion is an expansive place to land, and we hope it might be an invitation to lean into your own becoming and growth.

Full show notes, downloadables, and links are also available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/37


Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: What's a recently discovered piece of self-knowledge that felt like a returning, a coming home?

Journal Prompt: How do I learn to be who I am?

Action Step: Write the mantra “My heart is good” in a place you can see it this week.


View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Follow Orion on Instagram: @orionpahl 

Learn more about Orion’s work: orionpahl.com

Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari


This is a production of Lightward, Inc.



Jul 20, 202153:34
Jennifer Detrich Smith: The Order of Balance

Jennifer Detrich Smith: The Order of Balance

Jennifer Detrich Smith is in the business of making something beautiful. She’s both the mother of two as well as the owner of Birdseye Rule, a magical store located in the heart of Logan Square—and it’s one of our favorite shops in Chicago. We first met Jen at an Enneagram panel she hosted in her space and we’ve kept in touch and kept ordering things from her thoughtfully-curated collection ever since.

As you’ll soon hear for yourself, Jen is an expansive soul who’s thought a lot about what she needs to feel centered and optimized so she can stay close to her own creativity. Throughout this conversation we discuss trusting your gut, what truth feels like, rebuilding confidence, defining success, and finding balance amidst a full life. There’s a freeing sense of fluidity in how Jen talks about what she knows—she radiates a rooted confidence but also holds a loose grip knowing that she’s continually evolving. She’s truly delightful and we really enjoyed this hour of exploring what she’s come to know so far.

Full show notes, downloadables, and links are also available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/36


Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: What’s your order of balance list? What’s an area that you’re currently rebalancing?

Journal Prompt: What’s your current definition of success?

Action Step: Pay attention to what truth feels like in your body this week.

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs


Further exploration:

Follow Birdseye Rule on Instagram: @birdseyerule

Learn more about Jen’s work: birdseyerule.com


This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Jul 13, 202147:22
Jake Nickell: Be An Artist

Jake Nickell: Be An Artist

Jake Nickell is the CEO and founder of Threadless, the nexus of a diverse and expansive artist community that partners with those artists to promote and produce their art. In 2000, Threadless began as a t-shirt design company based in Chicago. Since then, Threadless has grown into a fully remote company with a marketplace of full apparel, accessories, and home decor powered by their artist community. In lifting up the creative expression of their artists, Threadless was an early innovator in the new digital economy, showing the world that business can support art, for the benefit of everyone involved. Today, Threadless hosts over 2 million users and continues to evolve— staying true to their mission of giving the creative minds of the world more opportunities to make and sell great art.

Throughout this conversation we discuss flow, simplifying problems to find solutions, stepping back to re-establish your relationship to work, infusing your identity into what you’re making, and the differing energies of making and managing. Wherever you’re at in your own journey— just starting out, taking a step back, or feeling the growing pains of expansion, there’s so much gold here in this conversation and we’re stoked to share it with you.

Full show notes, downloadables, and links are also available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/35

Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: What’s something about you that you’ve clearly infused into your work in the world? In other words, what’s a fingerprint of you in your work in the world?

Journal Prompt: Write about a reference point in your life where you stepped back to re-evaluate your relationship to something and then returned with a different perspective and/or energy. What did you learn from that experience?

Action Step: Identify an activity you enjoy where you experience flow—then find some time this week to do that thing!

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Follow Threadless on Instagram: @threadless

Learn more about Jake’s work: jakenickell.com

Watch Jake’s TEDxBoulder: “Never Stop Making”

Sell your art via Threadless

Explore the Make Time blog

This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Jul 06, 202154:04
Agnes Igoye: The Sky's Not Even The Limit

Agnes Igoye: The Sky's Not Even The Limit

Today’s guest is the effervescent, resilient, and powerful Agnes Igoye. Agnes is Uganda’s Deputy National Coordinator for the prevention of human trafficking and is a Labour Migration Expert at the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. She’s also a Senior New Voices Fellow at the Aspen Institute and teaches an online child protection course at Harvard University.

Agnes has both lived through tremendous hardship and lives with contagious joy. At age 14, Agnes fled from the Lord’s Resistance Army when they raided her village. After a narrow escape, she endured the long journey that eventually led her to a camp for internally displaced people. Agnes’s past has carved a deep empathy and determination inside her, which she’s used as fuel for her impressive career path. Agnes was a Fulbright Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow at the University of Minnesota specializing in Human Trafficking Prevention & Policy, and she studied forced migration at the University of Oxford. She also has her master’s in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School.

Throughout this conversation we discuss nurturing the good in others, how our environments shape us, and finding purpose amidst challenges. Through her work as a mentor at the Clinton Global Initiative, Agnes is actively sharing her wisdom with the next generation and we’re honored she said yes to sharing her story here.

Full show notes, downloadables, and links are also available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/34

Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: Who’s someone who saw and nurtured the good in you before you saw it in yourself?

Journal Prompt: If the sky’s not even the limit, write out a list of dreams you’d dream for yourself.

Action Step: Brainstorm a tangible way to love yourself this week, then do it.

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs


Further exploration: 

Follow Agnes on Facebook


This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Jun 29, 202156:28
Taryn Van Brennan: Choosing How You Want To Survive

Taryn Van Brennan: Choosing How You Want To Survive

If you follow @abelopez on Instagram, you’ve probably seen me post about my #abeminus100 journey. Four years ago, I set a goal to lose 100 pounds, and it set me on a path that has changed my life forever. And in any journey that involves venturing beyond what you’ve known, you’ll meet guides along the way. Today we’re in conversation with one of my guides, Taryn Van Brennan, the registered dietician I’ve worked with for over three years and who has supported me as I’ve shifted into a new way of being in my body. Rather than prescribing a quick fix to shed pounds, Taryn creates space for people to learn how to take control of their own health and wellness by teaching them the skills to properly fuel and trust their bodies for the long game.

Throughout this conversation we explore slowing down, optimizing your survival with food and nutrition, behavioral change, burnout, and sustainability. One of the many reasons why Taryn’s approach is so transformative is because of her emphasis on incremental change. She’s taught me how to celebrate the small wins as new patterns take root over time. We’re so thrilled to share Taryn’s expertise with you here—the way she’s using her knowledge to empower others is truly a gift.

Full show notes, downloadables, and links are also available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/33

Keep the conversation going...


Table Question: What’s something that once felt like an insurmountable challenge that now feels approachable? How does your approach to challenge feel different than before?

Journal Prompt: Given that change is always happening, and that we have agency in unlocking that change—what’s something you want to hold the keys to, better?

Action Step: Take a walk outside this week to slow down and see your surroundings.


View the printable worksheet on Google Docs


This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Jun 22, 202156:59
April Gustafson: Opening Doors To Better Worlds

April Gustafson: Opening Doors To Better Worlds

April Gustafson is a data engineer at Spotify and is opening doors to better worlds through math and science. After working as a science teacher for both middle and high school students, April went to grad school for computer science and has kept the throughline of her purpose clear even as she’s pivoted careers. Fueled by the desire to make science accessible to those who have typically been shut out of the equation, April is holding the door open for a more diverse range of perspectives.

Throughout this conversation we explore redefining your purpose, grounding your identity in spiritual reality, examining false narratives, and daring yourself to start something new.  As you’ll soon hear for yourself, April has a big heart and with it she’s dreaming up better worlds—for both herself and others. We’re grateful for how April shared herself with us here and hope this conversation might spark some curiosity about how your own unique path might be opening up doors for those coming up behind you, too.


Full show notes, downloadables, and links are also available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/32

Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: Have you ever had a memorable spiritual experience? What did it feel like in your body?

Journal Prompt: What’s a false narrative that often returns as a loop inside your head?

Action Step: Hold that false narrative up to the light, examine it, and now write out a counter to it. What might be true instead? Dare to imagine a better world for yourself.

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs


Further exploration:

Watch April’s YouTube series: The Scientific Implications of Taking Song Lyrics Literally

Start With Why by Simon Sinek

Beginner’s Pluck: Build Your Life of Purpose and Impact Now by Liz Forkin Bohannon

Surrender To Love by David G. Benner


This is a production of Lightward, Inc.


Jun 08, 202151:42
Trace Le: The Tension Is A Signal I’m Doing It Right

Trace Le: The Tension Is A Signal I’m Doing It Right

Today we’re diving into all the feelings with our guest—the artist, writer, and singer known as Trace. Based in LA, Trace has been releasing songs since 2016 when she brought her first project, the Low EP, to life through a Kickstarter campaign. Low garnered over 20 million streams and opened the door to her first record deal with Ultra Records. Now shifting into releasing music independently, Trace continues to evolve with each new release, lending her voice to raise awareness for anxiety in the music industry and to stop Asian hate. She’s been featured in Refinery 29, Teen Vogue, NYLON, Forbes, and has over 55 million streams across her catalog. She has a brand new song out called “Sucker Punch” that we’ve linked in the show notes— so go listen as soon as you finish this episode.

Throughout this conversation we discuss Asian-American identity, the relationship between anxiety and control, staying soft alongside ambition, and creating art from a place of love and calm. We really loved getting to learn from Trace’s insights and wisdom—both just as beautiful and resonant as the music she creates.

Full show notes, downloadables, and links are also available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/31

Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: Inspired by Trace’s reflection that tension can be a sign that you’re doing it right, what’s a current tension that you’re holding space for in your life?

Journal Prompt: What does “flow” feel like to you?

Action Step: Record a voice note for your future self and title it “Listen To On A Shitty Day”. What would you want to tell yourself on a day when the truth of who you are feels harder to access?

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Follow TRACE on Instagram: @trace

Listen to Sucker Punch on Spotify

Learn more about Trace’s work: listentotrace.com

Dope AF Spotify playlist

@asianmentalhealthcollective

Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong


This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

May 25, 202157:13
BONUS EPISODE: ON AIR w/ Abe, Isaac, & Rebekah
May 20, 202126:26
Jing Gao: Coming Back To Self

Jing Gao: Coming Back To Self

Jing Gao is the founder and CEO of Fly By Jing, a modern Asian food brand that’s on a mission to bring diversity to the natural food space. After being featured in the New York Times right as quarantine began last year, Fly By Jing skyrocketed and has been growing at a rapid pace—and it’s the kind of growth that feels so grounded that we couldn’t help but feel curious about the soul behind the magic. And that’s just what this conversation is: an exploration of the relationship between soul and its expression.

Throughout this conversation we discuss listening for inner truth and alignment, Jing’s journey of reclaiming her birth name, carving out solitary time for deep work, and the role of intuition in making business decisions. We talk Enneagram, Human Design, spiritual guides, and what it’s like to embody a public-facing role as an introvert. There’s nothing more magnetic than a human who’s truly claiming all of who they are, and Jing is an inspiring example of someone who’s doing that sacred work. We truly loved this conversation and hope you’ll find some resonance here, too.

Full show notes, downloadables, and links are also available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/30

Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: Share about a time of realignment in your life. What did that time of shifting look like and how does that self-discovery now inform the way you engage with life, work, and the world?

Journal Prompt: Who do you consider to be your spiritual guides? What have you learned from them?

Action Step: Identify a recently-discovered inner truth and if it feels good to do so, make a point to communicate it to a trusted friend.

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Follow Jing on Instagram: @flybyjing

Learn more about Fly By Jing 

Shop Fly By Jing

Fly By Jing featured in the New York Times

Pre-order a Take Care Tote in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month

Learn more about your Human Design chart


This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

May 18, 202152:36
Myeashea Alexander: Being Ready For It

Myeashea Alexander: Being Ready For It

Today’s guest is Creative and Science Communicator, Myeashea Alexander. Abe first met Myeashea a few years ago through his work with the Clinton Foundation and has been consistently inspired by her power, perspective, and personhood ever since. Currently based in New York, Myeashea manages the Clinton Global Initiative University Commitment Mentor program. She holds a Bachelor’s in Culture & Media from The New School and a Master’s in Anthropology. Throughout this conversation we discuss psychological safety, building communities where you feel supported and believed in, the dynamic between individual empowerment and systemic structures that stand in the way, and the strength in vulnerability. We’re so grateful for Myeashea’s generosity and transparency in sharing her experience as a Black woman navigating systemic racism in the workplace—an injustice that won’t change unless we face it and talk about it head-on. Myeashea is truly incredible and we were honored she said “yes” to this conversation.
May 11, 202153:48
Frances Macleod: Giving Yourself Permission

Frances Macleod: Giving Yourself Permission

Today’s guest is an immensely talented visual artist and designer, and our friend, Frances Macleod. Both dynamic and delightful, Frances is an artist who’s continually following her curiosity—and it’s taken her to some rad places so far. With a background in art direction and graphic design, Frances has worked with a wide range of brands and agencies including Barnes & Noble, Coors Light, Chipotle, and even spent time being the designer in residence for Facebook New York’s Analog Research Lab where she worked on projects exploring pattern, process, and paying attention. In 2019, Frances published her first book, "You’ve Totally Got This". Throughout this conversation we discuss practicing patience in the creative process, the value in surrounding yourself with beauty, giving yourself permission to follow your curiosity, and cultivating confidence in your work. As humans who are deeply interested in the creative process ourselves, getting to hear more about Frances’s relationship to her own process was truly enriching—we really enjoyed this conversation and think you’ll dig it, too.
May 04, 202151:36
Rebekah Pahl: Life Wants To Be Lived

Rebekah Pahl: Life Wants To Be Lived

Today’s guest is our dear friend and writer for the Lightward team, Rebekah Pahl. Rebekah typically writes these intros, but we’re taking over this week so she can get the Full Guest Treatment. We’ve known Rebekah for almost eight years now—our paths first crossed while we were living in California, and we’ve witnessed up close her artistic evolution as a songwriter, musician, and writer. We wrote our wedding vows to her song “Canyons” and have hosted a couple of her living room concerts over the years. This friendship just keeps on growing as she’s now a writer on our team—it’s as if the universe was like, “I’m very serious about your souls hanging out with each other in this life.” We’re having a lot of fun, and I (Isaac) personally feel lucky as hell to see a good friend explore and flex her ability, up close, and in so many ways.

Throughout this conversation we discuss forging a creative path with minimal reference points, existing in uncertainty, the dance between action and surrender, finding comfort in mystery when the world feels heavy, and what our souls came here to do. We really loved getting this window into Rebekah’s mind, and can’t wait to keep contemplating the mysteries of the universe over a glass of wine with her once it’s safe to do so.
Apr 06, 202158:15
Rich Holton: Listening Your Way Into Self-Discovery

Rich Holton: Listening Your Way Into Self-Discovery

Today’s guest is our dear friend Rich Holton, who self-describes first and foremost as a listener. As an actor, he harnesses that ability of listening to the world around him—staying close to what life brings to the surface. Based in Chicago, Rich has appeared on Chicago PD and renowned theatres like Steppenwolf, Goodman, and Second City.

Rich was our personal trainer for two years while we were living in Chicago, so we got to experience his resilience and dedication to his craft up close. That inner fire and drive he carries is one of the many reasons why we wanted to have him on the podcast. Throughout this conversation we discuss the value of listening, knowing your why, viewing the world as a benevolent place, the message underneath the fear, and working out as a way of choosing bravery when you feel small.

There’s a special kind of energy that comes from staying open to believing that the universe is benevolent even as you’re figuring yourself out, and Rich embodies that. We really loved this conversation and we’re stoked to share it with you.
Mar 30, 202157:10
Jonny Mendez & Aimée Mazzenga: Let's Make This Special

Jonny Mendez & Aimée Mazzenga: Let's Make This Special

In celebration of our 25th episode, we’re trying something new this week—interviewing our first couple! We invited two of our dearest friends, Jonny Mendez and Aimée Mazzenga, for one intimate and lively conversation. Jonny and Aimée have been together for nine years and married for almost five. As artists, they’re both extremely talented in their creative fields. Aimée’s an interior photographer, and Jonny a musician. (Fun fact: Jonny composed the intro music you hear at the beginning of this podcast).

Throughout this conversation we explore communication in marriage and partnership, the value of therapy, self-awareness, family of origin, advocating for your inner child, the importance of play, and taking the time to make moments special. We’re huge fans of Jonny and Aimée as individuals as well as the energy they create together. Their relationship is a reminder of what’s possible in partnership when you’re committed to keep shedding unhelpful narratives in order to keep growing into your truest self. This conversation was a lot of fun and we’re excited to share it with you.
Mar 23, 202101:03:40
Chloe Shovein: Standing In Your Magic

Chloe Shovein: Standing In Your Magic

Chloe Shovein is a women’s health coach who thoughtfully supports her clients to operate from self-love and confidence, rather than guilt and shame. With a background in sociology, Chloe brings an understanding of systems and advocates for a holistic wellness approach built to last. Chloe is a bright and multi-faceted light in the realm of wellness, focusing on empowering her clients to author their own goals so they’re rooted in what they want, rather than in the harmful standards propagated by diet culture.

Throughout this conversation we discuss behavioral change, vulnerability, pursuing health from a place of self-love rather than self-hate, and the shift from external validation to internal acceptance. We also explore the benefits of outsourcing the things that don’t light you up so you can optimize your energy for what does. Chloe is an inspiring example of what it means to stand in your magic, and how living from a deep, true place of confidence invites others to do the same. We really enjoyed this conversation and are excited to share it with you.
Mar 16, 202153:00
Lola Wright: Connecting With Your Aliveness

Lola Wright: Connecting With Your Aliveness

Lola Wright is a Holy Disruptor and Guide—weaving together the mystical and material to help people listen for their own internal wisdom. She hosts a podcast called Find Your Fierce & Loving which we highly recommend (and linked below). For many years Lola also served as the CEO of Bodhi Center, an organization committed to personal transformation, collective awakening, conscious activism, and community building. The common thread woven through all of her work is the belief that when one of us lives more freely, humanity itself becomes more free. This conversation took so many fun twists and turns, some being spiritual partnership, aliveness, paradox, delusion of the ego, and how we can choose to create more breathing room between stimulus and response. We learned so much from Lola’s insights—she’s a force of love in the world and we’re grateful for her light. This conversation energized us and we hope it might do the same for you.
Mar 09, 202101:00:51
Alicia Kiewitt: Presence, Desire, & Staying Awake To Life

Alicia Kiewitt: Presence, Desire, & Staying Awake To Life

Alicia Kiewitt is a magic-maker to her core. She’s beloved by everyone who knows her—and it won’t take you long to understand why. As a thoughtful curator and designer of social spaces, she’s deeply gifted at creating environments that foster soul connection. As a trained spiritual director, she companions people as they explore, notice, and get to know their interior lives. With a deeply held belief that all of life is spiritual, she holds space for others to gather mind and body into a place of deep listening and quiet.

In many ways, this is a conversation about presence. As a self-described Enneagram 9, Alicia lets us in on her journey of learning to allow herself to experience life from her own lens and feeling her own strength. We discuss staying awake to life, noticing the beauty in others as well as in yourself, the risk of desire, and living from a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity.

Alicia is actively engaged in being awake to life—her generous and playful spirit has been a safe place for us to land over and over again. There are so many gems of insight throughout this conversation and we’re really excited to share it with you.
Mar 02, 202149:03
Nate Bacott: Being At Home With Yourself

Nate Bacott: Being At Home With Yourself

This week’s guest is our personal trainer and dear friend, Nate Bacott. With a background in both Human Development and Positive Coaching Psychology, Nate brings a refreshing and nuanced perspective to the world of fitness. His coaching clients range from Olympic and Crossfit athletes to young kids. Whoever the client, he thoughtfully listens to their individual goals and circumstances in order to help them discover their own power to sustain them for the long game. We’re clients of Nate’s, ourselves, and Nate has been an integral part of helping us build healthy workout rhythms into our days—which have added up to a happier, more grounded life over time.

Throughout this conversation we explore the idea of sustainable fitness, how to give yourself time and space to anchor to the moment, and what it means to walk yourself into the answers you already know. We loved getting to unpack Nate’s philosophy on life, emotions, and wellness. He shows up with his full self—you can feel that.
Feb 23, 202101:01:00
Erin Holden: Finding Freedom In Chosen Anchors

Erin Holden: Finding Freedom In Chosen Anchors

Today’s guest is our dear friend of many, many years—Erin Holden. Erin currently lives in Chicago and works as a nurse in the intensive care unit, so in other words—a hero. Our deepest gratitude to all the frontline workers—your care, dedication, and sacrifice does not go unnoticed here.

Identifying as an Enneagram 7, Erin has often been on the road chasing exciting opportunities and living in different places. But lately she’s found herself exploring what it means to find freedom in being anchored in one place. Throughout this episode we explore what it means to advocate for your own mental health, how commitment can be an opportunity for self-discovery, and how to attract your kindred community by living in your authentic truth. Erin lives with her eyes wide open, with a cultivated sense of self-awareness and curiosity. We deeply enjoyed and were touched by this open-hearted conversion, and are stoked to share it with you.
Feb 16, 202151:48
Megan Kantor: Feeling Deeply, With Levity

Megan Kantor: Feeling Deeply, With Levity

Our guest today is talented photographer and self-described deep feeler, Megan Kantor. Megan and her husband Nate run their own wedding photography business, Cedar & Pines, and we are major fans of their work. While Megan is typically on the road traveling for weddings, due to the pandemic she’s been settling into a slower pace, putting down roots, and finding new rhythms at their new home in Joshua Tree. Throughout this conversation we explore discovering contentment, what it means to trust yourself, and mindfully limiting external stimulation so you can begin to create work that feels different and unique to you. In a lot of ways, this conversation is about existing in that liminal space before you know what you’re going to create next. It’s an exploration of how to stay in tune with yourself as you create a life that feels interesting to you. We loved this window into Megan’s life that feels especially resonant and timely as we’re all navigating this uncharted moment in time together.
Feb 09, 202144:02
Michael Forsberg: Rediscovering Thyself. brb.

Michael Forsberg: Rediscovering Thyself. brb.

Our guest this week is the generous, thoughtful, and endlessly creative Michael Forsberg. Having spent time in both the corporate and non-profit worlds, Michael's ambition to amplify social impact is the unchanging undercurrent of his work. Now as an Associate Director at a brand strategy firm, Michael helps his clients unlock hidden potential by listening, learning, and remixing research-based findings into fresh ideas. He’s also hiked Mount Kilimanjaro and run five ultra-marathons to help raise money for clean water.

We cover a lot of ground in this episode—the nature of identity, cognitive biases, beliefs about money, being true to your values, and how living in Los Angeles has shifted and expanded his thinking. Michael gave us a generous snapshot of what he’s processing at this stage of his life and we loved every minute.
Feb 02, 202151:22
Harriet Roberts: Engaging Your Passion

Harriet Roberts: Engaging Your Passion

Harriet Roberts is shaking up the world of fitness by finding motivation from a deep, soul place and rooting her identity in something much larger than any title. A talented and hard-working CrossFit athlete, Harriet has competed at the CrossFit games—the ultimate achievement in the CrossFit world. Alongside her passion for fitness, Harriet is also invested in teaching CrossFit to teenagers and caring for people living with disabilities.

Throughout this conversation we discuss vulnerability as the starting place of connection, the relationship between freedom and discipline, solidifying your identity beyond externals, and being open to finding inspiration in unexpected places. We truly loved unpacking Harriet’s mindset to better understand how she keeps fueling her passion— especially in the face of challenges.
Jan 26, 202152:53
Jennifer Peters: Attracting What You Are

Jennifer Peters: Attracting What You Are

Jennifer Peters is an innovator, creator, restaurant owner, and the creative force behind one of our favorite restaurants of all time—Just BE Kitchen. As the only Whole30-certified restaurant headquartered in Colorado, it’s truly a gem and we easily order it multiple times a week.

Throughout this conversation we discuss how the universe always has our back even when we don’t realize it. We explore how taking action can help keep you in touch with your power, how to set intentions from the starting point of how you want to feel, and how to attract what you are by being the one that you’re waiting for.

Jennifer is an inspiring example of moving through life with intention while also being flexible enough to adjust when things take an unexpected turn. We’ve felt connected to Jennifer for a long time through her nourishing food, and it was such a joy experiencing her energy in real time through this conversation.
Jan 19, 202155:10
Hailey Thomas: Creating Something That Is Your Own

Hailey Thomas: Creating Something That Is Your Own

Hailey Thomas is a mindset coach for entrepreneurs, a podcast host, and one of our dear friends. She helps her clients move through mental blocks, get clear about where they’re going, and reimagine what’s possible.

Throughout this conversation we discuss becoming aware of your internal feedback loops, developing supportive mental tools, and identifying healthy and sustainable motivators that work for you. Hailey is a deep well of curiosity, ambition, playfulness, and perseverance—she’s such a badass. We learn so much from her and can’t wait for you to be inspired by her expansive heart.
Jan 12, 202148:29
Shira Bentley: Staying True To What Excites You

Shira Bentley: Staying True To What Excites You

This week’s guest is Australia-based artist and illustrator, Shira Bentley. Shira began her career as a print artist, and her love of collaborative storytelling quickly led her to illustration. Her beautiful work transforms ideas into engaging visual stories filled with color, humor, and snippets of daily life. Shira’s art has been exhibited in memorable spots like the roadway overlooking the Sydney Opera House as well as on the international scene.

We first met Shira back in February of 2020, before the pandemic lockdowns began. Shira is a kindred soul—our conversations easily turn into hours of getting lost in the magic, but don’t worry—we capped this one at an hour. Throughout this conversation we discuss staying true to your creative voice while also balancing your audience’s needs, saying “yes” before you’ve figured it all out, and maintaining your integrity by making things that you honestly like. Whether or not you identify as an artist, we think you’ll find Shira’s wisdom applicable, whatever your niche.
Jan 05, 202148:59
Teresa Huggins: Changing The Story

Teresa Huggins: Changing The Story

Teresa self-identifies as intuitive, always learning, awake, and optimistic. After twenty-one years of working in public schools as a counselor, she decided to pivot and create Leaders For Life International—the leadership program that had always been living in her soul. Since its inception, L4L has planted seeds of empowerment in so many lives—reaching students in over 24 states and 8 countries.
...Throughout this conversation we discuss the power of the subconscious, creating triumph from challenges, paying attention to what you want, and listening closely when your dreams evolve and shift. Teresa is living with her eyes wide open and we’re so grateful to learn from the way that she sees.
Dec 29, 202054:57
Trisha McDonald: Owning Your Worthiness

Trisha McDonald: Owning Your Worthiness

As a self-described forever learner, Trisha McDonald has already lived what feels like multiple lifetimes. From surviving a traumatic stroke when she was only 19 to retiring from the US Air Force at 23 and to now building an inspiring career in the realm of tech and social impact—Trisha is constantly evolving. Her openness, vulnerability, and fierce optimism are reflections of how she’s awake to each twist and turn—her life is a story she’s actively writing.

In this episode we discuss impostor syndrome, confronting gender and geographical stereotypes, loneliness as an opportunity to come home to yourself, and owning your worthiness. Trisha drops so many powerful insights and we’re stoked to share it with you.
Dec 22, 202046:40
Dr. Sara Siddiqui: Normalizing Progress Over Perfection

Dr. Sara Siddiqui: Normalizing Progress Over Perfection

Dr. Sara Siddiqui self-describes as a “healthy lifestyle cheerleader”. In her work as a chiropractic physician with a holistic approach, she has a front row seat to witnessing how trauma and stress affect our bodies. She’s also keenly aware of how we have to want to change before anything new can happen.

In this episode we discuss how traumas, thoughts, and toxins impact our bodies, how knowing your “why” helps keep you aligned with your purpose, and why a progress model for health is more empowering than striving for perfection. We hope this conversation might be a flashlight to help you understand your relationship with your own body more clearly. We learn so much from Dr. Sara and we’re thrilled to share her brilliance with you.
Dec 15, 202041:08
Annalisa Munoz Funk: Moving Through Fear to Enchantment

Annalisa Munoz Funk: Moving Through Fear to Enchantment

Annalisa Munoz Funk is both a talented brand consultant and a dear friend. As a business visionary blazing trails in predominantly white and male-driven spaces, she’s a force in helping foster conversations centering diversity and inclusion. After taking time to sift through fear and listen to her soul, she wrote her dream job into existence. She didn’t simply wait for the doors to open—rather, she built the door and walked through it herself.

In this conversation we discuss moving through fear, turning around to help the people coming up behind you, and how a letter she wrote to herself completely shifted her career trajectory. Annalisa is a compelling example that you can want it all and still actively fight for the best of everyone else, too—because there’s room for everyone if we keep building bigger tables.
Dec 08, 202040:41
Alexis Robertson: Making The Unconscious Conscious

Alexis Robertson: Making The Unconscious Conscious

Alexis Robertson isn’t interested in being anyone other than what her soul wants to be. After nearly a decade’s investment as a lawyer, she took internal inventory of her skill sets, desires, and thematic throughlines and took a leap into the unknown. Now as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at a major law firm as well as a Whole30 coach, Alexis has synthesized her passions to build a path all her own.

If you’ve found yourself at a crossroads or uncovering a layer of yourself that you never knew was there, then this conversation is for you. In this conversation we discuss taking ownership of your experience and how that shift has the power to unlock everything forever. We can’t wait for you to experience Alexis’s undeniable magic, power, and warmth for yourself.
Dec 01, 202040:13
Xiomara Araruz: Being With The Breath

Xiomara Araruz: Being With The Breath

Our guest today is Xiomara Araruz. Xiomara is a yoga teacher, holistic wellness counselor, and yoga programs coordinator at the Art of Living Retreat Center in North Carolina. As you’ll soon discover, Xiomara is a deeply grounded and calming guide for those ready to take the journey within.

Throughout this conversation we discuss how to balance planning for the future while also remaining present, transforming negative energy into a different flavor, and how breathing techniques can help support you in showing up with your full self.

If you’ve been curious about cultivating more calm in the midst of such a wild year, then be sure to listen through the end where Xiomara leads us through some breathing practices in real time. We loved this timely conversation and are truly stoked to share it with you.
Nov 24, 202054:50
Chuy: Becoming Your Authentic Self

Chuy: Becoming Your Authentic Self

Chuy Rodriguez self-describes as a family man and an artist. As a wildly talented love photographer based in Los Angeles, Chuy is used to existing in vulnerable spaces with his clients. The nature of his work has taught him that we invite authenticity from others by embodying it first.

In this conversation we discuss working through creative funks, doing what you want to do before you know how to do it, and building confidence in your craft. Chuy’s unique blend of tenderness and confidence is truly inspiring and we know you’re going to love him as much as we do.
Nov 17, 202001:01:26
Jacob Henriquez: Embracing Impermanence

Jacob Henriquez: Embracing Impermanence

Our guest this week is marketing director for The New Primal and our friend, Jacob Henriquez. He was also named Whole30 coach of the year in 2019. As you’ll soon discover, Jacob possesses an inspiring and magnetic sense of self—but it didn’t come easy. He candidly shares about the challenges of being queer in traditionally non-queer spaces as well as the importance of validating yourself first.

Throughout this conversation we discuss prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, the challenges of remote working, authenticity vs. tokenism, and how embracing impermanence can help increase self-confidence. Jacob’s journey is a clear example of how the strength you cultivate inside yourself has a direct impact on how you lead others—and how what works for you will be entirely unique because your path is yours alone. We truly enjoyed this conversation with Jacob and know you’ll love him just as much as we do.
Nov 10, 202052:12
Dr. Vickie Bhatia: From Surviving to Thriving

Dr. Vickie Bhatia: From Surviving to Thriving

2020 has been overwhelming to say the least. Collective anxiety is high and fear is constantly looming. We thought it’d be the perfect time to pull in an emotional expert to help us move through it all.

Dr. Vickie Bhatia is a licensed clinical psychologist and Whole30 Certified Coach who is making an impact by helping people get in touch with their emotions. Specializing in both individual and couples therapy, Vickie’s work encompasses overcoming fear and anxiety, improving mood, increasing self-worth, and managing emotions in a healthy way.

Throughout this episode we discuss how stress manifests itself in the body, the difference between fear and anxiety, and how moving through fear into thriving frees up your capacity for deeper creativity and focus.

We learn so much from Vickie and can’t wait for you to experience her wisdom for yourself.
Nov 03, 202047:10