We’re not in a connection crisis because we don’t care.  We’re disconnected because our environment (our systems, our tech, and our pace) makes real connection harder than ever. In this opening episode of The Connection Series, I share the personal and professional journey that led me to the question:  What is real connection, and how do we rebuild it in a world designed for disconnection? In this episode, we explore… The real enemy of connection (hint: it’s not our screens) Why we so often mistake interaction for connection What it actually takes to rebuild presence in a distracted world This episode kicks off a 10-part series featuring authors, therapists, researchers, and community builders who are redefining the future of connection from every angle. If you’re craving more presence, more meaningful relationships, and more honest conversations, this series is for you.

In Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org and a leading voice in moral development, we explore what it really takes to build character and live with purpose. We discuss: - What Really Drives Action: Why character is about behavior, not just beliefs, and how to act on what matters most. - The Power of Purpose: How even simple goals (like a push-up contest) can provide meaning and motivation. - Rewiring Your Inner Voice: How to reshape negative self-talk through daily value-based habits. - The Role of Environment and Culture: How your surroundings shape your character…and how to build the culture you need to grow. Challenge: Find an image that represents the kind of character you want to build, and keep it somewhere visible as a daily reminder. Resources: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Soar with Your Strengths by Donald O. Clifton The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt Chatter by Ethan Kross Grit by Angela Duckworth The Path to Purpose by William Damon

Is empathy enough to create real change? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org and lifelong advocate for character development, about why empathy alone doesn’t create change, and what it really takes to live with integrity, purpose, and courage. We discuss: - Why Empathy Isn’t Enough: What most people get wrong about empathy, and how too much of it can block justice and enable harm. - Character vs. Compliance: The difference between doing the right thing because you have to vs. because it’s who you are. - Building A Virtue Habit: How Arthur built a gratitude practice from scratch and why small habits matter. Challenge: Choose a character trait that doesn’t come naturally to you, and create a small daily habit to practice it. Resources: - FREE VIA Character Survey - Soar With Your Strengths by Donald Clifton (Book) - StrengthsFinder 2.0 (Book) - Chatter by Ethan Kross (Book) - Character.org

What if your mind was never meant to fit the system? In this episode, Perry Knoppert shares what happened after he gave everything up, and what he built. From living without a home to founding the Octopus Movement, Perry explores the power of nonlinear thinking and creating outside the lines. *This is Part 2 of our conversation. In Part 1, Perry shares how his  journey began. We talk about: - The moment he realized his brain didn’t belong in a linear world - The difference between creativity and innovation - What AI can’t do, and why human intelligence has never been more essential - How fear shapes our world and what it takes to shift from conformity to connection Challenge (at 00:43:00): Perry shares a personal technique to quiet your mind and access stillness in a noisy world. The Octopus Movement Website

What happens when someone steps outside the system? In this episode, Perry Knoppert, founder of The Octopus Movement, shares the story of the seven months he spent without a home. What began as a personal decision rooted in curiosity quickly became a deeper experience of disconnection, challenge, and insight. With honesty and reflection, Perry talks about: - Why he gave everything up, and what happened next - The emotional and mental toll of being unhoused - The unexpected phone call that helped him begin again

After an overwhelming response to our first conversation, I had to bring Chelsey back for round two! In this follow-up, the licensed psychotherapist and author answers listener questions, breaking down narcissistic behavior and how to heal from toxic relationships. We explore: - Grandiose vs. covert narcissists - how they manipulate differently. - Why narcissists distort reality and avoid responsibility. - How to rebuild confidence and regain control after narcissistic abuse. Challenge: At [00:52:00], Chelsey encourages listeners to take one small step toward healing - replace an unhealthy habit with a simple, positive action to strengthen your nervous system and self-trust. Resources: Chelsey’s Book: If Only I’d Known Narcissism Quizzes Narcissism Resources

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Jody Olsen, former Peace Corps Director and global leader, about embracing courage, building trust, and making bold life decisions. From her unexpected leap into the Peace Corps in the 1960s to leading the evacuation of 7,000 volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Olsen shares her journey of stepping into the unknown, making high-stakes decisions, and fostering deep human connection across cultures. We discuss: - The Decision That Changed Everything -  How one moment led Dr. Jody Olsen to the Peace Corps and reshaped her entire life. - The Power of Vulnerability and Trust - Why embracing uncertainty and relying on others is key to building strong relationships. - Making Tough Calls Under Pressure - The inside story of how Dr. Olsen led the evacuation of 7,000 Peace Corps volunteers at the height of the pandemic. - The Loneliness Epidemic & How to Rebuild Meaningful Connections – Why so many people feel disconnected today and practical ways to strengthen relationships in a digital world. Challenge: At [00:51:47], Dr. Olsen shares her challenge: Tell a story, be a mentor, or find a hero. She urges us to connect more deeply by sharing wisdom across generations, offering guidance to others, and seeking role models in our everyday lives. Resources: Dr. Jody Olsen’s book, A Million Miles Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam (on the power of community)

In this episode, I talk with Todd Cherches - CEO of Big Blue Gumball, NYU professor, TEDx speaker, and author of Visual Leadership - to explore how visual thinking transforms leadership, communication, and problem-solving. We explore why leadership isn’t just about titles, but about how you see, think, and connect with others.  We discuss: - Why leadership is about influence - not job titles. - How visual thinking strengthens memory, communication, and problem-solving. - The power of metaphors, props, and mental models in making ideas stick and strengthening connections. Challenge: Todd encourages us to become more aware of the metaphors we use and those used by others. This week, listen for metaphors in everyday conversations and try incorporating ones that resonate with your audience to build better connections. Resources: Todd’s Website Book: Visual Leadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life  TED Talk: The Power of Visual Thinking

In this episode, I explore the critical role of connection in mental health with Dr. Chinwé Williams - licensed counselor, trauma therapist, and co-author of Beyond the Spiral and Seen. We discuss how anxiety and despair impact the brain, why true healing requires relationships, and how we can foster deeper, more meaningful support systems in our lives. We discuss: - Why feeling seen is essential for emotional well-being. - How connection rewires the brain and reduces anxiety. - How to help others feel truly heard - without trying to ”fix” them. Challenge: Dr. Chinwé introduces three powerful words, ”tell me more,” as a tool for deeper connection. This week, practice using this phrase in conversations and notice how it changes the way people open up to you. Resources: - Dr. Chinwé’s Website - Beyond the Spiral: Why You Shouldn’t Believe Everything Anxiety Tells You - Seen: Healing Despair and Anxiety in Kids Through the Power of Connection

In this episode, Cheryl Ilov returns to dive deeper into the philosophy of martial arts, the neuroscience of movement, and how training rewires both body and mind. We explore the principles that make Ninpo Taijutsu more than just self-defense - it’s a lifelong practice of resilience, strategy, and adaptability. We discuss: - Why martial arts builds mental toughness, problem-solving skills, and confidence. - How movement reshapes the brain through neuroplasticity. - The unexpected ways martial arts can be a path to healing, empowerment, and personal transformation. Challenge: At 42:50, Cheryl explains the importance of embracing fear and discomfort in small, intentional ways. This week, choose one thing that pushes you outside your comfort zone and reflect on the experience. Resources: - Cheryl’s Website - FemiNinja Podcast - The Reluctant Ninja Book - Forever Fit and Flexible Book

In this episode, I talk with Cheryl Ilov (movement expert, author, and podcast host) about how training in Ninpo Taijutsu helped her heal from trauma, rebuild her confidence, and redefine her sense of strength. After years of resistance, she discovered that martial arts offered a unique path to empowerment. At 57, she became her teacher’s first female black belt, proving that transformation is possible at any stage of life. We discuss: - How an unexpected introduction to martial arts became a turning point in Cheryl’s healing journey. - The role movement plays in trauma recovery and why martial arts is particularly powerful. - How facing fear, whether in training or life, can rewire the brain for resilience and confidence. Resources: - Cheryl’s Website - FemiNinja Podcast - The Reluctant Ninja Book - Forever Fit and Flexible Book

In this episode, I talk with Avery Thatcher, burnout specialist and former ICU nurse, about rethinking stress management, recovering from burnout, and building sustainable energy resilience. We discuss: - Why managing energy works better than managing stress—and what most strategies get wrong. - The four types of energy and how they each lead to burnout. - How burnout is shaped by larger societal pressures, not just personal choices. Challenge: At [00:49:22], Avery shares her challenge to rethink your morning routine. Instead of a rigid to-do list, focus on how you want to feel and choose actions that align with creating that foundation. Resources: Avery’s Website Kelly McGonigal’s TED Talk on stress perception.

In this solo episode, I share the backstory of Learning From Your World - why I started this podcast, how it’s evolved, and the surprising themes that have emerged from my conversations. I discuss: - How the book I wrote at 16 led to the podcast. - Why connection and courage are the two forces that shape our lives - and how they reinforce each other. - The ”two wheels” analogy - how connection creates momentum and drives growth. Challenge: At [09:10], I challenge you (and myself!) to take one small action today: strengthen a connection, start a new one, or do something that scares you. New episodes drop every Wednesday - subscribe to stay connected!

In this episode, I talk with Chelsey Brooke Cole, licensed psychotherapist, speaker, and author, about understanding narcissistic behavior, healing from narcissistic abuse, and fostering personal growth after trauma. We discuss: - The difference between narcissistic traits and narcissistic personality disorder. - The cycle of narcissistic abuse and its impact on victims. - Recognizing red flags, gaslighting, and DARVO in relationships. Challenge: At [00:52:28], Chelsey encourages listeners to start a documentation practice. Write down your interactions and feelings to help validate your experiences and spot manipulation patterns. Resources: - Chelsey’s book, If Only I’d Known - Chelsey’s Website - Chelsey’s LinkedIn

In this episode, I talk with Chuck Wisner, author of The Art of Conscious Conversations, to explore how conscious communication can transform our relationships and professional lives.  We discuss: - The power of internal narratives in shaping our external interactions. - How to use self-reflection to reveal and adjust our personal biases and judgments. - Practical strategies for fostering better storytelling, collaborative, creative, and commitment-focused conversations. Challenge: At [0:50:40], Chuck encourages us to write four key elements on a sticky note: desires, concerns, authority issues, and standards. Use this tool in your next conversation to investigate your own thinking and as a template to ask great questions. Resources: - ”The Art of Conscious Conversations” Book - Chuck’s Website - Chuck’s LinkedIn

In this episode, I talk with Andy Weins, author, entrepreneur, and army veteran, about the impact of language on our reality, psychological resilience, and the role of authenticity in personal and professional life. We discuss: - How the language we use shapes our emotions and actions. - The power of authenticity in building stronger connections and self-acceptance. - How to cultivate a growth mindset and overcome self-limiting beliefs. Challenge: At [1:20:00], Andy challenges us to start each day by expressing gratitude to someone, using the phrase “I feel [emotion] when you….” This practice fosters self-awareness and encourages meaningful communication. Resources: - Andy’s book - Andy’s website - Experience Andy Weins Live

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Martha Libster, nurse herbalist, historian, and author of Gentle Medicine for Balance in Body and Peace of Mind, about integrating holistic health, traditional medicine, and the power of plants in promoting mental and physical wellbeing. We discuss: - The balance between modern healthcare and traditional healing methods. - How patterns in nature and Traditional Chinese Medicine can help us manage stress, depression, and anxiety. - The importance of learning from plants as partners for holistic self-care and mental health. Challenge: At [1:07:15], Dr. Libster challenges us to explore the healing potential of the plants outside our backdoor. She also shares the safe place meditation, a tool for cultivating inner peace and balance. Resources: - Gentle medicine Elements of Care Program Oct 4/5  - Membership Self-care Institute - Book a Gentle Medicine personal growth consult for self or family - Gentle Medicine for Balance in Body and Peace of Mind Book- Dr. Martha Libster

In this episode, I have a conversation with Lisa Bodell, CEO of FutureThink and author of ’Why Simple Wins’ and ’Kill The Company,’ about embracing change, challenging the status quo, and simplifying work for meaningful outcomes. We discuss: - The importance of saying no and focusing efforts on what truly matters, rather than merely being ’busy’. - Implementing strategies like ’killing stupid rules’ and time management tools to reduce workload and increase productivity. - The significance of leadership in creating an environment free of fear, encouraging innovation and change. Challenge: At [27:18], Lisa challenges us to review our past month, identify our biggest time sucks, and work on eliminating or streamlining them. Resources ”Kill The Company” Book ”Why Simple Wins” Book Future Think Website Lisa’s LinkedIn

In this episode, I talk with Cynthia Coufal, an experienced anxiety coach with a rich background in education and counseling. We cover: Normalizing anxiety and recognizing how it manifests. The link between anxiety, connection, and courage. Strategies to foster emotional regulation and psychological safety. Challenge: At [54:15], Cynthia challenges us to set aside a daily worry time to better manage anxiety. Resources: The Teen Anxiety Maze Podcast Cynthia Coufal Coaching Youtube Channel Cynthia Coufal Website Cynthia Coufal LinkedIn

In this episode, I talk with Therese Merkel-Hamadi to explore her inspiring journey from leaving the corporate world to establishing her business, Tricky Foods. She dives deep into what she felt, thought, and learned along the way. We discuss: Therese’s personal transformation and her transition from a demanding corporate job to creating a successful charcuterie and catering business. The importance of finding joy and passion in your work while building a supportive network. The benefits of participating in activities for pure enjoyment and being a ”trier.” Challenge: At [57:35], Therese challenges listeners to create a dream morning routine, and follow it! Resources: Tricky Foods Instagram Hanging with the Hamadis Instagram Tricky Foods Website