In a world that often rewards conformity, what does it really mean to have the courage to be different?
Dr. Barbara Vokatis, is a professor at the State University of New York at Oneonta, award-winning author, keynote speaker, and therapy dog partner, and we are here to explore the meaning of living Unshakable.
Barbara is one of the most inspiring women I’ve met. She has faced profound challenges with unwavering courage and turned them into her strength. As a mother of an autistic child, she understands the quiet struggles many parents face and has made it her mission to revolutionize the education system with empathy and innovation.
Her journey began with one brave step, introducing her therapy dog into the classroom. That single act changed the entire classroom dynamic, fostering emotional safety, trust, and connection among students.
Her new book, Unshakable, (to be released soon) celebrates voices that dare to stand out, people who choose authenticity over approval, resilience over retreat, and compassion over conformity.
linkedin.com/in/barbara-vokatis-ph-d-530649a
https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93/ref=sr_1_1
#PsychologyTalks#Unshakable #BarbaraVokatis #Courage #Authenticity #Resilience #Education#Leadership #Wellbeing #Inspiration
When the world feels uncertain, most people seek control.
But visionary leaders seek clarity.
Dr. Oleg Konovalov, widely known as “the da Vinci of Visionary Leadership.”
Dr. Konovalov has helped organizations across the globe transform turbulence into transformation, guiding leaders to see what others don’t and act with purpose when it matters most.
I have had the honor of contributing to Dr. Oleg’s latest book, and I can tell you firsthand that his approach to leadership is not only strategic, but deeply psychological.
Studies show that leaders who cultivate vision and clarity reduce decision fatigue by over 30% and inspire higher organizational trust and resilience (Harvard Business Review, 2023).
In this conversation, we explored:
• Why real leadership begins when chaos ends
• How clarity of vision strengthens both culture and performance
• The psychology behind creating calm, confident teams in uncertain times
Dr. Oleg is the author of Beyond Chaos, The Vision Code, and Leaderology, and is recognized on Thinkers50 and Global Gurus Top 30 in Leadership.
Tune into this powerful exchange on what it truly means to lead beyond uncertainty.
Connect with Dr. Oleg Konovalov
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-oleg-konovalov/
https://www.olegkonovalov.com/
Guest Speaker: Prof. Dr. Marc Oliver Oprensik
Did you know that companies with a clear purpose outperform the market by 42% over a decade, and employees who find meaning in their work are more than twice as likely to be engaged and committed?
Prof. Dr. Marc Oliver Opresnik—global thought leader, author, and creator of the groundbreaking Infinity Marketing Canvas®—shared insights from his latest book and his innovative PIVOTAL Thinking framework.
In this live conversation, you’ll discover how purpose-driven leadership, combined with innovation, value, outreach, advocacy, and lifetime impact, can transform teams, organizations, and communities, unlocking growth and inspiring meaningful change.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a global expert and learn actionable strategies to lead with purpose, apply his new framework, and create lasting impact.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcoliveropresnik/
https://linktr.ee/marcoliveropresnik
#Leadership #PurposeDriven #Innovation #Marketing #Growth #PIVOTALThinking #InfinityMarketingCanvas #BusinessStrategy #ProfessionalDevelopment #Podcast
Guest Speaker: Diana Londoño
Mental and emotional well-being significantly impacts physical health.
Studies show that empathy and connection improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Dr. Londoño is one of the only 0.5% of U.S. Urologists who are Latina women—a true trailblazer in medicine. Her mission goes far beyond science: she’s redefining what it means to heal by bringing humanity, compassion, and presence into every patient interaction.
In this episode Dr. Londoño shared her journey, from navigating the pressures of medicine and overcoming burnout, to becoming a Certified Life Coach, Reiki Master, and Pranic Healer.
We’ll explore:
✨ Healing Beyond Science, where mind, body, and spirit connect
✨ How compassion transforms patient care
✨ The future of medicine through equity, empathy, and conscious leadership
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianalondonomd/
#PodcastAnnouncement #HealingBeyondScience #PsychologyTalksPodcast #WomenInMedicine #PhysicianWellness #CompassionInCare #HolisticHealing
According to Dolores Cannon, humanity is in the midst of a profound transition—from the 3rd density of self-awareness into the 4th and 5th densities, realms defined by love, unity, and spiritual evolution. But what exactly are these higher dimensions, and how do they shape our reality?
In simple terms, dimensions are levels of consciousness and existence. The 3rd dimension is the world we live in—physical, tangible, and self-aware. The 4th dimension introduces time, energy, and the connection between cause and effect. Moving into the 5th dimension, consciousness expands further, focusing on unconditional love, unity, and spiritual evolution. Dolores Cannon also speaks of even higher densities—realms where pure consciousness and multidimensional experiences are the norm, and where reality as we know it becomes fluid and malleable.
We are honored to be joined by Dr. Deborrah Forrest, a renowned expert in spirituality and consciousness. Together, we will explore how these higher dimensions shape our reality, influence our personal growth, and guide the collective awakening of humanity. From shifting realities to the rise of human consciousness, we’ll uncover the path toward the emergence of the New Earth.
Step beyond the visible and open your mind to the higher dimensions surrounding us. This is more than a podcast—it’s an invitation to expand your consciousness and see the universe in a whole new way.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-a-forrest-ph-d-85a54810b/
#HigherDimensions #DoloresCannon #SpiritualAwakening #ConsciousnessShift #NewEarth #Multiverse #LivePodcast #ExpandedConsciousness #4thDimension #5thDimension #SpiritualEvolution #MysteriesOfTheUniverse #BeyondSpaceAndTime
Leaders who foster positivity cultivate environments that enhance creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving, making organizations more innovative and adaptive.
Research shows that positive leaders boost team performance by up to 31%, as optimism spreads and inspires higher engagement.
Our guest, Courtney Beck — Former Elite-Level Gymnast, NCAA All-American, Educator, Founder of Plenty of Positivity, and Co-Founder of Energized Thinking — will share how optimism, resilience, and connection can transform the way leaders rise and lead.
This episode is more than a conversation — it’s a science-backed guide on how positivity shapes not just leaders, but the future.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyannbeck/
https://www.plentyofpositivity.com/
#PsychologyTalks #Leadership #PlentyOfPositivity #LivePodcast #FutureLeaders #PositivePsychology #EnergizedThinking
Guest Speaker: Dain Dunston
I once worked with a leader whose title gave them authority, but not influence.
The team respected the position, but they didn’t feel inspired to give their best.
On the other hand, I’ve seen people with no formal title step up, unite a group, and spark real change.
That’s the difference between holding a role and being essential.
Research shows the gap: 95% of people think they’re self-aware, but only 10–15% truly are (Harvard Business Review). And when leaders do become self-aware, Korn Ferry found that team performance can rise by 20–25%.
It’s proof that leadership isn’t about the label you carry.
It’s about presence. Purpose. And the ability to bring out the best in others.
That’s what it means to Lead Beyond Titles.
✨ In this conversation, Dain Dunston, author of Self-Aware Leader: Being Essential will share how to step into that kind of leadership.
Dain Dunston is Executive Coach and Author
#leadership #selfawareness #growth #essentialleadership #futureofwork
Guest Speaker: Bryan Power
Every great relationship starts with love and good intentions. Yet, research shows that nearly 50% of marriages in many countries end in divorce, and even more couples experience long periods of disconnection before seeking help.
We don’t fall in love expecting it to end. Yet studies show 4 in 10 long-term relationships break down and not always because of big betrayals.
Often, it’s the little things that slowly chip away at connection:
• Conversations turning into criticisms
• Avoiding hard talks until resentment builds
• Letting work, kids, and routines replace romance
• Assuming love will “just work” without intentional effort
In this episode, I’m joined by Bryan Power, a Relationship Expert and Founder of MYRF, whose personal story gives him a rare perspective on what it takes to build (and protect) a healthy relationship
We will dig deep into the real reasons relationships fail, not just the obvious ones In this episode, we unpack the hidden patterns that lead couples to drift apart and share real-life examples of what not to do, like the couple who only talked about bills for months, or the partners who thought avoiding conflict meant they were “getting along.”
More importantly, you’ll hear practical, science-backed ways to keep your relationship strong.
💡 Stat to think about: Couples who make time for meaningful connection at least once a week are three times more satisfied in their relationship.
If you want to protect your relationship before it’s in trouble or rebuild one that’s struggling, this is your must-listen episode.
1 in 5 students struggles with a significant mental health issue.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10–24.
And over 70% of U.S. teens say anxiety and depression are major problems among their peers.
We can’t afford to ignore this.
That’s why this week’s episode is titled The Mental Health Revolution in Schools—because what’s happening isn’t just a crisis... it’s a call for transformation.
Meet Iuri Melo—licensed therapist, bestselling author, and co-founder of SchoolPulse, a breakthrough platform reaching 100,000+ students across 300+ schools with daily texts of hope, resilience, and connection.
In this episode, we will explore why so many students are emotionally overwhelmed, how SchoolPulse became a “daily vitamin for the soul,” and the life-changing impact of consistent, empathetic messages delivered at just the right time. We also discuss what real student support needs to look like in 2025 and beyond.
Iuri Melo is a Co-Founder of SchoolPulse, Bestselling Author and Mental Health Therapist
https://www.linkedin.com/in/iuri-melo-1b41482/
What if the missing link in healthcare transformation isn’t more technology or data, but more humanity?
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Apurv Gupta, a physician turned systems thinker who’s redefining what it truly means to lead in healthcare.
We’re proud to collaborate with Apurv on organizing healthcare systems using the SOAP Framework, a powerful tool designed to help heal the system from within.
Healthcare Summit is scheduled on September 6, 2025
🎟️ Reserve your seat now:
👉 impactactivators.com/healthcare-summit
In this conversation, we explore:
Dr. Apurv Gupta is the co-founder of A Loving Organization and a respected clinician, consultant, and change-maker committed to bringing systems, people, and purpose into alignment.
Co-Founder of A Loving Organization and Clinician
https://www.linkedin.com/in/apurvguptamd/
#healthcareleadership#organizationalchange #emotionalintelligence #soapframework #apurvgupta#compassioninhealthcare #healthcaresummit #leadingwithheart
Guest Speaker: Dr. Tamsin Astor
Did you know that 40% of our daily actions are habits, automatic behaviors our brains repeat without thinking? (Neal, Wood & Wu, 2006)
In this episode, Dr. Tamsin Astor, chief habit scientist, will explore the neuroscience behind how habits form, change, and how mindfulness rewires your brain for lasting growth.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
✅ why it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit and how to stay on track (Lally et al., 2009)
✅ how your brain’s incredible neuroplasticity means it’s never too late to change (Dr. Michael Merzenich)
✅ the powerful cue-routine-reward loop driving your behaviors (Charles Duhigg)
✅ how mindfulness practice physically changes your brain, boosting focus and emotional resilience (Sara Lazar et al., 2011)
✅ ways to reduce stress and strengthen decision-making through mindful habit change
If you’re ready to break old patterns and unlock your brain’s full potential, tune into this episode is for you.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamsin-astor/
#neuroscience#habitchange #mindfulness #neuroplasticity #podcast #leadership #personalgrowth#tamsinastor
Guest Speaker: John Rota
What happens when we stop chasing control and start trusting the swing?
In this episode, John and I will explore the surprising intersection of golf, spirituality, and mental health.
We will explore how a powerful connection between motion and mindfulness, and explore how intentional recreation can lead to healing, balance, and deeper self-awareness.
John is a seasoned creative and business leader who’s worked with top global brands, John brings a unique perspective on how presence, curiosity, and letting go can transform not just your performance, but your entire life.
This episode will challenge the way you think about stillness, leadership, and the pursuit of well-being. Tune in now and discover what it truly means to find peace—mid-swing.
John Rota is a Strategic Content and Ops Leader, Author and Consultant
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-rota/https://letgoletgolf.com/
What happens when science meets spirituality, and mysticism?
Dr. Deborah A. Forrest, PhD, MS, MSN, BSN — a scholar, award-winning author, and internationally recognized speaker on spirituality, dementia, grief, and the transformative power of quantum energy.
With a background that bridges clinical psychology, nursing, biomedical research, and shamanic practice, Dr. Deborah brings a lens that is both deeply personal and powerfully scientific. Her journey began with a near-deathexperience and traumatic brain injury in 1993, followed by a long battle with a possible cancer diagnosis.
These life-altering events became the catalyst for her acclaimed books, Symphony of Spirits and Touch the Spirit, where she explores the inner worlds of dementia and the spiritual essence that often remains untouched by memory loss.
If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s something sacred happening behind the silence of suffering - this conversation is for you.
Connect with Dr Deborah Forrest
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-a-forrest-ph-d-85a54810b/
Guest: Speaker: Dr Alfredo Borodowski
Ever wonder why some people seem to consistently outperform the rest not just once, but over and over again?
It’s not just grit. Not just strategy. It’s mental mastery.
In this episode, Dr. Alfredo Borodowski shared his deeply personal journey through depression and mental health struggles and how recognizing the value of mental healthhelped him reclaim his strength, purpose, and performance.
This isn’t just theory, it’s lived experience, backed by science.
Dr Alfredo is Organizational Consultant, Keynote Speaker and Bestselling Author
Guest Speaker: Valerie Probstfeld
Motherhood is often portrayed as pure joy and unconditional love.
But what about the unseen sacrifices, silent struggles, and the identity shifts that come with it?
In this powerful episode, Valerie shares her journey—not just as a mother, but as the author of To Mom Is to Love. This is more than a conversation; it’s an eye-opening discussion of what motherhood truly looks like in today’s world.
Whether you're a parent or simply want to better understand the emotional landscape of motherhood, this episode will challenge assumptions and offer deep insight.
Valerie is a Nurse Practitioner, Author, and Founder of To Mom Is to Love.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-probstfeld-23022448/
Hosts: Preston Weekes, & Ambreen Nadeem
Guest Speakers: Des Hague, Hawk, Eldin Hasa, Courtney Beck, Paul L Gunn Jr, Patrick Sonqo, Bill Dolan, Kevin Smith
We see fathers as providers. Protectors. Problem-solvers.
But what happens when they need support too?
Too manydads suffer in silence, struggling with anxiety, depression, identity, andemotional exhaustion.
They show up every day… but who’s showing up for them?
This panelis an invitation to have the conversation most men were never allowed to have.
We’ll explore:
🔹 The quiet battles fathers face behind the scenes
🔹 Why vulnerability is strength—not weakness
🔹 How we can better support the men we love
Let’s talk about the pain that doesn’t get posted, or talked about.
The pressure that isn’t praised.
The emotional weight that’s been ignored for far too long.
Experts, fathers, and advocates coming together for real talk and real healing
It’s time we stopped asking fathers to be everything for everyone, without asking how they’re really doing.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambreen-nadeem/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/energyguy/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dghague/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyannbeck/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-l-gunn-jr/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eldinhasa/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/billdolan/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-smith-a0040a19/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mancient/
#MensMentalHealth#DearDadAreYouOK #FatherhoodUnfiltered #MentalHealthMatters #BreakingTheSilence#EmotionalResilience #SupportOurDads
Guest Speaker: Amanda Wiggins
What if the next wave of innovation isn’t just about smarter tech but smarter thinking?
Understanding how the brain works is reshaping how we solve problems, lead teams, design products, and drive impact.
Neuroscience is giving us unprecedented insight into how we think, learn, create, and lead and it’s transforming the way we build businesses, products, and teams.
As science continues to evolve, so will the way we innovate — and those who embrace both will be the ones who lead.
Innovation doesn’t just start in a lab. It starts in the brain.
In this episode we will be joined by Dr. Amanda Wiggins is a neuroscientist and global business leader with expertise in innovation, regulation, and commercialization.
Connect with Dr Amanda Wiggins
Guest Speaker: Kevin Smith
Kindness is more than a simple act. iI’s a transformative force. It builds connection, heals emotional wounds, and fosters resilience. Kevin shares how kindness reshapes minds and hearts, creating ripple effects that transform individuals and entire communities.
When we choose kindness, we unlock greater empathy, reduce stress, and create a world where everyone thrives.
This episode reveals why kindness isn’t just nice to have it’s essential for our mental well-being and collective progress.
In this episode of Psychology Talks, we explore the incredible power of kindness with Kevin Smith, founder of Kindness Worldwide.
Founder Kindness Worldwide and Vice President Wealth Management
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-smith-a0040a19/
#PsychologyTalks#KindnessTransforms #MentalHealth #KevinSmith #CompassionMatters#TransformYourLife
Save Lives Project and Psychology Talks Present:
Panel Discussion: Be the Light for Someone in the Dark
Hosts: Preston Weekes, & Ambreen Nadeem
Guest Speakers: Heather McWilliam, Jen Fraser, PhD, Courtney Beck, & Barbara Vokatis, Ph.D.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the truth is—too many are silently struggling.
This conversation couldn’t be more timely.
Not all darkness looks like despair.Sometimes it looks like silence in a meeting,
Be kind and spread the light
Join us for a heartfelt and action-oriented panel exploring what it really means to be a light—💡
In leadership💡 In our communities💡 In the quiet, everyday moments that matter mostThis is more than just a discussion. It’s a call to action.
We’ll explore:
✅ How to support others without losing yourself
✅ Subtle signs someone may be in the dark
✅ Personal stories of resilience, hope, and healing
✅ Why empathy is a leadership superpowerLet’s light the way—together.
Guest Speaker: Carey Corr
Ever wondered why a great story can hold your attention more than plain facts? The answer lies deep within our brains. Stories aren’t just entertainment—they shape how we think, feel, and connect.
Our Brains Think in Stories. It naturally organizes information in a narrative format. Studies show that we remember facts 22 times more when theyare embedded in a story rather than presented as raw data.
In this episode of Psychology Talks, Carey Corr and I will explore The Psychology of Storytelling: Why Our Brains Love Narratives.Discover how stories shape our emotions, influence our decisions, and create lasting connections.
Carey Corr is a passionate Writer & Director and CEO at Connected Pictures Screenwriter and Film Director
Connect with Carey
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carey-corr/
https://www.connected.pictures/home