In this episode of Books to Better Your Life, Anne Brinkman sits down with author and career coach Sandy Johnson to discuss her inspiring new book Experience Not Required. Part memoir, part self-help, and part adventure story, Sandy’s book encourages readers to embrace the freedom of being a “rookie” and step into new experiences—even when they don’t know how to begin. Sandy shares the sparks that led her to writing, from childhood inspiration with Harriet the Spy to publishing her first articles, and ultimately to embarking on adventures like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and running a race in the Sahara Desert. She opens up about the discomfort of learning something new, the power of recommitting when doubt sets in, and how confidence grows not before action, but because of it. Together, Anne and Sandy explore themes of adventure, belonging, confidence, and possibility—reminding us that trying something new doesn’t require expertise, only a willingness to begin. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why embracing the role of “rookie” can be freeing rather than embarrassing The connection between discomfort, persistence, and growing confidence How sharing your dreams out loud invites support, resources, and new opportunities Noteworthy quotes from this episode: “Confidence isn't something that you just decide you're going to feel. I need to feel more confident. It's a result of actually doing.” “When we're little kids, we just say out loud, oh, “I want to be an astronaut,” “I want to be the president.” We say things because we have no idea about what's required to get there. And as adults we know what's required. So we just shut things down as that's not possible. That's the problem.” “Everybody that ever tried something new or invented something didn't know anything, we are figuring it out as we go along.”  “I find that a lot of us, when we get to a certain stage of life we are afraid to admit that we haven't done something before. We want to appear capable and experienced and even experts. And it can be embarrassing to say “I don't know how” or “I haven't done this before” “ Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode: Experience Not Required by Sandy Johnson — Available on Amazon (Kindle & paperback) Visit Sandy’s website: experiencenotrequired.ca Connect with Anne Brinkman Website: www.betteryour.life LinkedIn: @coachannebrinkman Free confidence recordings: www.betteryour.life/audio Newsletter: get notified of new podcast episodes or blog posts Free discovery session: get support on your own personal growth journey

In this episode, you’ll learn about: What brought Heather to write this book What Living By Heart really means Some simple starting steps to try out living by heart yourself The challenges and discoveries Heather had along the way How to make sure this book is not shelf-help but enables your self-coaching Noteworthy quotes from this episode  “I think when we believe that our emotions are information, and we stop assigning good, bad, right, wrong, those sort of black and white labels to it, we will recognize how much wisdom and insights come from our body." “ Accepting emotions and acknowledging emotions is not permission for bad behavior.” “ But sometimes, when we work so hard to try and manage our emotions, we get caught in them, and we can't actually move forward from them.” “Leaders are being told that they need to come to the table with more empathy. Leaders are being told they need to come with with more active listening, with more awareness and concern for well being of their employees, like there's so much that's really heart centered in the underlying of those skills” “Especially in the corporate world of North America, we've been very programmed to listen mostly to our heads. What's the logic, what's the facts, where's the evidence, right? So so much of what we're doing is operating in that above the neck, in the head space, for validation and confirmation and expertise, right?” Resources and links mentioned in this episode: Buy Living By Heart on amazon.com or livingbyheart.ca Visit Heather Haigh’s business website.  Follow Heather at https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathermhaigh/ Connect with Anne Brinkman Website: www.betteryour.life LinkedIn: @coachannebrinkman Free confidence recordings: www.betteryour.life/audio Newsletter: get notified of new podcast episodes or blog posts https://better-your-life-coaching.ck.page/ Free discovery session: get support on your own personal growth journey http://www.betteryour.life/schedule

n this episode of Books to Better your Life, host Anne Brinkman interviews Michelle Gruening, adventurer and personal growth coach, discussing her recent summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro and latest book, The Adventure-Inspired Activity Book to Help You Stop Doom Scrolling! Get Off Your Phone and Back to Living Your Life. They discuss the challenges faced during the hike, the importance of support from guides, and the connection between adventure and technology. Michelle also introduces her book 'Stop Doomscrolling', which aims to help people break free from phone addiction and engage in more mindful activities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of awareness, personal growth, and the ongoing journey of self-improvement. In this episode, you’ll learn about: Michelle’s summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, including the preparation, support, and challenges along the way How this adventure led to this activity book Strategies for spending less time on your phone Inspiration for taking on your own challenges Noteworthy quotes from this episode  “That's something that we can all work a little bit, a little bit more intentionally on, in general life, but also in our businesses is when things are really hard… just focus on the next right step.” “The guides on Mount Kilimanjaro are truly the heroes of that journey. Without them, no one would reach the top.” "Life exists outside of our phones." "It all starts with awareness." Resources and links mentioned in this episode: Buy Stop Doom Scrolling on amazon.com.  * Visit Michelle Gruening’s website.  Follow Michelle at: www.facebook.com/michelleegruening www.instagram.com/michellegruening www.linkedin.com/in/michellegruening/ Connect with Anne Brinkman Website: www.betteryour.life LinkedIn: @coachannebrinkman Free confidence recordings: www.betteryour.life/audio Newsletter: get notified of new podcast episodes or blog posts Free discovery session: get support on your own personal growth journey * As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

In this episode of Books to Better your Life, host Anne Brinkman shares her experience with Nick Gray’s book The Two Hour Cocktail Party, which is kinda like a manual for throwing a stress-less party that connects people. In this episode, you’ll Learn: Why hosting a gathering is a powerful way to build connections. How The 2-Hour Cocktail Party breaks down hosting into a simple, actionable formula. The role of accountability and structure in making events happen Creative ideas inspired by other hosts in the accountability group. Resources Mentioned: The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: How to Build Big Relationships with Small Gatherings by Nick Gray Buy on Amazon or Bookshop Nick Gray’s website: www.nickgray.net and book website https://party.pro/ Join my newsletter to enter the giveaway for a free copy of the book! Find the link at www.betteryour.life. Takeaways: Hosting a simple, structured event like a 2-hour cocktail party can transform your social life and help you build a stronger community. It’s not about being the perfect host; it’s about creating a space where people can connect. Call to Action: Ready to host your own 2-hour cocktail party? Let us know how it goes! Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter for a chance to win a copy of Nick Gray’s book. Connect with Anne Brinkman Website: www.betteryour.life LinkedIn: @coachannebrinkman Free confidence recordings: www.betteryour.life/audio Newsletter: get notified of new podcast episodes or blog posts Free discovery session: get support on your own personal growth journey * As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. As a Bookshop affiliate, I receive a commission, and every book you buy on Bookshop.org also supports local, independent bookstores.

How to communicate in a way to get yourself heard and others to respond well to you. In this episode of Books to Better Your Life, host Anne Brinkman reviews Marshall Rosenberg’s book Nonviolent Communication, which explores a communication strategy to minimize “violence” and increase understanding in conversations. Coach Anne highlights key concepts such as how to approach conversations with empathy, without judgment, and being clear on feelings and needs. Coach Anne also explores Rosenberg’s tips for fully using the strategy and where we might get hung up. In this episode, you’ll learn about: The 4 steps to communicate in a non-violent way How to respond to someone else to make them feel heard What to watch for in this communication Noteworthy quotes from this episode “Now the English language isn’t really helping when we’re talking about feelings – it sort of puts a veil over them. When we talk about feelings, just because you say “I feel hurt”, does not mean hurt is a feeling. “ “Then when you share your need, it’s not what the other person did. It’s NOT like “you made me feel angry because you borrowed my shirt without asking” No one can make you feel something. “ “And JUST because you make a request, doesn’t mean they need to do it. You need to be willing for them not to agree to it.” “And what this really is creating is not just that person being heard, but it’s also focusing on your empathy for that person. When we are feeling empathetic, we are more likely to be able to take their hateful or mocking words and recognize them as unmet needs and an expression of their pain.” Resources and links mentioned in this episode: Buy on Amazon or Bookshop * Junto’s Emotion Wheel Connect with Anne Brinkman Website: www.betteryour.life LinkedIn: @coachannebrinkman Free confidence recordings: www.betteryour.life/audio Newsletter: get notified of new podcast episodes or blog posts Free discovery session: get support on your own personal growth journey * As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. As a Bookshop affiliate, I receive a commission, and every book you buy on Bookshop.org also supports local, independent bookstores.

How do past traumas – even “little t” traumas – affect our bodies, minds, and lives? In this episode of Books to Better Your Life, host Anne Brinkman reviews Dr. Nicole LePera's book How to Do the Work, which explores the mind-body connection, trauma, and stress. Coach Anne highlights key concepts such as the impact of stress on bodily functions and health, polyvagal theory, and Dr. LePera’s reinterpretation of trauma – one that may better reflect what our body or mind interprets as trauma. Coach Anne also discusses Dr. LePera’s strategies for healing and self-regulation, emphasizing the importance of small, actionable steps before leaving listeners with a challenge to implement what they’ve learned. In this episode, you’ll learn about: -LePera’s reinterpretation of trauma to include subtle childhood experiences (what the host calls “little T” trauma), especially experiences where you didn’t feel safe. -The impact of stress on your bodily functions and physical health. -Polyvagal theory, which explains the vagus nerve's role in stress responses. -Practical healing strategies for improving your mind-body connection, including journaling, breathing exercises, and small daily habits. Noteworthy quotes from this episode “If you're not familiar with that idea of doing the work, it's really to be looking at yourself and taking steps to improve yourself, especially at an emotional level. What this looks like is different for everybody. Maybe that's therapy, maybe that's meditation, journaling, etc.” “Stress is not just in your head. The body must shift resources from its usual place of maintaining homeostasis – that physical, emotional, and mental balance – to protecting itself. Of course, stress is part of life. Normative stress – birth, death, marriage, breakups, job loss – is part of the human experience. And trying to avoid stress could even stress you out. Stress is normal.” “Dr. LePera’s patients came to her saying they can't connect with others, they can't get friends with emotional depth, they can't find love. This lack of intimacy may actually be because our body's stress response is activated and reducing emotional and attentional regulation.” “When we grow up with an autonomic response, we might become used to that. Our mind and body are used to that response. And if it was a trauma response, our brain becomes used to that and can even learn to crave the feelings associated with the trauma response. This might be where you get stuck in a loop of emotional addiction.” Resources and links mentioned in this episode: -Buy How to Do the Work on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3XO1UYC) or Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/106951/9780063012097) * -Visit Dr. LePera’s website.  -Join Dr. LePera’s community, SelfHealers Circle.  Connect with Anne Brinkman Website: www.betteryour.life LinkedIn: @coachannebrinkman Free confidence recordings: www.betteryour.life/audio Newsletter: get notified of new podcast episodes or blog posts https://better-your-life-coaching.ck.page/ Free discovery session: get support on your own personal growth journey http://www.betteryour.life/schedule * As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. As a Bookshop affiliate, I receive a commission, and every book you buy on Bookshop.org also supports local, independent bookstores.

Do you find yourself with so many interests that you’re not sure what to do with all of them? Or are you feeling like you don't fit into this world of single focus, especially when it comes to your work life? In this episode of Books to Better Your Life, host Anne Brinkman explores Barbara Sher's Refuse to Choose, which addresses the challenges faced by what she called “scanners,” people with diverse interests who struggle to focus on a single path.  Brinkman highlights her key takeaways, including the idea of a Scanner Daybook to capture ideas, the importance of “career tryouts,” and strategies for integrating multiple passions into your working life. She also discusses Sher’s types of scanners and their unique traits, encouraging listeners to embrace their multifaceted nature and find ways to incorporate their interests into fulfilling careers and lives. In this episode, you’ll learn about: -Individuals with multiple interests – “scanners” – who struggle to commit to a single focus. -The 11 different types of scanners, each with unique traits. -Strategies for integrating your many passions, like having multiple specialties, maintaining hobbies, or creating a unique career combining various interests. -“Career tryouts,” or experimenting with different careers to see if they match your expectations before fully committing. -The “scanner daybook,” a tool for capturing and organizing your ideas and interests. Noteworthy quotes “Sometimes scanners are described as multi-passionates, or multipotentialites, or a renaissance man or woman, or sometimes, when they can harness it, jack-of-all-trades. Some of Sher’s descriptions are: ‘I work at low-paying jobs because there's nothing I'm willing to commit to,’ ‘I keep changing my mind about what I want to do and end up doing nothing,’ and ‘I'll never be an expert in anything.’” “Sher considers people like Leonardo da Vinci, Aristotle, Goethe, and Ben Franklin as scanners. They had no qualms about exploring many different areas. And no one tried to stop them either. it was normal.” “Aren't we interesting? We have all of these interests. And yet we also put all these obstacles in the way.” “If this idea of a scanner resonates with you, then possibly just accepting your identity as one is a huge relief for you.” Resources and links mentioned in this episode: -Buy Refuse to Choose on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3MZxT1H) or Bookshop ( https://bookshop.org/a/106951/9781594866265) * -Watch Barbara Sher's TEDx talk, “Isolation is the Dream Killer” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2rG4Dg6xyI&ab_channel=TEDxTalks -Visit Sher’s official website https://barbarasher.com/index.htm -Explore Sher’s concept of Success Teams https://shersuccessteams.com/ -Join Sher’s Facebook community https://www.facebook.com/groups/45588180550/ Connect with Anne Brinkman Website: www.betteryour.life LinkedIn: @coachannebrinkman Free confidence recordings: www.betteryour.life/audio Newsletter: get notified of new podcast episodes or blog posts https://better-your-life-coaching.ck.page/ Free discovery session: get support on your own personal growth journey http://www.betteryour.life/schedule * As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. As a Bookshop affiliate, I receive a commission and every book you buy on Bookshop.org also supports local, independent bookstores.

What if I told you that real change is not only possible but also simpler than you think?  In this episode of Books to Better Your Life, host Anne Brinkman explores James Clear’s best-seller, Atomic Habits. Clear teaches us that real, lasting change doesn’t require massive effort. It’s about making small, consistent tweaks that compound over time. Coach Anne also discusses the role of identity in habit formation and the Four Laws of Behavior Change before sharing her personal experiences with habit formation and challenging listeners to adopt small habits to improve their lives. In this episode, you’ll learn: -The power of tiny, incremental habits to create significant results. -The importance of aligning habits with one's identity and beliefs. -The Four Laws of Behavior Change: Making habits obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying. -An easy way to begin putting Clear’s key strategies to work in your own life over the next seven days. Noteworthy quotes “What I see in my clients is often they are beating themselves up for a lot of things – for not having motivation, for being lazy, not being able to do these things they want to. Yet sometimes all it really comes down to is them not being aware of how to develop habits.” “A little thing done time after time starts to create big results.” “Each time you do a habit, it's a vote for an identity.” “Imagine a smoker being offered a cigarette replying, 'No thanks, I'm trying to quit,' versus a smoker who says, 'No thanks, I don't smoke.' One has adopted and accepted that [new] identity and one still believes in that old identity.” Resources and links mentioned in this episode: -James Clear’s Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. Buy it from Amazon https://amzn.to/3TCzVbZ or Bookshop https://bookshop.org/a/106951/9780735211292.  * -Clear’s website: jamesclear.com -Clear’s inspiring 3-2-1 newsletter https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1 Connect with Anne Brinkman Website: www.betteryour.life LinkedIn: @coachannebrinkman Free confidence recordings: www.betteryour.life/audio Newsletter: get notified of new podcast episodes or blog posts https://better-your-life-coaching.ck.page/ Free discovery session: get support on your own personal growth journey http://www.betteryour.life/schedule * As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. As a Bookshop affiliate, I receive a commission and every  book you buy on Bookshop.org also supports local, independent bookstores.

Ever wondered why you sometimes struggle to follow through on your goals? Or maybe you’ve felt like real change is just out of reach? Trust me, you’re not alone. But guess what? There’s a way forward, and it’s simpler than you might think! Meet your host, Coach Anne Brinkman, and her take on popular self-development books, as well as interviews with authors.