769. Seeing the Person Behind the Problem: Shannon Roy on Empathy, Accountability, and the Power of Second Chances

771. Turning Chronic Kidney Disease Into Purpose: Moe Mondesir on Resilience, Hope, and Positive Influence

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Moe “Mr. Cool Beans” Mondesir, husband, father, former classroom teacher, stage 4 chronic kidney disease advocate, and host of The Chronic Brew Podcast. After a life-changing kidney episode forced Moe to leave the classroom and redefine his future, he chose not to let his diagnosis become the end of his influence. Instead, he turned his experience into a platform for education, advocacy, and encouragement for others navigating chronic illness, uncertainty, and identity shifts. Moe shares how adaptability, self-awareness, and personal responsibility helped him move from asking “why me?” to asking how his story could help others. Through his podcast, social media presence, and work with the Kidney Foundation, Moe is creating space for people living with chronic illness to feel seen, heard, and supported. This conversation explores resilience, chronic kidney disease awareness, burnout, rebuilding purpose after adversity, and the power of small intentional actions. Moe reminds us that positive influence does not require perfect circumstances. Sometimes it begins with a simple text, a phone call, a listening ear, or the decision to be a ray of sunshine for someone walking through a difficult season. Listeners will walk away with a practical reminder: when you know someone is struggling, do not just hold the information. Take action. Show up. Encourage them. Be present. That is responsible influence in motion. To connect with Moe “Mr. Cool Beans” Mondesir, listen to The Chronic Brew Podcast on all major podcast platforms. You can also find him on Instagram and Facebook at @mrcoolbeans2889 or email him at mrcoolbeans2889@gmail.com.

770. The Social Symphony: Fine-Tuning Your Emotional Intelligence (rerun)

Step into the orchestra of interpersonal connections with this revisit to Daily Influence’s episode 208, "The Social Symphony: Fine-Tuning Your Emotional Intelligence." Discover the harmonious blend of skills that can amplify your social repertoire and resonate through every interaction. - **Mastering Active Listening**: Learn the art of truly hearing others and showing your engagement, transforming every conversation into an opportunity for connection and growth. - **Cultivating Empathy**: Walk in the shoes of others and respond to the emotions that dance between the lines, nurturing relationships with compassion and understanding. - **Articulating with Clarity**: Communicate with precision and positivity, ensuring your message is not only heard but also felt in the way it’s intended. - **Conveying Without Words**: Dive into the subtle yet powerful world of nonverbal cues, from the ballet of body language to the nuances of cultural expressions. - **Asserting with Confidence**: Stand firm in expressing your needs and managing boundaries, balancing your rights with respect for others. - **Socializing with Purpose**: Turn everyday encounters into practice sessions, joining groups and role-playing scenarios to elevate your conversational choreography. - **Reflecting for Growth**: Seek out feedback and engage in self-reflection after social interactions to refine and evolve your approach. - **Embracing Continuous Learning**: Stay curious and informed with resources like Debra Fine's "The Fine Art of Small Talk," workshops, and seminars to keep your social skills sharp. Join us for "The Social Symphony" and tune up your emotional intelligence to lead more fulfilling and harmonious interactions both in your personal life and the workplace. Whether you're looking to polish your networking prowess or enrich your relationships, this episode hits all the right notes. #SocialSkills #EmotionalIntelligence #ActiveListening #Communication #DailyInfluencePodcast

769. Seeing the Person Behind the Problem: Shannon Roy on Empathy, Accountability, and the Power of Second Chances

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Shannon Roy, founder of Roy Law Firm in Denver, Colorado, for a powerful conversation about empathy, accountability, criminal defense, leadership, and the positive influence we can have when we choose to see the person behind the problem. As a criminal defense attorney, Shannon works with people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. She shares why no one should be defined by their worst mistake, how listening without judgment can change the trajectory of someone’s life, and why honesty, vulnerability, and personal accountability are essential for meaningful change. Shannon also discusses the responsibility leaders, parents, business owners, and community members have to pause before judging, lead by example, and intentionally shape the environments that influence their lives. From stories of second chances to practical advice on kindness, resilience, and daily habits, this episode challenges listeners to consider how one nonjudgmental conversation or small act of kindness can create a lasting ripple effect. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on responsible influence, compassion, leadership, and the everyday choices that help us build a more understanding and positively connected world. Shannon can be found through her law firm, Roy Law Firm, at www.roydefense.com, and through her speaking and mentoring platform, Polar Opposite Life, at www.polaroppositelife.com Sin up for the S.M.A.R.T. Advantage Newsletter: https://www.smartadvantagenewsletter.com/

768. Elevating Your Emotional Quotient: The Journey to Emotional Intelligence (rerun)

Unlock the power of emotional intelligence (EI) in this insightful revisit to episode 204 of Daily Influence, "Elevating Your Emotional Quotient: The Journey to Emotional Intelligence." We take a deep dive into the heart of EI, exploring actionable strategies to enrich your personal and professional life. - **Developing Self-Awareness**: We kickstart our journey with the cornerstone of EI—self-awareness. Learn how to reflect regularly, keep a journal, seek feedback, and increase your emotional literacy to understand and communicate your emotions clearly.   - **Enhancing Self-Regulation**: Discover the art of self-regulation with techniques such as taking a pause before responding, establishing coping strategies, setting clear goals, practicing assertive communication, and learning from your mistakes.   - **Consistent Practice and Adjustment**: EI isn't a one-time lesson; it's a lifelong curriculum. We discuss how to consistently apply and adapt techniques of self-awareness and self-regulation, and when to seek professional guidance for further growth.   - **Integration into Daily Life**: Finally, we cover the practical integration of EI into your everyday life through routine check-ins, role modeling, and relationship management. Join us as we navigate the emotionally intelligent path to better understand ourselves and others, enhance decision-making, and lead a more empathetic and fulfilling life. Perfect for listeners seeking personal development and improved interactions at home and work. #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfAwareness #Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth #DailyInfluencePodcast

767. Freedom is a Daily Choice (rerun)

On this revisit to our special Independence Day episode 507, Brian reflects on what freedom really means beyond parades and barbecues. He shares a personal journey from his upbringing in the ‘60s, military service during the Cold War, and a time when the idea of freedom was deeply ingrained in daily life. Freedom is more than a moment in history—it’s a responsibility we carry every day. This episode challenges listeners to use their personal independence to create positive, responsible influence and ripple effects that uplift others. Be safe, be thoughtful, and honor the responsibility that comes with freedom.