Step Into The Gap

Celebrate Your Employees with Rita Ernst | #17

Today Tessa is joined by Rita Ernst, the owner of Ignite Extraordinary. They talk about the importance of celebrating your employees and how to create the best work environment. Tessa and Rita share their personal experiences of having great co-workers and how it inspired them to work harder. They share how moving from a rigid workplace to one that feels like family can not only improve the environment but it can increase productivity. Learn more about Rita here: https://www.igniteextraordinary.com/ [https://www.igniteextraordinary.com/]

How Do You Heal a Farm—and End Up Healing Yourself? | #16

John Chester didn't just start a farm—he reawakened an ecosystem. In this conversation, filmmaker-turned-farmer John shares the extraordinary journey behind The Biggest Little Farm, revealing how a barren, overworked plot of land transformed into a thriving biodynamic system. With deep parallels between gut health and soil health, John unpacks how biodiversity, failure, and curiosity drive real resilience. If you've ever questioned how we grow our food—or what nature is capable of when we stop controlling it—this episode is a must.

The Truth Of What Real Intimacy Means | #15

Ever wondered why intimacy feels so elusive? It's not just about sex—it's about understanding yourself and your partner at a soul level. Juliet Karaman, an expert in intimacy and trauma healing, joins Tessa Arnold for a candid conversation on how to deepen connection, break free from societal constraints, and tune into your body's true "yes" and "no." Discover how communication, self-awareness, and vulnerability can unlock the most profound intimacy you've ever experienced. Tune in and learn how to cultivate connection that nourishes both body and soul.

How Do You Rebuild After Rock Bottom? A Veteran's Raw Journey to Purpose and Passion | #14

What happens when the uniform comes off and the future feels uncertain? In this powerful conversation, Zack Knight—former police officer, Army infantry officer, and Green Beret partner—opens up about his intense transition from service to civilian life. From near-suicidal lows to launching a mission-driven organization, Zack shares the real story behind finding purpose after loss. We dive into the emotional, mental, and entrepreneurial challenges of reinvention, the unspoken void in veteran support systems, and how rediscovering your "why" can be the most courageous battle of all. You won't want to miss this deeply honest and inspiring journey of 2.0 transformation.

How Listening Became the Most Powerful Tool for Global Change | #13

What if the key to creating lasting impact isn't about giving more—but listening better? Social impact architect Gretchen Villegas shares her transformative journey from the rural Midwest to remote villages in Africa and Latin America, where she learned that the deepest change comes from understanding what people truly need—not what we assume they do. This conversation challenges how we define service, fulfillment, and success, offering a compelling case for leading with empathy, trust, and curiosity. Get ready to rethink what it means to help—and to lead.