Making the Most of Life: Living Authentically

Making the Most of Life: Living Authentically

For most of my life, I thought authenticity was something you arrived at—a milestone to be reached once you’d figured things out. I’ve since learned it’s a daily practice, shaped by the choices I make and the company I keep. In this episode of Return to Moore, I sit down with my longtime friend William Whitfield, whose journey from Chicago to Washington, D.C. has been a testament to making intentional decisions and staying true to what matters. As we talk, William and I revisit the moments that have shaped us—from the music that filled our childhood homes to the challenges and changes that come with adulthood. Our conversation explores what it really takes to show up for ourselves and others, how we build lasting connections, and why we sometimes have to let go of old definitions of success. You’ll hear how routines, honest reflection, and the willingness to pivot can help us stay grounded—even when life feels uncertain. If you’ve ever found yourself drifting or questioning your next step, this episode offers a straightforward look at what it means to live with purpose, one choice at a time. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:06 – "Friendship and Faith with William" 03:41 – R&B Go-To Albums List 06:24 – Mary J. Blige: A Defining Moment 09:48 – Navigating Emotions and Daily Struggles 12:45 – "Discipline for Lifelong Growth" 18:53 – "Friendship Growth Through Reflection" 20:03 – Authentic Living Through Relationships 24:10 – "Reflections on Friendship and Authenticity" 29:23 – "Redefining Success and Adaptability" 32:11 – "Courage to Pivot and Adapt" 34:25 – "Lessons on Relationships and Homeownership" 38:06 – Living Authentically: Key Practices 40:46 – "Returning to Your True Self" 41:26 - Outro Quotes: "Authenticity isn't something you arrive at—it's something you practice every day. One honest decision at a time changes everything."- Jonathan Moore "Start with one point of discipline and let it grow; give yourself the space to evolve, to pivot, and to be better than you were yesterday. That’s how you find your true self, again and again."- William Whitfield Key Takeaways: Authenticity Is a Daily Practice Coming Home to Yourself Childhood Threads Shape Our Present Start Small, Build Discipline Friendships and Relationships: Evolving with Intention Permission to Pivot Rooted in Gratitude and Joy Laughter and Lightness Matter Connect with the Host, Jonathan Moore: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonathan-moore/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonathan-moore/] Website: https://returntomoore.com/ [https://returntomoore.com/] Produced by Heartcast Media:http://www.heartcastmedia.com [http://www.heartcastmedia.com]

Relationships that Last: Romantic Edition

I met Michael and Brittany Hughes years ago, and watching their relationship up close has always been a reminder that lasting love is built on choices, not momentum. They first met as college students at Arizona State University while working for the same organization. What began as a workplace friendship grew steadily, shaped by time, conversation, and trust. They dated for six years before marrying in 2011, and last November marked 20 years together. Today, they’re raising three girls in Chandler, Arizona: two daughters (13 and 10) and a 16-year-old bonus daughter they’ve had legal guardianship of for five years. Life is busy, but they make space for what keeps them connected—weekly dates, family trips, movie nights (especially thrillers), new restaurants, and cooking at home. They’re both educators now, teaching at the same high school in Phoenix. Michael is in his 18th year of teaching and holds a Master’s in Education in Integrated Curriculum. Brittany spent 15 years in post-secondary finance, rising to a Director role, before changing careers five years ago; she’s now in her sixth year teaching. In Episode 7 “Relationships that Last: Romantic Edition,” I sit down with them to talk about what it really takes to build a relationship that lasts—moving at a pace that fits, communicating with intention, handling outside pressure, navigating conflict, and staying connected as life changes. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:06 - "Phenomenal Teacher and Fearless Advocate" 03:35 - Admiration for Two Wonderful Friends 09:23 - Taking Time to Build Connection 12:54 - "Unchanged Traits in Relationships" 14:41 - Boomerang Emotions and Grief 17:52 - Balancing Careers and Courtship 21:44 - "Quieting Relationship Pressure" 25:29 - "Navigating Love and Relationship Pressure" 27:51 - "Thinking in Big Bets Overview" 31:47 - Evolving and Navigating Relationship Conflicts 34:42 - "Navigating Conflict and Self-Awareness" 39:38 - "Conflict Conversations in Courtship" 41:19 - Navigating Evolving Relationships Together 45:36 - "Relationships: Build a Strong Foundation" 46:45 - Outro Quotes: Jonathan Moore: “Love isn’t something that just happens to us. It’s something we actively cultivate. When love meets grace, vulnerability, and communication, it has the power to last.” Michael Hughes: “You absolutely have to know yourself, be comfortable with yourself, like the person you see in the mirror. If you want a lasting relationship, remember that it takes time–and you have to put that time in.” Brittany Hughes: “You have to like them as a person as they are right then and not who they were or who they could be, because that’s who you’re going to get— that person right now. Communicate, grow together, and continue how you started.” Key Takeaways: Start with Communication Move at Your Own Pace Know Yourself Before You Love Another Handle Conflict with Compassion and Patience Keep Growing Together Prioritize Connection, Every Day Connect with the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonathan-moore/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonathan-moore/] Website:https://returntomoore.com/ [https://returntomoore.com/] Produced by Heartcast Media:http://www.heartcastmedia.com [http://www.heartcastmedia.com]

Relationships that Last: Friendships

Welcome to "Return to Moore." I’m Jonathan Moore, and in today's episode, I’m sharing a true story about friendship—how it’s tested, how it changes, and what it takes to last. You’ll hear about Christina and Trinity, two friends whose bond was shaped by loyalty and conflict, from high school all the way to a wedding day that pushed them apart for years. To unpack what really makes friendships endure, I’m joined by Dr. Ashley Piwowarski, a licensed psychologist and a longtime friend of mine. Together, we explore the real dynamics behind lasting relationships—how early life patterns influence our connections, why some friendships survive challenges while others fade, and what we can do to repair trust when things get hard. We discuss the concept of "goodness of fit," how conflict often goes unspoken, and practical ways to maintain healthy boundaries. You’ll come away with a clearer view of what helps friendships grow, how to navigate tension, and why keeping things light matters as much as being intentional. This is an honest look at the work—and the rewards—of real friendship. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:06 – High School Friendship Tale 03:41 – "Maid of Honor Dilemma" 06:52 – "Heartfelt Wedding Toast Highlights" 10:09 – "Goodness of Fit in Relationships" 14:22 – Attachment Styles Shape Relationships 17:27 – Adapting to Meet Relationship Needs 20:20 – Anxious Attachment Style Overview 25:46 – Understanding Attachment Styles 30:32 – "Understanding and Resolving Repressed Conflict" 33:43 – Reflecting to Communicate Needs 37:49 – "Keys to Resolving Conflict" 40:22 – Repairing and Strengthening Friendships 42:31 – Setting Boundaries and Problem Solving 48:27 – "Temporary Connections, Lasting Friendships" 49:59 – "Return to More Podcast" 50:28 – Outro Quotes: "Friendship grounds us in who we are, even when life is messy. When you invest in what matters, you build relationships that help you grow."- Jonathan Moore "Our connections are shaped by our stories, and with intention and self-reflection, we can always deepen them."- Dr. Ashley piwowarski Key Takeaways: Friendships Aren’t Accidental Goodness of Fit Matters Attachment Styles Shape Us Conflict Isn’t Always Loud Repair Begins with Self-Reflection Communication Is a Tool for Healing Boundaries and Grace Are Essential The Joy of Friendship Relationships Reflect Our History, But We’re Not Bound by It Carry Forward Community Connect with Dr. Ashley piwowarski Instagram: http://hartofeducation.com/https://www.instagram.com/alkp384 [https://www.instagram.com/alkp384] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonathan-moore/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-kuhl-piwowarski-05683888/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-kuhl-piwowarski-05683888/] Connect with the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonathan-moore/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonathan-moore/] Website: https://returntomoore.com/ [https://returntomoore.com/] Produced by Heartcast Media:http://www.heartcastmedia.com [http://www.heartcastmedia.com]

Leadership Matters: The Power of Mentorship

No one satisfying career was built alone. Somewhere along the way, someone said the right thing at the right time, or pulled you aside before you made a mistake you couldn't undo. For me, that someone was Dr. Ann Hart. Our paths first crossed through a character education grant. I was a principal in South Phoenix. She was in leadership at the State Department of Education. What started as a campus visit turned into a conversation, and that conversation turned into a mentorship that would carry me through one of the most challenging transitions of my career. In this episode of Return to Moore, "Leadership Matters: The Power of Mentorship," Dr. Hart and I sit down to trace the full arc of that relationship—from the early moments of sizing each other up to the texts, phone calls, and honest conversations that followed. We talk about what it means to mentor without a safety net, as Dr. Hart did for most of her career. We talk about why mentees disappear after getting advice, and what happens when they do. And we get specific: what to wear, what to read, how to take feedback, and when to leave. If you've ever wondered what separates people who grow from people who stall, this conversation lays it out plainly—through two people who lived it. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:06 – Mentor's Visit and Observations 05:55 – Leadership Transition and Mentorship 09:43 – Navigating Workplace Perceptions and Bias 11:02 – Mentorship and Career Reflections 15:02 – Mentorship and Self-Guided Learning 17:37 – Insights from Mentorship Dynamics 21:01 – Mentorship as a Cheat Code 24:33 – Mentorship Requires Constructive Feedback 30:27 – Key Tips for Effective Mentorship 33:28 – Mentorship: Showing Up and Empowering 35:01 – Workplace Identity and Accomplishments 37:59 – Mentorship: Growth Through Connection 38:38 – Outro Quotes: Jonathan Moore: "Growth is never done in isolation. It's always accelerated when you have people in your corner who believe in you." Dr. Ann Hart: "Share your successes, but also your challenges—because that's what helps you achieve your success." Key Takeaways: Mentorship Is a Game Changer Active Mentorship Creates Impact Feedback and Follow-Up: The Mentee’s Playbook Character Counts Above All Self-Mentorship Builds Resilience Celebrate the Journey Connect with Ann Hart Website: http://hartofeducation.com/ [http://hartofeducation.com/]  Connect with the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonathan-moore/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonathan-moore/]Website:https://returntomoore.com/ [https://returntomoore.com/] Produced by Heartcast Media: http://www.heartcastmedia.com [http://www.heartcastmedia.com]

Workplace Chronicles: Healing from Trauma in the Workplace

Host Jonathan Moore and Dr. Rick Piwowarski, an education leader with 20 years of experience, discusses healing from workplace trauma. They explore how professional trauma affects identity, how to recognize signs, and how to heal. Dr. Piwowarski shares insights from his leadership in education, finance, and community service. KEY TOPICS * Understanding Trauma * Recognizing Signs * The Human Element * Four-Step Healing * Leadership & Trauma * Spiritual Dimension TIMESTAMPED CHAPTERS * 00:00:00 - Welcome * 00:01:30 - Jonathan's Story * 00:08:45 - Introducing Dr. Rick Piwowarski * 00:12:20 - Defining Workplace Trauma * 00:19:56 - Signs of Trauma * 00:26:33 - People vs. Institutions * 00:33:18 - Personalities & Dynamics * 00:42:15 - Protection Mechanism * 00:51:30 - Four-Step Healing Framework * 01:01:12 - Know Your Why * 01:08:45 - Setting Boundaries GUEST INFORMATION Dr. Rick Piwowarski Education Leader, Father, Husband, and Friend - 20 years in education, including 8 years as a teacher and 12 years in leadership roles. Rick brings expertise in education leadership, finance, community service, and philanthropy. * LinkedIn Profile Link * Instagram Profile Link * X (Twitter) Profile Link Why This Conversation Matters "You have to recognize too, a lot of these attacks about you personally—it's not you. They don't know you. They have a perception of you, they have an idea of you, but there's no way they've ever gotten to know who you are."- Dr. Rick Piwowarski * Universal Experience * Leadership Vulnerability * Generational Impact * Hope for Healing This episode provides a roadmap for healing from workplace trauma, emphasizing that while environments aren't fully controllable, our response and healing are within our power. Steps You Can Take Today * Identify Your Why * Build Your Core Group * Name What's Triggered * Set Clear Boundaries * Separate Professional from Personal * Seek Professional Support RESOURCES & LINKS Official Organizations/Websites * Return to More Podcast Website * Loyola University Chicago * Simon Sinek - Start With Why Resources * Brené Brown - Leadership and Boundaries Resources * Workplace Mental Health Resources Follow on Social Media * Jonathan Moore (LinkedIn) * Dr. Rick Piwowarski (LinkedIn) * Return to More Podcast (Instagram) * #ReturnToMore * #WorkplaceHealing Healing Is Possible—And You Have More Power Than You Think Healing from workplace trauma is possible. As Dr. Piwowarski says, "God equips the called"—but we must do the work. Trauma's power stems from unresolved triggers. By knowing your why, building support, identifying triggers, and setting boundaries, you can heal and emerge stronger. Remember: People's opinions of you are none of your business. Focus on who you are, why you're here, and your calling. The rest is noise. Share this episode with someone struggling with workplace trauma. Subscribe to Return to More for more conversations about healing, growth, and returning to your essence. Share This Episode | Subscribe to Return to More | Visit returntomore.com [http://returntomore.com] Thank you for listening. Share this information. Do the internal work. Remember, healing is your birthright.