On Telling Our Stories with Tanja Pajevic

On Permission to Pause with Angela Kesting

In the Season One finale of The Intention Podcast, "On Permission to Pause", host Tami Palmer welcomes Angela Kesting to explore the transformative practice of pausing. Grounded in somatic awareness, this conversation dives into how subtle shifts in body and mind can foster resilience, clarity, and deeper self-understanding amidst life's chaos. In this episode, we discuss: * The fundamentals of somatic work and body awareness * Recognizing activation responses in the nervous system (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) * Practical tools for releasing stuck energy, including shaking, art, and movement * The importance of self-care, boundaries, and creating safe containers for healing * Integrating play, laughter, and resources into daily self-regulation practices Connect with Tami Palmer at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greyzonementoring.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://greyzonementoring.com] Visit today's sponsor, Edie Boutique, at ⁠⁠https://shopedie.com⁠ [https://shopedie.com/] Angela Kesting is the founder of AJK Coaching, where she helps people and organizations navigate change with clarity, steadiness, and practical insight. Her approach integrates reflection, curiosity, empathy, creative problem-solving, nervous system regulation, and manageable next steps—supporting people through career transitions, health challenges, life disruptions, or simply the sense that something is out of alignment. Her work is trauma-informed, and she integrates somatic techniques into her coaching. She is a Reiki Master, a volunteer with the Reiki Brigade (working to support high-stress and first responder communities). And she is currently training in Somatic Experiencing ™. Angela is a published author and one of eight contributing authors in the recently released Unmuted: Leaders Discover Their Voice to Speak Up and Stand Out. Connect with Angela at http://ajkcoaching.com [http://ajkcoaching.com].

On Telling Our Stories with Tanja Pajevic

In this episode of The Intention Podcast, "On Telling Our Stories", we explore how writing stories of trauma, grief, and personal growth can serve as profound tools for healing and empowerment. Join Tami Palmer and guest Tanja Pajevic as they discuss the transformative power of memoir, navigating sensitive topics, and the importance of community support in the storytelling journey. Connect with Tami Palmer at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greyzonementoring.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://greyzonementoring.com] Visit today's sponsor, Edie Boutique, at ⁠https://shopedie.com [https://shopedie.com/] In this episode: * The therapeutic and healing benefits of writing your story * How memoir helps process grief and trauma * The significance of safety and trauma-informed practices in writing * Balancing authenticity with respect for others' stories * The role of community and small groups in nurturing writers * Differences between writing for oneself versus sharing with others * Common misconceptions about memoir structure and content * Practical tips for beginning and structuring your writing project * The importance of self-trust and timing in sharing vulnerable stories Tanja Pajevic is the author of The Secret Life of Grief: A Memoir, winner of the Nautilus Silver Book Award. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, mindbodygreen, and Huffington Post, as well as in literary reviews such as Shenandoah and others. Tanja has been teaching writing in various capacities for over 25 years, from academia to the larger community. She currently works as a memoir book coach, where she helps women write their memoirs with safety and support. Subscribe to Tanja's newsletter, "Memoir Matters: Insights I wish I knew when I was writing my first book", here: https://www.tanjapajevic.com/memoir-matters

On Aging and Identity with Esther Cohen

What does it really mean to grow into yourself? In this rich, wide-ranging conversation, Tami Palmer sits down with Esther Cohen to explore how aging can be an invitation to finally stop shrinking and start becoming. Esther Cohen brings a rare blend of Chinese medicine, energetics, and ancestral constellation work to her practice, resulting in a perspective on identity that's both deeply personal and delightfully unexpected. From Baba Yaga to protest marches to clown school, this episode covers a lot of ground — all of it in service of one central question: Who are you, really, underneath all the patterns you inherited? In this episode, you'll hear about: * How ancestral and historical trauma quietly shapes your sense of self, and how to start seeing those patterns clearly * Why aging shifts (and can expand) your relationship to purpose, voice, and self-expression * The crone archetype and what myths like Baba Yaga can teach us about reclaiming wisdom and power * Esther's unexpected path into clowning as a spiritual practice for joy and authenticity * The healing power of community, dance, movement, and collective energy * Shadow work, mythic theater, and other tools for creative self-discovery * How to identify your unique "blueprint" and your role in the larger human story Connect with Tami Palmer at ⁠⁠⁠⁠greyzonementoring.com⁠⁠⁠ [https://greyzonementoring.com] Esther Cohen is an intuitive healer, medicine woman, and teacher, blending the science, Chinese, and traditional medicine with energetics, ancestral constellations, and embodiment. A master herbalist, intuitive guide, and clown, she draws on decades of study in functional medicine, somatic psychology, and sacred theater to support others to listen to their body's wisdom, release trauma, and reclaim vitality. The intention woven in her work is to inspire people to awaken to their potential, access their creativity, and build unshakeable self-love. Connect with Esther by email at alchemyofnourishment@gmail.com. Visit today's sponsor, Tarli Cosmetics, at https://tarlicosmetics.com [https://tarlicosmetics.com/].

On the Rise of the Matriarchy with Kim Kleeman

What does it actually look like when women stop waiting for permission and start building the world they want to live in? In this episode of the Intention Podcast, host Tami Palmer sits down with Kim Kleeman for a conversation that's equal parts inspiring and practical. Kim shares how the Professional Moms Community Network came to life from a deep belief that women are better, bolder, and more powerful together. Together, Tami and Kim dig into the idea of the rising matriarchy as a reclaiming of collective leadership, intentional community, and feminine strength that's been there all along. They explore how the communities we build (and the ones we join) quietly shape our confidence, our businesses, and our sense of what's possible. If you've ever felt like you were doing it all alone, this episode is your reminder that you don't have to — and that the women around you might be your greatest untapped resource. In this conversation, you'll hear about: * How PMCN was founded and why it's resonating with women everywhere * The societal shift toward gender equality and what "the rising matriarchy" really means * Why intentional community is a business strategy, not just a nice-to-have * How women can step into their power and influence * Upcoming retreats and events to get connected and get involved Connect with Tami Palmer at ⁠⁠⁠greyzonementoring.com⁠⁠ [https://greyzonementoring.com] Kim Kleeman builds businesses and brands. She is the founder of Accelerate Successfully, CEO of the 100-year-old family commercial bakery, Simon Brothers Bakery, co-founder of the Professional Moms Community Network, connecting more than 12,000 women and co-founder of the Inner Circle Business Network. Kim helps entrepreneurs and leaders scale their companies while building powerful communities. Connect with Kim Kleeman at acceleratesuccessfully.com [https://www.acceleratesuccessfully.com] Visit the Professional Moms Community Network website: https://professionalmomscommunitynetwork.com [https://professionalmomscommunitynetwork.com/] Visit today's sponsor Edie Boutique at ⁠https://shopedie.com⁠ [https://shopedie.com/]

On Careers with Amy Maranowicz

In this episode of the Intention Podcast, host Tami Palmer and executive coach Amy Maranowicz explore the connections between personal values, career transitions, and living intentionally. Whether you're feeling stuck in your career, contemplating a change, or seeking to align more deeply with your purpose, this conversation offers practical insights for meaningful career transformation. Connect with Tami Palmer at ⁠⁠greyzonementoring.com⁠ [https://greyzonementoring.com] Amy Maranowicz is an executive and leadership coach with over 20 years of experience, specializing in executive and leadership development and integrating health and wellness priorities. She partners with leaders during pivotal moments of growth, helping them navigate complexity with clarity, confidence, and resilience. With a diverse background in healthcare, non-profits, renewable energy, and financial services, Amy understands the intricate intersections of strategy, culture, and people in complex organizations. In her work, she helps leaders operationalize strategy, build high-performing teams, and facilitate executive-level retreats to enhance alignment and decision-making. Passionate about individual growth, Amy empowers clients to uncover what is vital for their leadership journeys and identify pathways to achieve their goals. She also focuses on helping individuals define vitality in midlife, guiding them toward a vibrant and fulfilling life. Connect with Amy Maranowicz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-maranowicz [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-maranowicz] Visit Edie Boutique at https://shopedie.com [https://shopedie.com/] Topics discussed include: * The role of values alignment in career satisfaction * Creating space for reflection through intentional transitions * Using "Option C" to explore alternative pathways * The importance of community and cultivating a personal board of advisors * How to identify your North Star and integrate spirituality into career decisions * Strategies for managing grief and uncertainty during career shifts * Building confidence to ask for what you want in your professional life * The concept of big vs. small soul intentions and their impact on fulfillment * Navigating external changes and organizational transitions with resilience * Practical tools: mind mapping, self-reflection, and community support