The Mindfield

Kathryn Bennett - Toxic Positivity and Embracing the Suck

Kathryn Bennett is becoming a really cool friend, and in getting to know her I realized I needed to get her on the show and pick her brain ABOUT brains. She shares how she got her start in the proposal writing industry at first, and has a pretty funny story about how she got into journalism in college. Her hot take is about how so many people wait until they feel good to move ahead, and how that can actually slow you down. You don't have to have an overly positive attitude to succeed in life, and as a champion strongwoman of Utah, she knows the mental fortitude it takes to just get in and get stuff done. You'll find you hold yourself back if you wait for all conditions to be perfect, and feel awesome, instead of just acting. We talk specifically about toxic positivity and embracing the suck in this episode. After listening, check out her nice side on LinkedIn by searching for 'kathrynbennettwrites', and then head to Instagram @kaybeelifts to see her Viking side.

Abby Brooks - Be Nice To Yourself

An experienced marriage and family counselor, Abby Brooks shares how she got started in business. In 2015 she had her 'a-ha' moment after being hospitalized for depression and an eating disorder. Later she earned the nickname 'Mama Abby' because of the impact that her own therapist on her was so strong that it just spilled out onto the people around her. As is often the case, going through trauma is what it takes to get someone to be able to help many other people, and Abby's definitely gone through a lot. And she's got some deep experience that she brings to bear when helping others. Reach out to her anytime via email at abrooks@family-strategy.com [//abrooks@family-strategy.com] for quick questions, resources and links.

Kim Kristensen - There Are No Difficult People

Kim Kristensen told me after the show that this was his first podcast, and I was like, 'No way.' [//way.'] This guy is super composed and knowledgeable about his craft when it comes to conflict resolution. On today's episode, we talk about the idea that there really is no such thing as a 'difficult person'. What we think of as difficult is really someone not feeling like they're being heard. And yeah it's heckin' frustrating if you've been in those shoes. Kim's strategy plays on helping calm the nervous system and letting people get to a place where they no longer perceive a threat and can finally feel like they're being heard. And once they do, corporate interactions move smoothly. Check out warriormediator.com [//warriormediator.com] for more tips about conflict deescalation, and much more. For now, let's jump into the episode.

Michael Levitt - How the Pandemic Amplifies Burnout

This is the first guest that I've ever almost made coffee shoot out his nose lol. An experienced leadership coach, Michael Levitt helps people prevent burnout, and these days in particular: the kind of burnout that's resulted from the pandemic. From watching what info you consume, listening to your body, setting clear expectations and controlling where you work, you absolutely have the tools at your disposal to prevent your own burnout. But if it's way out of control? Michael can help. After listening, head over to www.breakfastleadership.com [//www.breakfastleadership.com] to find out more.

Svetlana Kogan - Wildcard Topic! The In-Between State

Today's guest is STL native and friend Svetlana Kogan, and where today's episode differs is that she let me pick the topic! Before our talk we had discussed the topic of meditation, and in today's episode we got into some other fringe areas of the mind state between asleep and awake, and self-hypnosis. It's a variety episode full of neat tips that will help you learn some new ways your mind can work. If you'd like to chat with her, text her at 314-397-5561 or email her at svetlana.s.kogan@gmail.com. [//svetlana.s.kogan@gmail.com]