Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity

Guest Iain McHenry was born in Belfast and, after leaving school, joined the British Army and had a career that took him all over the world. He was stationed in Germany, Northern Ireland, Canada, The Falkland Islands, and Belgium, and he has completed operational tours in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Sierra Leone. He has always had a passion for WW1, and after leaving the army, he started his own business in Belgium, working as a WW1 researcher, battlefield guide, and published author. Today, he splits his time between his home in Tallahassee, Florida, and the old battlefields of France and Belgium. Aside from military history, he loves to fly light aircraft, travel and run. Summary Iain's World War I tours go way beyond dates and statistics. They cater to diverse interests, from general historical context to specific family narratives. By visiting trenches, tunnels, and lesser-known sites, participants gain a unique perspective on the daily routines, living conditions, and struggles faced by the soldiers. The emotional impact of war is a recurring theme, with Iain sharing stories of families searching for the final resting places of loved ones and the poignant inscriptions found on gravestones. The episode doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of war. It explores the vast cemeteries holding the remains of thousands, the ongoing process of identifying soldiers through artifacts like ID disks, and the constant threat of unexploded ordnance that lingers in the ground. Yet, amidst the tragedy, there's a sense of connection to the past. Iain and I describe the energy one feels on these historical sites and the stories unearthed through excavations, like the discovery of a soldier's remains and the heartwarming reunion with his granddaughter. Overall, the episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of learning about history. By studying World War I battlefields, we not only gain a deeper understanding of the conflict itself but also connect with the human stories of those who lived through it. Social Media Bespoke Battlefield Tours Referenced Menin Gate About Jeff Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. "Quetico" (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government. Jeff has hosted the "Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity" podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness. Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.

Guest Tara LaFon Gooch, an acclaimed Keynote and TEDx speaker, is known for her expertise in confidence empowerment. As an international best-selling author, Tara's dynamic presence and passion inspire audiences globally. With an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and certifications from Cornell University and The University of Notre Dame, Tara's transformative message has been featured in Forbes, LA Weekly, and Fox News. Her recent TEDx talk, "Gratitude: The Foundation of Confidence," has garnered global acclaim, showcasing her ability to help individuals unlock their full potential and live confidently. Summary Ditch the corporate grind? This episode's guest did just that, leaving behind a toxic job and battling depression and anxiety. Their secret weapon? Gratitude. They found that focusing on what they were thankful for, not just in the world but in themselves too, helped them turn things around. But gratitude is just the first step. The conversation digs into how to rewire your brain for positivity. We're talking about taking responsibility for your actions and appreciating yourself, past and present. It's not always sunshine and rainbows though – there's real work involved in changing negative thought patterns. But with some effort, you can silence that inner critic and start feeling good about yourself again. Feeling stuck? This episode also tackles how to find the motivation to get moving. Visualization and taking action are your new best friends. Plus, figuring out what truly matters to you – your core values and strengths – can be a game changer. It all adds up to building confidence and a sense of purpose, both in your personal life and your career. Speaking of career, our conversation switches gears to how confidence plays a major role in leadership and branding. The key? Authenticity. Turns out, people can see right through a fake. The speaker even opens up about their own struggles with confidence as a leader, proving it's a common hurdle. The episode wraps up with a powerful message: stay true to your values, no matter what. It might mean turning down clients or walking away from situations that don't feel right. But in the end, staying aligned with your principles is the recipe for long-term success and personal growth. Social Media / Referenced https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-lafon-gooch https://www.facebook.com/tara.lafon https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTXN57YGfMOMJdkphzr2PoQ https://www.tiktok.com/@taralafongooch https://www.instagram.com/taralafongooch About Jeff Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. "Quetico" (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government. Jeff has hosted the "Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity" podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness. Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.

Guest Bradley Wright is a professor of sociology at the University of Connecticut and the director of the Life Purpose Lab (lifepurpose.lab.uconn.edu). He teaches courses on well-being and research methodology. He is the co-author of The Purpose Journal: Discover Your Destiny and Leave a Legacy. His teaching and mentoring have received departmental and university awards. Bradley grew up in California and lives in Connecticut with his wife. They have two sons and a small, fluffy dog. His hobbies include cycling, hiking, and photography. Summary In this episode, Bradley tackles the question of finding purpose and meaning in life. He acknowledges the challenges, including a lack of clear systems and the fear of uncertainty that holds many back. Bradley proposes a "purpose portfolio" –– engaging in multiple meaningful activities across various aspects of life –– to maximize overall fulfillment. His work at the Life Purpose Lab emphasizes "possibility management," a framework designed to help people intentionally explore and navigate different life paths. Journaling is a key tool, prompting exploration of purpose itself and offering practical steps for discovery. The conversation emphasizes taking action over waiting for inspiration to strike. Small, incremental steps can lead to significant change. Bradley highlights the transformative power of purpose, not just for personal happiness but for creating a positive impact on the world. His training program suggests living purposefully can positively affect the lives of others, with a potential reach that can range from a few individuals to hundreds. Social Media https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleywrightphd/ Referenced "Serendipity is not Serendipitous" Life Purpose Lab

Summary This episode explores the importance of storytelling in business communication and life. Inspired by his late wife Jane's spirit, Jarie Bolander delves into the importance of narratives that inspire action. The discussion weaves in Jarie's experience supporting organizations in crafting impactful stories, highlighting a common challenge faced by businesses and non-profits alike. The episode takes a poignant turn as Jarie recounts his marriage to Jane, their life together, and the profound impact of her leukemia diagnosis. Their relationship transformed from spouse to caregiver and patient, demanding immense resilience and commitment. Jarie reflects on the significance of their vows in the face of such hardship while acknowledging the initial struggle to ask for help and prioritize self-care amidst overwhelming circumstances. Through Jane's illness and eventual passing, Jarie grapples with grief and the preciousness of life. He shares his own challenges in seeking support. The conversation explores the healing power of therapy alongside the enduring comfort of unconditional love and support from loved ones. Social Media Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Referenced Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder Stuart: A Life Backwards Diane Wyzga - the origin story

Summary I've been podcasting for more than five years and have more than 300 hundred episodes on topics that include space exploration, cooking, history, education, movie scores, the importance of objects in movies, inn-keeping, serendipity, beavers, bagels, nature, and fly fishing—to name a few! And I've been privileged to meet some incredible, giving, wise people. But like most podcasters—all?—I've been unable to secure interviews with everyone I wanted to see on the other side of the mic. Why? The reasons vary, ranging from "Sorry, I'm just too busy" to silence—no response at all. This is an episode about some of them—the ones whose photo will never fill an empty square on my podcast website—and why I wanted to talk to them in the first place.

Guest As a former teacher turned speaker and happiness coach, Kim Strobel helps schools, businesses, and organizations prioritize their happiness and well-being so they can overcome their fears, discover their joy, activate their limitless potential, and boldly pursue their dreams. She is the author of Teach Happy. Summary This episode focuses on Kim's journey with panic disorder, highlighting the power of cognitive behavioral therapy and helping others overcome anxiety. Kim emphasizes happiness as a direction rather than a destination, urging the implementation of happiness habits for well-being. Of particular note, Kim explained that up to 40% of our happiness is within our control, so looking at the world through a lens of positivity and possibility is essential. Lastly, Kim advocates for radical wellness through boundary-setting and rewiring brains for happiness, encouraging investment in building healthy relationships and regulating social media usage for personal growth and fulfillment. Social Media / Referenced www.StrobelEducation.com www.KimStrobel.com Break the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza The Tools: 5 Tools to Help You Find Courage, Creativity, and Willpower--and Inspire You to Live Life in Forward Motion by Phil Stultz

Guest Ben Goldfarb is an environmental journalist whose work has appeared in National Geographic, the Atlantic, Smithsonian Magazine, and many other publications. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Elise, and his dog, Kit — which is, of course, what you call a baby beaver. Summary This discussion highlights the beaver's role as a keystone species, an organism crucial to maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Beavers create ponds and wetlands, benefiting numerous species and providing vital services like water purification, flood control, and wildfire mitigation. Historically, unregulated trapping nearly decimated beaver populations in North America, causing dramatic ecological decline. In Yellowstone National Park, for instance, the absence of wolves led to elk overgrazing, destroying beaver habitat. Beaver reintroduction efforts in the 1980s significantly improved the ecosystem. The conversation emphasizes the importance of coexisting with beavers and wolves. Non-lethal solutions like "beaver deceivers" can mitigate property damage, while the ecological benefits (fish habitat, flood control) far outweigh minor inconveniences. The future of beaver management lies in learning to share our environment, not removing these valuable ecosystem engineers. Social Media / Referenced Website: https://www.bengoldfarb.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben.a.goldfarb/ X: https://twitter.com/ben_a_goldfarb Books: Crossings https://www.amazon.com/dp/1324005890 Eager https://www.amazon.com/Eager-Surprising-Secret-Beavers-Matter/dp/160358739X

Guest Katie Mullen is the founder of MMS Consulting, which specializes in sales training and consulting and has helped Fortune 500 companies from all over the country increase sales, improve performance, and create more customer trust. MMS Consulting was founded on a several-year research project on the topic of how customers want to be treated. Hundreds of customers were interviewed on pet peeves, likes, dislikes, etc, and the answers were aggregated into data points that are now used during the training and consulting offered by MMS Consulting. Before founding MMS, Katie Mullen spent fifteen years selling into diverse industries, including medical devices, online media, fundraising, and event planning. Katie hosts the "Golden Rule of Selling" podcast and is the author of The Sales Tightrope: A Research-Based Guide to Not Annoying Customers and Still Being a Top Performer. Summary Focusing on qualities essential for success in sales, such as curiosity and adaptability, Katie emphasizes the importance of building rapport and understanding customers individually. Her approach combines scientific research with personalized presentations tailored to each client, prioritizing long-term relationships over short-term gains. By employing discovery questions and addressing root issues, she ensures a mutually beneficial fit, fostering trust and loyalty for future opportunities. Social Media / Referenced kmullen@mms-consulting.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiefmullen/ https://www.tiktok.com/@katiemullen_goldenrule

Guest John Camp (he goes by Camp) is Head of Teaching & Learning at the New England Innovation Academy, where he oversees the development of systems to recruit, hire, support, and evaluate teachers. He also supports teachers in developing and implementing the curriculum. He's been a leader and a teacher at various schools throughout his 29-year career. His experience includes English and writing classes and interdisciplinary courses such as "The Art and Physics of Time Travel." At St. Mark's School, which bestowed him with The Trustees Chair and the Kidder Faculty Prize, Camp served as the Director of Experiential Learning and Associate Director of The Center of Innovation in Teaching and Learning. His pedagogical mantras include, "I aim to teach what cannot be Googled" and "I expect you to work hard, so I work hard." Summary Our conversation examined how the New England Innovation Academy is shifting the landscape of 6-12 education toward integrating various learning styles and innovative teaching methods. Competency-based assessment was discussed as a promising alternative to traditional tests, emphasizing gauging students' mastery of skills and practical knowledge. The conversation went beyond academics, highlighting the growing importance of student-centered learning and fostering social-emotional development as crucial aspects of education. We also explored the practicalities at the New England Innovation Academy, delving into student workload, school policies, and their innovative practices. A central theme emerged: education is no longer solely about knowledge transmission. Instead, it is vital to nurture well-rounded individuals and promote personal growth through student-centered instructional approaches. This discussion provided valuable insights into the evolving education landscape, where innovation and student success are the driving forces shaping the future of learning. Social Media / Referenced New England Innovation Academy - https://neiacademy.org/

Guest Bennett (Ben) Bratt helps leaders and their teams create the transformative, inclusive, and enduring changes in their team effectiveness that fuel their most deeply desired outcomes. He is the founder and principal at Team Elements, a consulting and coaching organization that helps identify and resolve issues holding teams back from achieving their desired goals. Ben is the author of The Team Discovered (BMI Publishing 2020). Summary A number of factors will contribute to team ineffectiveness, including: • insufficient resources and training, • unrealistic expectations, • poor organizational culture, • lack of psychological safety and emotional intelligence, and • lack of conflict resolution tools. Often, underlying all of these reasons is a lack of clarity around team goals and individual roles, which contributes to a lack of trust among team members. Social Media / Referenced LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bennettbratt TikTok: @bennettbratt Website: Team Elements