Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity

Guest Elizabeth Keating, Ph.D., is a professor of anthropology at the University of Texas, Austin. A linguistic anthropologist who studies culture and communication, she has been a Fulbright Scholar in Ireland and a visiting scholar at the Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies in Germany and the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics in the Netherlands. Summary In this episode, I chat with Elizabeth Keating, Ph.D., author of The Essential Questions, about the power of curiosity in preserving family history and understanding generational perspectives. Dr. Keating discusses how asking meaningful, anthropologically inspired questions can help uncover the rich stories and cultural insights of parents and grandparents, transforming familial relationships. She emphasizes the importance of capturing these stories before they are lost, as time and cognitive ability are fleeting. The discussion also highlights how cultural transmission occurs in everyday interactions and the impact of generational conflict on how values and beliefs are passed down. Dr. Keating shares her experiences as an anthropologist and teacher, using her framework to encourage deeper connections and a greater appreciation for the complexities of family history. Three Takeaways The Urgency of Storytelling: Capturing family stories is vital before they are lost, as time and cognitive ability are finite. Cultural Transmission Through Everyday Life: Understanding how values and beliefs are passed down helps bridge generational differences. Anthropology-Inspired Questions: Using open-ended, meaningful questions fosters deeper connections and unearths untold family histories. Social Media LinkedIn Website Referenced The Atlantic article: The Questions We Don't Ask Our Families but Should

Guest Dr. Sarah Bennison is an adjunct professor at New York University and founder of Trinity School (NYC) Office of Public Service, a thought-leading service learning initiative engaging students, faculty, families, and alumni in ongoing, meaningful community engagement work and social impact curriculum. She started her career in New York City public schools in the South Bronx and has thirty years of teaching and leadership experience. Sarah is also the founder of a children's sleepwear company for social good, BennisonGives, LLC, which emerged from her work to support infant and maternal health in Burundi, East Africa. Summary In this episode, Sarah and I discuss the concept of "mattering"—feeling valued and adding value—and its potential to counteract the toxic achievement culture prevalent in many high-achieving schools. Sarah shares insights from her work with students, particularly around connecting academic learning to real-world issues through community service. She highlights how fostering a sense of mattering helps students manage stress, develop confidence, and experience mental health benefits. We explore ways for teachers, parents, and schools to support students' mental well-being through small, consistent actions to reinforce students' intrinsic value. Sarah also discusses how the Mattering Movement's curriculum integrates into academic subjects, providing a framework to build connection, belonging, and resilience among students. Three Takeaways The Power of Mattering: Students benefit when they feel valued and are encouraged to add value, which helps counter the pressures of an achievement-focused culture. Curriculum Integration: The Mattering Movement's curriculum is flexible, allowing integration into any academic subject and making social-emotional learning part of the regular school day. Support for Parents and Educators: Parents and educators can foster a sense of mattering in small, meaningful ways to help students develop resilience and manage stress Social Media / Resources LinkedIn Website: The Mattering Movement

Guest Frank Zaccari is a TV/podcast host and keynote speaker with a background in the U.S. Air Force and over 30 years as a high-tech executive & business owner. A five-time Best-Selling and two-time Award-Winning Author, he has written nine impactful books and co-founded the "Trust the Process" Book Marketing Program. Frank mentors at Arizona State University and the University of California Entrepreneurship Academy and guides veterans through the Veterans Treatment Court. Summary In this episode, Jeff and Frank discuss the challenges of promoting books and creating a successful marketing campaign. Frank shares insights from his experiences, emphasizing the importance of planning and consistency. He discusses the need for authors to promote their work well in advance, outlining a 90-day pre-launch strategy involving social media, email campaigns, and targeted messaging to build awareness. Frank's "Trust the Process" approach consists of understanding the author's goals, creating compelling content, and using multi-channel strategies to gain traction in an oversaturated market. The conversation also touches on the parallels between book promotion and public relations, highlighting the difficulty authors face when competing for attention in a crowded space. Frank underscores the need for resilience and adaptability, urging authors to invest in a strategy that can consistently keep their work visible. Three Takeaways: Early and Consistent Promotion: Frank emphasizes a 90-day pre-launch campaign to build momentum for a book's release, utilizing social media, email, and podcasts to keep the book top of mind. Importance of Storytelling and Engagement: Beyond the content, Frank notes the importance of personal stories and interactive elements to make campaigns memorable and relatable. Resilience and Adaptability in Marketing: Frank stresses that successful campaigns require resilience and a willingness to adapt to audience reactions and market conditions. Social Media https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4jSFziDx5ZQXP2ZY5-M0-w https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankzaccari/ https://www.frankzaccari.com/ frankzaccari@gmail.com/ www.authorstrusttheprocess.com/ https://www.facebook.com/frank.zaccari

Guest 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 almost 7 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. Summary In this reflective episode, I draw parallels between today's democratic challenges and two pivotal historical examples. Through my experiences teaching about World War II, I explore how America fought against tyranny abroad while struggling with discrimination and division at home. Using the documentary "The Twisted Cross," I taught students how Hitler's legal rise to power was fueled by hate and blame. I then explore the 1960 presidential election through the book and documentary "The Making of the President 1960," highlighting how Kennedy and Nixon's contentious campaign ultimately ended in a peaceful transfer of power—symbolized by a handshake in the snow. As America faces another crucial election, these historical lessons remind us that while democracy has always faced internal and external threats, the peaceful transition of power remains fundamental to our system of government. Key Takeaways While America's founding documents champion lofty ideals of equality and freedom, our experience during World War II reveals an ongoing struggle to fully embrace these principles in practice. Hitler's legal rise to power through targeted messaging of hate and blame demonstrates how easily average citizens can be manipulated into supporting a 'big lie,' serving as a stark warning about democracy's vulnerability to internal erosion. The 1960 election's culminating 'handshake in the snow' between former President Eisenhower and incoming President Kennedy exemplifies how the peaceful transfer of power, even amid fierce political competition, stands as the cornerstone of democratic governance.

Guest Award-winning cookbook author, blogger, fermenter and sourdough baker Anne-Marie Bonneau has lived plastic-free since 2011. Through social media, her blog and her book, The Zero-Waste Chef: Plant-Forward Recipes and Tips for a Sustainable Kitchen and Planet, Anne-Marie shows others how reducing their trash not only benefits the planet but also satisfies their taste buds, improves their well-being and boosts their bank accounts. Summary Anne-Marie Bonneau offers practical approaches to reducing waste, particularly focusing on food waste and plastic consumption. She emphasizes that while achieving absolute zero waste isn't realistic, making small, manageable changes can have a significant impact. The discussion covers various accessible strategies, from using cloth shopping bags and produce bags to cooking with dried beans instead of canned ones. Anne-Marie addresses common misconceptions about food expiration dates and reveals that only 5% of plastic gets recycled in the US. She challenges the myth that sustainable living is necessarily expensive or time-consuming, suggesting that it often saves money by reducing food waste and unnecessary purchases. The conversation touches on composting initiatives, the problems with plastic recycling, and creative ways to use food scraps. Throughout the episode, Anne-Marie maintains that living more sustainably should be enjoyable rather than burdensome, noting that it leads to a lighter, more satisfying lifestyle with better food choices and less clutter. Key Takeaways Food waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas; composting is a better alternative Only about 5% of plastic is recycled in the US; reducing plastic use is more effective than recycling Simple changes like using reusable bags, buying in bulk, and cooking from scratch can significantly reduce waste Adopting a low-waste lifestyle can improve health, save money, and be a more satisfying way to live Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZeroWasteChef Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zerowastechef Threads: https://www.threads.net/@zerowastechef newsletter: https://zerowastechef.substack.com/ 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 With skills developed initially through training for the ministerial priesthood and over 25 years of continued professional development, Seamus Corry has a unique set of talents and abilities to engage, mentor, support, advise, and guide people of all backgrounds and experiences to be the best they can be and realize their true potential. This is achieved by building authenticity, trust and ongoing commitment. Seamus joined forces with Angela di Marco and Dana Sardano of https://finduniquelyu.com in 2023 and, under their support, guidance, and collaboration, has trained to become a specialist instructor delivering programs on behalf of the organization. In 2024, in collaboration with Tara LaFon Gooch of https://taralafongooch.com, successful Tedx speaker, motivational and confidence coach, and business leader joined in partnership to deliver bespoke well-being and confidence-based programs on a global scale. Summary This episode explores Seamus' transformative journey as a former Catholic priest who left the church after a breakdown and subsequent disillusionment. Seamus shares his experiences of abuse, trauma, and isolation within the religious institution. Despite hitting rock bottom, he found the strength to rebuild his life and pursue a path of personal growth and helping others. Seamus discusses the importance of self-awareness, healing past traumas, and challenging limiting beliefs. He emphasizes the power of finding one's path and purpose, even in adversity. The episode offers valuable insights for individuals who have experienced trauma and seek personal transformation. Three Takeaways Trauma and Abuse: Seamus Corry describes the emotional and psychological abuse he suffered during his training for the priesthood, leading to a crisis of faith and identity. Loss and Isolation: Leaving the priesthood resulted in a complete loss of his support system, including his family and community. Transformation and Helping Others: The guest overcame his trauma and found his calling by supporting others who are struggling with similar challenges. Social Media LinkedIn Website Podcast Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/seamus-corry You Tube www.youtube.com/@SeamusCorryPyp. Seamus co-authored Volume 11 of The Rattled Awake Anthology, the Mental Health Edition, and is now a best-selling author. 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 In January 2015, Dana Sardano picked up a paintbrush for the first time since childhood, which was the catalyst for a major shift in her career. In June 2017, she decided to retire from her career in education to fully embrace an artist's life and to model for her daughters the importance of listening to your soul's purpose by following your bliss. She has since opened Ubuntu Fish Gallery in Stuart, Florida, co-founded Uniquely Phenom Collaboration, co-hosts the Going Commando with Angela and Dana podcast, and has authored several books of inspiration and empowerment, including Ten Recommandments, which we discuss here never for a second regretting her decision to take that leap of faith. Summary Dana and I discuss her book "10 Re Commandments," which emphasizes personal empowerment and self-awareness. She shares her journey from traditional education to spiritual teaching, highlighting her experiences with abuse and neglect. Dana explains how her book aims to help readers understand and overcome victimhood, judgment, and unmet expectations. She also touches on the importance of living in the present and the therapeutic value of writing. Dana's work is deeply personal, reflecting her healing journey and the realization that personal growth is a continuous process. The conversation concludes with reflections on the importance of compassion and understanding in personal development. Key Takeaways Break Free from Victimhood: Take ownership of your experiences and break free from the victim mentality to unlock personal growth and empowerment. Heal Past Traumas: Unraveling unresolved traumas is crucial for personal transformation and well-being. The Power of Self-Awareness: By understanding your beliefs and patterns, you can challenge limiting behaviors and create positive life changes. Social Media Dana@FindUniquelyU.com mobile: (954) 465-9175 UniquelyPhenom.com 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 Dr. Erwin Garcia is the Superintendent of Billings Montana Public Schools, the largest district in the State of Montana. During his tenure, he has pioneered the establishment of three public charter schools: the Billings Early College School, the Opportunity School, and the Multilingual Academy. Dr. Garcia has broadened access to college, career, and military pathways. Before his role in Billings, Dr. Garcia served as Area Superintendent in the Houston Independent School District. Summary In this conversation, Dr. Garcia emphasizes the importance of reading proficiency, teacher empowerment, and community involvement to support the needs of Billings students. Garcia highlights the connection between education, democracy, and societal well-being, stressing the need for adequate funding and support for teachers. He discusses how initiatives such as the family-friendly school program, Kinder Ready Program, and opening charter schools can address educational gaps. Garcia also touches on the importance of developing informed citizens, critical thinking skills, and adapting teaching methods to meet current needs. The conversation explores the need to limit attention to high-impact standards, such as reading comprehension. Three Takeaways Reading proficiency by third grade is crucial for student success and preventing dropouts, requiring focus on the science of reading and proper resource allocation. Teacher empowerment, adequate compensation, and professional development are essential for addressing modern educational challenges and improving student outcomes. Education plays a vital role in democracy, necessitating a holistic approach that includes community involvement, innovative programs, and a focus on developing critical thinking skills. Social Media Erwin Garcia, Ed.D. | LinkedIn TEDx Billings: Democracy 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 Sylvia Huron has had a deep love for fishing from an early age, a passion instilled in her by her father. Her son Ian introduced her to fly fishing. For Sylvia, this was a welcome challenge, and the introduction to the fly-fishing community was just what she needed. Sylvia has been in recovery since 2018 and is passionate about supporting the recovery community. Fly fishing has been a source of peace and healing for Sylvia, so sharing this with others is deeply fulfilling for her. In 2021, Sylvia, her son Ian, and Jennifer Gilbert joined founder Becca Klein in establishing Reeling in Serenity. Reeling in Serenity hosts free fly-fishing retreats for men and women in active recovery from substance abuse. On January 1st, 2024, Sylvia accepted the position of Executive Director for Reeling in Serenity. Reeling in Serenity has been featured in Angler Magazine and Fly Fisherman Magazine, and the organization has hosted retreats in Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Montana, and Colorado. Sylvia has been a registered nurse for over 20 years. She also serves as a group facilitator for the Georgia Nursing Association's Peer Assistance Program, supporting nurses in substance abuse recovery programs. Summary Sylvia Huron, co-founder and Executive Director of "Reeling in Serenity," discusses how fly fishing can aid addiction recovery. The organization offers free retreats for individuals in recovery, providing a safe space to learn fly fishing and connect with nature and others in recovery. Sylvia emphasizes the therapeutic aspects of fly fishing, including its ability to promote mindfulness and peace. The retreats combine basic fly fishing instruction with opportunities for participants to share their recovery stories. Sylvia highlights the importance of overcoming shame and guilt in recovery and how fly fishing can help individuals reconnect with themselves and others, especially family members. Reeling in Serenity also organizes follow-up activities like online meetings and fishing outings to maintain community support. The conversation touches on the organization's plans for future growth. Three Takeaways Fly fishing provides therapeutic benefits in addiction recovery, including promoting mindfulness, peace, and reconnection with nature and oneself. The structure and impact of Reeling in Serenity's retreats, which combine fly fishing instruction with opportunities to share recovery stories and build community. The broader effects of addiction on families and the importance of creating safe, judgment-free spaces for individuals in recovery to heal and grow. Social Media Sylvia@reelinginserenity.org Website: reelinginserenity.org 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 Canadian author Patti Shales Lefkos celebrated her creative nonfiction debut with Nepal One Day at a Time, an adventure travel memoir with a humanitarian twist. Her second book, Grounded by Granite, highlights her childhood on a remote island in a pristine lake in the Canadian Shield. In 2023, at the age of 77, Patti and her husband, Barry Hodgins, completed a 500-mile trek on Nepal's Great Himalayan Trail. Summary This podcast episode features an interview with Patti Shales Lefkos, author of Nepal One Day at a Time. Patti discusses her solo trek through Nepal at age 67, which she undertook to prove her independence and capabilities. She shares insights about her experiences volunteering in remote Nepali villages, observing the impacts of Western influence, and navigating challenging situations like crawling through a dark cave monastery. Key takeaways: Stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to personal growth and increased self-confidence, regardless of age. Responsible tourism and cultural sensitivity are crucial when visiting remote areas, including asking permission before taking photos and being mindful of one's impact. Small acts of volunteerism and fundraising can make a significant difference in improving education and living conditions in underprivileged communities. The conversation also touches on the changes in Nepal due to tourism, the importance of respecting local cultures, and Patty's continued involvement in supporting education initiatives in the region. The episode concludes with a discussion of the value of pursuing new experiences and staying active as one ages. Social Media Personal website: https://pattishaleslefkos.com Nepal One Day in Nepal Society: https://pattishaleslefkos.com/nepal-one-day-at-a-time-society/ 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.