Crafting A Meaningful Life With Mary Crafts-homer

In this episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts engages with leadership expert Amy Chambers on topics that delve deeply into personal and professional growth. Amy shares insights from her transformative journey from a financial executive to a sought-after coach and author. Through discussing her writing and training practices, Amy and Mary explore the essential characteristics and habits that define exceptional leadership. The conversation highlights the importance of crafting a detailed life vision and being intentional with goals and daily actions—an approach that Amy has refined in her lifetime of professional and personal experiences. Amy delves into the heart of her books, particularly the "Seven Virtues of Exceptional Leaders," unpacking the acronym that encapsulates her guiding principles for leadership: Vision, Involve, Routines, Talk Terrifically, Understanding, Encourage Energy, and Showcase Swimming. Each virtue represents a fundamental aspect of leadership that Amy has identified

Join Mary Crafts in a deeply personal and enlightening episode titled "The Least Likely Person to Succeed," where she reflects on her transformative life journey. Born in a small Iowa town and marked by societal labels like " least likely to succeed," Mary delves into her past experiences and how they have shaped her approach to life, adversity, and success. Unlike typical episodes featuring guests, this one-on-one engagement provides viewers with raw and candid insights into Mary's struggles and triumphs, making it a unique opportunity to learn from her firsthand narrative. Through the episode, Mary embarks on a profound discussion about overcoming victimhood and shifting perspectives. Referencing personal anecdotes and interactions with individuals who have faced similar struggles, she emphasizes the importance of stepping away from a victim mindset to embrace one's best self. Keywords such as "victim mentality," "personal growth," "self-empowerment," and "success journey" encapsulate the heart of this insp

Mary engages in an enlightening discussion with Cory Ivins, highlighting the transformative journey of personal development and relationship building. Mary and Cory delve into the importance of living a meaningful life, emphasizing that it's never too late to start creating the life you truly desire. Together, they unpack Cory's experiences attending Silicon Slopes Mental Health Town Hall and share insights into Common pitfalls in relationships and mental health advocacy. Throughout the conversation, Cory emphasizes the significance of understanding one's purpose and identity. He shares his personal story of overcoming marital challenges, noting that healthy relationships require authenticity and a willingness to "go first" in making positive changes. Cory and Mary explore the idea that intrinsic worth and character drive one's identity, and how looking to both past and future selves can reveal commonalities that point toward one's purpose. The episode is rich with wisdom for anyone looking to enhance their p

In this episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts interviews distinguished hypnotist Amy Koford. The conversation delves into the transformative potential of hypnosis in overcoming fears, trauma, and mental health issues. Amy shares her journey from a career in human resources to becoming a renowned hypnotist and author, discussing how hypnosis can change lives by resolving past traumas and instilling self-love and confidence. The discussion touches on common misconceptions about hypnosis and highlights its effectiveness in addressing issues such as smoking cessation, depression, and anxiety. Amy outlines the science behind hypnosis, explaining its power in accessing the unconscious mind and rewiring negative thought patterns. Her insights are crafted from years of experience and personal struggles with depression. Amy's upcoming book "Hardwired to Rise" promises to further delve into eliminating fear and living optimally, offering readers practical strategies and techniques.   About the Guest

In this remarkable episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts welcomes Alison Weihe, a distinguished author and thought leader from South Africa. This episode is a significant one for Mary as she steps into new personal freedom by shedding her reliance on wigs, showcasing her authentic self. Exploring Alison's journey, they delve into the profound themes of shame, empowerment, and transformation. Alison shares her pivotal, life-changing battle against personal shame and how a monumental setback at the age of 52 led to a soul-deep rebirth through physical fitness and self-discovery. Through shared insights, both Mary and Alison navigate the intricacies of dealing with self-imposed limits and the universal journey from shame to acceptance. Alison recounts her experiences as an activist and entrepreneur, illustrating how overcoming a massive financial betrayal became a transformative gift. Listeners learn that embracing one's vulnerabilities and scars can unveil a deeper, more fulfilling identity.

In this empowering episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," hosted by Mary Crafts, listeners are welcomed into a heartfelt discussion with three remarkable women—Jess Gunn, Tiffany Peterson, and Sarah Foley. These leaders in personal development and coaching share their insights on female empowerment, self-worth, and personal transformation. The episode underscores the importance of crafting a meaningful life by embracing one's inner power and making intentional choices that align with their true self. As the conversation unfolds, listeners are invited to confront personal narratives and redefine their paths beyond societal expectations. Throughout the episode, the guests explore themes of permission, intention, and self-awareness, crucial elements in creating a fulfilling life. Sarah Foley shares her transformational journey through adversity, emphasizing the freedom in reshaping personal stories. Tiffany Peterson highlights the power of intention and permission, encouraging self-ownership and proactive livi

Join Mary Crafts in this episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," where she speaks with Doug Jessop, a veteran broadcaster with a passion for storytelling. Doug emphasizes the importance of crafting a meaningful life throughout our lifetime and underscores that legacy is not something to consider only in later years. He shares his journey in broadcasting, starting from his early days in radio to his current endeavor, "Family Heritage Stories," a project dedicated to preserving family histories and legacies. In this candid discussion, Doug reflects on the importance of storytelling in understanding human experiences and connecting across generations. Using examples from his life and career, including a touching story about his grandfather, Doug illustrates how personal narratives can highlight shared human values and foster empathy. Mary and Doug dive into topics like overcoming adversity, personal growth, and building a legacy through meaningful stories, brought to life by Doug's uncanny ability to capture th

Mary speaks with the remarkable Lenka Schulze, an expert in intuology. They dive deep into understanding intuition, a crucial element often misunderstood or underestimated in today's world. Lenka shares her unique journey from the Czech Republic, growing up during the communist era, and how this lack of imposed religious structure allowed her to create an "empty vessel" for her intuitive exploration. Highlighting the importance of connecting with one’s soul, Lenka and Mary discuss the significance of intuition, its misconceptions, and how it’s intricately woven into our lives. This episode offers valuable insights into identifying and embracing one's soul purpose. Using examples from her own life and interactions with others, Lenka guides listeners on how to recognize and align with their intrinsic traits and soul purpose. Mary and Lenka explore the pivotal role intuition plays in leading a fulfilling life, encouraging listeners to trust their internal compass. The conversation covers a spectrum of topics, in

In this engaging solo episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," Mary Crafts takes the opportunity to share personal insights on overcoming fear and the power of positive intentions. When her scheduled guest falls ill, Mary seizes the chance to delve deeply into themes she's passionate about. The episode explores how intentional mindset shifts can foster personal growth, as Mary recounts her own journey of triumph over inner doubts. Through vivid storytelling, she provides a firsthand look at the fears she's faced and the strategies she's employed to emerge stronger. Central to the episode is the notion that positive affirmations are a vital component of self-improvement, though not the sole element. Mary emphasizes the significance of challenging self-doubt and setting intentions to propel oneself forward. Keywords such as "positive intentions," "overcoming fear," and "personal growth" recur as Mary recounts her experience climbing Mount Timpanogos—a metaphor for overcoming life's obstacles. With candor, she d

In this empowering episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," Mary Crafts is joined by her dear friend and inspirational leader, Emily Bell McCormick. Emily shares her transformative journey from founding a fashion company to spearheading The Policy Project, a groundbreaking initiative focused on policy reform for social change. Listeners will be inspired by Emily's commitment to advocacy, as she delves into deeply personal stories, the challenges she faced, and her relentless pursuit of equity, particularly within education and women's health. The conversation revolves around the inception and evolution of The Policy Project, underscoring the critical need for systematic solutions to widespread issues. Emily and Mary discuss the profound impact of legislation in providing free period products in Utah's schools, highlighting how effective policy changes can eradicate social inequalities. Emily’s unfaltering belief in empathy and community collaboration drives a compelling narrative about the power of individual

In this engaging episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts invites Michelle McCullough to explore the profound interplay between emotional intelligence and workplace productivity. Despite only recently connecting, Mary and Michelle share a myriad of insights into why understanding emotions is crucial both at an organizational and individual level. The conversation highlights Michelle's groundbreaking research as the head of the U.S. Happiness Research Project, which dives into how emotional intelligence can lead to increased productivity. Throughout the episode, Michelle and Mary delve into episode-defining themes like the role of perfectionism in modern society and the impact of social media on emotional well-being. They discuss strategies to develop resilience, with Michelle introducing her concept of "stretch capacity." This idea underlines our ability to leverage personal challenges for growth. The duo also debates how happiness and emotional intelligence can transform organizational cultu

In this engaging episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts sits down with Jen Anderson, a seasoned leadership career consultant, to discuss the significance of crafting one's personal brand. With a playful nod to her own upbringing in the Midwest, Mary ponders whether it's time for her to step back or continue to burn bright. Jen highlights the importance of recognizing one's personal brand, not as a celebrity status, but as an individual's unique identity that integrates both personal and professional aspects. The episode delves into the synergy between personal values and how they translate into authenticity and impact in the workplace and beyond. As the conversation unfolds, Jen elaborates on the framework of identifying and leveraging your personal brand, detailing the process of laying down a foundation akin to crafting a house. She emphasizes self-awareness and the power of intentional living, linking one's energy to how others perceive them. Encouraging listeners to understand their sto

 Mary and Jake dive into how we can harness the foundational principles of the Morph Method to redefine our lives and health. Their discussion not only stirs motivation but offers actionable insights into achieving balance through holistic wellness practices. Jake Platt, a luminary in the fitness world, shares his insights that promise to enlighten and energize your wellness journey. Delve into the intricacies of achieving optimal wellness as Jake Platt presents the Morph Method—a comprehensive framework that underscores hydration, sleep, nutrition, exercise, breathwork, meditation, and a growth mindset. This episode explores powerful strategies to embrace a healthier lifestyle, focusing not only on physical fitness but also on mental and spiritual wholeness.    About the Guest: Jake Platt is a distinguished expert in the realm of holistic wellness and fitness. Starting his career as a Taekwondo instructor and progressing to own a martial arts gym, Jake developed a unique approach to integrated fitness that m

Join host Mary Crafts in this enlightening episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life" as she delves deep into the art of living courageously with her guest, Marni Battista. Marni is an expert in encouraging self-empowerment and redesigning lives aligned with personal values. Discover how these two "twin" souls share a mission to foster fearlessness and help others break free from the constraints of societal expectations and "shoulds." In this episode, Mary and Marni discuss the evolution of self-love and living courageously. Marni shares her journey from a post-divorce challenge to creating the Institute for Living Courageously. Together, they explore the transformative power of radical honesty, breaking free from societal "shoulds," and the design thinking model inspired by Stanford University. They emphasize how courage and authenticity can lead to a fulfilled life, touching on Marni’s new book that teaches these principles through a personal narrative and practical insights. Key Takeaways: Embrace self-love:

In this enlightening episode of "Crafting Your Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts welcomes Marla Mervis-Hartmann for a deep dive into developing a loving relationship with one's body. Marla, an expert in body image and self-love, shares her personal journey of overcoming disordered eating and explains concepts from her book, "Be-friend Yourself." The conversation revolves around how societal norms shape our views on health and wellness, and how we can transform these ideas into self-empowerment. Mary and Marla explore the profound impact of befriending oneself, emphasizing the importance of listening to one's body. They discuss the detrimental effects of shame and how society's portrayal of the "ideal body" can lead to harmful behaviors. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Marla explains how identifying and healing from past wounds can change one's relationship with food and body image. Together, they highlight strategies to transform self-criticism into self-compassion, encouraging listener

In this enriching episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts delves into the transformative concept of "flow" with guest Diane Allen. As a master violinist and author of "Flow: Unlock Your Genius. Love What You Do," Diane reveals the distinctions between resilience and relentless effort and how we can harmonize both by embracing the flow state. Through her experiences in the orchestra, Diane explains how being in flow led her to exceptional performances and how it differs from simply grinding through tasks. This episode serves as a guide to understanding how to achieve this elusive yet powerful state of creativity and efficiency. Diane describes how her journey as a violinist helped her uncover the formula for tapping into her flow state. The episode provides insights into the science of flow, emphasizing the shutting down of the brain's inner critic and the immersive experience of losing oneself in work. Diane and Mary discuss real-life applications, such as regaining flow amidst life's interr

In this insightful episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts engages with author and productivity expert Penny Zenker. Their discussion focuses on Zenker's book, "Reset Your Mindset," which explores how individuals can break free from distraction and anxiety to regain focus and achieve their goals. As the conversation unfolds, they delve into the concept of becoming a "focusologist," tackling the notion that our modern world is addicted to distraction. Penny outlines the importance of building intentional systems to manage focus and emotional well-being, a critical aspect of her reboot mindset technique that encompasses stepping back, gaining perspective, and realigning priorities. Throughout the episode, Penny offers keen insights on overcoming the mindset blocks that hinder productivity and success, emphasizing gratitude and the significance of accepting one's unique potential. Mary and Penny discuss personal anecdotes and transformative tools that aid in resetting one's perspective, such as

In this heartfelt episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts welcomes Donna O'Donnell Figurski to discuss transformative life experiences and resilience in the face of adversity. The conversation delves into the unexpected trials faced by Figurski following her husband David's traumatic brain injury in 2005. Despite initial medical prognoses and daunting odds, David's journey and Donna's unwavering support illustrate a powerful narrative of courage, love, and steadfast determination. Through their journey, Donna has become an advocate and a beacon of hope, sharing insights from her book, "Prisoners Without Bars," which documents their shared story of survival and adaptation. The discussion explores the myriad challenges faced by caregivers and those living with disabilities. Donna elaborates on the physical and emotional adjustments that have characterized her marriage since David’s injury, emphasizing the crucial role of patience and positivity. Through the lens of her podcast, "Another Fork i

In this episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts welcomes Anne Marie McDonald, who shares her experiences of building a purposeful and resilient life. From her unique upbringing in Utah's political circle to becoming a successful entrepreneur and consultant, Anne Marie dissects the values and trials that have shaped her journey. This discussion delves into overcoming workplace challenges, fostering human connection, and empowering others, providing listeners with a wealth of wisdom and inspiration. About Anne Marie: Anne Marie McDonald is a distinguished entrepreneur and business consultant with a rich family history in politics, being the daughter of Utah's longest-serving governor. She founded a speaking bureau at the age of 30, successfully selling it and moving onto new ventures. Anne Marie is currently at the helm of AMP Growth, a consulting agency specializing in marketing, and MAM Capital, a venture fund investing in promising businesses. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated t

In this enriching episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts engages in a transformative discussion with Igor Ledochowski, a preeminent figure in the field of hypnosis. They explore the vast potentials of the mind and how hypnosis can be a tool for accessing inner capabilities. Igor shares his own journey from being a successful lawyer to becoming a world-renowned hypnotist, revealing the personal insights and life lessons he has discovered along the way. The conversation delves into the essence of hypnosis, breaking down common misconceptions and unveiling how it can optimize mindfulness, consciousness, and neuroplasticity for personal growth. Igor emphasizes the importance of understanding principles rather than merely mimicking techniques, encouraging listeners to express their own individuality and internal truth.   About the Guest: Igor Ledochowski is an internationally acclaimed hypnotist, renowned for his extensive expertise and innovative approach in the field of hypnosis. With a profes