Your Stories Dont Define You, How You Tell Them Will

402 Freedom in Healing Throughout life we may make decisions, or be subject to decisions made involving us. Whether it’s first or second hand, inevitably we begin to believe in a pattern in the behavior around us, oftentimes leading to self doubt and worse. However, if we keep moving forward, actively choosing to make the best of a situation, to learn and grow in order to better ourselves for ourselves, we will find our freedom in healing.   In today’s episode, Sarah Elkins and Holli Tabren McEachern discuss the importance of growth, healing, and the honesty that comes with self reflection. Honesty not just with the world, but with yourself and what has happened to make you feel the way you do, and how it triggers you.    Highlights Empathy in a world of cruelty is the bravest rebellion.  How have you been programmed?  Have you ever encountered favoritism?  What choices are you making that reflect your behavior? Do you feel like you have to justify these choices?   Quotes “I think it’s because we lo

401 Exploring Our Identities   It can be daunting to explore outside of your comfort zone, it is vital to your growth. Whether that be leaving your hometown or simply stepping into a new field, we must challenge ourselves to unlock our true potential.  In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Sarah Degn discuss how important it is to spread your own wings and to travel outside of your comfort zone and to find who you are through your own skills and knowledge.    Highlights Leaving home behind to pursue your dreams. It’s never too late to try and to explore. Learning and growing as an individual to in turn help your community.   Quotes “You can come back, just the reminder that yes you absolutely should go experience something beyond your small town.” “You just need to find the new opportunities and things that are missing.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, Sarah and I spoke for nearly an hour about what it’s like to explore our identities through our youth and maybe come back home, and find out what l

In celebrating the 400th Episode of Your Stories Don’t Define You How You Tell Them Will, Sarah Elkins ruminates on the many lessons and gifts she has been given throughout her journey as a podcaster, an entrepreneur, and a person. From returning to what truly matters, to reciprocating the good and beautiful things in life.    Highlights What goals have you met that still shock you? What are you reflecting on and have you made amendments to others and yourself? How do you reciprocate in your relationships? Especially in the relationship with yourself. Are you surrounding yourself with the people who help build you? Who reciprocates your intentions? How do you hold space for the stories of those around you?   Quotes “She thinks about it in terms of returning to our core goodness. She believes this is our opportunity to return, find, and bring our hearts back to that core in action.” “When I receive, what am I giving in return? When I give, what am I receiving in return?” “Stop chasing people who do

399 Support In All Its Different Forms   When it comes to feeling comfortable, confident, and seen, it is important that we dress ourselves in a way that reflects how we want to feel. When it comes to women, a good bra that is comfortable and supportive is absolutely vital. We feel good when we have clothes that fit our body and flatter us. In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and LaJean Lawson discuss not only Doctor Lawson's extensive research into the comfort and support of sports bras and how it has impacted the people in her life that needed something so vital and yet so easily overlooked.    Highlights When we have access to things that make us comfortable it will make us feel more confident. Are you pushing the right buttons in your life? How do you know you are on the right path? How have you felt like your voice was heard?   Quotes “I so love and respect the trades, and I try to do a project every year, especially in really hot or really cold weather because what that does is it raises my awarenes

398 Everything We Do Can Create A Story   Every living breathing moment, we contribute to our own story. Every job, every interaction with another soul, every moment we reflect, we write a significant line in our story and oftentimes we must take time to truly consider what we truly want to have in our story. Do we want exhaustion or loneliness to rule our narrative? Or do we want to forge our own community based on that which brings us joy and cherish the light within us? These are the questions we must ask ourselves. In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Tracy MacDonald discuss the importance of living as much as possible, from adventures around the globe, to taking a moment to just breathe and take in the beauty of nature. And how in doing so you create a life for yourself and those you love to be proud of.    Highlights Are your actions in alignment with how you want people to remember your story? What is grounding to you?  What relationships, whether it be a place like nature or people around you, ha

When you first take the Strengths Finder quiz, we often feel like those skills and talents are what you can use to guide and influence others, however if we forget to take time for ourselves, to turn our talents inward and focus on ourselves, we are failing ourselves by not acknowledging what we bring to the table.   In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Lindsey Van Gorp discuss the importance of introspection, fostering and growing our strengths, as well as how we need to wield our talents and skills in order to be the best version of ourselves, not just for others but for ourselves so that we may feel fulfilled in our lives.    Highlights Have you ever done anything out of character for the sake of someone else? Are you direct in your communication or do you soften the edges of your words? Recognizing the innate strengths in everyone and how that builds community when you’re aware of it. Do you use your talents solely for those around you or are you using them more introspectively to best show up for

396 Curiosity and Authenticity   It is in human nature to be curious, to ask questions, and seek out insight in an attempt to make sense of the world we are thrust into. It is when we craft our own personal board of directors do we get the opportunity to finally seek the answers we crave and in doing so find our own purpose. In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Cole Mannix discuss how curiosity led them to find their authentic selves as well as the many paths their hunger for answers took them on.    Highlights Curiosity and the questions it makes us ask often shape how we grow, even if we don’t see where it’s taking us at first. Drawing in voices from all over can lead to new perspectives and new questions as well as answers. Although our path can change throughout life, our mission will always remain the same.    Quotes “What you serve really matters.” “What can I give my life to? What is worth the limited time, y’know we all have a limited time, and life no matter what, no matter how rich it is will

395 Carpe Diem    It’s easy to think we have all the time in the world to do something we’re putting off. Whether it’s changing jobs, or finishing your novel, or finally folding the laundry, we always think we’ll have more time. However time is a finite resource, and one day it too will run out. So we carry with us reminders of that which matters most to us and in doing so we remind ourselves to seize the day and to not take time for granted. In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and George Schunk discuss their own collections of sentimental items, their own art they have dedicated themselves to, as well as how important it is to act on an opportunity instead of waiting for the perfect time.    Highlights What are you holding on to that means a great deal to you? What is something you read or wrote that you still think about? Are you doing something because you want to? Is the story you tell about it fair to the other people involved in it? Those stories matter, and not just to you. Don’t wait for the per

394 The Driver of Innovation is Curiosity   Curiosity is in our nature as human beings, we crave knowledge and the answers to the how’s and why’s. Whether it be from a scientific standpoint, raising a child, or to work more cohesively with our coworkers, we must always stay curious so that we can always be growing.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Jeff Ikler discuss not just their vital work, but how they have maintained healthy relationships, and a positive mental state by always staying curious.    Highlights Avoiding the after conference hangover by having a support team to further your ideas and goals. Taking something you deem important and holding onto it while using it as the foundation for something meaningful to be built. You can’t please everyone, so cast a smaller net, tend to your audience. How are you furthering yourself either with academic education or social education? Walk away with at least one idea, even if you need to come up with it yourself or seek it out. Be intentional about

393 Being Direct and Intentional in Conversations   It can be far too easy to let yourself be passive in conversations, whether it be to let another person make a decision or to avoid conflict. However in doing so we rob ourselves and others of deep meaningful connection, which is why it is so important to be direct and intentional with your words. In today’s episode Sarah Elkins talks about these points while also bringing up times in her life where she was passive and direct in conversation, and why it is so important to her to be direct and intentional.   Highlights Be direct and honest with your words, don’t leave room for doubt or miscommunication.  Don’t leave a conversation completely up to one person. Communication goes both ways. Being intentional in conversation, as well as understanding and compassionate.   Quotes “I realized a lot of miscommunication and unintended injury happens when we’re passive in our language.” “I also remembered a few people from my past who were especially difficult

392 Intention and Mindfulness In Conversation   Inevitably we will have to confront the reality of how certain comments, remarks, and individuals make us feel, especially when it is in a negative way. Unspoken expectations lead to resentment, and if we do not have the hard conversations and practice curiosity and active listening we not only do a disservice to them but to ourselves as well. In this episode Sarah Elkins takes us on a hike with her dog Jocko, while teaching us the importance of mindfulness and intention in conversations, and how important it is we talk to and listen to people we want to maintain relationships with.    Highlights Sharing things we enjoy with others. How do you approach conversations that involve or may lead to conflict? Knowing when, where, and how to start the hard conversations. Be mindful of your audience. Stay curious about someone’s intentions and remember to actively listen.   Quotes “Passive versus more direct approaches in having conversations, particularly in

391 Stories and Connection It is vital to our own communities that we remember our stories and share them with one another, not to dwell on regrets and what ifs, but to reach out and connect with one another so that we all can learn and grow together, and hopefully create more grand stories on the paths we walk together. In this revisited episode, Sarah Elkins and Lee Keylock discuss their own stories and how they have healed through sharing stories and listening to the stories that others share with us.   Highlights Connecting with people through sharing stories. Healing from trauma through stories and the community that sharing those stories creates. The changing paths our decisions create and how we should live in the moment and not dwell on what ifs. Greet the world and the challenges offered with open minds and a willingness to learn.   Quotes “No regrets. Life is sliding doors right? If it’s meant to be, it's meant to be.” “We’re perpetual students, right? I’ve never approached anything I’ve e

390 Good Service Goes Both Ways Anyone who has ever worked in customer service has at some point or another dealt with that one customer. You know the type, the huffy, irritable, “My issues are more important than your wellbeing and rules” that insist and demand everything, while demeaning you in the process. Unfortunately, these people will always exist, however what we can change is how we allow these types of interactions to affect us.  In today’s episode Sarah Elkins tells the story of one of her own unruly customer moments, as well as how she chose to learn and grow from the experience in order to teach others.    Highlights Respect others. Especially those who are in a position of community service. Carrying your work home with you is not healthy for you. When you are rude and nasty to people, no one will be in your corner.    Quotes “But then it hit me, I should write a book about customer service. The point would be that good service goes both ways. If you want good customer service try being

389 Identifying and Acting On Problems You Can Solve   We are surrounded by problems everyday of our lives, some manageable and others seeming too monumental to handle alone. Which is why it is so important to build a community of like minded individuals with the same goal of making a true difference.  In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Tessa Clarke discuss the relationship people have with stuff, food waste, and how Tessa’s company Olio have been making a real difference in the face of the climate crisis.     Highlights Our relationship with objects, like clothing, that shape our identity.  What do you waste without realizing? How much do you think you throw away in a week? A month? And a year? We all need someone in our corner to help build us up and to help chart a path forward. Building community while also solving problems. Quit wishing things would be better and start making the change yourself.   Quotes “We always think the grass is greener on the other side but it never is.” “What’s good

388 Changing Dynamics   Growth is something that cannot easily be stopped. Whether it be the weeds in a garden, or the inquisitive mind of a child, growth in all is something that should be encouraged and nurtured, even if it’s by our own hands, so that we can become the people we know we can be. Someone better than who we were yesterday. In today’s episode, Sarah Elkins and Carlos Joaquin discuss the importance of Curiosity, Growth, Unity, and the Dynamics in not just the work place but in the home life, and how incredibly important it is to encourage those around you and to be the leader your peers need you to be.    Highlights Curiosity and how it makes people with power uncomfortable and people in need of strength, powerful. Moving on, even when it’s hard, because that’s what is best for you.  Standing together, especially when faced with strife, is the strongest thing you can do. Comparison is the enemy of growth and unity. Creating a safe environment to express something and not be dismissed o

Michael's background and transition to AI @ 13:38 Michael reveals his unexpected background in the arts and theatre, and how he later transitioned into finance before becoming interested in the implications of AI. He shares insights about the resistance to change and adoption of new technologies within the finance industry. Observations on AI adoption and impact @ 30:22 Michael shares two key observations about the adoption of AI: 1) Finance professionals initially dismissed the potential of machine learning, but then quickly embraced it for commercial reasons rather than scientific merit. 2) Highly experienced and successful finance professionals were often the most resistant to acknowledging the disruptive impact of AI on their industry. Episode Highlights: AI will be the next cautionary tale about companies and individuals who ignore new technology, rather than embrace it. (Think Kodak & Blockbuster.) Don't think of AI as exclusively a technology tool, think of it as a writing and development tool. Hum

386 Media Literacy and Division    In the age of the internet it is impossibly easy for us to see something shocking and outrageous, ending up with us emotionally and morally outraged. We want to speak up, to make our voices heard in the sea of noise if only for a moment. However, it is easy for us to make a mistake on who we follow or share posts from, it is very easy to be fooled by a wolf in sheep’s clothing, which is why it is vital to stop, take a moment to do some basic research, and make our own informed decision. In today’s episode, Sarah Elkin’s has a solo show dedicated to her thoughts on media literacy, the division that has been amplified by social media, and how important it is that we not only do our own fact checking, but that we also convey our thoughts and stories with intention in order to accurately portray what we believe.   Highlights Sharing the right stories with intention, that are compelling and true.  What are you doing in your daily life that does more harm than good? How do you

385 Beacons of Fellowship   In a world so full of division, strife, and polarization, it can be easy to get caught up in the chaos of which path to follow. Which is why it is vital to put your own voice out there, not just to speak up for your beliefs, but so that those who you support and care for will know you are right beside them in this fight. In a world so obsessed with hate, there is no more powerful weapon than love and community.  In today’s episode, Sarah Elkins uses the art of storytelling to tell us what truly matters to her while also weaving tales of her success and strengths, as well as speaking of what truly matters to her.    Highlights Applying skills found in the workplace to the home, and vice versa. Standing for what you believe will make enemies, but it will also give others the strength to follow you.  How do you want to show up in the world? How can you make your signals be in alignment with your beliefs.    Quotes “Every story we share has the potential to shape how we experie

384 Caring For Our Communities   In todays episode Sarah Elkins and Amy Daughters discuss a variety of topics, from finding their calm, to how they try to reach out to those in need of a friend, and the various ways they make others in their lives feel seen.   Highlights Where do you find your calm? Polarization and how it destroys our community. How do you make people feel seen?   Quotes “I didn’t set out to do anything. I set out to be some crazy person who wants to write people letters.” “I will save your letter in a special place in my home for the rest of my life.”   About Amy Amy Weinland Daughters, Award-Winning Author and Keynote Speaker, believes in a world where what makes us different is the very thing that connects us, instead of separates us. She brings that world to life by helping people reconnect to each other through the power of hand-written letters. She brings her wit, humor, and having written 580 handwritten letters to every single one of her Facebook friends, to show you how you

383 Your True Enemy Is Self-Doubt   Our internal messages shape who we are, whether they be positive or negative messages, shape who we are and how we carry ourselves through life, which is why it is so vital to stop and reflect on our messages and the input from those around us. We can learn alot from our personal board of directors, they encourage and guide us with their own personal experiences allowing us to grow, including when their input is critical.  In today’s episode Sarah Elkins dwells on the importance of the words her own personal board has given her, the experiences that she has grown from, and how her professional and personal life have been shaped and allowed her to become the coaching powerhouse she is today.   Highlights Professional Storytelling Building each other up by practicing what we teach. How our friends inspire us. What experiences in your past contributed to your internal messages?   Quotes “Every professional benefits when they can share a story that demonstrates their