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07 Apr 2022
#46 Healing Her Past to Protect the Future
00:38:17
Today, I interview Susan Birch who grew up in a small village in New Zealand. She was the oldest of four children. The family kept busy and worked hard, and her siblings eventually found their callings and settled into successful career pursuits. Susan, however, felt a bit delayed because she often struggled with language.
Finding the right words, conveying the right message, and keeping her mouth and mind at the same pace was difficult. Her pace, in fact, was sometimes rather slow, and people would sometimes be impatient with her or assume she was a lazy person. Quite the contrary!
Not having a sense of direction through academics, she found herself lost and going through a rebellious teenage period. She later suffered extreme trauma, which affected her self-esteem and a myriad of other things.
After she married, she began to feel safe and comfortable in her own skin. She was able to catch up academically, pursuing various subjects in college. As a parent, Susan looked at her children and began to feel a sense of inner transformation. She wanted them to grow up without shame, the way she had because of her academic struggles and personal trauma. She chose to work through the pain and find a way through it all, making self-care a priority and setting the best possible example for future generations.
She now helps others to regain their power and take control of their mental and physical health by helping them to change the way they see themselves and their circumstances.
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If you want to lose weight, get healthy, and enjoy your life, then Susan Birch, known as the health detective, is the weight loss coach who can help you. By combining her functional medicine skills with neuro change techniques and tiny habits formation, she can help you remove the blocks that hold you back from losing weight, improving health, and staying that way.
Find Susan here: susanbirchconsultancy@gmail.com https://www.susanbirch.co.nz/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-birch-the-health-detective-18241b115/ https://www.facebook.com/thehealthdetectivenz
____________________
I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear.
Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
14 Apr 2022
#47 Dream Big, Ask Questions, Choose Happiness
00:28:10
Today, I interview E.A. Csolkovits who when he was very young, helped his father with deliveries as a milkman. As they made their rounds, he would observe all different types and classes of people, and he was drawn to those who appeared to be happy and successful, "living the dream". Even as a very young child, E.A. felt a deep, instinctive pull to figure out how these people lived lives of such happiness and abundance.
At 16, he began working as a janitor, cleaning homes. He eventually mustered the courage to ask a very wealthy, famous woman whom he most admired, how she found her way to success and good standing in life. And as it turns out, this woman credited her success with having a mentor in life.
E.A. began to understand what mentorship was and coincidentally ended up with a mentor of his own right away. His mentor was able to look at the scope of E.A.'s life objectively, giving him the big picture and offering lots of meaningful guidance and encouragement. He eventually made his way through school and into business, when his business mentor taught him to choose happiness now, not to wait for things to become easy or perfect or less stressful. This led to a complete transformation in his business and financial outlook.
E.A. now works through his foundation, The Givers University, to help others find the same level of joy and success in every aspect of their lives.
__________________
E.A. Csolkovits is the founder and patriarch of The Givers University. The goal of Givers University is to provide increased happiness, freedom, and greatness through personal, business, social, and family development.
Find E.A. here: giversuniversity@gmail.com Join his Enewsletter at : http://www.GIVERSuniversity.com
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
21 Apr 2022
#48 Creating, Conquering, and Knowing Worthiness
00:40:40
Today, I interview Billy Atwell, a friend and colleague for many years. He has his own podcast, Unshakable Self-Confidence, and during its first season, he interviewed me. Billy is special to me because he's had a front-row seat in seeing me develop past my own fear and into the confidence that I get to share with you today!
So now I'm thrilled to swap roles and explore Billy's personal journey. Unfortunately, Billy experienced abuse in his past relationships which really affected the way he thought and the way he saw himself. He didn't like what was happening, but he didn't know how to fix it. But in the heat of the moment, at risk of losing his life, he kicked into gear and fought his way out of the situation and relationship.
He no longer had the option to allow fear to control his thoughts and decisions. He began a new journey of healing, rediscovering himself and understanding the thought patterns that had previously shaped his life.
Now, he's found comfort and inspiration from exploring his own spirituality, creativity, and deeper connections with others. His own podcast keeps him busy sharing in discussions about these topics, ever-evolving, healing, and developing as he and his guests learn from each other.
__________________
Billy Atwell is the Founder and Host of The Unshakable Self-Confidence Podcast. After nearly being strangled to death in 2012 at the end of another abusive relationship, Billy set off on a quest to answer the question, “How did this happen to me again?” After years of studying historical spiritual archives, reading hundreds of classic New Thought books, and interviewing over 400 individuals, he has found the answer: it all comes down to your internal beliefs about yourself.
Through his Top 200 Apple ranking podcast, digital monthly magazine, and inspirational YouTube channel, Billy guides people from around the world through the difficult process of personal transformation, so they, too, can live their lives with Unshakable Self-Confidence.
Get Billy's FREE digital monthly magazine: www.unshakableselfconfidence.com/magazine
Find Billy here: billy@unshakableselfconfidence.com https://unshakableselfconfidence.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/billyjatwell/
___________________
I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear.
Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
28 Apr 2022
#49 Comparison is the Thief of Joy
00:27:53
Today, I interview Chris Weals who grew up with two older brothers who did very well academically. Chris, however, wasn't as interested in studying; instead, he excelled at making friends and even took on a sort of leadership role in some groups. Things began to catch up to him when he felt left out and pressured because he didn't show as much drive for academia as other people.
He slowly began to distance himself from sports and team settings, focusing on more individualized interests. It was difficult to fight the habit of comparing himself to his brothers or peers (which so many of us relate to all too well!).
With a desire to find himself and figure out his path, he chose to study psychology which really interested him, but after not feeling much support or enthusiasm from anyone for his choice, he switched to accounting because he saw that his brother had found success in that field.
20 Years down the road, Chris had a successful career around numbers and finance, but he realized he didn't fit the same mold as others to whom he had compared himself. He had accomplished a lot but didn't feel fulfilled. Chris struggled for years with low self-esteem and a lack of purpose. He wanted to have a stronger sense of his own identity and calling, so it was time to make a change.
He left this line of work and began working with a therapist and a life coach, slowly peeling back the layers to find out what was missing, what was damaged, and how to feel fully alive each day. After taking a year off from work to travel around the world, doing a lot of deep diving and growing, Chris decided to create an intentional path forward and started coaching in early 2020.
Find Chris here: chrisweals@gmail.com https://www.Linkedin.com/in/chrisweals/ https://www.facebook.com/rebelwithapurpose/
__________________
I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear.
Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
05 May 2022
#50 Ambition, Truth, Connection
00:29:42
Today, I interview Lori Saitz, who says she was a timid child in public situations, hesitant to speak up in school. On the other hand, when she was at home, she was bold and outspoken.
In class, she didn't have the courage to speak up or volunteer for fear of making a mistake. The expectations and competition in this setting were different from the comforts of home, where she was the firstborn and received lots of positive encouragement. While she didn't naturally have a competitive side, she was hard on herself and began to strive for perfection.
She eventually let go of her perfectionism when it became such an impossible feat, not wanting to exhaust herself. She focused on quality of life, still doing a great job in school and also having a small group of close friends-- which she maintains to this day.
She came into her own when she learned about the community broadcast station for her high school, and she decided to become a broadcast major in college, working in her campus radio station. She discovered the excitement of speaking for herself, and she was hooked by this fresh new experience. She ended up changing her major to copywriting, loving the idea of expressing herself and having true connection with people. She discovered the power of people helping each other and pushing each other forward by solving problems together.
Today, Lori loves to connect with people, showing individuals and businesses how to be still, get connected with themselves, and be intentional about gratitude. Helping people to be grounded, focused, and honest with themselves is her method of helping burnt-out, discouraged, depressed people find renewed purpose and make confident decisions about their lives. __________________
Lori Saitz is the CEO of Zen Rabbit and host of the podcast “FINE is a 4-Letter Word.” She’s an award-winning writer, speaker, and broadcaster, and a nationally recognized expert in using gratitude and meditation as shortcuts to success. The most difficult thing she’s ever done is leave a 22-year marriage. That experience inspired her transformational F*ck Being Fine program. Through it, she guides corporate teams and private clients who are finished living in a "dumpster fire" to a place of unprecedented clarity, peace, and productivity. When she's not working, you can find Lori in her sanctuary, aka the weight room at the gym. She also loves cupcakes, Thai food, and classic rock music.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
12 May 2022
#51 Practice, Passion, Poise
00:27:38
Today, I interview Dr. Denny Coates, who was a very driven child, always striving to be a high achiever and to be the best among his peers. Much later in life he became a compelling speaker, and this was only after he faced a reality that he did not know how to engage his listeners.
His years of hard work opened the door to West Point, and he found himself with a prestigious military career, where he excelled as a leader-- and loved it. He loved learning from those around him and being constantly challenged to humbly improve himself.
After the conclusion of his time with the military, Denny became passionate about teaching others to become better leaders, as well as the way that children develop into adults who are on a path to success and confidence. He was able to pass on his knowledge in a clear and direct way, but says that when it came to speaking, "it's a whole different challenge." He felt that his message was important, and he didn't have any struggles in delivering his thoughts, but he also felt that he was neither popular nor engaging as a speaker. He wanted to be more likable and moving.
He understood the importance of learning how people actually learn. Knowing this would help his listeners to grasp the concepts and be able to actually form new habits and change their behavior. His excitement grew when he figured out the way the brain connects to the body, with neurotransmitters remembering our movements the more we practice them, allowing us to perform in a more rhythmic, natural way.
His passion for this-- and practicing it himself-- gave him the confidence and enthusiasm needed to become a compelling, energetic speaker. Today, he shares his heart for development by putting the focus on children. His books and programs help to shape kids into successful individuals who have good habits, special goals, high standards, a strong mindset, and a clear path forward.
__________________
Dr. Coates is the author of several books for parents, including How Your Teen Can Grow a Smarter Brain, and Connect with Your Kid. His passion is helping parents guide their children to become happy, successful, independent adults. Ebook: Listening to Understand, https://drdennycoates.com/free/ .
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
19 May 2022
#52 Embrace Happiness as Your True Self
00:27:57
Today, I interview Dr. Pelè who grew up during civil wartime in Nigeria. He and his family were refugees, fearing for their safety with every step, never sure of their next meal. In order to comfort her children, his mother would sing and tell stories. Dr. Pelè says this diversion created a change in his mindset as a child.
Our youngest childhood years are the most formative, and while childhood trauma often imprints negatively and requires later work to overcome, Dr. Pelè's sweet mother helped him to flip that switch and see past his physical pain to focus on pure happiness. What a miracle!
Later in the workforce, Dr. Pelè had a strange experience where someone was surprised at his boldness to speak his mind. His race was mentioned in a negative light, as if it meant he had less of a right to speak than others. He had never questioned his identity or validity before. He was able to go to school in search of better opportunities.
Through his learning journey, he was able to reevaluate his passions and discover what he was truly meant to offer the world. Today, music continues to be a great source of strength and joy for Dr. Pelè-- his way of finding connection, clarity, and happiness. He also works with entrepreneurs, businesses, and coaches to hone their marketing and vision. He has a thriving online community where he's able to connect with people on a global level and help others to share their voices too.
__________________
Dr. Pelè is an educator, musician, bestselling author, and the Founder of ClientJam™, a software and community that delivers consistent client acquisition for highly paid experts. Through hands-on mentorship, he helps creative entrepreneurs, coaches, and consultants unleash their hidden powers of mindset and marketing to achieve the business success they seek.
Find Dr. Pelè here: pele@drpele.com https://www.drpele.com https://linkedin.com/in/drpele https://www.facebook.com/dr.peleraymond
___________________
I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear.
Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
26 May 2022
#53 Stillness, Intuition, and Faith
00:24:07
Today, I interview Donna Tashjian who suffered loss and abuse at an early age. She was forced to grow up fast and put aside what happened, focusing on adulthood without a true sense of her own identity. She hadn't been able to deal with her trauma, so her confidence was deeply hurt and she was very afraid of using her voice and making true connections with people.
She struggled with the child voice inside her vs. the adult voice, knowing right and wrong but being made to feel like speaking up about it wasn't her place. So she stayed busy to block out those feelings.
She eventually developed an appreciation for stillness, learning the importance of embracing her inner intuition, letting it out, and learning more about her true self every day. She came to develop a relationship with God and credits a church group for helping her find the courage to dig deep within herself to process and deal with her past. Now she helps others to turn the heavy painful parts of their past into empowering tools they can harness today in a healthy way, striving for productivity, success, and joy.
__________________
Donna is the founder of Vibrant Living International a non-profit organization. She is also a Life Mastery Coach, an ordained minister, podcaster, and author. She helps bring accelerated transformation to people across the world. Her passion is to help you reach your full potential. She specializes in helping you turn your baggage into luggage so you can live the life of your dreams using and developing your spiritual intelligence.
Donna has been speaking and coaching for over 25 years. She has developed powerful programs and workshops to help you through life's transitions and pain to achieve your goals or dreams. She also produces a podcast called “You Were Designed for Greatness” and has written 4 books. Her clients say she has a knack for turning fear into excitement and exposing lies so the truth can shine through.
Find Donna here: https://www.ivibrantliving.com/ (Free book available on the homepage!) https://www.ivibrantliving.com/speaker-bio/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnatashjian/ https://www.facebook.com/drtashjian/ https://www.instagram.com/drtashjian/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXMFNossw9VN2QwDtVitzKg https://twitter.com/DonnaTashjian
__________________
I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear.
Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
02 Jun 2022
#54 Performing with Balance and Intention
00:29:53
Today, I interview Michael Rost, whose young life included the emphasis on "comparative suffering." He tells us that to his father complaining was unwelcomed and was overshadowed by the reminder that others had it far worse. So his young mind learned not to open up to others. Well, when you don't speak much, you're able to become quite the listener.
Michael took it to another level, becoming fascinated with tones and vibrations coming through in the voices of the adults around him, allowing the subtleties to help him to discern what was really going on-- the things no one was saying out loud. Later in his doctoral studies of phonology, Michael learned that when we hear, our brain processes emotional response before it processes the actual meaning of the words. He continued to finish his degree and became heavily involved in the academic world, thriving in a world of intellectual talent.
But eventually, his mind and body had a disconnect, and the psychological pressure to perform manifested in physical exhaustion, dizziness, and burnout. Although it went against his family's nature, he eventually sought therapy to get to the root of his dizziness and ended up realizing he'd felt pressure from all sides pulling him in different directions and it was causing internal conflict.
Now that he's learned to listen to his own voice and focus on his own goals, Michael has learned to slow down and balance his thoughts so that he can teach and write with intention.
__________________
Michael Rost has had a lifelong interest in communication theory and has had an illustrious career in academia, specializing in psycholinguistics; in language teacher education, focusing on speaking and listening development; and in instructional design, concentrating on listening-based language courses.
Though he has numerous publications in linguistics, Michael recently published his first novel, a memoir called The Journey Home — which is published under the pen name Gabriel Bron. Michael is a great believer in the value of “pivotal experiences” in one’s life and career – and he considers his first encounter with Speaking Circles, some 20 years ago, in which he met me (Doreen) and Lee Glickstein, to be a pivotal experience — which transformed his view of public speaking and his view of writing. He is “forever grateful” for this encounter — and for the doors it opened to more personal and more satisfying self-expression.
Find Michael here: michael.rost@latcomm.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-rost-b67475/
_____________________
I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear.
Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
09 Jun 2022
#55 Everyone Has a Story
00:22:35
Today, I interview Cedric Crumbley who grew up in Georgia. When he was an infant, his father passed away. So unfortunately, he didn't get to know his Dad. However, his father's siblings saw so much of his father in Cedric that they truly treasured him. He was certainly given a lot of attention and had great connection with the adults in his family. He was even teased a little in school because he had such an adult-like way of speaking.
He naturally had a positive outlook (which was rare among his peers) and although he looked to God to be his father figure, he also later gained a stepfather who fully believed in him and encouraged him to shoot for the moon. His new dad taught him that he could do anything and that if there was any trouble, it was because he wasn't being true to himself.
In high school, Cedric didn't like being the tall skinny kid, so he read a bodybuilding book and put on quite a bit of muscle over the summer, coming back to school feeling more confident and proud of himself. Cedric had a vision for success. He wanted to find ways to make lots of money, and fast. But his mother encouraged him to slow down and focus on learning and developing himself. He fought that idea, ended up in a little trouble, and a judge recommended the military because he felt that learning that level of respect would do a great deal to help him develop his character. He says the Army changed his heart. While he didn't want to go, he did learn about hard work, being faithful, and the meaning of respect.
And so, it turns out that Cedric's talent is learning. He says that whether you find a book or a course, whatever it is you want to learn or become or do, it can be done. He encourages us to find the thing about us that is most special and to use that gift to thrive.
__________________
Cedric Crumbley went into the army when he was still a teenager. After 20 years in uniform, he hung up his boots and started a new chapter in life. He says one of his biggest thrills was to retire at a young age, and he's taken what he's learned to become the author of Proven Sales and Recruiting Methods.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
23 Jun 2022
#57 Serenity in Serving Others
00:29:38
Today, I interview Carl Ficks who grew up in a household where writing took precedence over speaking. His father held various positions where writing was a key role, and Carl learned to develop the habit of writing well and listening well.
His parents communicated calmly and clearly without the need for shouting or excessive emphasis, and Carl learned to follow this model and attitude. His carriage and demeanor showed in his schooling also, where he believed that choosing the appropriate time to be silent was just as important as making the effort to be vocal.
Now as an adult, Carl has made the art of listening a priority. He recalls that when he practiced law, he observed numerous instances where he believed listening was the answer-- that people simply wanted and needed to be heard. The depth of his communication is seen in his writing. Calling himself "the quiet lawyer," Carl says that rather than show physical or verbal boldness in his field, he chose to let his writing and his work do the talking.
After many years of faithful service, Carl pivoted from law toward something that inspired him in a fresh new way: fitness. He founded a company called No Surrender, where he helps busy business professionals to thrive by harnessing the benefits of fitness. He thrives by serving others, helping them to improve their physical and mental health in every way, which in turn brings them success and happiness in life and in their pursuits.
__________________
Carl Ficks helps busy professionals get back in the fitness game so they can thrive. His "Ficks System" is a proven road map for endurance athletes and weekend warriors alike. His bi-weekly newspaper column and LinkedIn posts, both titled "The Friday Ficks," provide strategies, tools, and inspiration to stay resourceful and resilient regardless of the circumstances. Carl was also a trial lawyer for 30+ years before starting No Surrender, LLC
Click here to download Carl's free guide, 10 Steps for Getting Back in the Game: www.carlficks.com/free
Find Carl here: https://www.carlficks.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlrficksjr/ https://www.facebook.com/carl.ficks.1 https://www.instagram.com/carlficks/
__________________
I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear.
Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
30 Jun 2022
#58 The Journey to Clarity and Self-Worth
00:29:02
Today, I interview Ray Bourcier who was five when he experienced the beginnings of what would become a major conflict within his family. Aunts and uncles in disagreement with his own parents led to a complete falling out by the time he'd reached age eight. Ray was excluded from activities with his cousins based on the adults disliking each other, and so began the inner turmoil and lack of self-worth for such a little guy.
What's more, a troubling mental health diagnosis for his mother led to no peace for Ray. The discord and resentment continued in the family, and Ray says he spent the next two decades basically "in survival mode". He didn't feel safe. He didn't feel like he fit in anywhere. And he didn't have a true sense of his own identity. He had no motivation in school, was bullied, and felt very left behind. He ended up giving up on college to care for his mother.
Eventually, he decided to give life one more try. He re-enrolled in hopes of studying Environmental Science. Then, a shocking incident would change his life forever. A SWAT team burst into his apartment in full force and scared the life out of him. Officers left after realizing they'd hit the wrong apartment, but Ray was terrified and completely paralyzed by the whole event. He failed his exams and lost focus.
But he later realized that he had the opportunity to view life with a different perspective. He challenged the odds and completed his degree. But it was time to reevaluate his struggling marriage and make a change before his child was to be born. He made a conscious choice to heal from his past and to prevent the same toxicity from impacting his child's life.
He made it to the other side and now uses his company and his podcast to encourage other people (his heart is for parents & kids) to embrace change, have an open mind, build their strength, and never give up.
__________________
From the age of five and for the next 20-plus years, Ray struggled through severe anxiety and depression before starting his journey of overcoming his struggles. Ray is now a father, author, podcaster, and mentor. His goal is to help transform the lives and impact the worlds of 11 million parents by helping them to break the cycle so it doesn't get passed on to their kids, their relationships, and their dreams. Captivate featured his podcast "From Surviving To Thriving" only six weeks after its launching.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
07 Jul 2022
#59 Coming Back Home to Me
00:30:10
Today, I interview Peleg Top who was bullied as a child growing up in Israel. He knew who he was, and he had things to say, but he felt that no one wanted to hear them. As a gay young child he was teased and felt that he never fit in.
Eventually he began to believe those lies and would later require some inner work to rediscover his love for himself. Throughout his teenage years, the bullying continued. And he hid more and more of his true self, eventually feeling as though life was a mindless act and he was just going through the motions.
Peleg points out that as innocent children, we exist as pure love and joy. When he was finally able to do the inner work required to heal, the result was coming full circle back to himself-- back to that place of existing as love and joy. He's realized that it's okay to say what he wants, to say and share what's in his heart with people, and that it's also okay if people didn't agree with what he has to say. And that is so empowering!
Peleg naturally protects his creativity and uses his knowledge and spirituality to protect his true self-- the true self he fought so hard to reclaim. Today, he's a creative coach and spiritual director who studies and teaches about transformation, change, and building healthy habits. __________________
Peleg Top comes to us from Santa Fe, in the land of enchantment in New Mexico. He is the founder of the "Creative High Growth Method" a soul awakening process that helps people at a crossroads find their purpose and authentic voice. Peleg wears many creative hats. He is a trained spiritual director, an entrepreneur, an artist, a trained chef, a graphic designer, and a recovering overachiever
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
14 Jul 2022
#60 Embracing the Power of My Story
00:30:17
Today, I interview Doug Brown who was raised by two very hardworking parents. He was encouraged to persevere and accomplish as much as he could, but that put a lot of emphasis on performance and left less time for self-reflection. There wasn't much room for slowing down to connect.
He says that throughout his various experiences and occupations, he's never had a fear of the microphone. He never felt anxious about delivering a message and getting the job done. But truly letting himself be seen and revealing his vulnerable side was a completely foreign idea for him.
Doug continued onto what would become a very long and successful career built around fortifying businesses and rescuing and repairing issues for business owners. He worked extremely hard-- so hard, in fact, that he wasn't taking care of himself. He was becoming more and more empty, and his own needs weren't being met. He fell into extreme burnout and finally knew he needed to make some urgent changes when he started experiencing panic attacks.
After heeding advice of coaches and mentors to explore mindfulness, Doug became attuned to his own place in the world, putting thought into how he wanted his life to look and how he wanted to represent himself. He wanted to thrive, and he was ready to make the necessary changes. Now in his interactions with people, he truly values taking the time to really connect. He believes we accomplish more as humans when we share ourselves with others. That's what makes the most meaningful difference.
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Doug is an executive coach and consultant who helps high-performing CEOs, business owners, lawyers, and other professionals maximize their business growth and leadership success so they can have the freedom to live a fulfilled life. Doug's story of finding his voice is tied to his career and life journey from the child of small business owners through being a lawyer and into his own journey into the corporate world and becoming an entrepreneur, business builder, and fixer. And over the last 25 years, he's helped transform multiple seven and eight-figure businesses, from large corporations to family businesses, professional practices, not-for-profits, and professional associations.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
21 Jul 2022
#61 Self-Love, Self-Discovery, & Setting the Example
00:27:52
Today, I interview Lesley Evans who as the youngest of three children and the only girl, received plenty of attention as a child. Her voice didn't begin to fade until her teenage years. Her parents divorced and she focused on comforting her mother, and from there she naturally fell into a caretaker role, giving her friends advice and being the supporter for anyone who needed it.
As a young adult, Lesley lived her life according to a checklist: get a degree, find a job, get married, buy a house, have children. She was busy all the time, getting things done and checking them off her list. But somewhere along the line, she lost herself. She was so preoccupied with accomplishing everything on the list, and with taking care of people and meeting their needs, that she completely forgot about herself.
In this interview, Lesley also mentions her sudden realization that her voice was also silenced because of her work in the nursing/therapy field-- that often times nurses and therapists put in the most time and labor, yet the doctor is the only one who can "sign off" on things and have the final say.
In a precious revelation, Lesley saw the need for change when she saw her own habits mirrored in her daughter. As she encouraged her daughter not to diminish herself for anyone, she sensed that a shift needed to be made. She worked to break the cycle of putting herself last so that she could set a better example for her children. Lesley did a deep spiritual dive, learning to understand her life and her energy better. She was able to use all the losses and changes along the way to transform herself and find her own healing.
Today, she uses alternative therapies to help others achieve physical and emotional balance, form healthy habits, and rewire their thinking in a more positive way.
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Lesley is an International Best-Selling Author of DeFUNK YourSELF. She has developed a perfect blend of modern and magical therapies to empower the overwhelmed by teaching how to shed the guilt, find your passion, and live an inspired life. Lesley has thirty years of experience as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse Therapist. She is a Certified Soul Care Practitioner and Reiki Master. She brings new purpose and passion for raising awareness, gaining new perspectives, and teaching others to Shine Their Light. She believes, like The Rising Phoenix, that everyone can rise from the ashes of their old lives and build themselves stronger to shine their light into the world.
Click the link to get Lesley's Tips to Fit Mindfulness Into Everyday Life: https://mailchi.mp/3d7acc782623/everydaymindfulness
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
28 Jul 2022
#62 Rebuilding Through Humility, Hard Work, & Acceptance
00:36:42
Today, I interview Paul Hood who describes his childhood household as "quiet, non-controversial, and easy". Maintaining privacy and avoiding conflict were the M.O. His father was a CPA and introduced him to a colleague who was both a CPA and a lawyer, and at age ten Paul decided that this was the combination he would strive for. He graduated with a master's in tax law and was mentored in estate planning, in which he landed a successful job at a great firm.
At age 38, he was nationally nominated for an ACTEC fellowship-- something unheard of for someone so young-- and became a reputable speaker. Then, he stood his ground in a disagreement within a social organization for which he was treasurer. He lost the battle and was blacklisted in the community. Not long after, his wife of ten years decided she wanted a divorce.
Paul loved his work, but he was experiencing burnout. He would later be diagnosed as bipolar. Then, after some deception by his clients regarding an estate matter, the tables turned and Paul's handling of the case was regarded as unethical, and he eventually received a suspension from the bar. His friends and colleagues abandoned him, he was struggling with his custody battle, and after much anxiety, he'd become addicted to Xanax. And finally, after a heartbreaking misunderstanding with his family, an altercation went terribly wrong. His world was crumbling and he attempted suicide.
He realized that "suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem." He was determined to climb out of the empty hole his life had become. He has completed rehabilitation and worked to be reinstated. He encourages others never to stop believing in themselves, and that when we don't have anyone in our corner, we have to be our own strength. He believes his inner voice carried him through.
__________________
A native of Louisiana (and a double LSU Tiger), Paul Hood obtained his undergraduate and law degrees from Louisiana State University and an LL.M. in taxation from Georgetown University Law Center before settling down to practice tax and estate planning law in the New Orleans area. Paul has taught at the University of New Orleans, Northeastern University, The University of Toledo College of Law, and Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law.
Paul has authored or co-authored nine books and over 500 professional articles on estate, charitable and tax planning, and business valuation. Paul’s ninth book, Yours, Mine & Ours: Estate Planning for People in Blended or StepFamilies, is now out. A “recovering tax lawyer” and frequent contributor to Leimberg Information Services since its inception, Paul is a highly sought-after speaker and consultant because of his innate ability to see through the complexity and explain difficult and even boring subjects in understandable and entertaining language with his insightful and biting sense of humor, and he minces no words in doing so.
Along the way, Paul’s been a father, husband, uncle, Godfather, lawyer, trustee, member, director, president, partner, trust protector, director of planned giving, expert witness, agent, professor, judge, juror, respondent, and a defendant, and he uses his experience in these myriad roles to guide others. Paul is an author, speaker, and consultant on tax, estate, and charitable planning. He also is a Vice-President with Thompson & Associates, a charitable estate planning firm.
___________________
Find Paul here: paul@paulhoodservices.com https://paulhoodservices.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-hood-9b51a49/
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
04 Aug 2022
#63 Inner Peace & Accepting Our Feelings
00:29:16
Today, I interview Ann Hince whose story certainly has a unique beginning. She was adopted as a newborn into a family who had just had to give up a foster daughter, so in some ways she started her life by filling in another one's shoes.
There was a lot of moving and traveling when Ann was a child, and somehow her birth mother kept track of her location all along. Ann experienced some traumatic experiences as a young child. She told her parents her room was on fire and they didn't believe her. So from day one her voice was quieted.
Among many places they'd lived was Hong Kong, and while her family lived there she was sent away to England to attend her brother's boarding school-- a boys-only institution-- which would be yet another confusing and scary experience on a list of many that had suppressed her voice. Through the years her dad also tormented her. He made her record herself speaking on cassette, something to be mailed to the grandparents, but would also chime in, mocking and ridiculing her for how her voice sounded. He also repeated the same teasing that Ann said she was receiving from the boys at her school. So her fear grew and she continued to hide within herself, tired of the constant humiliation.
When she reached 21, she left that life behind and headed for California, where she had a family and pursued a career in software engineering. She was confronted by some disagreement from some fellow coworkers and it absolutely tormented her. A few days later, she'd processed the incident and realized that she shouldn't have had such a strong reaction-- that there was unresolved trauma and she could do something about it. So she did.
Ann went on an amazing journey and found emotional freedom. Today, she encourages others to allow themselves to fully experience what they're feeling and work through it, rather than suppressing it. She helps them to be present and acknowledge the moment so they can move past their fear and pain.
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When Ann was 19, she woke one morning to find her mother dead in her bathroom. Twenty years later the tears from that trauma were still just under the surface. Ann found a simple technique that helped her release these emotions - but she went further and can now put her awareness inside her body - and has changed the bone structure of her skull and grown ½ an inch at age 55. Ann has found that seeking out our truth, what we truly feel, and accepting those feelings, is the key to inner peace.
Find Ann here: https://annhince.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AnnHinceWisdom https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTc4hb7ZKvih1LlRHK0cUjg Book: A Pathway to Insight on Amazon
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I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear.
Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
11 Aug 2022
#64 Grief, Identity, and Mom's without a Mom
00:27:22
Today, I interview Melissa Reilly whose life began in rural upstate New York with her parents and two sisters. Then one of her sisters became severely ill, and she and the other sister were often dropped off with anyone who could take them, so that their parents could take their ill sister for treatments. Melissa was shy with new people and began keeping her voice to herself, learning to observe people and read situations by their behavior.
Her sweet sister died a couple years later, and the family went through a tremendous grieving process. Her parents eventually split up. Her mother began to struggle in many areas, and as Melissa grew up and went off to college and entered a graduate program, the miscommunication and frustration between them eventually led to a falling out.
Melissa's mother suddenly died eight months later, and it broke her heart that they hadn't been able to reconcile their relationship beforehand. And just seven months after that, her other sister also passed away suddenly after a long struggle with her mental and physical health.
Melissa waited 12 years before feeling ready to start a family of her own. She experienced infertility and losses but finally had a son. Wishing for the support of her mother, she realized that she was finally allowing herself to grieve her mom's loss for the first time. She had no mentor, and she felt like something was wrong with her and that she didn't have a voice. She had a successful career, but becoming a mother broke her. Melissa took a step back and it occurred to her that she wasn't alone after all. She shifted her work, feeling the passion to encourage her community of fellow moms without moms that motherhood is hard but rewarding, and that mothers can lean on each other to ask questions and find the support they need to believe in themselves.
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Melissa Reilly, Psy.D. is a mom of two boys, clinical psychologist, and mom coach passionate about helping moms separated from their mother by physical distance, estrangement, or death, move from feelings of insecurity, isolation, and overwhelm to a place of resilience. Through her personal and professional experience, she has come to recognize that Moms without a mom experience grief as part of their motherhood experience, even if they don’t realize it. The relationship moms have had (or didn’t have) with their mothers impacts how they see themselves but doesn’t define them. She believes it isn’t knowledge and skills that create resilience, but rather it is born through overcoming hardship, having a community, and living by one’s values. Melissa is honored to walk with moms on their journey to becoming the mom they always wanted to be.
Her psychological practice, Shoudt & Reilly Psychological Services, serves residents of Berks County, Pennsylvania. She is now expanding her services to include parent coaching, focusing on Moms Without a Mom, which can be accessed by women all over the world through her website.
Find Dr. Melissa here: https://www.momswithoutamom.com/ https://www.instagram.com/momswithoutamom/ https://www.facebook.com/Dr.MelissaReilly https://www.tiktok.com/@momswithoutamom Enjoy Being a Mom Again Quick Guide: https://www.momswithoutamom.com/enjoy-motherhood-again-guide Care For Yourself While You Care For Your Baby Guide: https://melissareillypsyd.lpages.co/bonding-with-baby-while-caring-for-yourself-opt-in Schedule a complimentary coaching call: https://MelissaReillyPsyDMomsWithoutAMom.as.me/free-coaching-call
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I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
18 Aug 2022
#65 The Core of Personal Growth
00:30:58
Today, I interview Joey Chandler, a good friend for years. This story takes place in the middle of a transformative phase in his more current journey, rather than walking back through his childhood. Joey went through a very rough period over the past couple years where he was struggling with COVID, going through a separation, and dealing with shifts in his business. He was frustrated and feeling a little lost.
After all the work he'd done in the past, studying and teaching about purpose, he felt a deep longing to get to the roots of his own identity. He believed that if he could figure out who he truly was, he'd begin to find the answers to the other questions that were presenting themselves in his life. And what he has learned about himself is that he's all about love: courage, connection, and commitment. After peeling back the layers, he slowly but surely realized that these things were the key to renewing his sense of purpose.
Joey explains further, saying that we'll always have problems, or obstacles, or challenges that can give us anxiety or fear. Those things never change. But when we bring more and more and more of ourselves to the situation, our own presence diminishes the issue, and our perspective becomes less about fear and more about confidence and feeling equipped. We have courage.
In learning more about connection with others, a friend pointed out to him that who we are and what we value are two very different things, and it's important to personify love to people. Finally, Joey talks about commitment. He says that who we really are is just beneath the surface waiting to emerge. Finding your true self takes commitment, which is a daily investment of time, practice, and trust. But when you commit to something true and good, rooted in love, it can be the surest footing of your life.
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Joey Chandler is a purpose-based relationship coach and host of the Love Launch Podcast. He works with entrepreneurs, executives, coaches, and consultants to make their purpose part of their relationships and everyday life. He has been coaching and leading transformational workshops for 20 years and his purpose is about people loving their life. He lives in northern California, is an avid skier, and recently published his first book - "Thrones of Wisdom - 99 ways to get off the pot while on the pot." Joey offers a quick survey on his website where you can create your own Core Statement, which helps you to "describe who you are in everyday language".
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
25 Aug 2022
#66 Identifying What's Happening Inside
00:56:21
Today, I interview Dr. John Gray. In John's family there were lots of siblings, and there was lots of love. However, his mother clearly had a sweet spot for John and favored him a little. In turn, his siblings expressed their jealousy by picking on and torturing him. He learned to stay alert, but this meant he was always on edge and quite afraid.
John's fear wasn't really recognized or discussed in his family until a concerned aunt pointed it out to him when he was still pretty young. So he became aware that he had an issue with fear but didn't yet understand how to work through it. John felt very loved by his parents. He says that by the time he came along, his parents realized that things like spankings and other punishments hadn't worked on his older siblings. They decided not to punish him in the same way and just to "leave him in the hands of God." This added to the growing jealousy of his siblings, and their anger was another source of intimidation, keeping John from building - or even using - his voice. On the other hand, John's mother supported all of his ideas and encouraged him to keep learning and figuring out life. She would later add a wing onto her bookstore to house and sell all of the books he would write.
At the age of 19, John became the youngest teacher of Transcendental Meditation. During his first lecture, he was so nervous he fainted. But he was so passionate about TM, he decided to keep working at it, trying to overcome his anxiety. Then he found Improv. Instead of focusing on a speech and feeling like everyone was there to judge any misstep, he felt like a cloud lifted when his improv peers supported him and cheered him on for his creativity. In this welcome and safe space, he was able to begin to release his fears and move forward. Today, his thoughts and ideas are known internationally, and his voice has changed the lives of thousands.
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Dr. Gray has written over 20 books. His most recent book is Beyond Mars and Venus: Relationship Skills for Our Complex Modern World. His Mars/Venus book series has changed the way men and women view their relationships. John helps men and women better understand and respect their differences in both personal and professional relationships. His approach combines specific communication techniques with healthy, nutritional choices that create the brain and body chemistry for lasting health, happiness, and romance.
His many books, blogs, and free online workshops at MarsVenus.com provide practical insights to improve relationships at all stages of life and love. An advocate of health and optimal brain function, he also provides natural solutions for overcoming depression, anxiety, and stress to support increased energy, libido, hormonal balance, and better sleep.
He has appeared repeatedly on Oprah, as well as on The Dr. Oz Show, TODAY, CBS This Morning, Good Morning America, and others. He has been profiled in Time, Forbes, USA Today, and People. He was also the subject of a three-hour special hosted by Barbara Walters. John Gray lives in Northern California where for 34 years he happily shared his life with his beautiful wife, Bonnie, until her passing in 2018. They have three grown daughters and four grandchildren. He is an avid follower of his own health and relationship advice.
Find John here: https://www.marsvenus.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/marsvenus/ https://www.facebook.com/Mars.Venus.John.Gray https://www.instagram.com/johngraymarsvenus_official/ https://twitter.com/MarsVenus
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I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find thei
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
01 Sep 2022
#67 A Journey of Mindfulness and Vulnerability
00:32:56
Today, I interview Mitra Manesh, the youngest of three children who grew up in Iran. Mitra learned to fend for herself and figure out her own way. She was intelligent and well-behaved, never getting into trouble and becoming a source of comfort and stability in the room. These things earned her the nickname, "the wise child" from a very young age. But was this a good thing or not?
Mitra took this as part of her identity the more and more adults would say it to her. She became strong and serious and didn't spend much time playing and being silly - very important things for children.
Mitra was in the U.S. for school in the seventies. Then she returned home, but because of the conflict, the borders were closed and she was unable to come back. Then she went to Turkey and France, and now lives in California. Through all of the unrest, Mitra had an epiphany. She had been looking for stability in the world, and as she so perfectly puts it, as her "inner world was forming, the outer world was in complete chaos." She was just beginning to discover herself and come alive, and all of her surroundings were falling apart.
She experienced so much loss. The "anchor" she sought in family, friends, academia, and home could really only be found within herself. So she accepted what she calls an "invitation" to dig deep within herself to find clarity and meaning. She realized that she had to find and create her own voice, because if she was "given" her voice from someone, that could just be taken away. She learned to only rely on herself.
Her journey into Turkey was quite a turning point in her life. She left everyone and everything behind and crossed the border with little more than the clothes on her back. But without all the other voices in her ear, she slowly began to work forward, starting over and waiting for no one. She realized that only she could give herself the power she'd been looking for. These days, Mitra flows through life in a state of mindfulness. She accepts the reality of situations, does her best to be truly present, and enjoys the spontaneity of not taking anything for granted.
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Mitra Manesh is the creator of the Mindful Attentionist Coaching (M.A.C.) program, an inside-out program for deep training of global mindful coaches. She is also the founder of “innermap”, an innovative new mindfulness App, and the host of “Lights on”, a podcast offering support for a mindful life. She is a mindfulness thought leader, storyteller, and educator with almost 4 decades of experience helping people of all ages and many different cultures to live, love, and lead more consciously at home and at work.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
15 Sep 2022
#69 From Self-Doubt to Self-Love
00:27:24
Today, I interview Laurie Seymour whose father was her best friend. Growing up with three brothers, she confided in her father and he was her sounding board and source of encouragement. When he died she was still quite young, and her mother was forced to pick up the pieces, struggling with overwhelming new emotional and financial stresses.
Laurie was often left out of the equation. She just didn't fit, and there wasn't much time for her. She retreated within herself, only allowing some parts of herself to be seen in the world. During her childhood, Laurie was a good student and was known to be very intelligent, as evidenced by her work and her confidence in front of the class. She had lots of good experiences but never allowed them to become a part of her life and her story-- never really embracing her life. Losing her father had caused a lack of stability in her life, and those feelings of doubt turned into self-doubt for her.
After a journey through college and even becoming a therapist herself, Laurie eventually encountered a teacher with whom she had an "energetic experience". This allowed her to finally open up and reconnect to her self-love. She felt a deep connection to her own existence, and it allowed some of those gaps in her mind and heart to come together. Laurie now practices mindfulness, staying in the present and focusing on the truth. She no longer gives self-doubt her time or attention because it has no productive value for her. Today, she teaches others how to tap into their own inner energy and harness it for guidance and stability.
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Laurie Seymour, Quantum Connection Mentor, 2x international #1 best-selling author, and founder/CEO of The Baca Institute, is internationally known as the source for Source. She helps visionary leaders and conscious business owners shift their vibration for more energy, focus, inspiration, and joy in their business and personal lives, leading to streamlined project creation and implementation and financial abundance. Laurie is also host of the Wisdom Talk Radio podcast, listened to in over 60 countries!
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
22 Sep 2022
#70 Triumph Over Trauma
00:27:42
Today, I interview Anna Ditchburn who grew up in Russia. Her father left when she was 4, abandoning their family to be with another woman. Anna was so young, she didn't quite understand what was going on. She never processed her own feelings about it, but instead focused on her heartbroken mother and helped to keep up appearances, never revealing what was happening behind closed doors.
She helped to care for her infant brother while her mother worked nights to make ends meet. Six years later, they were still struggling when her mother met a man they all thought was wonderful. A few months into the relationship, he showed his aggressive, abusive side. He was a military man, and the family lived in fear, keeping everything spotless and in its perfect place.
When Anna turned 15, he began sexually abusing her, forcing her to undergo two abortions, one of which damaged her reproductive system. At 21 she left, hiding her secrets and holding herself back for fear of judgment. She felt so much shame over her past, feeling undeserving of love and acceptance. She struggled with job interviews, having so much fear and anxiety that she would become physically ill.
And then she met Laban, the love of her life (who has also been a guest on this podcast) and her now husband. They experienced several miscarriages together, but her doctor told her it wasn't a physical problem; it was an emotional and psychological one. Anna was later able to come to terms with the fact that she was afraid of this experience because of her past trauma. She was able to give her trauma a name, ask for help, and begin the healing process for the first time in 20 years.
Anna Ditchburn has faced some of the most traumatic things a young woman can possibly experience. And that's what motivates her to tell the world that if she can rise above it, others can too. She uses her own podcast to tell others that they're not alone, and her passion is "helping people to realize their potential, and align with their heart, thoughts, feelings, and wishes." ________________
Anna is known affectionately as the world’s best life-optimization coach. She empowers others with her ultimate courage, stories of healing, and forgiveness. Systemic sexual abuse, two forced abortions by a stepfather, and then sixteen consecutive miscarriages were once Anna’s only story. Now her story is that she has reclaimed her power, freed herself from the tether of shame and pain, and made her life-purpose to help others to do the same to live the life of their dreams.
Find Anna here: https://annaditchburn.com/ https://worlds-best-trauma-recovery-podcast.captivate.fm/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrsannaditchburn/ https://www.facebook.com/mrs.anna.ditchburn https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7WdkOzozBc_1z3rwmzWfbg
________________
I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear.
Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
29 Sep 2022
#71 Everything Starts with Self-Esteem
00:34:53
Today, I interview Clarissa Burt who tells us that her childhood was stressful and not very much fun. There was a lot of yelling, arguing, alcohol, and violence. Her father switched back and forth between Jekyll and Hyde, going from fun and kind to full of rage. Clarissa was the oldest child, and she spent much of her time trying to keep the peace, look after her abused mother, and check each bedroom to make sure everyone was still alive each morning.
She hadn't realized that she had formed the habit of checking the bedrooms until her mother pointed it out to her after the divorce when she was still doing it. She was able to recognize that she was experiencing PTSD and begin to work through it.
Once she grew up and left home to pursue a modeling career, she was surrounded by people who just wanted to party, drink, do drugs, and stay up late. That wasn't Clarissa's style. She says that despite their own behavior, her parents instructed her to have a strong sense of right and wrong. Clarissa got up early and went to bed early. She had a good head on her shoulders and was starting to not only discover who she was, but also form the habit of consistently raising her standards. This was a major breakthrough. Clarissa believes that self-esteem is the key.
We're all going to experience difficulties, traumas, losses, and other great challenges in life. But if you do the work to understand yourself, process your emotions, and feel fully connected to who you are, your self-esteem helps to keep you centered and gives you the tools to overcome any obstacle. She tells us that our experiences are stepping stones in life. Our belief systems and the things we learn help to shape us, and through changes in life we may lose connections with people and things that are no longer a fit, but as long as we are striving for the greater good, amazing things can happen.
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Clarissa Burt is the Founder/CEO of In the Limelight Media. She is an internationally acclaimed award-winning media personality, producer, director, writer, author, former supermodel, and public speaker. With hundreds of television, radio, and film credits to her name, this Who’s Who of International and American Women brings over 35 years of entertainment industry experience in both International and American markets.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
06 Oct 2022
#72 Full & Authentic Expression
00:25:39
Today, I interview Vasavi Kumar who grew up in a first generation Indian immigrant family. At home, she says she felt too Americanized. But at school, she felt too Indian, because she attended a predominantly white school. She never felt like she fit in anywhere, so she just learned to do and say all the right things to keep the peace.
Her home was a safe place, and her needs were met. Her parents were successful business professionals. However, Vasavi didn't feel emotionally safe; she never felt safe in expressing her emotions as a child because her parents didn't encourage that kind of expression and didn't know how to react or help her to understand and regulate her emotions. She never let people get to know her intimately enough to hurt her.
At 12 she started therapy and almost instantly felt tremendous relief, because for the first time someone was fully present, listening to her, and validating her emotions. She no longer had to feel like a misunderstood, irrational, overemotional outcast. She finally started to understand her emotions and became more confident in her own identity. And she finally got to mourn the loss of the way she wished her childhood had been.
She still experiences frustration in life, but she knows how to approach it. She takes a look at her own expectations, pays close attention to where she is putting her energy, and takes the time to redirect herself and be honest about what to release and what to hold as priority.
Today, she is committed to living authentically. Part of that journey was learning to be honest and intimate with herself. She had to ask herself why she wasn't being honest with herself. She dug through her business and all of her relationships, assessing areas where she realized she wasn't being her genuine, fully-expressed self. She walks with pride, knowing that she says what she means and means what she says.
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Vasavi is the outspoken host of the Say It Out Loud Podcast, upcoming author of the Say It Out Loud book (Spring 2023), Self-Expression Coach, and Actor. As a First-Generation Indian Immigrant, Vasavi made her parents proud by going to Columbia University to receive her (second) Masters in Social Work. Through her Say It Out Loud group experience, 1:1 mentorship, and communication training, Vasavi helps her clients be more comfortable, confident, and in control during media interviews, telepresentations, and interpersonal communication so they can show up confidently.
Find Vasavi here: https://www.vasavikumar.com/ (where you can get her FREE mini-course: 11 Concepts to Take You From Self-Conscious to Self-Expressed) https://www.instagram.com/mynameisvasavi/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasavikumar1/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC59H9ub5Q0rZLF6ASqsmc7w
____________
I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear.
Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
08 Sep 2022
#68 Reawakened to Her Purpose
00:32:26
Today, I interview Erin Bogdan who grew up believing she truly did have the perfect family, with an easy childhood and parents who loved her. Now she says she's realized it was a dynamic of "emotional codependent dysfunctionality".
There were issues with addiction on her mother's side of the family, and there was a lack of emotional connection on her father's side. Growing up in New Jersey, efforts were made to make their home life appear picture-perfect on the outside. However, Erin learned from a young age that high achievements and good behavior were the way to gain approval and affection, as she tiptoed around her father's temper and her mother's tendency toward people-pleasing.
Looking back now, Erin says she didn't realize she didn't have a voice back then. She fit the mold and that's how she functioned. But she was holding herself back and not getting her needs met. Her sister struggled with addiction, and this played into Erin's development and ability to use her voice. That is, until she discovered meetings for families of Al-Anon. She realized she'd been hiding herself.
She spent several years in Al-Anon rediscovering her wants and needs. Her corporate career development paralleled Al-Anon, and she was slowly pushed more and more into the spotlight and various leadership roles. Erin went on an immersive retreat to Bali where she had a transformative epiphany, realizing that she was merely existing - that she'd never let her true self live freely and boldly. She now uses her voice to speak into the fears of others and help them to find passion and purpose in life.
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Erin Bogdan is an authenticity & confidence coach & soul-purpose activator who coaches unfulfilled ambitious high-achievers & people pleasers to ditch their self-doubt & ‘not enough’ mindset and become their most confident, capable, unstoppable, and unapologetic, authentic selves so that they can create an aligned & purpose-driven life. Today, she is free to be herself and her very journey of transformation was the exact training she needed to facilitate the same deep, profound, & tangible shifts in her clients. Erin’s passion & enthusiasm for serving badasses-at-heart to wake up to their infinite potential is her soul’s calling and she is so extremely grateful to be living her purpose daily.
**Download her free 6-step No BS Guide that will have you boldly & confidently Remembering, Reclaiming, & Radiating all of who you were born to be: https://mailchi.mp/2eae852ce24d/0yek7qi87p **Join her free Facebook community to receive exclusive inspiring soul-shifting content, & engage with a community who all desire to own, embody, and become who they were born to be! https://www.facebook.com/groups/confidentcapableauthenticyou/
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I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear.
Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
13 Oct 2022
#73 Show Up and Share What You Know
00:27:50
Today, I interview Judy Baker, whose parents were both very introverted, and Judy was the youngest child. She didn't really understand that people could be bubbly and friendly, and she was afraid of strangers and meeting new people. She was shy and spoke with such a tiny voice that many people at school couldn't hear her.
Her parents didn't really have many friends or much of a social life, so Judy never got to witness people having friendly, open dialogue with one another. In fact, because this was never modeled for her, she says she didn't quite learn how to converse with people until she was in her 30s. But during her childhood, it was a struggle.
In school, she loved drama class because she says she found it easy to pretend to be someone else, even though she was too shy to be herself. In speech class, her knees shook as she held the lectern in terror. Her speech teacher taught her to use her body to occupy space, with a big, open stance. Magically, she says her knees unlocked and her voice was amplified to the back of the room. Judy's most noted speaking tool is to visualize the person sitting at the back of the room. She had learned exercises to loosen facial muscles and tongues, and how to enunciate, but the focus in applying these techniques was to ensure that she was able to use every piece of her toolkit to emotionally connect with the person at the back of the room. This allowed her to be fully aware of her own space, but to also step into a new and more confident persona. Her focus is on showing genuine interest and making real connections with people. She always strives to be a good listener, taking the time to thoughtfully craft her response and interact with care.
Today, her passion is to help authors to get their message to a larger audience. She helps them share their stories by helping them break through marketing roadblocks and other barriers. She is a true friend who uses her voice to lift others up and amplify their voices, too.
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Book Marketing Mentor Judy M. Baker helps business authors turn content into cash without going broke or crazy. Authors benefit from Judy's resilience, a gift discovered during her cancer journey. Thinking beyond the book since 2011, her workshops and one-to-one mentoring have inspired hundreds of authors to build awareness about themselves, their books, and their businesses.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
20 Oct 2022
#74 Quiet the Noise and Amplify Your Voice
00:30:29
Today, I interview Mary Simon, who at age 11 was in Austria with her Mother and older sister. Her Austrian mother had spent many years in America but returned to Austria after divorcing their father. The country had drastically changed, and she was unable to re-assimilate or fit in anywhere.
Destitute, the girls and their mother went to the US Embassy on Friday and were to be returned to America on Monday. Little Mary, however, had a sudden urgency to stay in Austria. She saw that war had changed the world, and she watched her mother lose herself. She had nothing and no voice, and Mary was determined not to follow that same path. She didn't want to return to the U.S., so when her sister and mother went back to the hotel to await their departure, Mary stayed behind and made a brave plan to negotiate a way to stay in Austria.
She adamantly plead her case to one of the officers, who eventually took her on with his own family. She was later forced to return to the U.S. because her father didn't like a diplomat caring for his daughter, but Mary immediately put the pieces together and made her way back to Austria.
This was the first sign that Mary was to become an expert negotiator. She continued to form compelling arguments for other moves in her education, living situation, and overall life. She knew what she wanted and she was going to find her own way to make it happen.
After several relocations and exhaustive studies, Mary eventually completed a degree in neuroscience. She had a curiosity to learn the biological factors that are at play in relation to life's circumstances. She wanted to understand how her life had affected her neurologically, and how if affected other people. In her work as a now professional negotiator, Mary studies both the things that hold people back and the things that motivate them. When there is misalignment, she helps to advocate for them so that they can find their voice and become the best version of themselves.
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Mary Brunelle Simon is a Senior Executive Coach with 20+ years of international experience. Expertise in building and capturing professional legacy is the cornerstone of her business career. She has served as faculty/staff for The Wharton School MBA program, authored a book about negotiation strategies, and advised senior leaders in 15 industries.
Find Mary here: https://marybsimon.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/marybsimon/ https://www.facebook.com/mary.simon.758
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I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear.
Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
27 Oct 2022
#75 Free to Be You and Me
00:26:23
Today, I interview Jean Kathryn Carlson who grew up in a religious family and felt invisible for much of her childhood. The goal was to be perfect and keep the peace in order to secure her place in heaven. She never felt enabled to be herself, to open up, or to color outside the lines.
She felt so much pressure to get things right, she was always too afraid to connect with people or truly have fun as a child. Instead, she found her place of fun and play inside her own imagination. She created new worlds of adventure in her mind, and her creativity came alive. In this part of her story, Jean makes a brilliant connection. She tells us that the wound is important. The place where the problem lives is the place where we can dig deep and find gold. There is a gift there, where we listen and feel and make that connection. Jean continued in her studies, but the religious inner conflict tugged at her.
She says that love was a double-edged sword; there was a great big God who loved her, but she also had a constant fear of condemnation. She hadn't yet figured out how to access her own strength, so she relied on the outside world -- teachers, ministers, and other adults -- to assess her and decide how she was doing. She lost some self-worth in this area. She found a love for the Spanish language when studying it for her undergrad. She also had a connection to music.
When she moved to California, she had a tremendous sense of value because she had two skills that could be used. She was starting to find her place, express her creativity, and feel affirmed because of her expertise. She had experience teaching, but she still had that active imagination and her heart was to become a storyteller. She was finally finding herself. She left a 25-year marriage and began to come alive, realizing she was able to shine from within and let her joy spill into the lives of others.
Joy is her passion. Today as an alchemy coach, she works with people to focus on their energy, language, and habits, "to create a more joyful, expansive, expressive life".
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Jean Kathryn Carlson believes that play is the new work. Her passion for solitude, music, nature, and dreams supports her in living a life full of magic and miracles. She loves to hang out in the invisible realms of the imagination where anything is possible. Intuitive Dreamworker, Storyteller, Thought Detective, and EFT Practitioner are some of the tools she uses in her Alchemy Coaching. Her life purpose is to joyously express the wonder and mystery of life and guide others on their unique journey of joy. She knows that when we claim our inner authority we are empowered to live more joyfully no matter what is going on around us. Jean Kathryn is a certified Dream Coach and Dream Facilitator, Law of Attraction Life coach, certified ProEFT Coach, certified Speaking Circle Facilitator, Certified Tribal Marketing Coach, and SendOutCards Affiliate.
Find Jean here: http://www.vibrantlivingalchemist.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeankathryncarlson/ https://www.facebook.com/jeandreams2 https://www.facebook.com/VibrantLivingAlchemist https://www.instagram.com/jkdreams2/?hl=en Go to www.vibrantlivingalchemist.com to book a free 20-minute consult!
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I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear.
Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
14 Sep 2022
#76 Love God, Love People, and Be Yourself
00:42:13
Today, I interview Ruth Stitt. Growing up in Connecticut, Ruth notes that she was one of the fortunate ones. Her parents encouraged her and her siblings to explore the world and learn as much as possible. There was lots of travel, education, and trying new things. She was the youngest of three siblings, and the older two grew further and further away from her during school years.
Because of this gap, Ruth was often the only child at home, watching her parents' marriage dissolve and unfortunately becoming her mother's confidant, listening to her vent her frustrations as she poured another drink. Ruth did well in school, but she did spend her teenage years embodying the stereotypical hippie child: the pot, the long hair, the vegetarianism, and the love for music.
She ended up in New York, attending college and getting a music degree. During that time, her dearest friend made a shift in her own life. She went from lost and addicted to, somehow, a faith-filled Christian. Ruth watched this transformation before her own eyes and slowly began to feel things shift inside her. She had begun attending the famous Riverside Church for reasons she's still unsure of. She began studying the Bible and soon fell in love with God.
Her family couldn't relate to her seemingly sudden transformation, and she couldn't understand why it had taken her so long to make such a discovery. She had to learn new ways to use her voice to share her faith without over stressing her relationships with people of different beliefs. As time passed, Ruth began ministry, found her husband, and started her family. She became a counselor and minister, and for more than thirty years has been working with diverse populations to bring help and hope.
At this stage of life, Ruth is focused mostly on writing and music, and speaking to individuals and groups about the Scriptures and how they come to life in our daily experiences. She thanks God every day for His goodness in her life.
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Ruth Stitt has been a licensed therapist for 30 years, while also performing as a jazz musician, raising a family, teaching, and volunteering in a variety of churches and parachurch ministries. She has been a blogger for the last four years, and recently released her first self-published book, Scripture Comes to Life: Reflections on Biblical Wisdom in Everyday Experience. Having recently retired from full-time clinical work, Ruth is now enjoying the life of a writer and musician in the beautiful hill country of central Texas.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
10 Nov 2022
#77 The Real Me
00:29:28
Today, I interview Michelle Prince who grew up in Chicago in a strong, faith-based family. Her parents were from big Catholic families, so she and her brother had deep Catholic roots during their upbringing. It was a safe and happy home, but there were strict rules and high expectations.
Her mother had grown up in a home where perfection was expected, so Michelle often got a sense of those same expectations from her. Michelle was cautious and obedient, but when it came time for her to go to school, she was ready to jump into her own independence. She says she always had a strong social presence, always being animated and friendly, wanting to be liked by everyone.
Years later when she began college, she met Zig Ziglar and was immediately inspired by him. She wanted to get all she could out of life. She wanted to be successful and make lots of money, and in order to do that, she had to learn to speak up for herself and tell the world what she wanted. She did finally break into that space and reach the success she'd dreamt of, but it had come at the cost of her passion. She wasn't doing something she loved. Even in getting to work with Zig, Michelle felt like something was missing. The company encouraged personal development, building confidence, and self-esteem. But she just didn't feel like herself. She didn't feel free to show herself fully and be seen with complete vulnerability.
She loved God but didn't feel free to share her faith with her peers. She felt like an imposter with a mask on, leaving out some of the biggest and most important parts of herself. She started writing. At first, she journaled casually, but then it grew and became more serious and she poured herself into it, feeling her connection to God and eventually turning her writing into a book. This was the turning point for Michelle. She had finally found her passion and had enough confidence to start. She completed the book and started her business. Now that she has broken through, she loves to use the phrase "claim your authority" not to express the ego, but to acknowledge your identity and be boldly yourself. She encourages others to release the fear that holds them back and to step into life with joy, passion, and authenticity.
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Michelle Prince is a best-selling author, motivational speaker, publishing expert, leadership coach, podcast host of The Power of Authority Spotlight, and CEO/Founder of Performance Publishing Group, a partner publishing company dedicated to making a difference, one story at a time. She’s helped thousands tell their stories and founded the “Book Bound Workshop”. Michelle has published many successful books of her own, including her best-selling Winning In Life Now and her latest The Power of Authority. She is known as "America’s Productivity Coach", is a certified Human Behavior Consultant, and dedicates herself to helping leaders impact the world, using the strengths and talents already within them. She is also a dynamic speaker and has been endorsed by some of the most influential speakers in personal development, including Zig Ziglar, and is a Ziglar Legacy Certified speaker/trainer.
Find Michelle here: https://performancepublishinggroup.com/ https://www.michelleprince.com/ https://www.bookboundworkshop.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleprincespeaker/ https://www.youtube.com/user/MotivateInspire https://www.instagram.com/michelleprincespeaker/ Get Your FREE Digital Copy of The Power of Authority: www.thepowerofauthority.com/freebook
________________
I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voi
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
24 Nov 2022
#79 Moments of Breakthrough
00:34:13
Today, I interview Dr. Gary Wohlman, a powerful teacher who is important to me because he was one of my first coaches! I had a transformative experience with him and I am so honored and proud to share him with you all today.
Gary was born in New York City to Russian Jewish parents. They were hardworking pillars of the community. Gary was always very physically active and expressive, always moving his body in every way possible. His mother felt his creativity and free spirit might limit him in his career, so she encouraged him to pursue more academic, traditional vocations. He would show her his art, and she would ask him how his math classes were going. This broke Gary's heart. He wanted to thrive but felt so limited and disconnected by the lack of encouragement in this area.
He found out he had a relative who had pursued the arts and found success, and this helped Gary to break through and give himself permission to explore and express himself in the creative world, no longer trying to fit into the molds and perceptions of success that are most common in today's society.
Dr. Gary works in a spontaneous, creative way. Instead of conforming to a step-by-step method, he improvises with people based on what he senses about them. He guides them through their fears to process their experiences and break through those fears. One amazing technique he uses is a guided affirmation, where he asks us to say, "People are more interested to hear my message than I am scared to share it." And it's true! Today, Gary thrives using his "multisensory" techniques to spread the awareness and message, quite literally, that we can be ourselves, we can follow our hearts, and we can break free.
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Dr. Gary Wohlman has devoted his lifetime as an archaeologist of the soul ~ liberating stored layers of energy, communication, and expression buried within the physical, emotional, and creative layers in the landscapes of our bodies. Since the pandemic has shifted the ways we are able to reach and connect with one another, Dr. Gary has been developing offerings online to provide visceral coaching and counseling without having to be in the same room or even in the same part of the world.
As a performing artist, he has specialized and developed the character of Sharaad La Charade, court jester. In this capacity, he provides improvisational storytelling where audiences participate in his living legends by enacting the characters in the scripts he is weaving. These days, he uses this jester persona to awaken creativity, spontaneity, and authenticity with developing speakers, presenters, entrepreneurs, performing artists, and developing leaders.
As a communication artist, his one-on-one coaching and interactive signature speech /keynote presentation and workshop "Speaking from the Heart, Transforming your Message with your BODY & VOICE", has assisted thousands to enhance the engagement, impact, and effectiveness of their presentations, and to bring their message out into the world. His soul's devotion is to awaken creativity and full self-expression and to assist fellow humans to take a stand for our lives - through our body, our chief instrument and temple of communication.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
01 Dec 2022
#80 Neurodiversity, Networking, & Finding the Zone of Genius
00:25:21
Today, I interview Michael Whitehouse who grew up in Massachusetts and found himself in an interesting family dynamic. His parents divorced when he was seven, so he split his time among 4 homes: his mother's, his father's, his mother's parents', and his father's parents'. Many people thought it to be an unstable situation for him, but Michael says he always loved it.
He got to have different experiences at different times and places, and always gained something special from each unique home environment. He felt safe and loved. Today, he says he probably developed ADHD from always moving back and forth among all of these different houses. He says there's a lot that he doesn't remember from his childhood because of "the way [his] neurology works."
I loved this part because he just plainly stated the facts, with no apology or hint at any deficiency or disability. As he grew up and established his career, we learn that Michael developed this confident understanding of himself by discovering his talent for sociability. He jokes that he is a "compulsive networker," but also admits it's the literal truth. He loves meeting new people and is always doing it. This came in handy and he has made quite a successful career out of this ability. He connects the right people to each other.
Michael believes that our differences are our gifts. He says that people who are struggling with ADHD, depression, OCD, etc. simply need to be shown that these things can be seen from a perspective of power - that they can be harnessed to create unique and fulfilling, successful businesses. These things are useful and don't have to be debilitating. We must lean into the things that make us unique.
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Michael Whitehouse is The Guy Who Knows a Guy. In 2014, he came to Groton, Connecticut knowing no one at all. A year later, after diving into networking with both feet, he was a major connector in the local community. In 2020, he went global and began connecting entrepreneurs, investors, speakers, and others around the world to people they need to know. He offers his services as a networking concierge, making connections and building strategic alliances around the world. He is the host of the daily Morning Motivation Podcast and the Guy Who Knows a Guy interview podcast.
Find Michael here: https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com/ https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com/facebook https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com/linkedin https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com/tiktok https://amzn.to/3nNtoJY Get Michael's Power5 Networking Tips: https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com/
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I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear.
Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
23 Oct 2022
#78 Solving Problems and Building Self-Confidence
00:32:48
Today, I interview Shawn Langwell who grew up in California in a loving family with two brothers. His father was a fireman, and Shawn looked up to him as his hero. However, when Shawn was 12, his father left the family to start a new family. This crushed Shawn, of course. He missed his father's presence and affection, and he didn't know how to cope.
Unfortunately, he went from class valedictorian in school to a depressed and lost child struggling with drugs and alcohol. Looking back now, Shawn tells us that during those years since the departure of his dad, he was trying to be everything that his father wasn't. He felt the duty to keep an eye on the house, take care of his siblings, and help support his mother by shouldering the household responsibilities with her. Helping to do all of these things gave him a sense of purpose in a difficult situation.
Shawn was still experiencing a lot of anger during his teenage years, and he did his best to mask that with drugs and alcohol. He'd always been the brainiac in school, but now that he was getting older, he was interested in girls but too shy to approach them. He found, as many do, that alcohol became his "liquid courage".
At age 22, he decided to stop using. When he came back into a clear state of mind, he had to tangle with lots of questions about who he was and who he wanted to be in the world. He chose to keep learning. He became a waiter, then a salesman, then a husband and father. Shawn says that each of those experiences moved him closer and closer to a place of confidence where he was able to realize that he had a voice, and he could share his heart with people and help serve the world.
One of the things he so powerfully shares with us is that we all have a voice, but it's important not to let all the other voices in our heads overshadow that voice. We can overcome that inner critic and have powerful connections with the world. Love is the common thread that binds us all together.
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Shawn Langwell is the Immediate Past President of The California Writers Club (CWC), Redwood Writers, past president of Toastmasters of Petaluma, an international speaker, and top producing media salesperson. He is the author of the memoir Beyond Recovery: A Journey of Grace, Love, and Forgiveness, and his recent release, Ten Seconds of Boldness: The Essential Guide to Solving Problems and Building Self-Confidence. His personal mission is to add value to people and businesses everywhere. More specifically: To encourage inspire, and help people become brave and confident enough to believe they can accomplish their dreams and goals.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
08 Dec 2022
#81 Fieldwork of the Heart and Mind
00:28:25
Today, I interview Candy Motzek who was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. Her father is black and her mother is white, and in those early times, many people didn't understand interracial couples and didn't always react well. Some were unkind. Candy says she felt like an "oddity".
Already a quiet child, her quietness grew as she stayed in the background, carefully watching and listening to her world around her. In school, Candy had great groups of friends and she found her own way to shine through her intelligence and kindness. She sometimes took the road less traveled and ended up in groups of friends she maintained for years. But she has always felt the awareness that she's always the one who looks like her. She stood out a little.
In college and in developing her career, she came out of her shell more and more, but not in the traditional sense. Instead of staying quiet, people began to learn that Candy had lots of opinions on things, but she spoke carefully and with intention. She chose her moments. This gave her words more value and made ears perk up when she spoke.
Throughout her work, Candy's ability to sensitively read a room and cautiously gauge situations led her to also become successful at "herding cats". She diffused situations and helped bring about a calm and safe environment. Having left the corporate world and become a coach, she continues to bring calm by reminding people that the negative voices we hear inside us are just there to protect us and remind us to be cautious, so we don't have to fight them and we can feel less burdened by our inner chatter. We all have negative thoughts, but they can make us stronger and more self-aware.
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Candy Motzek is a bestselling author and podcast host of the show She Coaches Coaches, and is also a life and business coach for coaches. Candy helps smart people start successful coaching businesses, and she believes that coaching transforms lives and that being a coach is a calling. She helps coaches get unstuck and feel more confident so they can play bigger, sign clients, and create more meaningful success. She is a recovering corporate executive and engineer who combines practical strategy and mindset in her calming, unique approach.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
15 Dec 2022
#82 Permission to Lift the Veil
00:26:14
Today, I interview Kamala Murphey whose family was a fairly rigid system. Her father – who had at one point studied to become a priest but in the end, did not – was a strict perfectionist. He and his doting wife had high expectations of their two daughters, thrilled with the acclaim they saw on report cards.
Kamala uses the phrase "compliant children", which paints a saddening image. She also tells us that her mother was dealing with alcohol addiction behind closed doors. When Kamala was in first grade, her favorite activity was show and tell because she got to talk in front of the class and everyone listened to her. Then in second grade, she remembers a teacher telling her not to get up unless she had something "important" to say. This made Kamala question the importance of her thoughts and what she was communicating. It broke her heart. She says she carried that for a long time.
Although Kamala didn't mind being "a good girl" and was happy to have been disciplined, on the inside she was still screaming, "Oh, let me experience life!" She was excited to leave home and go find her way. She makes the amazing point that part of the "good" of a luscious life is in figuring out "how we’re created to be and accessing all of it."
Her mother died at 68, and while working in corporate America at the time, Kamala saw how unhappy and empty her mother's life had become. She realized she wanted a bigger, more luscious life for herself. She left this work and started a coaching business, trying out Toastmasters, as many of us do. One of those coaches introduced her to Speaking Circles, which I founded with my partner, Lee Glickstein. We all worked together and she says she immediately felt a great connection. One of the things she learned from me was the process of pausing and taking a big deep breath – not rushing to speak.
And one thing she says stuck with her about Lee was his encouragement to "dare to be boring". She learned how to always listen to herself and connect with everything that is stirring deep inside her. Today, she helps other women look into the mirror and just breathe, showing them that they are strong, brave, beautiful, and worthy.
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Kamala Murphey has been a spiritual life coach and mentor for over 20 years, working with women worldwide to move from heartache and disappointment to living rich, full, luscious lives. As a young woman, she battled with herself trying to fit into who and how she was supposed to be. Her one-part good Catholic girl was easy, but how to meld in the wild-hearted hippie chick inside her? Having experienced the anguish of playing small, knowing she was meant for more, she knew she was to help others like herself break free from what she calls Good Girl prison.
Her passion is to empower women - especially those trained to be good girls - to change how they see themselves, to own their beauty, wisdom, heart, and chutzpah to become the models who change the paradigm about older women feeling valued, being seen and heard, rather than the heartache of fading into the woodwork, becoming invisible. She holds Master’s degrees in counseling and theology. And is the host of the Heart & Chutzpah podcast.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
22 Dec 2022
#83 Honor Your Values
00:26:17
Today, I interview Chris Salem who remembers being disappointed and hurt by his father. His dad wasn't around much and didn't give him the encouragement and praise he so longed for, and this lack of support dug a deep hole in Chris's heart.
Chris says his mother was great. She was always there, always supportive, and did her best to fill in the gaps where his father was lacking. However, she was an extreme perfectionist, so her unrealistic desire for perfection from a child meant she was often helping him to "get it right" down to the last detail. This resulted in a codependent relationship and a lack of independence and individuality in Chris.
In connecting the dots, Chris says he got his passive side from his father, and his aggressive side from his mother, because she had modeled the expectation of perfection. He was "always striving for something that was impossible." Despite his mother's good intentions, he was also in pain over his father and he became bitter, rebellious, and angry in his teenage years. This led to him getting into trouble, making bad decisions, and eventually spiraling into various addictions. He didn't know how to cope with his anger.
Eventually, Chris got sick of being "on the hamster wheel". His dad had been diagnosed with late-stage cancer and passed very quickly after. The day before his passing, he saw Chris in his room and began speaking to him – but he spoke differently than he ever had. He expressed his heart and made a last effort to connect.
Suddenly, Chris had an epiphany. He realized that his dad had always been doing and being what he knew. He wasn't intentionally doing a poor job as a parent. He did care, and he did the best he could despite his own uphill battles. Chris realized he'd been acting like a victim his whole life, and that he needed to take stewardship of his time on earth. He went down a path of self-discovery and found a way to overcome his limiting beliefs and bad habits. He developed his self-esteem and found his own personal values, embracing personal development and acknowledging his emotions. Once he stepped into his purpose, he realized that the goal wasn't perfection. The goal was to be present today in order to embrace life and continue to grow.
___________
Chris Salem is an accomplished CEO, business executive coach, world-class speaker, corporate trainer-advisor, award-winning author®, certified mindset expert, and radio show host & media personality mentoring business leaders and organizations to scale their brands and business by raising their level of influence as trusted advisors. In addition, he mentors business leaders and organizations toward solutions for enhancing corporate culture, improving workplace communications, increasing sales, and increasing employee engagement for maximum production. His book Master Your Inner Critic / Resolve the Root Cause – Create Prosperity went international best seller in 2016. He also co-authored the recent edition of "Mastering the Art of Success" with Jack Canfield. His weekly radio show, Sustainable Success, is part of the Voice America Influencers Channel and Business Influencers with TAL Radio, part of the Touch-A-Life foundation.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
29 Dec 2022
#84 Release Doubt and Remember to Smile
00:24:38
Today, I interview Lesley Nase who is the middle child of five children. Due to a large port wine birthmark across her face, her shyness would sometimes come forward. She remembers once being timid about walking past some kids, in fear of the stares. Her sweet and encouraging mother reminded her that her smile was the most important thing anyone could see.
In Lesley's home, everyone was accepted and included. Her brother was born with spina bifida, but the two of them wore their uniqueness out in the open, happy and free to be themselves. Lesley maintained the habit of putting on her smile no matter what, so that any unkindness would be disarmed and people could always see and feel her friendliness. In school, Lesley fell in love with theater class. She loved discovering new characters and "trying on different hats".
Although she often struggled with laryngitis, Lesley's voice always showed up for her as soon as she stepped out on stage. With each new character she played, she found an exciting, magical boldness. Lesley's career has developed over the years as she continues to speak on stage, on podcasts, in workshops, and in more intimate personal circles.
She remembers once being approached about hosting a TV show. Her inner dialogue made her second guess whether she might be a good fit for TV, but the person selecting her gave her emphatic approval. This was a nice reminder to Lesley that she is a great fit, because she's capable, smart, and kind. Today she loves working with people and animals to sense their needs, communicating with them on a deep level. She helps them to heal naturally from the inside out and find true success. And she always wears her smile. ___________
Lesley Nase is Creator and CEO of ‘Intuitive Animal Healing’ and is a certified CORE Communication coach for businesses. She is the host of ‘Books, Yarns & Tails’ on Win Win Women TV, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Her podcast ‘The Client Whispers’ is set to be released in January of 2023. Her gift and her passions have allowed her to help people and pets, access their innate healing abilities, get to the root of their imbalances, and restore themselves to optimal health, naturally and holistically. She guides others through insight and wisdom as an Intuitive Shamanic healing practitioner, Frequency Healing coach, and End-of-Life specialist. Lesley expanded her offerings when she became certified as a CORE Communication coach. Entrepreneurs hire Lesley to get to the CORE of communication because most fail to speak the language of their listeners and are missing out on connections, relationships, and resolutions to maximize success. She helps break down communication barriers to leverage conversations for collaborations and conversions. When she is not out walking or hiking with her dogs you can find her curled up with a good book and her cat. Free CORE Communication profile assessment: http://Yourcoreassessment.com
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
05 Jan 2023
#85 Solving Difficult Problems and Making an Impact
00:24:38
Today, I interview Michaelene Cristini Risley who grew up in the midwest in an Italian Catholic family. From the start, she tells us that the pedestal men are put on in this culture makes women a little more hesitant to speak in their power. That, coupled with the typical idea that men leave the house but women must be married off, made Michealene want to rebel and live in her own way from a young age.
After a couple of situations that occurred in her childhood, she distinctly remembers the voice inside her saying, "I'm going away now". She felt like she swallowed her voice and it was gone. She was afraid and intimidated, and she didn't feel safe.
Michealene has worked in the field of human trafficking. She learned about the people involved in this process and has made it her life's mission to be a force for good regarding this cause, among others. She hopes to educate people, build communication, and simply let people know that the issues we face don't have to continue – that there are solutions out there.
Michealene has learned that a key to understanding her voice is in her ability to discern where, when, and how to use it. In her work advocating for abused and trafficked individuals, she has honed those skills, realizing that in some situations, speaking more than the bare minimum can put her or others in danger or compromise a situation. But there is also such beauty in the work she does, as she's able to powerfully speak up on behalf of others, often becoming the agent who leads to their rescue. The takeaway she wants to leave us with is gratitude. She is grateful for her life and the opportunities she's had to make a difference in this world.
___________
Michealene Cristini Risley is an American writer, director, and human rights activist. She ran for the Americans Elect nomination for President of the United States in 2012 and is currently creating a new primetime live-action series based on her activism, called Warriors of the Light.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
19 Jan 2023
#87 Freedom Grows Love: Advocating for Others
00:24:03
Today I interview Leanne Dorish, who says that people have always paid attention to her because of her height. She learned very early on that people were always watching. When she spoke, her stature sometimes led to people seeing her voice as too strong. She pulled back a bit and became a skilled listener.
She was teased consistently for one thing or another. Leanne even recalls being teased by family members. Once at a family dinner, she stood up to defend her dad during a discussion, and everyone laughed at her. She carried that hurt and fear for decades, feeling like she couldn't stand up or speak out.
As she got older, her peers never really understood her either. In high school, her very slender stature stood out even more, as baggy clothes were the trend and she found herself swimming in them. Most people didn't understand that underneath it all, she had a normal woman's body. She did nothing to correct them for fear of negative reactions. We see here that she wasn't afraid to speak; she was afraid of the response afterward.
After she graduated, Leanne says the frustration had built up enough over the years that she had become bitter, snapping at people who made critical remarks or questions based on her height. She realized she was pushing people away. She began working with the homeless community, and this was eye-opening for her. She found her courage in advocating for people who needed help. She got her Master's degree and became a counselor, learning different techniques for speaking with people.
When Leanne gave birth to her son nine weeks early, she found herself thrown into a whole new world. She was terrified by how sick he was, but she couldn't let her fear hold her back because she knew she had to stand up for her son and his care. She had counseled countless others, but this true test was in learning to use her skills and knowledge for her own situation. She strove to learn more. She eventually "caught the wave", found a coach, and has found new ways to grow and challenge herself ever since.
__________________
Leanne is a trauma counselor, clinical supervisor, and proud Mama of a 2014 NICU graduate. She is an author, speaker, and blogger. Leanne loves supporting individuals to move from frustration to freedom, which in turn grows Love. She’s an amateur genealogist, and loves being creative and spending time with her family.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
12 Jan 2023
#86 From Tears to Triumph
00:27:43
Today, I interview Linda Bello-Ruiz who grew up in Redwood Valley, California, in a family of six children. Linda was blessed with great parents, but with a crowded household, she wanted to find her own way to stand out. She craved attention, so she often used her height and bright red hair to turn heads.
Her experience with her siblings also gave her a boost in maturity, and she soon became a comfort and a leader among her peers. She remembers getting in trouble for this, hearing her teacher advise other kids not to follow her example. This was the first time she remembers her voice being shut down. Linda was anxious to get out on her own, and she tells us that as soon as she finished high school, she was packed up and on her way.
She made her way to San Francisco and was excited to start her new adventure, having already been accepted to a college and planning on staying with family in the area. She eventually met a man who would become her boyfriend and end up changing her life. Linda yearned for the approval of a man, and this man made her feel special – at first. As it turns out, he was a drug user who also became a pimp in the area. Soon, various women were calling Linda to get his permission for certain things, and she realized that her life was quickly falling apart in a very drastic way. Her friends and family begged her to leave him, but she was blinded by the validation he gave her. Her full awakening happened one night when he wanted to put her on the corner with the other girls. She was afraid, but she dressed the part and stood there. She felt so out of place and lost, having gone against her instincts. She changed her mind and told her boyfriend she wasn't willing to do it, and he took her home and beat her. This was the wake-up call she needed.
After several humiliating, confusing, and extremely dangerous situations following her departure, she found herself on the beach with no will to live. She asked God to reveal himself to her, and he did in an amazing way and with perfect timing. Linda is grateful for the turnaround her life made that day. She regained her voice. In her new wisdom and learning to forgive, she continued in ministry and found ways to help others, a mission that continues today each time she shares her heart and her story with others.
___________
Award-winning author, Linda Bello-Ruiz co-founded and directed a safe haven for street girls, runaways, and sex-trafficked minors in Costa Rica. Upon her return to the United States, she earned her Master’s Degree in Psychology and worked as a bilingual counselor for 26 years. In retirement, Linda wrote her award-winning memoir, From Tears to Triumph, and later authored three 'based-on-true-events" books, all with a message of hope and purpose. She is an Inspirational Speaker on choices, consequences, and hope.
Find Linda here: https://www.facebook.com/lmbelloruiz/ https://www.facebook.com/LindaBelloRuiz https://lindabelloruiz.com/
___________
I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear.
Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
28 Jan 2023
#88 Consistency, Joy, & Speaking From the Heart
00:29:10
Today, I interview Melahni Ake who was born in Florida, but shortly afterwards her family moved to their hometown of Indianapolis where her grandparents had established a thriving church ministry. When her father suffered a sudden illness the family went back to Florida for his treatment, but he died quickly and they then returned to Indiana. Through all of these moves, Melahni had to learn to adapt quickly.
She attended so many different schools and had so many new beginnings, she found ways to be resilient and communicate with people in lots of different situations. Melahni points out to us that during this time as a young child, she could have felt fear and dwelled on everything she was lacking. There were a lot of unknowns for her. But she says that despite not having siblings to lean on, and after losing her father, she somehow still felt an inner need to push through. She kept learning and felt driven to find ways to be of service and continue to develop herself. Her family had done big things in this world, and she knew she had a big purpose for her own life. So she chose joy.
She joined a hockey league as the only girl, and stayed on for 12 years. Her confidence grew as she learned how to communicate with people who weren't like her. She uses the amazing analogy that she learned to look at life like a hockey puck, visualizing where it's going to be instead of focusing on where it is now.
Another experience she relates to us is the sheer panic she felt over being eliminated at her job at age 50. She had a meltdown, as I'm sure many people would, and ended up in the hospital. Her anxiety almost killed her, and she no longer had a plan for her life. But she has realized since then that we have to harness our purpose and create a strategy for it – a complete mindset and way of operating. Now as a coach, Melahni thinks back to those magical years during her early childhood, using similar joyful inspiration to guide others toward their own paths filled with light and fulfillment.
__________________
Melahni Ake is the founder of Everyday Leaders Professional Coaching and Consulting from Indianapolis, IN which provides leadership development resources and strategies to corporations, non-profits, and community programs to create sustainable systems for consistent growth. She’s been a Maxwell Leadership coach, speaker, and trainer since 2016, and in 2020 became the first US Affiliate WHY Coach with the WHY Institute.
Melahni believes that consistent personal growth provides the clarity and the courage to overcome any obstacle in our life. She’s founded multiple womens leadership programs including co-founding SCALE for Women helping women achieve SALES Confidence and Leadership Excellence! Find Melahni here:
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
02 Feb 2023
#89 Keep on Walking
00:23:17
Today, I interview Sheldon R.S. Crocker who grew up in a very, very small town in Newfoundland, Canada. He was born with Arthrogryposis, which causes muscle atrophy and contractions at most joints. From birth he was challenged with not being able to walk. In order to become the inspiring speaker he is today, he has a story of abuse but also one of resilience and strength.
Sheldon was unable to crawl as a baby. He wore braces on his legs, and doctors thought he would never be able to walk (although he did teach himself). Despite plenty of surgeries, he also could not straighten or raise his arms, which prevented him from doing many things we take for granted, like the ability to open a door or brush our teeth or lift things.
As if that didn't fill his life with enough challenges, Sheldon's father was also an alcoholic and would come home and assault his mother. There were no siblings, so Sheldon was on his own. His father abused him as well, saying he would never amount to anything and that he should've never been born. Despite hearing those heartbreaking, hurtful words, Sheldon pushed forward. But his mother also abused him, beating him with a belt and criticizing him, comparing him to other people.
He isolated himself and never really developed communication skills. This was his best way to protect himself from the meanness all around him. But this was no way to live. He didn't want to avoid people or be avoided by them. He didn't want to lash out or bottle up his feelings anymore. At 18, he had become addicted to drugs and alcohol. He wasn't coping well. He was forced out of the town. He moved to another town, drank his way through college, and though he had nothing, walked himself all the way to the addiction rehab center.
Deep down, he knew he had a purpose. He went through a trauma program, where he learned to process his experiences and understand his own story. He'd always known that something great would eventually happen in his life, and he finally found a way to understand his journey and feel a new sense of hope. In sharing his story with others, he has found his purpose in life. He has written a book and loves to pass his story of hope on to others.
__________________
Despite being born with Arthrogryposis, Sheldon Crocker inspires his audience with his distinctive style and unforgettable humor. He has appeared on several national news programs. His inclusion in the MerB'y Documentary and Calendar made history as the first disabled person to appear in such a publication. The Dale Carnegie Human Relations Award was awarded to him. Compassionate, empathetic, and humble about his message, he has lived the issues he speaks about. He has published "KEEP on WALKING - A Transformative & Inspirational Journey."
His goal is also to help make a difference in someone's life that he wishes he had received when he was young. Sheldon says, "For most of my life, I felt like I had no voice, too afraid to speak up."
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
09 Feb 2023
#90 Raw and Real
00:23:10
Today, I interview Gail Kraft, who fought for her life from the very beginning after her mother made an attempt to abort her. Although Gail lived, she never got to form a strong relationship with her mother, because her mom died when Gail was just three years old. From that point, her father treated her like she was a burden, an inconvenient barrier keeping him from winning women over on dates.
And so from a very early age, Gail learned to be a people pleaser, hoping to keep the peace and make people like her. She was desperate for love and connection. At age 13, Gail had a confrontation with her father, after which she joined a gang. She and her peers hung out together in various groups and areas throughout downtown Boston where she lived. They lived a lifestyle of risk and danger, but those things made them very protective of each other. At one point, Gail was assaulted by a fellow member who was walking her home, and she just barely avoided being raped. She let the others know what happened, and mysteriously this person was never seen again.
At 16, she completely moved out of her father's house and went to live with her brother and his family in the suburbs. The rule was that she was not to stir up any trouble with his wife, and that she was no longer to have any gang affiliations. Gail says that's what saved her. She was living in a safe area and her brother was helping her to set some standards for her life.
Fast forwarding to the development of Gail's career, her people-pleasing skills really benefited her. She was a high performer who aimed to impress, and so she did impress people and gain recognition and success. Eventually ending up in a management role, she one day had no choice but to lead in a presentation, and although she was scared, she later realized what a turning point this was for her. She realized that even though it was a job, her words were having an effect on people's lives. That's when everything changed.
After many years of hard work and personal development, today Gail helps to empower others to tap into their full potential. She shows them their true uniqueness, guides them to freedom, and teaches them that the life they are seeking is within arm's reach. __________________
Gail Kraft is a keynote speaker, podcaster, Empowerment Master, author of The Empowering Process, and thought leader. She works with clients and runs programs offering various approaches for accessing self-awareness, focus, and emotional balance in order to tap into your natural flow for success. Krafting The Flow Formula is how you gain higher self-awareness, create smarter goals, and lower stress, allowing you to make conscious choices and take control of your life today.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
16 Feb 2023
#91 Confident Communication is a Journey
00:30:17
Today, I interview Hrideep Barot. Growing up in India, Hrideep says he thinks his lack of confidence began at a very young age when he was struggling with night terrors. He couldn't sleep without having nightmares, so he ended up in therapy and began suffering from crippling social anxiety. He finally started to have some relief from the night terrors in middle school, but this is also when he noticed that he lacked confidence.
He'd been comfortable and poised while practicing a poem for the talent show, but when the show started and the lights hit him, he felt a mysterious fear on that stage. From this point forward, he became an introvert at school. It was a great school with good opportunities and programs, and as Hrideep saw his friends developing themselves and starting to date and find their paths, he remained shy and felt very left behind in a lot of ways.
As he started college, Hrideep realized his social anxiety was going to pose a huge problem. He would need to do lots of presentations and group projects. And what would he do when he graduated and needed to find a job? He knew something had to change. Ironically, since Hrideep wasn't good at math, the only degree program that didn't involve math was communications! During this program, he discovered that although it was a very academic program full of mostly writing instead of speeches, his classmates and peers were full of so much variety. They were cultured and diverse, so charismatic and curious and ready to learn. When he was forced to stand up and introduce himself to his classmates, they were confused by his anxiety. This was the turning point for Hrideep. He was about to spend the next few years with this group of people, and he was determined to overcome his fear.
He looked for a coach but couldn't afford one. He spent hours on Google and the advice was unrealistic, easier said than done. He finally came up with a practical idea. He wrote down famous speeches given by other people, memorized them, and practiced emulating those people in the mirror. Eventually, a friend got sick and needed him to deliver a speech for her, and it went incredibly well because he knew the information he needed to present. The high of a good presentation stuck with him, and he felt a new sense of confidence. He realized that the "worst-case scenario is not that bad."
Now, after years of practice, Hrideep runs Frantically Speaking, a company that helps professionals become better speakers and communicators.
__________________
Hrideep Barot is the Founder of Frantically Speaking, which has grown from 0 to 100,000 readers within a span of merely 2 years. He has coached people from companies like Meta, Tesla, Deloitte, KPMG, and Adobe, and has trained people from various universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Hult, and more. Previously, he worked in the pitching team for one of India's fastest-growing agencies presenting to companies like Netflix, Pepsi, Google, Amazon Prime, and Coke.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjX1Sj38ykU The Ultimate Public Speaking Checklist (printable PDF): https://franticallyspeaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/The-Public-Speaking-Checklist-1.pdf
_________________
I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear.
Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Gu
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
23 Feb 2023
#92 Joy, Love, and Miracles
00:25:45
Today, I interview Lorraine Segal. Lorraine grew up in southern California. She tells us about her struggle to feel the same love she saw elsewhere around her. Her own parents never showed unconditional love, so Lorraine lacked the support and affection she craved.
She felt she could never measure up and that everything had to be perfect, and in response to this, she often procrastinated. She was afraid of doing it wrong, so she didn't do it at all. Her parents meant well, but they never gave her the foundation she needed to feel like she belonged in this world.
Lorraine also knew societal struggles from a young age. Her family was Jewish, and she was surrounded by conservative Christians who thought they were going to hell. There was a lot of persecution and rejection, and Lorraine often felt like an outcast. Lorraine already had such a low view of herself that she hadn't even realized she was being persecuted and was experiencing antisemitism. She thought there was something wrong with her and that she deserved to be treated that way.
In terms of finding her voice, Lorraine says she was never really without a voice, per se. She was very articulate and enjoyed presenting, teaching, and connecting with others, but her real issue was her own belief that no one would value anything she had to say, so none of it would matter. Her unique way of thinking, problem-solving, and making connections made her feel alone and unable to relate with others. Who would ever understand her?
"The personal is political," she reminds us. She began to fight for the person she was underneath all the disrespect from others and from herself. She took action in the world to uncover her own fears, heal her own wounds, and make sure her own voice was being heard. She was in recovery and was learning to confront the thought patterns that had harmed her life for so long. She attended workshops and focused on her inner and outer dialogue.
In the process of writing her book, she realized that she didn't need to focus on who would read her book and what they'd say. She learned that it was just as important for her own inner self that she complete the physical act of getting her words out on paper. She has forgiven herself and other words for all the negative, belittling words and actions against her. And in her work today, her gift to the world is to help others learn and practice forgiveness, too.
__________________
After surviving the 50's and 60's, as well as twenty years in toxic academia as a tenured professor, Lorraine Segal was inspired to started her own business, Conflict Remedy (ConflictRemedy.com), happily teaching, coaching, blogging and consulting around workplace conflict transformation. She is addicted to reading novels and enjoys walking and hiking in beautiful Northern California, where she lives with her wife. Her cartoon muse, Bookie, insisted that she write her new memoir, Angels and Earthworms: an unexpected journey to joy, love, and miracles.
Find Lorraine here: https://conflictremedy.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorrainesegal/ https://www.facebook.com/lorraine.segal Sign up to receive forgiveness affirmations that help us forgive ourselves and others: https://conflictremedy.com/book
_____________________
I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear.
Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
02 Mar 2023
#93 The Voice That Empowered Me
00:28:16
Today, I interview Jami Carlacio whose mother died when Jami was an infant. An older sibling cared for her for a few months, and then her grandmother took over for a while. When Jami was five, the family was gathered in Spokane and her grandmother suddenly died while they were there. An already precarious little life had just gotten infinitely more difficult.
Jami was left behind to stay with family in Spokane until she was 21. During this time, Jami felt lost and alone. She began using drugs and alcohol at age 12 to ease the pain of feeling unlovable and unwanted. Jami struggled with alcohol addiction for the next 25 years, living in misery and experiencing suicidal thoughts.
She had hit a spiritual rock bottom. Then, she looked back on her grandmother. Her grandmother had cared for her when no one else would. She had planted the seed of love during those first crucial years of Jami's life. Jami began to understand that she was lovable and that she had been very loved by someone. She saw that perhaps she was, in fact, still worthy of love. She realized that alcohol couldn't fill the void in her life. It couldn't heal her heart. Only love could do that.
Her grandmother's sweet words came back to her, and this was the voice that empowered her to move forward and find value in herself. Jami then felt led to become a priest, but couldn't do this as a woman. So she went to New Haven and studied theology, earning an MDiv. God was leading her toward her purpose, and her purpose was to facilitate powerful, meaningful change and healing. She became a successful writer, coach, and activist.
After experiencing so much loss, neglect, and trauma, Jami has come out so much stronger on the other side. She made it, and today she takes others by the hand to show them love and belonging. She has made it her life's work to help others find validation, encouragement, wholeness, and self-esteem by harnessing the power of their own voices.
__________________
Jami Carlacio is a master-certified trauma-informed life coach, a writer, and a writing consultant. She has also consulted on gender equity in the workplace as well as on white privilege and anti-bias. Jami holds a PhD in rhetoric and composition and has taught writing and literature at various colleges and universities, including Cornell and Yale.
She is the author of numerous scholarly works that feature the rhetorical genius of religious Black women in the public sphere. She is the editor of a collection of essays designed to help educators teach the work of Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison. Her most recent book is an edited collection entitled Activism in the Name of God: Religion and Black Feminist Public Intellectuals from the Nineteenth Century to the Present, due out in August of 2023 from the University Press of Mississippi.
After about 25 years in academia, Jami left to pursue her spiritual calling. Since June of this year, she has focused her attention on coaching women who struggle with trauma-informed self-sabotaging behavior, who are re-evaluating their career choices, and who want to develop the self-confidence to choose healthy, affirming personal and professional relationships.
Find Jami here: https://jamicarlacio.academia.edu/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088134970508 https://www.empoweredlifecoaching.me Access Jami's book, From Trauma to Triumph: The Spiritual Path to Joy: https://empoweredlifecoaching.me/empowered-products-for-you/ebooks
________________
I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be con
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
09 Mar 2023
#94 The Energy that Echoes Through Us
00:29:04
Today, I interview James Guzzetta. From the very beginning of his life, James had an intimate connection with nature and music. At age 1, James remembers being captivated by the light streaming down on him through tree branches. At age 4, he began playing music, and his experience heightened his awareness that he was having a divine connection to the deepest parts of himself.
James also remembers the incredible backyard oasis at his grandmother's house. He grew up around lush, green fullness of plant life, and all kinds of animals and critters. It was paradise for him, until she was forced to move inland because of her asthma. Back at home, James sank into the boring, grey, conventional childhood. Kids at school were miserable, and so was he. So he was given the option to go to parochial school or music school, and this was the beginning of his musical education.
Eventually, James landed in San Diego and began studying with some very wise and influential people. One mentor inspired him in such a way that he felt that he truly connected to his "inner ear", a sensation he now compares to that first encounter with the sun through the trees; he was filled with warmth and light. This caused a shift in James. He realized his own true inner self, and he began to feel oneness with his expression of that self in relation to nature. He began meeting with others, making music together out in nature using found objects. James felt his own relationship with everything in the world, and the connection that lives in those depths.
Through this process, James discovered that "we can tap into greater wisdom, greater knowledge as well, but also into who we are as a human being, a spirit, having a human experience as a human being." Now, James leads workshops about mindfulness, awareness, listening, and self-discovery. He uses music and other techniques to show others how to shift into the state of being fully present with their inner selves and truly connected with nature.
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James Guzzetta has been a musician since the age of 4, first studying classical music, winning competitions, and as a guest soloist with the San Diego Symphony. James went on to explore electronic and ethnic music forms. In the early 1970s, studying with North Indian Vocal Master Pandit Pran Nath, James discovered his inner ear and True Voice. During this time he started a series of musical journeys in SW canyonlands, deserts, and other remote and sacred sites, taking small groups of friends to share a dynamic and reconnecting experience with Nature and their True Self.
After 40 years working in Corporate America and 2 Startups, he has returned to offering transformational workshops and retreats - all focused on Nature as a Gateway to our True Self.
Find James here: http://www.journeyin2.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesguzzetta/ https://www.facebook.com/james.guzzetta.18 https://twitter.com/GuzzettaJames
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I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear.
Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
17 Mar 2023
#95 The Power of Engaged Listeners
00:36:04
Today, I interview Suzannah Baum who grew up in a household where the order of things was for women to be quiet and not disrupt the status quo. She looked up to her mother and thought it was completely normal to keep her comments to herself, pushing personal opinions and emotional reactions down and bottling them up. She followed in those footsteps from a very young age.
Because this was the model put before her, Suzannah was a very quiet, shy child. She tells us that she often felt ignored and overlooked, which in turn led to her preferring it that way. She never felt encouraged to speak up, so in stead she eventually preferred to be ignored and overlooked, hiding in the corner. She loved her family, but she was learning to keep her thoughts to herself, avoid conflict, and let the more opinionated family members take center stage.
This nature grew in her and continued into her adult life, manifesting itself in her college experience and in her career. She avoided stepping up to present material, afraid of critical reactions from others. She says she would "cling to the quietness". She knew she was capable and qualified when it came to doing big, challenging things, but this was holding her back. She knew something had to change in her life.
Shortly after graduating college, Suzannah joined Toastmasters. She was intimidated by it, and the "transformation" didn't come naturally for her. She became more and more frustrated, but forced herself to commit to it for 3 months. She realized that she alone was responsible for her life, and for taking advantage of the opportunities she was presented. She tells us about the "culture of the group", and the way it changed her. Yes, she was writing and practicing speeches, but it was more than that; people were actively engaging with her. They were focused, showing interest, and even taking notes.
After realizing that people were truly, genuinely interested in what she had to say, Suzannah's self view shifted. She felt validated and affirmed by a new understanding that her thoughts were important and people wanted to acknowledge them. Today, Suzannah helps others to overcome their own fears and recognize the power of their own words. She gives credit to the powerful and kind listeners who encouraged her along the way.
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Suzannah Baum is a public speaking and presentation skills expert, an executive speech coach, an author, and a speaker. She works with business professionals who want to position themselves as leaders by communicating with more confidence, impact, and human connection. Suzannah is the best-selling author of "From Nervous to Nailed It: Find Your Voice, Present With Impact, and Unleash Your Ultimate Speaking Potential." Released in late 2022, it is the quintessential guide for those who are looking to speak up, share their message in a compelling and authentic way, and not feel like they have to hold themselves back anymore. On a personal note... Suzannah lives in Montreal, is Mom to a 12-year-old boy and a 2-year-old budgie, and always travels with chocolate.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
23 Mar 2023
#96 Your Self-Worth is Infinite
00:27:00
Today, I interview Jeff Davis. Unfortunately, Jeff's childhood was filled with bullying. He was a late bloomer, so he was the little guy surrounded by other boys who were getting tall and growing up. Because of this, he didn't have a girlfriend and he was teased a lot. He also had a lisp and a self-soothing habit of sucking his thumb, and people often beat him up, called him names, and told him he was worthless and stupid.
Jeff's parents loved him and did the best they could, but they had not equipped him with the foundation necessary for surviving all the negativity of this world. They were kind, hardworking people, but their way of responding to Jeff was to use words they thought would solve problems but which were actually hurting him and making his life more difficult.
The bullying and lack of support from his parents in his childhood led to very difficult high school years for Jeff. In the spring of his senior year, after being diagnosed with clinical depression, Jeff went to the garage one day, grabbed a length of rope, and headed toward a tree in his backyard, where he planned to take his life.
Then, Jeff refers to a "spark of hope" which was present with him in that moment, telling him to put the rope down and go back to his room. He felt comforted for a brief moment. Later the spark of hope let him know that he would change lives by sharing his story about this rock-bottom time for him. This "intuitive knowing" told him that he was meant to live longer. He went up to his room and did a meditation, during which he had the most profound experience. He had the epiphany that our self worth has nothing to do with our circumstances. Today, Jeff reminds us that we can seek help, and that we have all the answers we need, deep down inside of us.
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Jeff Davis is the award-winning author of three books, in addition to being a blogger, professional speaker, and consultant. He has done keynote speeches internationally and is a sought-after expert in mental health, authentic leadership, and resiliency. He’s also a TEDx speaker, Forbes contributor, and consistently featured on the top podcasts in the world. Jeff frequently speaks to and consults with schools, nonprofits, organizations, associations, conferences, and businesses. Nicknamed The Muhammad Ali of Mental Health, he’s known for his ability to shine light on challenging topics. He’s been to five different continents and has a Master’s degree from Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. Originally from Connecticut, he currently lives abroad in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Find Jeff here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/speakerjeffdavis/ https://www.youtube.com/@jeffdavisauthor https://www.facebook.com/authorjeffdavis https://jeffdspeaks.com/authentic-leadership-blog/
For a free PDF copy of Jeff's Amazon bestseller "The Power of Authentic Leadership", email him at jeff@jeffdspeaks.com.
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I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear.
Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
30 Mar 2023
#97 Grounding, Power, and the Intimacy of Being Real
00:26:39
Today, I interview Sonja Rayne Lee. Unfortunately, part of Sonja's story includes childhood trauma, so there was a lot for her to overcome from a young age. At 12 she was molested. Luckily, her family immediately put her in therapy so she could begin working through it. But it was hard. Sonja felt exposed and vulnerable, and she was hurting. She put up a wall to shield herself and was afraid to let anyone in. This kept her from being fully seen by people, and it kept her feeling as though her light had been extinguished.
She was beginning to realize in therapy that she had been repeating the same story to herself for years. She began to understand that this was creating a negative identity and writing a harmful story for her life. She was telling herself over and over again that she wasn't worthy, and it was keeping her wounds from healing. Even years later as she started college, she mostly kept to herself. But as she continued to do the work in therapy, she started to embrace forgiveness. She tells us that forgiving the person who hurt her allowed her to separate herself from the situation and move forward. She was able to walk forward in life and begin to heal, recognizing that this incident didn't have to define her future. She was rewriting her story.
Sonja tells us about a powerful experience she had at a conference she attended, and how that led to her becoming part of Speaking Circles, where she learned about connecting to her body and feeling grounded and present. This really had an effect on her and allowed her to drop down into herself and really connect with people on an intimate level when she was speaking. Today, when she needs to reconnect with her own source of power and confidence, she steps into the "circle of fire" in her mind and grounds herself, gathering the force and presence she needs to confront her anxieties in that moment. In her work with others, she helps them to tap into their own power by working through mindset, habits, and goals to redefine their futures.
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Sonja Rayne Lee is a certified Law of Attraction Mindset Coach and has been coaching for over 15 years. Through a deep-level method of coaching, she provides tools for people to push through their limiting beliefs so that they feel stronger, more confident, and empowered in their life choices. They are able to design the life they wish to live. Sonja also shares her expertise and other talents as a Reiki Master, Crystal Energy Healer, and Diviner on her two YouTube Channels (Sonja Rayne Lee and The Soul Sistas Tarot).
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
06 Apr 2023
#98 Ask Questions, Listen, Learn, and Rise
00:28:03
Today, I interview Sabrina Victoria who grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, and her parents were Jehovah's Witnesses. They had been converted when Sabrina was five, and from then on, her upbringing was strict, religious, and submissive. In keeping with their new faith, Sabrina followed the rules.
She obeyed the norms of Biblical teaching, learned as a female to submit to men, and learned as a female child to remain as quiet as possible, unless the group was evangelizing. Ironically, a large part of the evangelism included door-to-door "sales", which, as many of us know, requires a certain boldness to speak. However, Sabrina's many years of this door-to-door work meant she was professing a learned, rote style of outreach. The words were not her own, and she was limited to reciting conversations based on approved dialogue to further the church's mission, not her own uniqueness or dreams. She was trapped.
This led to a pattern of abusive relationships, where Sabrina was submissive and felt very small, afraid to stand up for her own opinions. There was nothing in her life that affirmed her strength or the value of her feelings. Women were judged by men, and everyone knew each other's business. In this particular religion, Sabrina tells us that there was a lot of talk about death. The pressure to be perfect and the fear of slipping up caused emotional conflict and trauma.
By age 20, Sabrina was pregnant out of wedlock and was disowned by her community. She was suffering every kind of abuse, and she felt like she was losing her mind. Against everything she'd been taught, she began to research her situation and feelings online. And when her research confirmed that she'd been abused and needed help, she took that validation and ran with it.
After many years of working through her own healing, today Sabrina makes it her daily mission to champion authenticity – she encourages others to face their life, past, present, and future, head-on. She encourages us to be honest with ourselves, and she reminds us that even though the first step may feel scary and small, it is so big and so precious. __________________
From a struggling single mom to escaping a 13-year narcissistic abusive relationship, Sabrina’s tenacity and optimistic spirit have inspired fans worldwide and helped endless amounts of people break through and discover their own untapped talents and immense potential. Now, creator and CEO of Human Better 365, a human transformation company, creator of Sober Society, Her Nation Communities, and host of Her Talk Show. Sabrina is dedicated to giving people the tools they need to RISE and "human" better. Speaker, entrepreneur, and author.
I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak from the amazing Essence of they truly are.
Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
13 Apr 2023
#99 Rewriting Your Childhood Stories
00:28:52
Today, I interview Calvin Niles who was raised in Barbados, a small island in the Caribbean. He had a loving environment, but his father was a strict disciplinarian who made sure his children minded their manners. His father's discipline style instilled in him a need for approval and reinforced a carrot-and-stick mentality. The school system was also quite rigid, and physical punishment was common. The government had a strong intention to provide a high education standard, but sometimes the disciplinary actions taken were harmful, such as being beaten for not knowing timetables or getting a school uniform dirty.
Calvin moved to London as a teenager after finishing his studies, where he discovered a new version of freedom. He was able to attend college and explore his creativity, which was a rebirth for him. He found a sense of home in London and has lived there for more than 20 years. Despite this, he still feels ties to his birthplace, Barbados. In London, he was able to rediscover his burning urge to create and express himself organically. He found his voice through allowing space for things to arise and eventually started to expand.
Calvin is a holistic storytelling coach who helps individuals and organizations discover new perspectives through self-discovery and expression. He also specializes in strategic storytelling, where he assists organizations to use stories to connect with their teams and customers authentically. He imbues his coaching with mindfulness, and all of his work is available on his website, calvinniles.com, where people can find links to his social media channels and access all of his freely available work. His coaching approach is focused on helping people find their voice and validate their expression, and he believes that breaking open and going through a deep self-inquiry is a necessary part of this process.
He has just released his latest book, “Nami and Kai: A Tale of Friendship Love Courage and Truth.” “Nami and Kai” is intended for all ages and is warmly recommended as a gift for adults and parents who love to read with their children.
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Calvin is a creative communicator and specialist in transformational and strategic storytelling. He is currently engaging global audiences within the Siemens DISW community. As an award-winning storytelling coach and consultant, he counts some of the UK’s best-loved charity organizations, local government councils and the UK’s Ministry of Defense among his past engagements. He is the author of the novel, The Sun Rises in Eastmoor, the mindful poetry collection Breathe Between the Lines, and the co-author of Mindfulness for Challenging Times.
Calvin’s coaching and communication talents underlie his ability to get to the heart of problems. His vision and penchant for efficiency help businesses get things done. Experienced at both strategic and tactical levels, Calvin sees adaptability as key to ensuring that his supply of skills is transferred to those with the greatest demand, and where the biggest impact can be made. While drive and determination fuel his work ethic, an attitude of good humor makes all the difference.
I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak from the amazing Essence of they truly are.
Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
27 Apr 2023
#101 Exploring Consciousness and Discovering One’s Self
00:27:28
Today I interview Nicholas Whitaker who shares his journey of finding his place in the world. He felt out of place in his hometown and decided to leave, which led him to Baltimore where he struggled with poverty and lived with a woman that was not a good fit. For years, he lived in unstable housing, including his car and squat buildings, while working in restaurants and coffee shops to make ends meet. During this period, he often turned to partying to escape reality. However, his perspective changed after experiencing hallucinogens, which sparked his interest in exploring consciousness and understanding his place in the world.
Following his time in Baltimore, Nicholas moved to New York City to attend film school, where he discovered that he was more passionate about telling other people's stories than his own. This led him to become a documentary filmmaker, instructor, and teacher, working with various industries such as business, government, nonprofits, advocacy groups, universities, and even the Occupy Wall Street movement. Through his work, he aimed to give people a voice and help them tell their stories in a way that resonates with others.
After meeting his partner, Nicholas relocated to Colorado to be closer to nature and have more space to process and deal with his experiences. Since 2013, he has been on a journey of self-discovery, learning how to help others through the experiences he has overcome and the things he has learned along the way. He describes his experience with hallucinogens as a catalyst moment for him to explore consciousness and better understand the world, which he has been investigating and discovering ever since. ________________________
Nicholas is a Chief Wellbeing Officer and Coach helping tech workers and founders thrive in ambiguity. He will coach you through the uncertainty of life’s big pivots to find greater balance, calm, focus, and fulfillment.
You can find Nicholas here: https://www.nicholaswhitaker.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholaswhitaker/ https://twitter.com/sitwithnick
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I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak from the amazing Essence of they truly are.
Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
04 May 2023
#102 From Self-Doubt to Center Stage
00:28:13
Today, I interview Iris Goldfeder, an entrepreneur, professional musician, and co-owner of Gas Stove Creative. Iris shares her journey of pursuing her passion for music and overcoming stage fright. Despite struggling with self-doubt and throwing up before auditions, Iris joined the band Brave and Crazy and felt that her presence made a difference. She talks about how the applause was addicting and although she still experiences stage fright, once she sings the first two lines, she knows she is good. Iris also discusses the challenges of being a lead singer and how she continues to pursue her passion for music.
Iris Goldfeder is also the president of Unmasking Lafayette, an organization that aims to unmask social issues in her community. She talks about the importance of unmasking the truth and how her organization is committed to making a difference in her community. Overall, this episode provides insight into Iris Goldfeder's journey of pursuing her passion for music, overcoming stage fright, and making a difference in her community.
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Iris Goldfeder is a long-time entrepreneur with more than 25 years of success in the digital marketing field. Before coming back to focus on GasStoveCreative full-time, Iris was the co-founder and Managing Director of Stradigi Virtual Marketing. Iris also serves as the Vice President of the Board for The Friends of Downtown (FTC). She is also the Founder of ICG Development & Consulting, LLC.
You can find Iris here: The marketing quiz: https://woorise.com/gasstovecreativemarketing/marketing-quiz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gasstovecreative Instagram: @gasstovecreative LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/igoldfeder/
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I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak from the amazing Essence of they truly are.
Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
20 Apr 2023
#100 From Sports to Speeches: Discovering Your Authenticity and Leadership
00:27:12
Today I interview my husband, Earl Downing, and we'll explore the theme of finding your voice and expressing your Essence. Earl recounts his experiences with sports and how they gave him a safe and therapeutic outlet to be loud and expressive. He also shares his high school leadership journey, where he ran for student body president and delivered a rehearsed, effective speech that propelled him into grown-up life.
I will highlight Earl's leadership skills and gifts, as we both reflect on our past as high school acquaintances. Earl has over 50 years of experience in track and field, beginning as a successful competitor in the sprints as a collegian at Yale at the NCAA D1 National level. Then, as a coach at the high school level, he was instrumental in 2 high school teams going from last place to league championships in the highly competitive California high school track environment, and while producing a State Champion in the Men’s 400M (at 46.97).
Earl currently supports a range of athletes with a variety of goals and encourages them to find their voice in all that they do.
You can find Earl here: https://https://speedbuildusa.com
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I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak from the amazing Essence of they truly are.
Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
25 May 2023
#105 Finding Flow in Conversation and in Life Private
00:34:10
Today I interview Denise Blanc. Denise grew up in Chicago where she had close relationships with her siblings and looked up to her parents – but in different ways. Her father was very intelligent, a "man's man" who was good with numbers. Her mother ran a tight ship at home, always desiring that the house and children be presentable at all times.
Denise tells us that she felt a bit left out in school. She was in a gentile environment where no one looked like her, and she was often left out of things. At home, she was a wild child, with untamed curly hair to match her free spirit. Her mother was often frustrated with her because she felt she couldn't control her, and the bond Denise shared with her sister left their mother without a sense of connection.
Over the years, Denise tells us she had a sense of people's intentions and sincerity, and this skillset grew. She knew when people weren't being genuine, and she could read a room very well to discern miscommunication or emotional tension. And she was learning to feel these things about and within herself, too.
Denise had chosen to study psychology but found herself drawn to a different obsession: becoming a yogi. In practicing mindfulness, absorbing as much information as she could, and doing lots of "spiritual shopping", she found alignment with the deepest parts of herself as an individual and in her relationship with the planet and others.
Listen as Denise shares the breakthrough physical epiphany she had, how it grounded her, and how she's now sharing her gift of discernment with others who are looking to overcome conflict to find flow in their emotions, words, and relationships. __________________
Denise coaches, writes, and speaks at the intersection of emotional intelligence, conflict transformation, and mindful communication. She is the founder of River Logic Partners, a coaching and consulting firm that works with leaders and teams on issues of communication, conflict, and change. Denise has been the chief architect of numerous leadership academies and the recipient of several awards for her leadership design. She is a student and teacher within Shambhala, a global Buddhist organization where she teaches programs on racial identity and justice. Denise is the author of "RiverLogic: Tools to Transform Resistance and Create Flow in all of our Relationships."
I'm Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
11 May 2023
#103 From Introverted Perfectionist to Mindful Lawyer
00:34:24
Today I interview Claire E. Parsons, a successful lawyer who practices in Ohio. Both of her parents were lawyers, and her sister was born just 15 months before her. Growing up, Claire was quiet, introverted, and a bit of a nerd. Her sister, on the other hand, was very extroverted and enjoyed being the center of attention. Claire felt pressure to be the "good girl" and excel in everything she did.
This pressure to be perfect followed Claire into her adolescence and early adulthood, where she struggled with the belief that she had to be perfect at everything. However, this all came crashing down when she had her first daughter and faced difficulty in raising her due to being growth-restricted and having difficulty breastfeeding. Claire's inability to do the most important thing in her life the way she wanted to led her to explore mindfulness, which ultimately helped her become a more balanced person.
Claire's interest in speaking and teaching began at an early age. Despite her introverted nature, she never had trouble speaking up in class and always knew the answers. She even volunteered to try out for things early on and won awards for teaching speech. As an auditory learner, Claire processes information best when she hears it out loud. This has also influenced her writing style, which is often conversational and focused on helping others understand complex topics.
However, sharing her own personal stories and experiences has been a more difficult skill for Claire to master. It has taken her time to learn how to be vulnerable and share who she truly is with others. But with mindfulness and self-reflection, Claire has been able to grow in this area and become a more effective speaker and writer.
Overall, Claire's journey shows that success is not just about being the most extroverted or the most talented person in the room. It's about finding balance and learning to be comfortable with who you are, even if that means embracing your introverted tendencies. By doing so, you can unlock your full potential and achieve your goals.
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Claire has devoted her law practice and life to building and serving her community. For more than a decade, she has guided and defended local governments, companies, and their officials through all manner of legal issues. Nothing gives her greater satisfaction than handling problems for her clients so they can serve students in schools, provide vital city services, or successfully manage relationships with employees. ________________________________ You can find Claire here:
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
18 May 2023
#104 Expressways to Conflict Resolution
00:25:03
Today, I interview Phil Blagg. In this captivating interview, we delve into a revelation that has remained hidden for the entirety of his life until now. Throughout the years, Phil guarded a family secret with unwavering dedication, keeping it locked away from the world. As we explore how keeping that secret affected him on his extraordinary journey, it becomes apparent that Phil's experiences may strike a chord within you, resonating with moments from your own life where finding your voice seemed an insurmountable challenge.
With a remarkable career spanning over two decades as a firefighter and later as an Arctic Alaska oil field worker, Phil Blagg has honed his expertise in communication and conflict resolution. Presenting his invaluable services through his company, Express Ways, Phil reflects on the obstacles he faced in his quest for self-expression and its profound impact on his life. For years, he felt stifled, unable to freely articulate his thoughts and opinions, silently grappling with the weight of unspoken words.
Although Phil managed to conquer his stage fright in public speaking, this personal triumph evolved into a transformative foundation that shapes his communication style to this day. Now, his ultimate aspiration is to empower others, guiding them toward discovering their own voices, actively listening to their inner selves, and effectively resolving conflicts that may plague their lives. Phil's remarkable journey of self-discovery and transformation serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward authentic self-expression and profound interpersonal understanding.
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Phil is a Communication and Conflict Resolution Consultant with a focus on Peer Support for First Responders and Communities. With over 20 years of experience as a Firefighter and a second career working in the remote Arctic Alaska Oilfields, he offers a unique perspective on how to communicate and reduce conflict in personal and professional relationships. His avocation has become his life's calling as a Speaking Circles Facilitator and having been trained in mediation and Critical Incident Stress Management. He offers his services through his company, Express Ways: The Road To New Solutions.
I'm Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
02 Jun 2023
#106 Confusion to Clarity: Finding Your Soul’s Purpose
00:37:11
Today, I interview Grace Mosgeller who speaks about growing up in a family where she was told what to do and what to think. In a situation like that, you can get confused and lose touch with who you really. Grace had an inner voice, but she didn’t listen to it until much later in her life.
Her parents valued education, knowledge, and money. They were forces of influence that led Grace down a path she didn’t really choose. One example was her desire to play the saxophone, but they said not you don’t want to play they, you want to play the piano. And that is what she did for 6 years. On one hand it makes sense to be accomplished with a musical instrument, but if it is not your heart’s desire, then you begin to question what you really want.
Grace sites other examples of life decisions she was about to make, but was instead influenced by her parents to go in other directions. There was the choice of which school to go to and which one might have more opportunity. And that opportunity had more to do with meeting men. There was also the choice of profession where she started on a path to become a nurse, but had to find another field in order to graduate on time.
In terms of the question of “who am I” Grace had the challenge of knowing she was really smart but on the other hand felt like she was the stupid one. She had to put up walls to hide herself and as a result suffered from isolation.
Her wake-up was when she realized she was treating her children the same way she had been treated b her parents. This started her 25 years of personal growth, diving into motivation books and eventually entering a coaching program to become certified as a coach.
But her true breakthrough was when she discovered that the soul has a purpose and found that she is in a category of “leader.” That was when forgiving, accepting, and integrating her life up to that point happened.
She has written a book, Freedom to Flourish, Stop Hustling and Become Profitable. She words energetically with others to heal consciousness. She helps others uplevel their personal value and the effects this has on greater alignment with the purpose of soul.
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Grace Mosgeller is a gifted healer and soul purpose coach known as "The Soul Purpose Sage". She is expert at helping women entrepreneurs align their purpose and spirit with their people and profits. As a speaker, Grace inspires professional women to grow their business by mastering the relationships they have with themselves, money and power.
She has 25 years of experience in personal development, life mastery, and energetic healing modalities. Her journey led her to develop her own simple, quick and effective self-healing methodology that helps her clients align with their soul purpose and profit quickly. In 2022 she published the 2nd edition of her book, Freedom to Flourish… Stop Hustling & Launch Your Biz to the Next Level. ___________________
I'm Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
08 Jun 2023
#107 Our Shared Stories Need Platforms
00:26:53
Today, I interview Trish Tonaj. Trish was the firstborn, and her parents encouraged her to be herself, which meant a childhood full of art. She loved to paint anytime she got the chance. She even took classes in school. However, when she was reaching the end of high school and beginning to forge a path for her life, her father suddenly discouraged the idea of her becoming an artist, despite having paid for lots of classes and extracurricular art activities. He told her she would never make any money. Trish was shocked.
With that, she chose to go into marketing instead. She was still able to use it as a creative outlet, developing lots of programs and tools to help her clients succeed. In her corporate career, Trish never really had a problem speaking when giving presentations. She says that's because she was talking about the company – she wasn't sharing personal details about herself. She wasn't speaking from her heart.
Later, she paused and considered her future. She decided to make a change and follow her passion to become an artist. She was going to be marketing something different: herself. She began facilitating storytelling outlets and rediscovering her love for art.
Trish got into photography, watercolor, oil painting, and drawing, and finally chose acrylic painting. She says the challenge as an artist is to connect your own heart to that of the buyer. You have to find the right way to create something that will bring joy to both hearts. It's a psychological assessment of what the client really wants to see and why.
When she began her own projects and writing her own material, that's when the stage fright crept in. She was putting herself out there in a truly personal way. She was afraid she'd forget what she wanted to say. She found that the best way to build her confidence was to "practice, practice, practice".
Over the years as her programs and goals have evolved, her marketing has evolved along with it. Trish believes that everyone has a story to tell and that all we need is the right platform and the opportunity to share those stories. She believes that sharing our own life experiences helps others. She points out the importance of giving ourselves permission to revisit who we are and where we're going, and to make changes along the way.
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Trish Tonaj is an award-winning marketing consultant, author, and founder of ShareYourStories.online, and is following her passion for the arts and trading a pen for a paintbrush as an artist.
Trish started painting at an early age. Her work is best described as abstract and whimsical using pure color. Whether you hang her work outside or indoors, enjoy a splash of color to highlight your personal space. She invites you to explore your own creativity in a series of workshops “Colour Outside the Lines”, designed for corporate teams and entrepreneurs. Her work is found in Europe, the United States, and Canada.
As a published author and speaker, she has two books: Breaking Barriers: 10 Entrepreneurial Women Share Their Stories and A Diary of Change: 12 Personal Tools.
Trish is the founder of shareyourstories.online, an international marketing platform featuring business stories and sharing great ideas. She is the host for Business Mentorship; Keepin’ It Real, live and unscripted interviews introducing you to the person behind the logo.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
22 Jun 2023
#109 Illustrated Black History: Unveiling the Iconic and Unseen Voices of America
00:33:14
Today, I interview George McCalman who has always found solace in his art, which has served as a safe haven for him to freely express his thoughts and feelings. Against all odds, he rose. An African American in a white neighborhood, he defied discrimination. With creativity as his weapon, he forged his path to self-discovery.
McCalman is an artist and creative director based in San Francisco. He is known for his design studio, McCalman Co., which collaborates with a diverse range of cultural clients. George is also a columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, where he documents Bay Area culture in his observed and first-person columns. His first book, "Illustrated Black History: Honoring The Iconic and Unseen," was published in 2022.
George's journey has not been without its struggles, having experienced the challenges of finding his voice and identity as an artist. Growing up in Grenada and later moving to New York City, George had to navigate being a young boy in a new educational system and culture. However, his introspective nature, sensitivity, and keen observations of the world around him shaped his perspective and artistic talents.
With the influence of his mother and grandmother, George discovered his love for art and storytelling at a young age. Despite initially doubting his identity as an artist, he eventually embraced it and found his voice through the creation of meaningful illustrations. George's artistic journey has been marked by a pivotal moment in Mexico City, where he realized that he could merge his roles as an artist and art director. Since then, he has dedicated himself to both disciplines, continuing to explore and celebrate the stories and histories of marginalized voices in America through his art.
Join us as we delve into the world of George McCalman, witnessing the profound impact of his artistry, and discovering the resilience and determination that have propelled him on this extraordinary journey. Prepare to be captivated by his unique vision, as we explore how one individual's struggle can become an unyielding source of inspiration for us all.
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Educated as a fine art painter with a focus on philosophy, McCalman defines himself as an artist and creative director. In practice, that means he illustrates, designs, and writes about the complex concepts he explores in his work.
Other than being an artist, he is a creative director and Co-Principal of McCalman.Co. His background in the editorial world is a foundation of his storytelling, and his fine art practice has reframed his perspective on the importance of design. A culture columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, McCalman’s first book Illustrated Black History: Honoring the Iconic and the Unseen won the 2023 NAACP Award for Outstanding Literary Work as well as profound accolades by The New Yorker’s Hilton Als, NPR, New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Fast Company and many others.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
29 Jun 2023
#110 From Voiceless to Powerful Advocate
00:25:54
Today, I interview Sandy Rosenthal who after Hurricane Katrina, has faced the daunting task of exposing the truth behind the disaster. Despite lacking public speaking experience and facing challenges with her pronunciation skills, she fearlessly led an investigative team that exposed the mistakes of the Army Corps of Engineers and their subsequent attempts to conceal their errors.
Sandy's influential work is detailed in her book, "Words Whispered in Water," which chronicles her efforts to lead an investigative team and expose the Army Corps of Engineers as the culprits behind the levee breach. In this captivating memoir, she reveals the agency's attempts to cover up their mistakes, shedding light on the millions wasted in their efforts. Sandy's advocacy extends beyond her personal experiences, as she passionately advocates for the 62% of the American population living by levees, hosting a weekly podcast called "Beat the Big Guys." Through her podcast, she empowers her national audience to take on the big challenges in their own communities.
Sandy's resilience and drive are not limited to her professional endeavors. She leads an active lifestyle, playing tennis six days a week, practicing yoga, and finding joy in teaching her dogs silly tricks. Additionally, she cherishes her role as a grandmother, dedicating quality time with her two grandchildren in San Francisco every month. Sandy's extraordinary journey from a place of struggle to becoming a powerful advocate exemplifies her unwavering determination to make a positive impact and inspire change.
Sandy's story serves as a testament to the transformative power of finding one's voice and using it to effect change. Her journey is a source of inspiration for individuals facing their own challenges and seeking the courage to speak up and make a difference in their communities. Through her experiences, Sandy encourages others to embrace their authentic voices and overcome obstacles to create meaningful change in the world around them. __________________
Sandy Rosenthal is an extraordinary individual who rose to prominence in the aftermath of the most costly engineering disaster in US history, which claimed the lives of nearly 1400 people in the summer of 2005. In the face of adversity, Sandy embarked on a courageous journey to uncover the truth and seek justice for the victims. Despite lacking community organizing experience, she fearlessly led a team of individuals who shared her determination to expose the true culprits behind the catastrophe. Through her unwavering dedication and newfound voice, Sandy not only shed light on the responsible parties but also inspired widespread reforms in engineering practices.
Sandy's remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of one person's resilience and determination. In the absence of others who knew the truth, she took it upon herself to lead the charge, defying all odds. Her ability to articulate complex issues and rally support from the public, media, and influential figures made her an influential advocate for justice. Sandy's ongoing commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in the engineering industry continues to make a lasting impact, reminding us that one person's voice can spark profound change and prevent future disasters. __________________
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
16 Jun 2023
#108 A Journey of Revolution and Evolution
00:32:07
Today, I introduce Harriet Tubman Wright who highlights her moments of struggle and transformation. Growing up she experienced setbacks such as losing a school election and not winning speech contests. These early losses resulted in Harriett holding herself back from stepping into leadership roles.
However, she chose not to dwell on these disappointments and instead embraced her creativity, finding avenues for self-expression in fashion, music, and dance. She encourages others to recognize their innate talents and cultivate them to make a positive difference in the world.
The conversation delves into the importance of deep listening and connecting with one's inner voice. Harriet suggests that through meditation, dreams, nature, and even songs, individuals can tap into their inner knowing and receive guidance. She emphasizes the role of mentors or guides in supporting others on their journey of self-discovery and transformation.
The interview concludes with Harriet offering a gift to listeners, a guide called "Five Essential Tools to Lead the Revolution toward Love, Light, and Liberation," which provides insights and practices for personal and spiritual growth.
Overall, the interview with Harriet Tubman Wright explores the power of embracing one's voice, following one's passion, and engaging in conscious change to create a better world for oneself and others.
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Harriet Tubman Wright, MS, MA is an accomplished Speaker/Storyteller, Published Author/Poet, Person-Centered Expressive Arts Facilitator, Metaphysician, Initiated Priestess, and Elder. With a strong passion for empowering mature spiritual women, she has dedicated her life to helping them overcome stress and frustration in work environments that have undervalued and underpaid them. Through her guidance, Harriet supports these women in following their soul's calling, stepping into their purpose and passion, and experiencing empowerment, transformation, and prosperity.
With her extensive background in various fields, including expressive arts, metaphysics, and leadership development, Harriet offers a unique and comprehensive approach to her work. She firmly believes in the power of (R)evolutionary Leadership skills, which she helps women cultivate to create positive change in themselves, their communities, and the world. Her mission is to heal people and the planet through the collective empowerment of mature women. She helps them navigate the challenges of the modern work environment and find true fulfillment by living in alignment with their soul's calling.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear and share their gifts. Get the Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://doreen7steps.com.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
06 Jul 2023
#111 Uncovering Intergenerational Trauma
00:32:45
Today, I interview Fabienne Slama, a Renaissance woman and an inspirational figure who has overcome tremendous challenges to become a beacon of light for others. Her journey began with a deep intergenerational trauma stemming from her family's North African background. Her great-grandmother's forced marriage at a young age set the stage for a lineage of women who struggled to find their voice and worth.
Despite these obstacles, Fabienne's innate curiosity and thirst for knowledge propelled her forward. As a child, she excelled academically but faced difficulties fitting in due to skipping grades and constantly being the new kid in school. However, she learned to adapt and navigate these challenges, developing a sense of resilience and self-awareness along the way.
In her adulthood, Fabienne's life took an unexpected turn when she experienced a devastating divorce that left her emotionally shattered and financially destitute. Determined to rebuild her life, she delved into the power of the subconscious mind, discovering the transformative potential within. In a remarkable turnaround, she emerged from the darkness within three months, embarking on a journey of personal growth and empowerment.
Today, Fabienne Slama, also known as Fab, is a renowned hypnotist, author, and founder of FabYoulicious. Her mission is to awaken high-potential women and empaths, helping them overcome self-doubt and societal conditioning to unleash their true power. Through her work, she empowers women to break free from the belief that they are not enough and guides them on a transformative journey to become unstoppable forces of light in their homes, workplaces, and the world.
Fabienne's story is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering determination. From her early struggles as a young girl to her triumphant rise as a motivational leader, she exemplifies the power of personal transformation and the capacity for individuals to create positive change in their lives and communities.
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Fabienne Slama is a multi-faceted individual who has experienced various transformations throughout her life. Starting her journey as a biochemist for the French Atomic Energy Commission, she later ventured into the world of sculpting, creating powerful and evocative pieces in bronze and concrete. However, a difficult divorce left her devastated and penniless, pushing her to the brink of despair.
In the face of adversity, Fabienne discovered the power of the subconscious mind, propelling her to bounce back and reclaim her life. Today, as a renowned hypnotist and author, she is on a mission to empower high-potential women and empaths, helping them overcome self-doubt and move from being stuck to unstoppable. With her program, FabYoulicious, she guides individuals to unleash their inner light and share their unique gifts with the world, fostering a web of connection and transforming lives in the process.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
13 Jul 2023
#112 Breaking Free from Silence, Abuse, and a Cult
00:33:20
Today, I interview Sally Lotz whose early life was marked by the strict rules and limitations imposed by her family's conversion to Jehovah's Witnesses. In this oppressive environment, she endured abuse from her stepfather, forcing her to suppress her true self and become invisible. Sally's journey stands as a testament to the power of finding one's voice and using it to empower others.
At the tender age of 15, a revelation sparked within Sally when her mother discovered her non-Jehovah's Witness boyfriend. Confronted by the Elders, she witnessed the stark disparity in how her stepfather's actions went unpunished while her innocent connection with a boy resulted in harsh correction. It was during this tumultuous period that Sally discovered her voice, her means of expression and resistance against the injustices that plagued her life.
Writing became her refuge, an outlet through which she could share her thoughts and feelings without fear of retribution. Yet, even in her newfound solace, she had to conceal her writings, stashing them away in her school locker or disposing of them to avoid detection.
Forced to leave home at the age of 16, Sally sought shelter with her father, where she experienced an entirely different reality. As an only child in her father's care, she finally found a supportive presence, someone who listened and encouraged her to explore new horizons. However, the trauma she had endured lingered within her, manifesting as severe anxiety attacks and depression that confined her to the confines of her home. It was during this period of struggle that Sally, now a mother herself, embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery, unearthing her voice once more.
Now, Sally is a writer dedicated to crafting stories for children. Her literary works bear the underlying themes of hope, purpose, and compassion, offering inspiration to young readers while championing the underdog in subtle and captivating ways. In addition to her writing endeavors, she is currently a mentor and writing coach, running a program called "Write a Book in 30 Days: No Experience Required." Sally recently published her fourth book, "The Truth Is A Lie," a fictional work that delves into her experiences within the Jehovah's Witness community, exposing the contradictions and control within the organization extending her support to women seeking to share their own transformative tales of life changes, epiphanies, and pivots. She believes that by helping others find their voice, she empowers them to overcome adversity and thrive, offering a guiding light amidst the darkest of times.
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Sally Lotz is a writing coach, assisting women in sharing their own stories of transformation, guiding them through life's challenges and pivotal moments. Sally's journey stands as a testament to the power of finding one's voice and using it to empower others, offering inspiration to embrace resilience and share their unique narratives.
Sally is a mentor and a writing coach with her program Write A Book in 30 Days – No Experience Required. Her 4th book, The Truth is a Lie, was recently published. She is passionate about writing and teaching other people how to create with their words. She also enjoys speaking to groups about writing, growing up a Jehovah's Witness, or having ADHD.
Find Sally here: https://www.sallylotz.com https://www.facebook.com/SallyJLotz2023 https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyjlotz/ https://www.instagram.com/sallyjlotz/ https://twitter.com/SallyJLotz https://www.youtube.com/@howigotthere4184 Free - 6 Steps to Getting Published https://www.sallylotz
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
20 Jul 2023
#113 From Corporate Traps to Career Satisfaction
00:40:45
Today, I interview Anthony Kuo whose life journey took him from being tightly wound and trapped in the corporate world to breaking free and following his heart's desire. He joins us today to share his transformative experiences and how he has now dedicated his life to helping others find their own path to fulfillment.
Anthony Kuo's early life was shaped by the weight of immigrant family expectations and a musical background, where he excelled as a musician, performing at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall. However, despite his success, he realized that music did not bring him true joy. This realization ignited a quest to discover his authentic self and find a career aligned with his passions and interests.
Through various corporate experiences, Anthony embarked on a journey of self-discovery, facing burnout and discontent along the way. Each challenge led him to explore new career paths until he took a courageous leap and became a career satisfaction coach, helping others find fulfillment.
Today, Anthony empowers individuals to pursue fulfilling careers by embracing their true selves. His coaching enables clients to recognize their unique talents and interests, empowering them to make authentic career decisions, resulting in long-lasting satisfaction and success.
If you're feeling stuck or uncertain about your career, Anthony Kuo's story will deeply resonate with you. Don't miss the impactful episode where he shares valuable insights on unlocking your potential and creating a purpose-driven career and life. Tune in and be inspired to find your voice, overcome obstacles, and create the life you've always envisioned.
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Anthony Kuo is a Career Satisfaction Coach, Executive Coach, and Master NLP Practitioner. He empowers others to find their voice and thrive in their careers.
He guides his clients through a journey of self-discovery, encouraging them to be intensely curious about their true selves. By helping them say "no" to unsuitable situations and articulating their "yes," Anthony enables individuals to align their careers with their genuine aspirations.
He emphasizes that self-knowledge and authentic expression are essential for meaningful success, and his coaching process transcends the typical career strategies to create a deeper connection between individuals and their professional paths. Through his impactful work, Anthony Kuo continues to inspire others to listen to their inner voices and act upon their own authentic desires.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
27 Jul 2023
#114 Embrace Courage and Speak Up!
00:29:17
Today I interview Ivna Curi. Ivna is a remarkable individual who has overcome significant struggles to find her voice and confidently speak her mind. Her journey from a shy and obedient girl to a powerful advocate for assertive communication is truly inspiring.
In our conversation, Ivna shares her transformative experiences, revealing the pivotal role courage played in her life. From her early days in Brazil, where she felt compelled to be the "nice girl" and avoid conflict, to her corporate career, where she battled anxiety and self-doubt, Ivna faced numerous challenges that hindered her from expressing herself effectively.
Everything changed when she encountered a mentor, who encouraged her to embrace courage and face difficult situations head-on. With his guidance, Ivna learned the art of assertive communication, a skill that completely transformed her interactions with others and propelled her into leadership roles.
Through her journey, Ivna discovered that courage, not confidence, was the key to speaking up and finding her voice. She emphasizes that focusing on courage allows us to act despite our fears and uncertainties, leading to real growth and effective communication.
Today, Ivna is on a mission to help others develop assertive communication skills and find their voices. As a respected thought leader, speaker, and coach, she provides workshops and talks that inspire professionals to confidently express themselves in various settings. Her dedication to promoting respectful speaking-up cultures in organizations helps build more inclusive and innovative workplaces.
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Ivna Curi helps people confidently speak their minds unapologetically at work in a way that is heard, understood, and taken seriously with assertive communication skills, without coming across as aggressive. She provides workshops, coaching, and talks. She also helps companies create a respectful speaking-up culture that drives engagement, productivity, DEI, and innovation. She is the host of the “Speak Your Mind Unapologetically” podcast show, a TEDx speaker, has more than 20 thousand students, has an international MBA from INSEAD, is a Forbes contributor, and is a former corporate leader.
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Find Ivna here: https://assertiveway.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/ https://www.facebook.com/AssertiveWay/ Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
10 Aug 2023
#115 Don't Speak and Don't Tell: The Burden of Trauma
00:32:16
Today, I interview Cindy Benezra who will share how she has emerged as a brilliant advocate for sexual abuse survivors. Her story is deeply moving, reflecting her struggles and resilience in the face of unimaginable trauma.
From a young age, Cindy endured abuse at the hands of her father, a dominant and intelligent man who shattered her innocence. The abuse left her voiceless, as she grappled with the confusion of what was happening to her. Over the years, she found solace in nature, particularly among the orange blossoms, where she sought refuge and discovered the power of healing through self-expression.
Cindy's path to healing was not linear, as she faced numerous challenges and setbacks along the way. Through an array of modalities, including mantras, visionary work, journaling, and alternative therapies, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery and self-love. Her story showcases the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of finding one's voice after enduring profound trauma.
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Cindy is the author of Under The Orange Blossoms, an advocate for sexual abuse survivors, and the owner of a luxury event company.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
24 Aug 2023
#116 Discover Your Brilliance & Embrace Quiet Leadership
00:28:47
Today, I interview Tamara Herl whose getting up in front of a group of people to speak has always been hard for her. Tamara shares her compelling story of navigating through the challenges of finding her voice amidst family turmoil, societal expectations, and personal inhibitions.
Tamara sheds light on the transformative potential of embracing one's unique brilliance, tapping into the language of nature, and using creativity as a powerful means of self-expression and empowerment.
Tamara can now stand in front of an audience and speak about her passion. She has found that what works best for her is doing experiential processes with her audience, such as leading them in a guided meditation. That is where she really shines.
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Tamara Herl is a licensed professional counselor and registered board-certified art therapist. She shows socially conscious entrepreneurs how to use art and nature to get Divine guidance when they feel stuck or confused so that they can make the kind of impact they are meant to.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
Today, I interview David Doerrier who faced childhood insecurities and a long battle with addiction. He embarked on a path of self-discovery that led him to rediscover his authentic voice and passion. David is a testament to the power of resilience and personal growth.
David found himself in careers that had him in front of people daily. He knew this was what he wanted to do. However, he had loud voices in his head that were telling him he was no good, laughing at him, and doing all they could to get him to give up.
Military, radio broadcasting, stage acting, training, voiceover. It wasn't until he was in his 50s that he could pinpoint where the insecurity originated, his narcissistic Mother. He knew something was wrong but had no idea what it was. He thought that the problem was him.
Through his engaging storytelling and personal experiences, David emphasizes the importance of ownership and connection in effective communication. He draws parallels between his own struggle to find a connection in his early life and his principles of engagement for speakers. Through his insights, David highlights the transformative power of finding one's voice and fostering meaningful connections in both personal and professional interactions.
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David Doerrier (Door-Re-Err) works with trainers, facilitators, sales organizations, and other presenters struggling to engage and impact their audience.
As an expert in the adult learning theory, David works with his clients to incorporate eight simple principles that are guaranteed to motivate any audience to listen, act, and be more likely to retain information, take the next step, and purchase your product or service.
David is a seasoned Toastmaster, proficient Instructional Designer, Train the Trainer and Facilitation expert, voiceover artist, and professional Santa Claus.
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Find David here: https://presentyourwaytosuccess.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PresentYourWayToSuccess/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddoerrier/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzVzREo_Y72yA9JMWPrHF5A
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
21 Sep 2023
#118 Grace, Meditation, and Voice
00:29:39
Today, I interview Georgann Low who has a compelling story of facing inner struggle and losing her voice after a journey through the tumultuous landscape of the '60s and '70s. From an outspoken and sassy youth to a period of drug-induced turmoil, Georgann's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
After graduating from high school, Georgann spent years in New York and California, going to college until she dropped out to become a full-fledged hippie. The drugs she took opened amazing new perspectives, however her experience very quickly degenerated into a living hell of loneliness and paranoia - her sense of herself and her confidence were gone. She lost her ability to speak for a time. She was terrified of the world.
Eventually, at age 28, she gave up all drugs and learned to meditate which became her saving grace.
Yoga and meditation have been her tools for spiritual growth. Untrained in music, she became a professional singer starting out when she was 30 with Country and Blues and eventually moving into jazz. She still performs in clubs both here and in France with excellent musicians. She’s delighted to say she learned to speak French when living alone there.
In the days when she didn't speak, she took up drawing and continued to express herself through pen and ink and lots of color.
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Georgann is an international singer, artist, and author of the new memoir "Dancing Alone". She is known in musical circles for her unique blend of jazz. She is also an everyday mystic open to varied contemplative traditions.
Through meditation, she discovered her saving grace and regained her voice, empowering her to share her wisdom and gifts with the world. Her message resonates with all of us: open your heart, take a deep breath, and embrace the journey with a joyful spirit.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
05 Oct 2023
#119 Uncovering the Power of Shyness
00:31:00
Today, I interview Jeff Borschowa who shares a deeply personal journey of overcoming shyness and embracing introversion. Jeff's early years were marked by the struggle to find his voice in a world that often seemed overwhelming.
Growing up in an environment that didn't necessarily support his unique gifts, he faced challenges ranging from bullying to feeling out of place in social situations. He was painfully shy as a young man. Speaking up was not "acceptable" in his family.
To challenge himself to succeed or fail, he booked himself on stages and practiced until he was comfortable. He now speaks very freely and candidly in front of big and small audiences about a range of topics.
As Jeff reflects on his life's path, it becomes evident that his experiences as a shy boy provided the foundation for his later success as a connector and curator of connections.
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Jeff Borschowa is a business coach, author, educator, and curator of all things related to business efficiency and technology. Jeff has experience working with all sizes of businesses, from sole proprietorships to international organizations.
The focus in Jeff’s career has been to find new and better ways to integrate innovation and technology to enhance the customer experience and improve efficiency in businesses.
Jeff's work involves bringing communities together and matching businesses to create thriving communities of loyal customers.
Jeff is a podcast host of the Global Wellness HQ, an international community built to share wellness ideas and resources. His message to the audience is to find your authentic voice and connect with others genuinely to change the world through human-to-human interactions.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
19 Oct 2023
#120 Unlocking Superpowers: Embracing ADHD and ADD
00:34:03
Today, I interview Carol Vincie who shares a compelling story of her journey to discover and embrace her own voice despite the challenges posed by Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Carol's story reflects the struggle many face when dealing with these conditions, as she navigated a world that often misunderstands or stigmatizes them.
Carol’s lack of a voice revolved around her undiagnosed ADD. She lived for decades and decades with undiagnosed ADD. 30 years ago the person she was living with suggested she see a therapist. The therapist's comment was "You have been far too successful to even consider ADD". She closed the box on that discussion for another 3 decades.
When Carol discovered a name for her condition it took her 3 years to open her mouth to anyone. A coach spent another 2 years nudging her to realize her ADD was responsible for her vision, creativity, and boundless energy.
Her journey of self-discovery and acceptance ultimately led her to view ADD and ADHD not as limitations but as superpowers, unlocking a new perspective on how these conditions can be harnessed as strengths.
Carol’s mission and passion is to accelerate the discovery journey for entrepreneurial business professionals. To assist them to recognize their gifts and talents that come so easily they fail to value them. To provide direction to position themselves in roles that highlight their Super Powers.
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Carol is a serial entrepreneur who started at 16, a successful corporate executive for 25 years, and a venture capital participant. She is a #1 best-selling author, a video Podcaster, a public speaker, and an online course creator.
Her mission is to shift the conversation from focusing on ADD and ADHD as deficits to celebrating strengths. Carol's work includes a card deck that guides individuals through awareness, acceptance, and action, providing valuable tools for personal and professional growth. Through her inspiring journey, Carol Vincie encourages us to embrace our unique abilities and change the way we perceive and approach ADHD and ADD.
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Find Carol here: https://www.youtube.com/@CarolVincieBusinessWoman/featured https://www.facebook.com/LeverageYourADDvantages https://www.deckible.com/
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
03 Nov 2023
#121 Awaken Your Divine Vision
00:32:43
Today, I interview Jane Applegath whose story reflects how external circumstances can often drown out our inner voices, creating conflict within ourselves. In the midst of these challenges, she discovered the transformative power of yoga and meditation.
Jane grew up with 4 other siblings so she had to speak up or she’d never be heard. For her, it was about the inner voice she wasn't tuned into. And knowing that voice is the epicenter of the story we create for ourselves and the life we live.
Jane's story is a testament to the power of embracing your inner voice and finding your true self in the midst of life's chaos and challenges.
Finding your inner voice means freedom. And knowledge and learning are the keys to that freedom. Everyone has the capacity within them to live a life of abundant freedom, free of limiting beliefs, we only need to find our vision; the divine compass that directs us to the life we desire.
Jane knows and trusts that her voice can make a difference.
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Jane Applegath is a former award-winning financial advisor, television producer, creative scriptwriter, and yoga instructor. She is a serial entrepreneur, Creative Intelligence Coach, Certified VUCA Instructor, and Founder of the Epic Vision Zone.
She serves passion-driven women who are ready to create radical self-empowerment to become the bringers of BIG IDEAS, INFLUENCE, INSPIRATION, and CHANGE.
Jane’s commitment is to end the disempowering beliefs that it’s too late, too hard, too pie-in-the-sky for women to prosper and matter doing work they love. She knows that having more, being more, feeling more, and creating more exist for every woman when she learns to feel and access the VISION of her dream and make it her new reality.
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Find Jane here: https://www.instagram.com/janeapplegath
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
16 Nov 2023
#122 Beyond the Good Girl: Unleashing True Strength
00:30:49
Today, I interview Renee Bauer who shared her journey from a childhood shadowed by economic hardships to a life of significant achievement. She spent her formative years in an environment where family finances were a constant concern. Her parents tirelessly juggled nighttime jobs, including taking on cleaning medical facilities to ensure stability.
Renee, even as a teenager, pitched in with the cleaning efforts, often at the cost of her social life. This part of her life was marred by a deep-seated sense of shame and the need for secrecy; she constructed elaborate tales to her friends about visiting relatives, all to mask the reality of her family’s struggles.
Renee realized that her issues with money and worthiness, which were deeply ingrained from her childhood, significantly impacted her adult decisions and relationships. Her second marriage was particularly toxic, and she almost stayed in it due to fears about how others would perceive her.
Despite the personal challenges, Renee became a successful divorce attorney, dedicating over two decades to her profession.
Renee's story is a testament to overcoming early life struggles, breaking cycles of financial and emotional hardship, and achieving professional success while forging a path to help others do the same.
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Renee Bauer has been a divorce attorney for 20 years. She is the Founder and Managing Attorney of Happy Even After Family Law located in Connecticut. Renee is also a co-Founder to a platform for Tarot Card Readers called The Tarot Bridge.
Renee is an international speaker and author. She’s just released She Who Wins: Ditch Your Inner Good Girl, Overcome Uncertainty, and Win at Your Life. She has also published Divorce in Connecticut, The Ultimate Guide to Solo and Small Firm Success, and the children’s book Percy’s Imperfectly Perfect Family.
Rene hosts the annual She Who Wins Summit, a live event created to inspire, motivate and challenge women to move forward bravely in their personal and business lives. Her impact has been recognized by Success Magazine where she was nominated as a Woman of Influence and with awards such as Litigator of the Year, Women-Owned Business of the Year, and New Leaders in the Law. She has been featured in multiple media outlets such as the International Business Times, Comment Central, AP News, NBC, FOX, and iHeart Radio.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
30 Nov 2023
#123 A Path to Healing Family Pain
00:37:40
Today, I interview Kyomi O’Connor who shared a compelling story of her life, marked by early familial challenges. During her childhood, Kyomi endured emotional abuse and struggled with her own identity. As a support to a weak mother, she embraced a dual persona, projecting an outwardly bubbly demeanor while concealing an inner struggle for self-acceptance.
Transitioning into her teenage years, Kyomi faced societal taboos in Japan when her career aspirations clashed with her father's expectations. This period culminated in a dark phase in her early twenties, including a suicide attempt. Seeking a fresh start, Kyomi embarked on a journey to the United States, where academic pursuits at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) introduced her to Patrick, her future husband.
Caring for Patrick during his critical illness became a three-year emotional rollercoaster, and following Patrick's passing, Kyomi confronted the challenge of rebuilding her identity, unearthing aspects of her past she believed to be healed.
This transformative period unfolded through a profound writing journey, which served as a powerful tool for healing, and culminated in a memoir that serves as both a personal account and an invitation for self-reflection. Today's conversation is an inspiring testament to the transformative power of love and self-reflection, showcasing the human spirit’s ability to heal and grow stronger.
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Kyomi O'Connor is a Japanese-American author, poet, and former researcher who has dedicated her life to exploring themes of identity, belonging, and cultural fusion. Born in Japan, she immigrated to the United States in 1990 to pursue a career in scientific research. However, her personal journey led her to embrace a life of writing and creative expression.
Kyomi's most notable work is her memoir, "A Sky of Infinite Blue: A Japanese Immigrant's Search for Home and Self," which chronicles her experiences navigating cultural differences, finding love in a new country, and ultimately discovering her true self. The memoir has garnered multiple awards and critical acclaim, resonating with readers worldwide.
Beyond her memoir, Kyomi is an accomplished poet, penning verses that delve into the depths of human emotion, relationships, and the complexities of the human experience. Her poems have appeared in various publications and literary journals, showcasing her lyrical prowess and sensitivity.
Kyomi currently resides in San Diego, California, where she continues to write, explore new creative avenues, and engage with the literary community. Her work serves as an inspiration to others seeking to understand their place in the world and embrace their multifaceted identities. __________________
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
14 Dec 2023
#124 The Confident Voice: From Corporate to Coaching for Entrepreneurs
00:32:11
Today, I interview Marc Evans, a seasoned business coach and CFO. Shaped by the assertiveness of his mother and the calm demeanor of his father, Marc learned early on the power of confidence.
Early on in life, Marc faced challenges related to his height but quickly overcame them with his ability to use his voice effectively. This skill is what he brought to his role in corporations. As a manager, he honed his skills, and he became adept at wearing different hats to achieve corporate goals. However, the political landscape within corporations eventually led Marc to seek new horizons.
His transition from the corporate sector to online coaching marked a significant shift. Marc delved into entrepreneurship, founding Zazo Business Results, named after his twins, Zach and Zoe. This venture reflects his passion for coaching businesses to achieve results.
Now, Marc focuses on empowering businesses to increase profits. He emphasizes the importance of confidence and mindset in overcoming challenges. Marc welcomes businesses to connect with him, offering free consultations to explore unique solutions.
Marc's journey is a testament to confidence, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the dynamic realm of business coaching.
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Marc Evans is a seasoned Business Coach and fractional CFO who's coached over 1,000 clients and worked alongside top marketers, including Jeff Walker, driving revenue growth in operations and product launches from 3 to 10MM.
Marc's leadership extends to Mars M&M's Incorporated, where he led a team of 400+ workers with revenues exceeding 50MM, and at Tyco Telecommunications, he managed operations for the world's first vertically integrated global optical network supplier.
As an accomplished author, Marc has simplified intricate business concepts in multiple business strategy books, saving clients time and frustration. He's renowned for his 3-part profit playbook strategies that help clients create and execute growth plans with ease.
Marc started ZaZo Business Results in 2005. The name ZAZO comes from being a proud father of Twins Zack and Zoe. Marc boasts about the over 250 live concerts he's seen and his fan of the New York Islanders hockey team, who at the young age of 13 watched them win a Stanley Cup live.
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Find Marc here: https://www.facebook.com/marcevans31 https://www.marcevanshq.com/me-3-part-profit-playbook
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
27 Dec 2023
#125 Freedom, Fun, & Light-heartedness
00:39:35
Today, I interview Crystal Deichert, whose journey unfolds from the confines of traditional Catholic values to the vibrant shores of Maui. Raised in a community that prioritized conformity, Crystal faced the challenge of breaking free from societal constraints to uncover her authentic self.
Crystal shares her childhood struggles, emphasizing the lack of room for individuality in her community. Seeking solace, she found inspiration in the ocean and, notably, dolphins. These marine creatures became her mentors, symbolizing freedom and joy, elements she longed for in her own life.
As Crystal's life progressed, the echoes of her past continued to shape her narrative. The journey led her into the realm of therapy, where she integrated modalities like EMDR and Reiki, creating a holistic approach derived from her own experiences. This fusion allowed her clients to navigate their paths to healing.
The transformative role of her deep connection with dolphins extended into her career. Incorporating dolphin energy into her therapeutic work, Crystal aimed to tap into the wisdom and freedom these creatures represent.
Crystal's life and work converge in a tapestry of resilience, inspiration, and authenticity. Through her words, she illuminates the path of self-discovery, inviting others to embark on their journey of personal growth and find their voices amid the transformative waves of life.
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Crystal Deichert is a dual-licensed mental health therapist in Colorado and Hawaii, specialized in helping individuals find clarity in their lives.
She applies various mental health modalities, including EMDR, Inner Parts Work, EFT and Tapping to help clients learn how to get through heartache and pain to find their true essence, allowing them to live a life that is more in line with their soul purpose.
Crystal was recognized as a Top Professional in her field by Marquis Who's Who in America for 2022. This prestigious honor is awarded to the top 3% of professionals. In addition, Crystal has been recognized locally and internationally through various publications highlighting her success stories.
To learn more about Crystal’s journey, check out her first publication, Creating A New World; A Journey Toward Self-Actualization.
Outside of private practice, she enjoys being in nature, especially in the ocean surfing, snorkeling, and swimming with her family.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
11 Jan 2024
#126 Rewrite Your Reality for Total Transformation
00:22:02
Today, I interview Shiraz Baboo, an influential figure in the realm of reality intervention. Born in South Africa during the Apartheid era, Shiraz's journey took a significant turn when his parents moved to Canada, seeking to escape racial tensions.
In high school, Shiraz initially conformed to the "in" crowd, losing his authentic voice. However, a pivotal moment came when his family moved to an all-white neighborhood, forcing him to stand out and be independent, shaping him into the person he is today.
Drawing inspiration from an Abraham Hicks cruise, Shiraz embarked on a mission to impact lives globally. His commitment materialized in the form of the groundbreaking book, How to Rewrite Reality. Shiraz, a master of "energetic magic," employs his expertise to empower individuals, addressing critical issues such as illness, poverty, and unconscious addiction struggles.
In his current endeavors, Shiraz dedicates himself to helping others find their voices and rewrite their stories. His belief that everyone can be the author of their own empowering journey serves as a guiding principle, offering transformative insights that transcend the boundaries of conventional reality.
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Shiraz Baboo is a multi-award-winning author, international speaker, and reality interventionist. He is known for helping people to rewrite their reality and overcome challenges in their lives using what he calls Energetic Magic. Shiraz has helped hundreds of people to overcome illness, poverty and unconsciously addicted struggles. Overall, he is a renowned personality in the area of reality addiction, and his book, How to Rewrite Reality has changed lives across the globe.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
25 Jan 2024
#127 Braving Up: Dare to Be Resilient and Empowered
00:32:50
Today I interview Deb Drummond who shares her story of navigating a challenging childhood growing up in a home where she felt tormented by an older sibling. Complicating matters, adults around her dismissed these struggles, downplaying her experiences as just typical sibling behavior.
That environment left scars on Deb's self-esteem and confidence, making it stressful for her to speak up confidently. However, at the age of 16, Deb, having had enough of the ongoing turmoil, summoned the courage to bravely stand up for herself. This pivotal moment became the catalyst that initiated her journey toward empowerment.
From then on, Deb continuously has been dedicated to empowering herself and finding her own voice through a variety of ways. She transitioned from the music industry to personal development, as she founded a private health studio in Vancouver. For over 30 years, she went through a journey of self-improvement as well as inspiring others to do the same.
Her commitment to continuous growth led her to spearhead a monumental project for International Women's Day, titled "Solidarity for Women." Through these accomplishments, Deb's story becomes a testament to the transformative power of resilience, inspiring others to find strength in the face of their own struggles.
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Deb Drummond is a pioneer in the world of Ultrapreneurship and is a Health & Wellness Anti-Aging Expert. She is a Speaker, Author, Mastermind Trainer, and Top Performance Coach.
Deb has built 7 international companies. She is Founder of “262” Intl Women’s Day Summits. She has been recognized in SUCCESS magazine 48 times and has won numerous awards.
Deb is the host of the Mission Accepted podcast and the “GenZ Is Us” show. She is the founder of Mission Accepted Media and creator of the Top Performance Day Planner and Tracker.
From pioneering businesses to igniting hearts and minds, Deb's impact is undeniable.
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Find Deb here: https://debdrummond.com/ https://www.instagram.com/deborahldrummond https://www.linkedin.com/in/debdrummond/ https://www.facebook.com/DeborahLDrummond
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
08 Feb 2024
#128 For the Best Results, Focus on Your Listeners
00:32:07
Today I interview Dr. Maria Nemeth who shares her journey of dealing with shyness despite being labeled as an extrovert. Dr. Nemeth explains the distinction between being extroverted and feeling shy, recounting personal stories that shed light on the challenges she faced.
Throughout the conversation, she shared breakthrough moments that impacted her personal growth, her initial struggles in public speaking, and a memorable moment that challenged her newfound voice.
Despite the challenges of shyness, Maria's unwavering desire to share her thoughts has been a constant driving force. Presently, she passionately expresses her commitment to sharing invaluable insights and cultivating authentic connections with others. At the core of her mission is the profound belief that public speaking transcends the mere act of impressing; it's about genuinely reaching and empowering the audience.
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Dr. Maria Nemeth, PhD, MCC, is a renowned expert in leadership excellence, personal/professional development, and financial empowerment. As the Founder & Director of the Academy for Coaching Excellence, an internationally accredited coach training program, she has trained numerous individuals across nonprofit, for-profit, and governmental sectors.
Dr. Nemeth's influence extends beyond coaching, as she has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show and in Inc. Magazine. She is the author of the highly-acclaimed book, "The Energy of Money: A Spiritual Guide to Financial and Personal Fulfillment," available in five languages. Her follow-up book, "Mastering Life’s Energies: Simple Steps for a Luminous Life at Work and Play," further solidifies her expertise.
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Find Dr. Maria here: http://marianemeth.com/ https://www.instagram.com/drmarianemeth/ http://acecoachtraining.com/
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
22 Feb 2024
#129 Beyond Limiting Beliefs Into Limitless Potential
00:39:14
Today, I interview Linda Ford, who shares her journey from a challenging childhood in Ireland, characterized by poverty and emotional turmoil, to becoming a master-certified coach. Linda's early experiences were marked by economic hardship, lack of education, and a deep-seated sense of insecurity and self-doubt.
Her breakthrough came when she moved to America, which sparked a transformative journey towards self-confidence and understanding her true potential. Linda realized that confidence and the ability to express oneself are innate qualities, clouded by negative conditioning and false beliefs.
Now, as a coach, Linda Ford dedicates herself to helping women overcome insecurity, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome. She combines deep spiritual insights with practical actions, guiding her clients to trust in their inherent worth and capabilities.
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Linda Ford is a master-certified coach, instructor, and author. She is the co-author of Women and Confidence: The Truth About the Lies We Tell Ourselves, and the creator of her signature programs, If I’m So Smart, then Why Don’t I Feel More Confident? and The Magnetic Woman.
Linda has been personally trained by Dr. Martha Beck, New York Times best-selling author and contributor to Oprah Magazine. Linda has recently relocated from the US to Ireland where she plans on having small group retreats for women.
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Find Linda here: https://www.lindafordcoaching.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Lindafordcoaching https://www.youtube.com/@lindaford-themagneticwoman1429/videos https://open.spotify.com/show/1bgOWzfP4Nz52XgZfw7NwV (podcast)
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
07 Mar 2024
#130 Breaking the Status Quo with Mindful Innovation
00:35:38
Today, I interview Matt Mueller, who talks about how he went from being a very creative child to facing the tough rules of grown-up life that often stop us from being imaginative. He shares important times when the fear of what others would think made him quiet his own new ideas.
This story of change is not only about Matt; it's something many of us can relate to when we think about how often we've had to hold back our creativity because of the pressure to fit in.
Matt delves into the challenges he faced in his professional life, struggling against the urge to conform and reclaim his voice and creative spirit. He offers invaluable lessons on innovation, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness in the creative process, and introduces a simple yet profound framework for innovation, anchored in identifying real problems, crafting impactful changes, and securing acceptance for these solutions.
Matt’s approach not only revolutionizes how we think about innovation but also serves as a guide for anyone looking to make meaningful changes in their personal or professional life. His journey from suppression to expression offers hope and inspiration to those feeling stuck in cycles of conformity.
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Matt Mueller is a keynote speaker, best-selling author, columnist, mindfulness instructor, and innovation consultant. He works with some of the world's biggest brands to help leaders focus on innovation with purposeful growth.
He has over a decade of experience in product and service innovation, and he has uncovered deep insights, executed strategy, and facilitated change in industries that have not changed in centuries. Matt questioned the culture of innovation and he learned that every innovation has three key variables, and it is not about disrupting before being disrupted. Rather, Matt teaches that if we slow down to be mindful, we can innovate faster with purpose.
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Find Matt here: https://themindfulinnovator.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmuellerinnovation/ https://www.facebook.com/Matthew.F.Mueller/ https://www.instagram.com/mattmuellerinnovation/ https://twitter.com/MattMuellerInv8
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
21 Mar 2024
#131 Harnessing Intuition for a Life of Purpose
00:27:25
Today, I interview Elona Lopari, who was misunderstood and restricted by societal norms early in her childhood. Growing up in Albania, she grappled with being labeled as mischievous and stubborn for her independent thinking and curiosity. Despite these hurdles, Elona found solace in her innate drive for achievement and a determination to break through limitations imposed by others.
Upon immigrating to the United States, Elona continued to face challenges but found support and encouragement from her father, who instilled in her the belief that she could achieve anything she set her mind to, eventually rising to success in the corporate world.
However, as her career progressed, Elona began to feel a sense of unease and anxiety, signaling to her that she was no longer aligned with her true purpose. This inner turmoil led her to transition into entrepreneurship, where she discovered her passion for helping others align their purpose with their professional endeavors.
Today, Elona is a visionary CEO, speaker, and bestselling author, empowering leaders and entrepreneurs to grow purpose-driven businesses through inner alignment and strategic leadership. Her journey from adversity to triumph serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the transformative power of following one's intuition and embracing purposeful living.
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Elona is a speaker, bestselling author to numerous books, show and speaking events organizer to an audience of over 30,000 heart-driven service-based entrepreneurs and corporations.
She is both a servant community builder and a people connector, a Prior Fortune 500 CEO, who was featured in Disrupt, NY Weekly, Business Insider, CEO Weekly, The Business New, and Famous Times.
As the visionary CEO of The Life School, she helps visionary leaders and CEOs grow legacy purpose-driven businesses through inner alignment, branding, marketing, sales and team so that they can maximize their Impact and Income to do more good in the world.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
04 Apr 2024
#132 Unconventional Paths to Business Authenticity
00:32:28
Today, I interview Julia Stege, who struggled to find her footing amidst doubts about her artistic abilities and societal expectations. Growing up in a family where creativity was both encouraged and stifled, Julia found herself navigating conflicting messages about her abilities. Despite doubts about her artistic prowess and pressures to conform, Julia pursued her passion for graphic design.
As Julia ventured into the world of design, she encountered further obstacles. Traditional marketing methods felt inauthentic to her, prompting a deep soul-searching journey. Rejecting the dishonest tactics prevalent in mainstream marketing, Julia decided to forge her own path. Her commitment to authenticity led her to establish the New Renaissance Business School, a platform dedicated to empowering spiritual entrepreneurs to embrace their multi-passionate nature and build businesses aligned with their values.
Through her teachings, Julia emphasizes the importance of listening to one's inner voice and staying true to oneself. Her message resonates deeply in a world where conformity often prevails. In Julia's story, we find inspiration to embrace our uniqueness and make a positive impact with our voices, despite the challenges we may face along the way.
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Julia Stege, known as The Magical Marketer, specializes in assisting spiritual business women and conscious entrepreneurs in clarifying and expressing their purpose through branding and marketing strategies that enchantingly attract their ideal customers online.
She is the mastermind behind the Branding from the Heart™ System and the acclaimed author of "Branding from the Heart: How to Share Your Purpose through Marketing that Attracts Your Tribe and Inspires a Revolution."
Julia's expertise as an award-winning branding artist and writer has earned her collaborations with prestigious clients such as NYC MOMA, Carnegie Hall, the U.S. Postal Service, Birkenstock Shoes, OWN Network Show Host Iyanla Vanzant, and the renowned Restaurant Franchise Cafe Gratitude.
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Find Julia here: https://magical-marketing.com/ https://www.facebook.com/JuliaDrosteStegeArtist
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
18 Apr 2024
#133 Mingling Your Way to Great Conversations
00:38:14
Today, I interview Susan RoAne who faced challenges early in childhood marked by her brother's battle with polio, which demanded much of her family's attention and resources. This experience, while difficult, taught her the importance of communication and advocacy, as she often found herself speaking up on her brother's behalf.
Susan also shared how she was thrust into social situations from a young age, which laid the groundwork for her future expertise in mingling and networking. Her journey to becoming the Mingling Maven was not without its struggles as she had to navigate the complexities of social interactions as the older sister of a sibling with a disability, which often meant fending for herself and learning to be heard.
Today, Susan uses her experiences and insights to help others overcome their social anxieties and challenges. She has authored several books, including "How to Work a Room," which provides practical advice on socializing and networking. Susan emphasizes the importance of being oneself, engaging in genuine conversation, and including everyone in social interactions.
Her approach to networking is about making connections that are both meaningful and beneficial, rather than being purely transactional. Her strategies for overcoming social challenges and her dedication to helping others find their voice and confidence in any room have made her a respected figure in the field of communication and networking.
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Susan RoAne is a keynote speaker, Mingling Maven, best-selling author, and business networking expert. Her most notable work is “How to Work a Room,” first published in 1988. The 25th Anniversary edition of this book, titled “How To Work a Room: The Ultimate Guide to Making Lasting Connections In Person and Online,” has sold over a million copies and achieved international acclaim.
Susan’s impact extends beyond her written work. As a keynote speaker, she has addressed Fortune 20–500 companies, conventions, and prestigious universities. Her insights connect the formalization of social networking rules to the women’s movement. In 2015, she was recognized as one of the 25 Professional Networking Experts to Watch.
Susan’s legacy lies in her ability to empower individuals to navigate social interactions with confidence, fostering meaningful relationships that transcend business boundaries. Her impact continues to resonate, making her a trailblazer in the art of networking and communication. __________________
Find Susan here: https://www.susanroane.com/ https://www.threads.net/@susanroane https://x.com/susanroane https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanroane/ https://www.facebook.com/SusanRoAneBiz/ https://www.instagram.com/susanroane/
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
01 May 2024
#134 Rediscovering Identity and Purpose in Midlife
00:31:28
Today, I interview Jennifer Arthurton, whose childhood was a quest for acceptance and attention within her family. Born in England and raised in the Caribbean, Jennifer's early years were serene until her parents' divorce. Feeling overshadowed by her younger brother, she continually sought approval through conformity and achievement.
As Jennifer matured, she excelled academically and pursued a successful corporate career, fulfilling societal expectations. However, nearing her 50s, a midlife crisis struck, prompting her to question the significance of her accomplishments. Despite outward success, she felt unfulfilled and disconnected from her true self.
Jennifer's turning point occurred when her life unraveled—divorced, unemployed, and bedridden with stress-related illness. Stripped of her identity, she confronted her vulnerability, realizing she had lived by societal norms rather than her inner voice. Staring at the ceiling, she began asking herself fundamental questions, finally acknowledging the importance of her own voice and intuition.
To overcome her struggles, Jennifer embarked on self-exploration, learning to trust her inner voice. She began writing, launching the Old Chicks Know Sh*t blog and podcast to share her journey. By connecting with other midlife women, she found empowerment and purpose and now helps other women navigate their next chapters with confidence and authenticity.
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Jennifer Arthurton is the founder and creator of Old Chicks Know Sh*t, a community and podcast aimed at inspiring and supporting midlife women in pursuing their dreams and navigating their next chapter. As a former Fortune 500 marketing executive turned midlife mentor, podcast host, writer, and speaker, Jennifer draws from her own experience of surviving a midlife crisis to empower other women.
With a passion for helping women uncover their inherent power and wisdom during a time often characterized by doubt and feeling overlooked, Jennifer is an inspirational speaker and leads a community of powerful midlife women crafting their kick-ass next chapter.
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Find Jennifer here: https://www.instagram.com/oldchicksknowshit/ https://www.facebook.com/oldchicksknowshit/ https://www.oldchicksknowshit.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/old-chicks-know-sh-t-podcast/id1461186926
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
16 May 2024
#135 Discover Your Potential and Transform Your Mind
00:33:26
Today, I interview Angilie Kapoor, who struggled with being bullied as a child. She was an extremely shy and introverted girl who preferred to be alone, afraid of being made fun of for looking different.
As the daughter of a military father, Angilie's family moved frequently, forcing her to constantly start over in new places. This made it difficult for her to form lasting friendships. However, it also helped her develop resilience, adaptability, and acceptance that people come in and out of one's life for a reason.
In high school, Angilie began branching out, joining activities like cheerleading and student government. She rediscovered her love for writing, which had been nurtured by a teacher. This led her to eventually write three books on mindset and leadership.
The breakthrough point came when Angilie started a self-discovery journey during her corporate career, where she realized the importance of mindset and getting to know and accept oneself in order to be an effective leader.
Now, Angilie helps individuals like managers, teachers, and parents, as well as companies, to develop conscious leadership programs that integrate empathy, compassion, and the human experience. Her message is to inspire people to get curious about themselves, discover their core values and unique voice, and share their message to help others.
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Angilie Kapoor is a highly acclaimed leader, author, speaker, and TV show host with over 20 years of experience in healthcare management and leadership. As the founder of Oversight Global, she helps aspiring leaders in the workplace, business, and life become more productive, confident, and effective while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Angilie shares her invaluable knowledge and insights gained from her extensive background and personal journey through coaching, mentoring, training programs, books, speaking engagements, and her two TV shows.
Her mission is to address the global "consciousness crisis" by empowering individuals to tap into their leadership potential and develop the necessary skills and mindset to excel in their roles and make a positive difference in the world.
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Find Angilie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oversightglobal1356/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oversightglobal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oversight-global-llc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angilie-kapoor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oversightglobal Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/author/angiliemkapoor Take The Lead TV Show Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TakeTheLeadTVShow Unveil Your Brilliance Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/UnveilYourBrillianceTVShow Free Download: 5 Tips to Designing Your Empowering Morning Routine Guide: https://gift.oversightglobal.com/empowering-morning-routine
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
29 May 2024
#136 Turning Autism into a Superpower for Advocacy
00:24:31
Today, I interview Kadin McElwain, who had significant challenges posed by autism. Diagnosed at the age of two, Kadin's early life was marked by frequent moves due to his father's job and the need for better educational opportunities.
Despite these disruptions, Kadin faced severe bullying during middle and high school and the removal of his IEP services, which his parents had to fight to restore. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought further challenges, but Kadin found a silver lining in online schooling, which allowed him to concentrate better without the social distractions and bullying, leading to his early graduation in 2022.
Through perseverance, therapy, and a supportive family, Kadin has learned to view his autism as a superpower rather than a limitation. His extensive research and the encouragement from his parents helped him embrace his condition, inspired by notable figures who were also on the spectrum. Now a college student, Kadin is studying public relations with aspirations to enter the fields of music or political PR.
Kadin's advocacy work focuses on changing perceptions of autism, emphasizing that individuals with autism are capable of great success and deserve opportunities for employment, relationships, and personal growth. He calls for better understanding and support in schools and workplaces and offers himself as a resource for parents and individuals navigating similar paths. Through his journey, Kadin exemplifies resilience and the belief that with the right support and mindset, anyone can achieve a prosperous and fulfilling life.
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Kadin McElwain is an autistic college student, writer, and activist who is on a mission to spread autism awareness around the world. Throughout his life, he was told he wouldn't amount to anything because he had autism. But time and time again, he proved the naysayers wrong.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
13 Jun 2024
#137 Embracing Your Sensitivity as a Superpower
00:27:36
Today I interview Pascale Cook-Fernandes, who struggled with feeling stifled and not having a voice in her generation, where children were expected to "be seen and not heard".
In high school, Pascale faced teasing because of her uniqueness, but found her voice and confidence when she auditioned to be the drum major in marching band, despite usually trying to "shrink down" and hide. This experience taught her the rewards of taking risks and putting herself out there.
Pascale's sensitivity, once criticized, is now a superpower she embraces, allowing her to speak up for the greater good. She has learned to balance being soft-spoken with projecting her voice powerfully when needed.
Overcoming her early struggles, she now empowers women entrepreneurs to turn their life experiences and lessons into profitable businesses aligned with their authentic selves.
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Pascale Cook-Fernandes has a multifaceted background aimed at empowering women to discover their clarity and potential. At the heart of her mission is the desire to support women coaches, healers, and speakers, to turn their “PhD” in life into a thriving business.
Pascale understands the importance of holistic well-being as she combine’s spiritual insight, coaching expertise and practical business foundations to guide women toward profound transformations.
Owner and CEO at Women Finding Clarity, Pascale’s own “PhD” in life includes her coaching certification, Reiki Master, podcast host, a degree in teaching, her 23-year (and counting) marriage and mom to 3 amazing young adults.
On her podcast Women Finding Clarity, Pascale hosts women who have used their own inspirational stories and life lessons to create a successful business. Her mission is to “... align, elevate and thrive together, one conversation at a time.”
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
27 Jun 2024
#138 From Mediocrity to Magnificence: A Story of Resilience
00:33:35
Today, I interview Louise Gallagher, who faced significant trauma in her early years, including abuse and a lack of support from her family. Growing up, her home life was turbulent, marked by frequent conflicts between her parents. Louise often took on the role of caretaker, trying to shield her younger sibling from the chaos.
The pivotal moment in Louise’s journey came when she became a mother herself. As her own children reached the age she had been during her trauma, she felt compelled to confront her past and address her relationship with her family. During a visit, Louise had an in-depth conversation with her mother, seeking understanding and closure. However, her mother's response highlighted the lack of protection and support Louise had felt as a child.
Louise’s healing process involved extensive therapy and a conscious decision to transform her pain into strength. She embraced storytelling as a means to cope and heal, turning her tragic experiences into a source of empowerment.
Louise focused on cultivating a loving and open relationship with her own children, addressing their pain and fears with empathy and understanding. Louise chose to navigate her healing journey through love, which allowed her to forgive herself and others, ultimately fostering a life filled with creativity, connection, and joy.
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Louise Gallagher, a TEDx speaker, coach, mentor, and artist, is known for her storytelling prowess, where she inspires others to embrace their creativity and nurture self-love. Her memoir, "The Dandelion Spirit: Love, Lives, and Letting Go," which recounts her journey of reclaiming herself after overcoming abuse, resonated deeply and was adapted into an impactful documentary for the Oprah Network, touching lives across North America with its message of resilience and healing.
Within the homeless serving sector, Louise has spearheaded transformative initiatives, including the renowned Possibilities Project at Canada’s largest homeless shelter. This innovative arts-based program empowers individuals by reconnecting them with their creative spirit, offering pathways out of poverty and homelessness.
For Louise, creativity is not just a passion but a way of life—a currency through which she enriches her own existence and the world around her. Through her profound love for life and dedication to creative expression, Louise Gallagher strives to foster a world where the inherent magnificence and love within each individual are celebrated, nurturing deeper connections and a shared sense of purpose.
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Find Louise here: https://dareboldly.com https://louisegallagher.ca https://www.facebook.com/louise.gallagher.5205/ https://instagram.com/mlouiseg88
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
11 Jul 2024
#139 The Sound of Your True Voice
00:27:52
Today I interview Alison Love David who grew up in South East London in a poor but musical family. Her mother made sacrifices to send Alison to private school, where she excelled academically but felt she had to be a people pleaser to fit in. This led to Alison not knowing her true self for many years.
Alison's journey to find her authentic voice has been a long one. At age 17, she had a pivotal realization that she never said "no" and didn't know how to express negative feelings. This caused her to distrust herself for decades. Through her challenges, Alison has learned to tune into her body's wisdom and access her feelings through sound and music.
As a professional singer, Alison uses the power of sound to help herself and others heal and transform. She believes we all have the ability to liberate our true voice. Alison coaches people to feel comfortable with their uniqueness, communicate from the heart, and confidently share their gifts with the world. Her mission is to encourage creative people to express themselves fully and authentically.
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Alison Love David is a soulful singer, artist and medicine woman with a magnetic stage presence and 28 years experience. Having discovered the healing powers of the voice and worked through her fears of being seen.
She is passionate about encouraging other people out of hiding. Alison coaches people to feel comfortable with their uniqueness and from that place, find their sense of belonging, communicate from the heart and share their gifts with the world.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
25 Jul 2024
#140 The Power of Words: Healing Through Memoir Writing
00:33:50
Today I interview Linda Joy Myers, who had a difficult childhood marked by abandonment and an unstable home life. Her mother left when Linda was just four, leaving her to be raised by a grandmother who, while providing a stable home, also struggled with mental health issues that led to critical behavior. Linda had to focus on survival with little permission to have her own voice.
One bright spot was music. Linda's grandmother had her take piano and cello lessons from a young age. Playing music became a way for Linda to express herself, feel something positive, and be transported to another world. It provided freedom and camaraderie with other young musicians.
As an adult, Linda initially repeated some relationship patterns modeled by her mother and grandmother. Determined to break the cycle, she sought therapy, including an impactful 3-month group experience. Her therapist helped Linda see she was more than her brokenness. He recognized her artistic essence and held a vision of her wholeness.
Linda's path led her to combine her skills as a therapist with her love of writing. She began teaching memoir writing groups and discovered the transformative power of writing one's stories. This grew into Linda authoring books on memoir writing, founding the National Association of Memoir Writers, and teaching memoir courses.
Through this work, Linda helps others find their voice, write their stories, and experience the healing of being witnessed. Her own journey informs her message that even painful stories can be alchemized into something beautiful.
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Linda Joy Myers, founder of the National Association of Memoir Writers, is the author of award winning memoirs, Don't Call Me Mother and Song of the Plains, and two books, The Power of Memoir, and Journey of Memoir. She co-authored Breaking Ground on Your Memoir and Magic of Memoir & co-teaches, Write Your Memoir in Six Months with Brooke Warner.
A memoir coach for 30 years, she helps memoir writers find their voice and get their story into the world. Linda has just ventured into novel writing land, and her first novel, The Forger of Marseille, a WWII historical fiction novel won four awards in historical fiction and is published by She Writes Press.
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Find Linda here: https://www.facebook.com/LindaJoyMyersAuthor https://www.instagram.com/lindajoymyersauthor/ https://www.facebook.com/linda.j.myers
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
08 Aug 2024
#141 From Silenced to Empowered: Reclaiming One's Authentic Voice
00:30:42
Today I interview Linda Dieffenbach, whose personal healing journey from childhood trauma led her to become a devoted personal transformation coach and holistic practitioner. Linda shares her story of growing up with an emotionally distant and abusive father, being severely bullied by peers at school, and the profound impact of having her pain invalidated when she sought help as a teenager. These experiences left Linda feeling silenced, disempowered, and disconnected from her authentic self.
Through learning Reiki and working with a compassionate mentor, Linda began to integrate her painful experiences and rediscover her inner voice. She describes how finally being seen, heard and validated in a safe space was a catalyst for tremendous personal growth and healing. Linda emphasizes the importance of doing the inner work to liberate oneself from past wounds, shame and self-doubt.
By reconnecting with her wounded inner child and learning to be self-advocating, Linda found the courage to use her voice, set boundaries, and show up differently in relationships. Her inspiring journey from trauma to empowerment highlights the transformative potential of compassionate support, holistic healing practices, and committed personal development. Linda now assists others in overcoming the effects of trauma and toxic conditioning to achieve self-actualization.
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Linda Dieffenbach is a devoted and empathetic personal transformation coach and holistic practitioner. She is deeply committed to assisting individuals in overcoming the detrimental effects of trauma and toxic conditioning while guiding them towards self-actualization.
Linda's personal healing journey from childhood trauma led her to recognize the transformative potential of Reiki, sparking her enthusiasm for holistic healing practices. Leveraging her background in Social Work, Linda offers a distinctive approach that blends trauma awareness, energy healing expertise, compassionate guidance, and intuitive assistance to empower her clients in attaining clarity, self-awareness, and self-empowerment on their healing and personal growth pathways.
She establishes a nurturing and safe space for clients to explore and embrace their personal path to achieving their highest potential. In addition to one-on-one sessions, Linda leads workshops and events that support individuals through their journey of self-discovery and growth.
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Find Linda here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linda.dieffenbach.5 https://www.facebook.com/WellnessInHarmony LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindadieffenbach https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellness-in-harmony-llc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessinharmony/ The Wellness Universe: https://www.thewellnessuniverse.com/worldchangers/lindadieffenbach/ Overcoming Your Inner Barriers Workbook: https://mailchi.mp/wellnessinharmony.com/inner-barriers
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
22 Aug 2024
#142 The Alchemy of Conflict: Turning Struggles into Empowerment
00:34:59
Today I interview Jolina Karen who grew up in a household where her voice often felt stifled by the silence and conflict between her parents. Raised in South Africa during apartheid, Jolina experienced the tension between her mother’s spiritual beliefs and her father’s scientific skepticism, which created a quiet but emotionally charged environment.
This early exposure to unresolved conflict taught her to suppress her own feelings and thoughts, leading to a lifelong struggle with finding her voice and speaking up in difficult situations, like in her first marriage. Despite her studies in psychology and healing, Jolina found it difficult to express her needs and desires, often choosing silence over conflict. This led to feelings of frustration, loneliness, and a loss of her true self.
But Jolina's story is one of resilience and growth. After going through a painful divorce, she began to reclaim her voice. She learned to see conflict as an opportunity for growth and connection, rather than something to fear.
Today, Jolina helps others find their voice and navigate difficult conversations. Drawing from her own experiences and background in healing, Jolina now guides others on their journey to communicate openly and live true to themselves.
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Jolina believes that love and leadership are shaped by the everyday conversations we have. She works with an international clientele of accomplished women who seek to improve relationships that aren't fulfilling—whether with a spouse, child, boss, or customer.
Jolina provides her clients with a clear roadmap to move from feeling unappreciated or ignored to confidently standing their ground, setting effective boundaries, and communicating in a way that ensures they are seen, heard, and valued for who they truly are.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
05 Sep 2024
#143 Reclaiming Your Voice: From Struggle to Strength
00:33:00
Today, I interview Maria Semple who grew up in Venezuela as the youngest of five children in a time of political upheaval. Life was filled with challenges from an early age, and Maria often felt the need to shout to be heard in a household full of older siblings. Despite the joyful, community-focused culture of Venezuela, Maria also faced the trauma of losing her brother at a young age. This marked her deeply, instilling a sense of longing for belonging and significance that would follow her.
As Maria grew up, she immigrated to Australia, carrying with her the resilience she had developed through her early struggles. Her marriage ended, leaving her as a single mother of two in a foreign country. It was during this time that she truly began to explore herself, turning to creativity and meditation to heal. Maria discovered a love for ceramics, which not only provided financial support but also became a form of self-expression that reflected her cultural roots and inner strength.
The turning point in Maria’s life came when she decided to stop working for others and pursue her dream of becoming a mentor and coach. Through her own inner work, she developed her signature program, “Reclaim Your Vision, Rewrite Your Story,” which helps women navigate their limiting beliefs, reclaim their voice, and step into their true power. Today, Maria is a beacon of resilience, helping women in their 40s and 50s find their voice and rewrite their stories, just as she did.
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Maria Semple is a Coach and Mentor and the founder of New Life Coach, a coaching practice focused on helping women in their late 40s and 50s reclaim their vision and rewrite their story. Through her work, Maria empowers women to create transformative change in their lives and communities. She is also the author of Everyday Stories From Ten Remarkable Women, a book that showcases the power of determination, creativity, and contribution in shaping lives.
Maria believes that the perfect time to take action is now, and through her six-step program, she guides participants on an inner and outer journey to rediscover their lost visions and navigate life’s complexities. With practical tools rooted in her own experiences, Maria helps women realize their potential and create a new, empowering story for their future.
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Find Maria here: https://www.newlifecoach.com.au https://www.facebook.com/EverydayRemarkableWomen/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4136ONNWC643HX49drNvww
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
19 Sep 2024
#144 The Transformative Power of Being Heard
00:30:11
Today, I interview Randall Alifano who grew up in a loud, talkative Italian family where everyone spoke, but no one really listened. Like many of us, Randall often felt unheard and disconnected, surrounded by people but without real understanding. This early experience of being silenced planted the seed for his deep curiosity about human connection and the power of listening.
As he grew older, Randall began asking deeper questions, eager to understand the emotions behind people’s words. His breakthrough came when he started working with individuals who had experienced profound trauma. He quickly realized that what people needed most wasn’t advice or diagnosis, but someone to truly hear them. His ability to listen with full presence became the foundation of his healing work.
Randall’s approach to listening goes beyond the surface, allowing others to face their fears, feel understood, and reclaim their voice. He now teaches people how to connect with themselves and others through deep, compassionate listening, transforming their relationships and personal growth. His work has helped countless individuals move through their struggles by creating a safe space where they can be fully heard.
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Randall Alifano, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and ordained minister with over 40 years of experience integrating psychology and spirituality into his private practice. He has dedicated his career to listening deeply to the dreams, traumas, and inner struggles of his clients, guiding them toward living in greater alignment with their inner wisdom.
His work spans a wide range of experiences, including counseling battered women, running groups for violent men, and designing a domestic violence program. He has also studied and applied various psychological and spiritual methodologies, enriching his holistic approach to healing.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Alifano has co-led seminars on intuitive listening and apprenticed with renowned figures in Gestalt Therapy and Encounter Groups at Esalen Institute. His teachings emphasize the power of presence, empathy, and curiosity in fostering deep connections with both others and ourselves. Through his guidance, he has witnessed the transformative impact of being truly heard, helping people enhance their relationships and personal growth.
Outside his practice, Dr. Alifano enjoys drumming, meditation, and cooking his grandmother’s famous Bolognese sauce.
__________________ Find Randall here: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/randall.alifano Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/randallalifano/ Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Listening-Raw-Coming-Home-Receptivity/dp/B0C7JFWYZC Website: https://randallalifanophd.com/book/
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
03 Oct 2024
#145 From Setbacks to Strength: Leading with Vision and Confidence
00:26:33
Today, I interview Dana Weaver, whose story starts with a pivotal moment during her childhood when her great-grandmother, a woman she adored, moved into a nursing home. Seeing the poor conditions in the facility sparked a realization in Dana that things needed to change. This event, coupled with her father’s encouraging words, planted a seed in her heart that would later grow into her passion for leadership and advocacy in the field of aging.
Throughout her early life, Dana faced challenges as she pursued her career in senior leadership roles, particularly as a woman in male-dominated fields. She witnessed many women in the workforce struggle to have their voices heard and break through glass ceilings. These experiences fueled her desire to support other women in finding their voices. Over time, Dana recognized the importance of effective leadership and the need for strong, compassionate leaders, especially in industries where people are caring for people.
One of Dana’s breakthrough moments came early in her career, when she was thrust into an eight-hour training session as the sole speaker. Despite her fears and lack of experience in public speaking, she pushed through and realized the importance of mastering the art of communication and leadership. This experience ignited a passion for speaking and teaching that eventually led her to become a keynote speaker and leadership coach.
Today, Dana uses her own story of overcoming fear and adversity to inspire and guide professional women to embrace their leadership potential and make a lasting impact. Dana’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and heart-centered leadership, and her mission is to inspire women to rise above challenges and boldly claim their space in the world.
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Dana Weaver, your go-to leadership coach, partners with professional women to help them find their confidence and influence, enabling them to break through glass ceilings and make their unique mark in the world.
With over 25 years in senior leadership, Dana has made a significant impact on the field of aging. She has also inspired countless women to believe in their power and realize they can achieve far more than they originally believed possible.
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
17 Oct 2024
#146 Building the Inner Muscle of Self-Expression
00:33:09
Today, I interview Katherine Kennedy, who grew up feeling the need to appear like everything was perfect, avoiding hard conversations and hiding behind a mask. As the youngest in her family, she was often seen as the one who brought fun and laughter, but underneath, she struggled to express her true emotions. This sense of needing to present a perfect life, while holding in difficult feelings, left her disconnected from her authentic voice.
Her turning point came when she started working with students who were the first in their families to go to college. Listening to their stories of struggle and resilience helped her recognize her own need to speak her truth. Over time, Katherine learned to have deeper conversations with her family, especially her father, which brought them closer and allowed her to release the secrets she had held for so long.
Now, Katherine guides others in finding their voices through storytelling workshops and retreats. She believes that finding your voice is a muscle that can be built over time, and she creates spaces for people to share their stories, just as she learned to do, fostering deeper connections and personal growth.
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Katherine has spent over 30 years helping thousands of people share their stories with authenticity and confidence. Her career highlights include working with Teach for America and playing a key role in expanding the youth leadership program Summer Search into a national nonprofit. As a mentor, fundraiser, and Executive Director, she has dedicated her career to empowering others to express their true selves.
Katherine is also a skilled storytelling coach, guiding individuals in various settings to articulate their personal stories—whether through public speaking, writing, or meaningful conversations. In 2023, she published her first book, Speaking to What Matters: My Story of Learning How to Share What’s Inside, which reflects her passion for the transformative power of storytelling.
Living in San Francisco with her family, Katherine continues her mission to help people connect deeply with themselves and others through the art of storytelling.
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Find Katherine here: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/katherinekennedysf/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/speakingtowhatmatters/ Free Download - A Guide to Speaking to What Matters https://katherinekennedysf.com/a-guide-to-speaking-to-what-matters/
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.
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