Dancing in the Discomfort Zone with Anne Bonney

PROCRASTINATION!  Distractions!  Self-sabotage!  All the things that keep us from being as productive as we can, and I don’t know about you, but the thought of being “as productive as possible” is exhausting!  In this fun and insightful episode, Productivity expert Penny Zenker (https://pennyzenker360.com/) shares what she has learned through experience and research about the psychology of productivity, and how we can get better at it.  We talk about The dangers of habits and being on Auto-Pilot for too long Reset Moments and the importance of taking a pause to be sure we’re on the right course Her 1-3-5 method of planning her day And how dog barf can really mess up your plan!  Do you want more from Penny? Website: https://pennyzenker360.com/ LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennyzenker/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pennyzperspective Twitter https://twitter.com/pennyzenker Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pennyzenker/ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/c/PennyZenkerKeynoteSpeaker PREORDER the new book: https://pennyzenker360.com/the-reset-mindset/ Penny Zenker is The Focusologist, an international speaker, business strategy coach, and best-selling author.  Before her 31st Birthday, Penny founded, developed, and sold her first multi-million dollar business while living in Zurich, Switzerland. Later at the world's 4th largest Market Research company, she managed business unit turnarounds and was a Tony Robbins business coach helping entrepreneurs around the world to double their businesses. Penny is one of America’s leading experts in the psychology of productivity to eliminate distraction, perfectionism, and self-sabotage to maximize results in every area of your life. Penny’s book The Productivity Zone was an instant Amazon Best Seller and her TEDx, "The Energy of Thought", has gained attention around the world with over 1M views. Her engaging, inspiring interactive talks teach people to think and act more strategically. Penny has been featured on NBC News, Forbes, Inc, ESPN, and Wharton Business Radio among others. 

In this fascinating episode, Britt Frank (www.scienceofstuck.com) speaker, trauma therapist, circus performer and trauma survivor shares her personal experiences of overcoming childhood and adult abuse, drug addiction, unhealthy adult patterns, and how she pushed past comfort zones through admitting where she was and....circus performing! She highlights the value of embracing discomfort and using language and humor and play to navigate uncomfortable situations. We talk aboutThe importance of vulnerability and embracing shame to move towardsa a more healthy futureRealizing her child sexual abuse in her 20s, and all the challenging patterns that created, and she eventually overcameThe value of dancing in the discomfort zone in actually rewiring your brainEmbracing her discomfort in a large metal hoop 20 feet in the air in a purple sparkly circus outfit!  ( https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/rmhu38yitr10xqz5x41tk/IMG_1356.mov?rlkey=37tkxkfrvbpd7ez0tp0si4ws9&e=1&dl=0 ) Want more from Britt? Website : www.scienceofstuck.comInsta @brittfrankLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittfrankmsw/And of course, the video of her HOOP PERFORMANCE!   https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/rmhu38yitr10xqz5x41tk/IMG_1356.mov?rlkey=37tkxkfrvbpd7ez0tp0si4ws9&e=1&dl=0  Britt Frank, LSCSW, SEP is a recovering mess of a human-turned-psychotherapist. She’s the author of The Science of Stuck and The Getting Unstuck  (Penguin Random House), named by SHRM, Esquire, New York Magazine, and The Next Big Idea Club as a must-read. Britt received her undergraduate degree from Duke University and her master’s degree from the University of Kansas, where she later became an award-winning adjunct instructor. Britt is a contributing writer to Psychology Today and her work has been featured in Forbes, NPR, The New York Times, Fast Company, Psych Central, SELF, and Thrive Global. She also likes to do circus acrobat things because life’s too short not to play. 

The situation in Ukraine fills the media with terrible news, but hearing the story from someone who was directly impacted brings an increased level of intensity.  This week's guest Olesia Sinkova (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100018842642011) fled Ukraine 2 years ago with her 3 children, her husband and 2 backpacks.  They left behind their lives, their jobs, family, friends and their 2 beloved cats to find a safer life in Germany.  In this episode, she tells her story, and how she has brought herself and her children through the horrors happening in Ukraine.We talk aboutThe experience in her village, 15 miles from where the main bombardments were happening.How she spoke to her children about all the loud noises of war they could hear while playing in the woods near their houseHow she got through her anxiety and depressionHow she's helping her fellow Ukrainians in Cologne, Germany to deal with their feelings of escaping their homelandFor more from Olesia,Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100018842642011LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olesia-sinkova-speaker/Olesia Sinkova is a Ukrainian refugee living in Germany, a motivational speaker and an author. Knowing that tomorrow is not guaranteed made her a spiritual warrior, cutting through anxiety and despair with the tools she has gained along her own spiritual journey. Sharing this with others became her true purpose.

Courage!  If we ever expect to Dance in the Discomfort Zone of life, we have to have courage, so today I welcome Kris McGuigan, Speaker, Author and Courage Coach to talk about her 3 Cs of Courage; Clarity, Conviction and Constancy!  She goes into great detail to help us build our courage muscles and achieve the things we want in our lives.We talk about·        How to find clarity on what you really want to go after, and the challenges that all the messaging in the world creates.·        How to strengthen your decision by developing your conviction·        The difference between consistency and constancy, and why CONSTANCY is the way to go·        Failure.  The definition and how it’s merely a learning opportunity rather than a stopping point!If you want more from Kris, here are all the links in one happy link!  https://linktr.ee/krismcguigan Kris McGuigan is the founder and principal owner of Professional Courage. As a board-certified, executive coach, keynote speaker and corporate trainer for the nation’s most prominent Fortune 500 companies, Kris has helped countless leaders step up and stand out in the marketplace. Her first book, The Requisite Courage: How to Make Brave Decisions in Business & Life, is a science-based approach to fear management that helps you overcome self-doubt, take more risks and get results.

This week I'm joined by Chris West (http://videonarrative.com) as he shares his  journey of embracing discomfort to live a fulfilling life. Chris has committed to facing fears, uncomfortable situations and fully exploring life which has led to more fulfillment and a life well lived. Chris struggled with personal issues like low self-worth and a need to care for others, which led to feelings of hopelessness, but after many years of personal growth work, he found deeper joy and fulfillment by prioritizing self-care and his own self-love. Chris did this not only in his personal life, but when he recently shifted his business model in a huge way, gaining more freedom for himself and his kids while expanding their capabilities for his clients. BINGO!  He emphasizes taking responsibility for one's own well-being and choices, rather than relying on others or external factors for happiness.Chris West is the founder of Video Narrative, a brand design firm that specializes in growing speaking businesses through brand clarity, speaker demo reels, and website design.   Before working with leading speakers around the world, Chris developed his approach for stories in his graduate work in Narrative Therapy.  Today Chris works alongside thought-leaders to increase their message, clarity, and impact through powerful narratives.   When not telling stories, Chris is out backpacking with his three children, and attending an exhaustive amount of personal development retreats. 

Creativity is one of those thing that many people think they don’t have, but according to this week’s guest Nina Meehan (https://ninameehan.com/), any time you bring something new into the world, you’re being creative!  It’s not the big scary, talent-required, elusive thing.  You are creative, and should practice your creativity because it’s a great stress booster too!!Want to know more about Nina, here are the links!https://www.instagram.com/nmeehan/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninameehan/ https://ninameehan.com/ and here’s my glorious dog!  https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/x51x0dbtimir89t2qd7lr/Nina-Pod-Dog.png?rlkey=2kykemcei0cqtalb8ei47h4o2&dl=0and the e-mail for free books that I mentioned at the end is admin@annebonney.com (also a great place to send podcast topic requests or guest nominations!!)A creativity expert, Nina Meehan inspires the broader community as a skilled theatre producer, award-winning director, and dedicated arts educator, with expertise in youth development. Her work focuses on nurturing innovation and connecting people in our increasingly digital world.Nina’s award-winning theatrical work for young people as CEO of Bay Area Children's Theatre has reached more than 700,000 kids and adults and has toured nationally and internationally. Her unique style of storytelling appeals to kids and kids-at-heart alike!  As president of the board of directors of TYA/USA, the national organization of theatres for young audiences, she actively engages in outreach on behalf of the profession and the issues it embraces--from anti-racism to support for theatre as a vital national industry to artistic innovation in response to the pandemic. Nina speaks and writes frequently about creativity, nonprofit management, and theatre for young audiences (TYA). She writes an invited column on creativity, empathy and art, and family connection, and is regularly published in on-line magazines.Her work has been spotlighted in the Los Angeles Times, American Theatre Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, Barron’s, NBC News, and CBS News. Nina holds a BS in theatre from Northwestern University and a Master's of Nonprofit Administration from the University of San Francisco. She is also a certified yoga instructor.  

Humans make mistakes!  It’s just one of the undeniable truths about being humans.  Sometimes they’re big mistakes, sometimes they’re small, but whatever the case, shame is a dark and moist bedfellow (ew!) of those mistakes, and in this episode, Dr Andrea Hollingsworth (www.hollingsworthconsulting.com) and I talk about how to own up to your mistakes, and how to move through them with strength and compassion for the damage we may have done, and compassion for ourselves as we recover from those mistakes and learn and grow from them so we don’t repeat unhealthy and destructive patterns.We talk aboutWeak times that lead to weak responsesHow embracing the “Brutiful truth” (thank you Rachel Hollis) can help you build self compassionThe 3 level structure of her self-compassion scaffoldParenting, and how great intent can turn into another mistake we need to recover from Want more from Dr Andrea Hollinsworth?  Here you go!Website: www.hollingsworthconsulting.com Vimeo https://vimeo.com/904573133?share=copy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-hollingsworth-ph-d-0644058b/The Alcohol Experiment by Annie Grace https://thisnakedmind.com/the-alcohol-experiment/Dr. Andrea Hollingsworth is a speaker, researcher, and seasoned psychotherapist who has spent decades studying the transformative power of compassion and self-compassion in life and leadership. Andrea’s articles on the science and spirituality of compassion have been published more than a dozen times in peer-reviewed journals, and she’s taught at prestigious institutions like Princeton and Boston University. Today, she spends most of her time helping leaders use her Compassion Advantage framework to boost emotional wellbeing, fight shame and perfectionism, increase resilience, and solve workplace problems. She lives with her family in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

For some reason, we all think we are supposed to know everything…and have it all figured out by the second rodeo, and as I saw posted on social media lately, that doesn’t seem like enough  rodeos!  This week’s guest Joshua Berry wrote a book called Dare to be Naïve (www.daretobenaive.com) and in this episode, we talk about curiosity, intentionality, and all the lessons along the way that show us how much we have to learn!  In this super fun and fast moving episode we talk about Joshua’s experience with a Vipassana retreat, and how it led him to listen to his gut (and the little creatures in there…I’m not kidding!), think very carefully about the should, and led so some of the amazing work he is doing now, helping people think more intentionally and problem solve for the issues of today rather than how we’ve always done it.  Enjoy this episode with Joshua Berry.  Want more from Joshua? Website: www.econic.coDare to Be Naive (Joshua's book): www.daretobenaive.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joshberrygphrJoshua Berry is a world-class facilitator of change. As an author, speaker, entrepreneur, and director of Econic, Joshua has spent the last two decades evolving the what, who, and why of Fortune 500 companies and venture-backed startups. For employees and leaders looking to grow themselves and their organizations, Joshua speaks on overcoming limiting beliefs, adaptive leadership, and the innovation systems and mindsets that create engines for growth.

Life is full of ups and downs.  Imposter syndrome is a real thing.  I always joke that we know too much about ourselves, everything we've messed up, gotten wrong and generally screwed up!  It makes confidence kinda hard!  This week I welcome James Robilotta, Professional Speaker and Improv Comedian, to talk about his journey and all the lessons he's learned!  He's frequently witty.  He's always fresh, and this episode does not disappoint!@JamesTRobo on the socials if you want to get theRobo Giggles on the regular!James Robilotta (https://jamestrobo.com/) is an author, speaker, personal coach, emcee, and entrepreneur.  His book, Leading Imperfectly is available wherever people buy books. He speaks internationally to willing and unwilling attendees about authentic leadership, vulnerability, and storytelling. His clients include AMEX, GE, and many others.  His podcast is called “Diner Talks with James” and it’s new so he’s a little insecure about it but it’s also pretty great.  To learn more, visit his website JamesTRobo.com.

Did you know that organizations with more women and people of color can have up to 30% more profits?  Did you know that more inclusive workplaces have increased employee engagement and retention?  Bottom line aside, the world is a better place when we can create equality, inclusion and belonging, so this week I've invited DEI speaker and consultant Bernadette Smith (www.BernadetteSmith.com) to demystify DEI for us!  In this we talk aboutWhat happens when we mess it up! (because we will!)How to communicate about DEI issuesThe huge role that curiosity playsWhy Bernadette got into this work, and some of the transformational experiences that got her here!For more on Bernadette, check out her website www.BernadetteSmith.comOr join her weekly e-mail list that brings good news and inspirational DEI policies!  https://www.theequalityinstitute.com/5-thingsOr grab her book!  https://www.amazon.com/Inclusive-360-Solutions-Equitable-Organization/dp/1737635410Bernadette Smith is founder and CEO of Equality Institute and award-winning author of four books, including the bestseller Inclusive 360: Proven Solutions for an Equitable Organization.Bernadette has presented to enthusiastic audiences of CEOs, associations, entrepreneurs, leadership teams, sales professionals, account executives, marketing executives, human resource managers and more. Her expertise has been sought after by the New York Times, Forbes, the Washington Post, and Fast Company, among many others, and she’s appeared on the Today Show, the BBC, National Public Radio, and CNN.Bernadette has been named one of Chicago’s Notable LGBTQ Executives by Crain’s Chicago Business and hosts the weekly podcast 5 Things in 15 Minutes: Bringing Good Vibes to DEI. When she’s not busy speaking, you can probably find her on a local pickleball court!

It's funny how old sayings often contradict facts, but often it's not the saying...it's the re-telling of the saying!   Science shows that cultivating your Curiosity is a VERY good thing...so did Curiosity actually kill the cat?  Listen to this quick shortie podcast, and then go get curious!  

Security....boy that would be nice!  Having a destination that we can strive for, and than will never change.  Well that's just not how this life works, so this week I welcome Kristen Henry (https://www.wideningyouraperture.com/) to talk about change, and navigating the challenge of imperminence!In this episode we talk aboutSacrifices we sometimes have to make, but when we have a why, they're much easier!The questions to ask yourself when you're ready for a changeHow saying  yes should be to YOURSELF as well as to other people!Want more?  Check out Kristen's website https://www.wideningyouraperture.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wideningyouraperture/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100056873366812LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrykristen/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDgySiVcsbDKNO5_VewnZzQEnjoy my guest spot on her podcast!  https://ignitingyourcourage.com/blog/2024/01/05/ignite-your-shift-building-resilience-in-the-fires-of-change/Thanks for listening!  

This episode will make you think!  There are no easy answers, nothing is black and white, and this week's guest Jess Pettitt (https://jesspettitt.com/) and I wander down a bunch of uncomfortable paths!  This is something she has been doing with her audiences and clients for decades, and she is a master at giving people permission to sit in the discomfort of commonly challenging topics like INCLUSION and CHANGE and LUNCH MEATS!  (ok, I added that last one.  I have baloney on the brain....you'll see why once you listen to this episode!)  Open your mind, set aside emotion, and engage in this brilliant academic exercise with us, to help make you stronger when the challenges aren't so academic...and they join you in your kitchen!We chat aboutSelf awareness being the first step to true changeHow change doesn't have to come in big leaps...in fact, it sticks better if it doesn't.War criminalsspreadable cheeseInclusionTough ConversationsBologna (baloney?)Prison ReformAbortionWhen to order more appetizers!There's a little something for everyone, so buckle up and enjoy!If you want more from Jess, go to https://jesspettitt.com/  Thanks for wandering down this road with us!  

Sometimes it's great to connect with old friends and talk about...whatever!  In this case, I reconnect with Jacques Lopez (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueslopez/ ) , a friend I met while traveling to the Antarctica Marathon!  We found out that we had a very similar upbringing, growing up all over the world as gypsys (essentially) and this fabulous conversation hits on a bunch of topics, as Jacques shares some amazing insights on life, the power of curiosity and thriving despite unknowns.  Jacques Lopez grew up as a global traveler in a US Embassy family. Born in Guatemala, family travels took him around the world where “normal” was less defined and imbued him with a strong sense of tolerance and gratitude! After years of diversity in work and residence, Jacques happily works in cybersecurity where he is now CRO at CodeLock. Jacques resides in NH with his wife, Jenny, their two kids, two cats, and a dog.

In this episode, your host Anne Bonney (https://annebonney.ninja) chats about the difference between change and transitions, and how it's the transitions that are the hard part!  

We humans like to know!  We like to know what's going to happen, what to expect, what's coming next, but the fact is, we usually don't, and when we think we do know, it's frankly, an illusion!  Author Maggie Jackson (www.maggie-jackson.com) dove deep into the world of uncertainty, how our brain deals with it, and how, even though it sucks when we're in the middle of it, it's actually a really good thing!  In this FASCINATING episode you'll learn more about how uncertainty can sharpen your brain, your resilience and your ability to overcome obstacles!  Enjoy. Want more from Maggie?  You've got it.  www.maggie-jackson.comTwitter (X) - @maggie8jacksonlinked in - maggie jacksonCNN Op Ed: https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/03/opinions/uncertainty-is-good-for-you-jackson/index.htmlTempleton Ideas Podcast: https://www.templeton.org/news/how-uncertainty-can-lead-to-childlike-wonderMaggie Jackson is an award-winning author and journalist known for her pioneering writings on social trends. Her new book, Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure, explores why we should seek not-knowing in times of flux. Nominated for a National Book Award, Uncertain is a must-read of the Next Big Idea Club. Maggie’s acclaimed book Distracted sparked a global conversation on the steep costs of fragmenting our attention. A former columnist for the Boston Globe, Maggie has written for many other publications and her writings have been translated into multiple languages.

Laurie Haley is a leader in her industry!  She has risen to executive level in the male-dominated industry of IT/Cyber Security.  She is raising 4 children as a single parent.  Se is juggling it all, and in this episode, we talk about raising young people, not only our own children, but the younger people in the workplace!  We talk aboutthe responsibility of leadershipraising children in today's tech-infested world.Shifting your thinking and leading for the situation at hand rather than for your past!Want more from Laurie?  Find her on LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriehaley/ 

Meditation...something that makes a lot of people uncomfortable!  During a 10-day Vipassana Meditation Course (https://www.dhamma.org/) , you spend 10 days not interacting with anyone and meditation for 1-2 hours stretches for 10 hours every day!  It was hard, which is exactly why I went, but it was a much richer (and more hilarious) experience than I could have imagined!  Join me for the straight poop on my 10 day silent meditation experience!  And if you want more information on the 200 Vipassana course centers around the world, go to https://www.dhamma.org/

People may roll their eyes at pageants, but that will change after you listen to this episode.  Young people like Tori Leto (https://linktr.ee/ToriLeto) are changing the game by being courageously authentic, and preserving their sense of self…and still winning!  In this inspiring episode, we talk about the challenges and successes, the mental health challenges, the resistance and the victory!  You won’t want to miss this inspiring and courage igniting episode.  Be sure to listen all the way to the end for the results of the pagaent she mentions in the episode that would fund some of her masters work to help her continue the amazing work she's doing with Brighter Times.   Want more from Tori?  Here are the links!  https://linktr.ee/brightertimes?utm_source=qr_codehttps://linktr.ee/ToriLetohttps://www.brightertimesrc.com/https://www.brightertimescan.org/

Public Speaking: Most people would rather wear a tutu of angry bees than get up and speak on stage.  Addtionally, in this day and age, we're being asked to speak on camera a lot as well, for promotional and presentation purposes, and a lot of people are SUPER uncomfortable with that.  This week's guest Linda Ugelow (https://www.lindaugelow.com/ ) was one of those people, so she overcame her fear, and is now a professional speaker!  She helps people reduce that anxiety, and boldly professes to help them Delight in the Limelight (which is also the name of her book!) INb this episode we talk aboutIdentifying why public speaking makes you so uncomfortableClearing those blocks, and upgrading your programming to reduce that fearWhy this is such a helpful process for speaking in person and on camera If you're one of those people who hates public speaking, Linda's unique approach could be just what you need!First, grab that free Empowerment Kit she mentioned on the episode.  https://www.lindaugelow.com/empowermentkit/Want more from Linda?    Website: https://www.lindaugelow.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linda.ugelow/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindaugelow/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindaugelow Podcast:https://www.lindaugelow.com/ditl-podcast/ Thanks for listening!