Feeling Beings Who Think

“What’s the story leading you to believe you have to be a different version of yourself?” Today I'm speaking with Dr. Tony Cerella, a former U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel who is now a coach, facilitator, and storyteller. Tony shares his journey of formative military service, highlighting the difficult experiences that shaped his vocation and personal growth. We also speak about the joys and challenges of transitioning from clearly defined careers into a life of self-directed leadership, the value of coaching, and cultivating new, nourishing communities. I hope this conversation prompts some reflection and learning for you!  Thanks for listening. Interested to learn more about Arianne's leadership coaching and the ways she partners with leaders, organizations and communities? Click here  Click here to connect with Dr Tony Cerella Click here for a transcript of our conversation Tony's Bio During his 23 years of international military service, Tony excelled in challenging multinational assignments as a follower and leader. He passionately develops emerging talent and leads cohesive teams. Tony models positive behaviors, shares wisdom, and creates safe spaces for constructive vulnerability. Since Tony’s transition from military service was positively influenced by coaching, he easily and excitably shifted from Army officer to coach. As a coach Tony uses compassion to explore opportunities for new perspectives and balance. He is a steady hand who listens deeply and connects with people from diverse backgrounds. As a coach and facilitator, Tony brings experience, humor, and empathy to create opportunities for growth.  Tony is curious, dependable, and loves to share laughter. His friends say that he is a generous soul and a thoughtful storyteller.

Welcome to Season Two! Today my guest is Bishop Coadjutor-Elect of Maryland, Carrie Schofield-Broadbent. Thanks for listening! To learn more about my work click here. To check out my bookshelf on Bookshop.org click here (this is an affiliate link) To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland click here Bishop Carrie - Bio Bishop Coadjutor-Elect of Maryland, Carrie Schofield-Broadbent, (she/her) identifies her own core values of ministry as: trust and relationships, truth and transparency, and compassion and faithfulness. These qualities reveal themselves in who God has created her to be: a bridge-builder, someone who is not afraid of tough conversations, and an encourager – grounded in integrity, creativity, and the love of Jesus. Open to the movement of the Holy Spirit, her collaborative leadership style combines strength, graciousness, authenticity, strategy and a generous sense of humor. Deeply committed to honoring the dignity of every human being, Bishop-elect Carrie consistently attends to her own work around race, climate change, economic justice, and full-inclusion of LGBTQAI+ persons and is committed to helping the Church grow in these areas. Bishop-elect Carrie has consulted with clergy, lay leaders, vestries and congregations across the Church who are experiencing conflict. She graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary in 2003 and is a trainer with the College for Congregational Development. She will be consecrated September 16, 2023 at Washington National Cathedral. Bishop-elect Carrie is married to her husband, Keith. Their children are Will (19), who is a sophomore at SUNY ESF and Kate (17), who is a junior in high school. They have two dogs and enjoy traveling, camping, kayaking, and hiking together. In her free time, she is a hobby potter and also dabbles in painting and quilting. She also loves to read, practice yoga, nurture friendships, and cultivate her growing love of houseplants. 

What is your calling? Do you have more than one? Is your calling what drives your career? How about your vocation? When I was a kid, I thought we got one – one calling, one career - and our job was too perfect it. It didn’t turn out that way – thank God. And I share that sentiment with many friends and colleagues. In my conversation today with Lisa Tilstra, a leadership coach, consultant, facilitator, and creator and host of the podcast “Make Life Less Difficult," I ask her to share some of her story about one of her earliest professional titles – that of chaplain. Google chaplain, and you’ll discover a chaplain is a spiritual companion. Ordination isn’t the point or a necessity – what is necessary is a heart that is drawn to bear witness to the holy humanity within each one of us. Humanity we choose to share in our stories. Lisa, in my opinion, is still a spiritual companion, if not technically, a chaplain. She lives into a purposeful calling to encourage people to share their stories in varied formats, workshops and conversations. What a gift and a joy to learn more about the thoughts and feelings that came from those experiences and to find those places of support and resonance that come through intentional conversation.  Lisa Tilstra - Bio Originally from the United States, Lisa has lived and worked in the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, France, and currently, Sri Lanka. Her work extends around the globe. She’s served individual coaching clients from 20+ countries, conducting training in over 30 countries, and had participants in her courses from over 80 countries. Lisa summarizes her work via a quote by Mary Anne Evans (aka George Eliot): "What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?" She hosts a podcast, Make Life Less Difficult, that is based on exploring what it means to make life less difficult for each other. Lisa is married to John, a US Diplomat. Together, they enjoy paragliding, rock climbing, sailing, outdoor adventuring, travel, and managing a real estate investment business. Click here for Lisa's website.  Click here for Lisa on LinkedIn. Lisa's podcast, Make Life Less Difficult, can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. Click here for the conversation with Greg Boyle and Krista Tippett that Lisa and I discussed!

Theologian and author Howard Thurman once said, "We are attracted to the sound of the genuine." Episcopal priest and my good friend and colleague, the Rev. Mark Robin Collins is about as genuine as it gets. I hope you enjoy his wit and wisdom as much as I do as we share what we think about the energizing and perplexing feelings we have as pastors in a genuinely challenging time for the church - along with some other topics like parents, grief, and that imposter syndrome! The Rev. Mark Robin Collins is an Episcopal priest and rector of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Glen Rock, New Jersey. He serves on the Commission on Ministry for the Diocese of Newark and is co-chair of the diocese’s Strategic Visioning process. Previously, he served at Christ & St. Stephen’s and Church of the Holy Trinity in Manhattan after graduating from General Theological Seminary in New York with prizes for preaching and church history. His seminary experience included study at Canterbury Cathedral in England as a Canterbury Scholar. Mark’s other ministries include being a parish Stewardship consultant and leading retreats for LGBTQ+ people recovering from addiction. Prior to seminary, Mark worked as a fundraiser for the International Rescue Committee, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and City Harvest. Mark has been an abortion rights advocate and clinic defender, AIDS activist and fundraiser, and an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He and his husband Denton will celebrate the 27th year of their relationship later this year. Yes, that is a slight Southern accent -- Mark is originally from Memphis, Tennessee.  

A season-closing reflection on leadership as the work all of us are called to do in service of our emotional and spiritual growth as human beings. In this episode you will come away with:  A reframing of leadership beyond roles, titles, and approval Why emotional maturity is central to effective leadership A real story about holding anxiety, conflict, and disappointment without fixing or avoiding An invitation to reflect on where your leadership is asking you to grow and celebrate where you've grown. Thanks for listening - and for the work you do in the world.  Connect with me at www.ariannerice.com Thanks for listening to Feeling Beings Who Think! If this work supports you in yours please take a moment to rate and review this episode.

Good facilitators are attuned to the anxiety present in any room. Great facilitators understand that anxiety is energy waiting to be transformed into curiosity and engagement in service of growth and learning. In this episode, I’m joined by Meg Bolger, a facilitator’s facilitator and the creator of Facilitator Cards. Together, we explore facilitation isn’t just for workshops and brainstorming meetings, but in everyday leadership that cares about making room for being human in spaces where we hope to hold honest, meaningful, and sometimes challenging conversations. Meg shares practical insights and clear do’s and don’ts for skillful facilitation, offering tools to help you design meetings and gatherings that truly support the purpose and goals of the group. And yes these skills apply just as much to worship and other sacred or meaningful gatherings (I’m talking to you, my clergy friends). You’ll come away with: How to move beyond open-ended questions and structure participation so more voices are heard Why group size and simple materials are powerful levers for engagement (in person and online) How trust is built before the meeting even starts through clarity, logistics, and care for people’s experience Connect with me at www.ariannerice.com Thanks for listening to Feeling Beings Who Think! If this work supports you in yours please take a moment to rate and review this episode. Guest Bio: Meg Bolger has spent over a decade teaching people how to facilitate meaningful, inclusive group experiences. She specializes in foundational facilitation skills and practical processes that help groups think, decide, and connect more effectively. Learn more about Meg’s work and Facilitator Cards: https://facilitator.cards

It's hard working with volunteers! You're thrilled they are giving their time and talents to support the mission and you have to support them in how to best help you. Volunteer-based systems create a unique leadership dynamic: you are accountable with the very people you lead. Without clear structures, this often leads to over-functioning, unproductive meetings, and burnout. In this episode, you’ll explore: Why working with volunteers requires a different leadership posture How over-functioning shows up in nonprofit and church leadership A five-discipline framework for coaching your board or vestry as a team How clarity and connection can reduce burnout and build shared accountability If you lead in a volunteer-driven organization and want a steadier, more sustainable way forward, this episode offers a framework you can apply immediately. Click here for more information on the lay retreat and clergy retreat I'll be leading in the Episcopal Diocese of Newark in February and March 2026. Connect with me at www.ariannerice.com Thanks for listening to Feeling Beings Who Think! If this work supports you in yours please take a moment to rate and review this episode.

You are part of a system. A network of relationships at work, at home and in the world. What does it mean to lead knowing these are all living systems that you influence and are influenced by?  Today I'm speaking with leadership and team coach and coach supervisor Judy Wolf about how groups clarify purpose, navigate discomfort, build trust, and learn together over time. Judy shares a practical five-part framework for leading within complex nonprofit, faith-based, and community systems grounded in presence, awareness, and what happens between people. Connect with me at www.ariannerice.com Thanks for listening to Feeling Beings Who Think! If this work supports you in yours please take a moment to rate and review this episode. Bio - Judy Wolf Judy Wolf is an executive and team coach and coach supervisor, holding advanced accreditations from both the ICF and EMCC. She partners with heart-centered, service-driven leaders and organizations to strengthen trust, collaboration, and systemic effectiveness across boards, staff, and communities. Judy brings experience across Fortune 100 companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, and serves on the board of Coaching for Social Justice. Her work blends emotional, social, and somatic intelligence, informed by mindfulness, neuroscience, facilitation, and mediation. You can connect with Judy on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/judywolf1/) or learn more about her work at https://judywolf.com/.

Your relationship with time and attention are dictating how you use these gifts in service of all you do. Have you asked yourself the important question: What has shaped my relationship with time? In this short reflection I share the value of exploring time and attention as relational gifts, not scarce commodities, and to notice how urgency, fear, and values quietly shape the decisions you’re making. Learn to reframe time and attention as relational, not transactional Gain insight into how urgency and scarcity influence decisions Takeaway a simple reflective writing practice to support your ability to make choices from a place of alignment, instead of pressure Connect with me at www.ariannerice.com Thanks for listening to Feeling Beings Who Think! If this work supports you in yours please take a moment to rate and review this episode.

Today I'm speaking with leadership strategist, coach, and writer Jennifer England, host of the podcast The Tension of Emergence. Jennifer joined me from her home in the Yukon, and we explored how wild landscapes, deep silence, and contemplative practice have shaped her leadership, her spirituality, and the way she supports social change makers. Together we talk about: What “emergence” really means in our lives, leadership, and spiritual work Why unpredictability, friction, and tension are often the catalysts for real transformation Our cultural obsession with mastery and control—and what becomes possible when we loosen our grip The inner capacities that allow leaders to stay present, grounded, and connected How core agreements and belonging create healthier, more courageous communities and teams This conversation invites you to notice what might be taking shape in your own life, not fully formed, not planned, but quietly emerging. My hope is that it helps you meet that unfolding with curiosity, courage, and a bit more spaciousness. If this conversation supports you: Please take a moment to rate or review the podcast it truly helps others discover the show. 👉 A simple practice of building core agreements is outlined here. 🌿 Learn how I support clergy and nonprofit leaders in leading with clarity, courage, and heart. Bio: Jennifer England Jennifer England equips leaders and teams to pursue soul-aligned missions for the collective good. A Master Integral Coach™, Executive Team Coach and skilled facilitator, she works with high-performing leaders to expand their impact and fulfillment. Known for cultivating adaptability and emergent collaboration, Jennifer helps leadership teams thrive amid uncertainty and change. In 2019, she founded Spark Coaching + Consulting to bring together her passion for inner development, leadership, and systems change. Previously, she spent two decades as an executive public servant and non-profit leader advancing gender equality and human rights across Canada. Jennifer is also the host of the Tension of Emergence podcast, where she convenes artists, philosophers, scientists, and spiritual teachers to explore transformation and systems change. She writes biweekly on Substack, and is a committed student of Zen, founder of the Wisdom North meditation collective and a life-long back-country adventurer. She is also the mother of two wild and wonderful soon-to-be adulting teens. Links:  Website: www.jenniferengland.co Substack: https://jengland.substack.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/sparkcoaching/ LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-england-7515b440/

If you’re someone who prepares for the worst, rehearses every potential disaster, or believes that thinking through every negative outcome will keep you safe then this episode is for you. I share two simple coaching practices to help you focus on what you can actually influence, release what you can’t, and meet uncertainty with more ease. Because the unknown isn’t only a place of fear it’s also where are led to surprise, delight, and wonder. If this conversation supports you: Please take a moment to rate or review the podcast it truly helps others discover the show. 👉 The simple practice of building your container is outlined here. 🌿 Learn how I support clergy and nonprofit leaders in leading with clarity, courage, and heart. Connect with me at ariannerice.com

Today I'm speaking with author and psychotherapist Estelle Frankel to talk about one of the most paradoxical spiritual truths: that wisdom grows when we allow ourselves not to know. Estelle shares insights from her book The Wisdom of Not Knowing, weaving together depth psychology, Kabbalah, Buddhism, and the simple human longing to grow into who we’re becoming. We talk about: Why uncertainty is not a threat but a doorway into wonder The spiritual and psychological “octaves” of not knowing How asking better questions can reshape your leadership and inner life What depth psychology and mysticism reveal about change, fear, and resilience The dangers of spiritual bypassing and why our parts deserve compassion How trust, hope, and curiosity help us navigate upheaval The powerful question: What is the question your life might be an answer to? Estelle’s wisdom is tender, surprising, humbling, and full of depth. This is a conversation for anyone living through ambiguity, transition, or calling. Resources & Links: The Wisdom of Not Knowing by Estelle Frankel More about Estelle: EstelleFrankel.com If this conversation supports you: Please take a moment to rate or review the podcast it truly helps others discover the show. 👉 The simple practice of building your container is outlined here. 🌿 Learn how I support clergy and nonprofit leaders in leading with clarity, courage, and heart. Chapters 00:00 — Opening & Welcome 04:33 — Estelle’s Story and Background 07:50 — Certainty, Crisis, and Becoming 10:40 — Living with Uncertainty 13:01 — Listening and Beginner’s Mind 14:59 — Psychology, Spirituality & Integration 18:45 — The Stages of Not Knowing 21:52 — IFS and Self-Compassion 28:18 — Wonder and Awe 31:40 — Mystery, Humility & the Ungraspable 35:35 — Hope and Resilience 38:20 — Trust and Repair 41:27 — Estelle’s Work & Closing

When you want to come away from a conversation with specific outcomes, it’s up to you to create the conditions for getting what you need. 🌱 In this solo episode, I’m unpacking the concept of a coaching container - an intentional framework of agreements and questions to generate a space for connection and clarity. 💬 Collaboration (and isn’t that what a conversation is?) flows much better when everyone feels seen and heard. Container-building isn’t just for coaching! It’s for any conversation that matters to you. Whether you’re preparing for a meeting, a one-on-one, or a personal conversation that requires courage and care, this episode offers a practical, immediately applicable framework for setting yourself up for success. 🌿✨ 👉 The simple practice of building your container is outlined here. 🌿 Learn how I support clergy and nonprofit leaders in leading with clarity, courage, and heart. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Coaching Containers 02:06 Defining a Coaching Container 03:37 Creating the Right Environment 06:36 The Importance of Psychological Safety 08:56 Applying Coaching Principles to Conversations 10:58 Wrap-Up

Today I’m speaking with coach and facilitator Shilpa Alimchandani and we're talking about the courageous and liberating work of how we examine the systems and contexts that shape our sense of self and leadership. Together we discuss how we view the coaching container as a sacred space.  And Shilpa shares how through movement, music, and sound, we set that space apart, quiet the noise, reconnect with our bodies, and practice presence. Shilpa is founder of Mookti Consulting partnering with mission-driven organizations to build human-centered workplaces. She brings more than 25 years in DEI, leadership development, and intercultural learning, and has facilitated in 20+ countries. As a coach, she supports women of color to lead with purpose and clarity without sacrificing values or well-being, helping clients see how social identities and systemic power dynamics shape our experiences. 👉 This is the simple practice I mention in the episode to support your leadership work. 🌿 Learn how I support clergy and nonprofit leaders in leading with clarity, courage, and heart. Connect with Shilpa Alimchandani at Mookti Consulting Chapters 00:00 The Problem Isn’t You 00:48 Welcome + Shilpa’s Story 05:18 Bridging Cultures + Finding Purpose 08:31 The Teddy Bear Story 10:27 Coaching in Context 12:13 Music, Movement, and Presence 16:05 Creating Sacred Space 20:28 Imposter Syndrome Reframed 26:34 Unlearning + Agency 30:30 Both/And Living 33:46 The Power of Music + Memory 38:22 Hope in Collapse 44:40 Closing Reflections  

In this reflection episode, I explore the two kinds of wisdom that shape the spirituality of leadership: the practical wisdom that guides what we do, and the perennial wisdom that shapes how we are. Drawing from my conversation with translator and contemplative teacher Carmen Acevedo Butcher, I share how contemplative practices strengthen our capacity for discernment, patience, and presence. The vital the inner qualities that allow us to lead with love rather than react from anxiety. I also include a simple, practical tool from The Daring Way™ framework to help bring clarity and ownership to any conversation. 👉 Try this simple practice that will ensure you and your team or board leave meetings more clear and aligned, all while building trust. 🌿 Learn how I support clergy and nonprofit leaders in leading with clarity, courage, and heart

Today I'm speaking with Carmen Acevedo Butcher award-winning translator, writer, and core faculty of The Center for Action and Contemplation. Her translations of The Cloud of Unknowing and Practice of the Presence reveals timeless wisdom for anyone drawn to contemplative life, beyond any one tradition. Together, we explore the non-binary nature of spirituality, the power of presence, and how ancient wisdom continues to speak to the questions of our modern lives. 👉 Try this simple practice that will ensure you and your team or board leave meetings more clear and aligned, all while building trust. 🌿 Learn how I support clergy and nonprofit leaders in leading with clarity, courage, and heart. Connect with Carmen Acevedo Butcher. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mystical Traditions 02:49 Carmen's Journey and Vocation 05:54 The Art of Translation as Spiritual Practice 09:05 Childhood Influences and Early Struggles 12:12 Finding Healing Through Nature and Language 15:00 The Role of Trauma in Shaping Identity 18:08 The Search for Self and Spirituality 20:53 The Complexity of Pride and Agency 23:51 Listening as a Path to Understanding 27:13 The Process of Translation and Interpretation 30:04 Beyond Binary Thinking in Spirituality 32:59 The Influence of Historical Context on Spiritual Texts 36:04 The Universal Message of The Cloud of Unknowing 38:57 Brother Lawrence and the Practice of Presence 42:11 The Importance of Grace in Spiritual Life 44:50 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

Inspired by Becca Pearce’s insights, Arianne shares a short reflection and a practice for shifting from harsh self-talk to self-compassionate clarity in leadership and life. 👉 Try this simple practice that will ensure you and your team or board leave meetings more clear and aligned, all while building trust. 🌿 Learn how I support clergy and nonprofit leaders in leading with clarity, courage, and heart. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Feeling Beings Who Think and it's purpose 03:02 Introducing Solo Episodes and Reflections 03:29 Insights from Becca Pierce 03:54 The Power of Listening 04:42 Self-Compassion and Inner Dialogue 06:24 Practical Advice for Self-Compassion 08:05 Conclusion and Call to Action

Today I’m speaking with Becca Pearce, author of You Don’t Have To Achieve To Be Loved. Becca shares how a health crisis became a turning point in her lifelong pursuit of perfection, and how forgiveness, uncertainty, and self-compassion helped her discover love and wholeness beyond achievement. If you’ve ever measured your worth by what you do - and who hasn't - this conversation will speak right to your heart. 👉 Try this simple practice that will ensure you and your team or board leave meetings more clear and aligned, all while building trust. 🌿 Learn how I support clergy and nonprofit leaders in leading with clarity, courage, and heart. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Becca Pearce 01:07 Career Journey and Challenges 03:20 Health Crisis and Transformation 05:39 The Impact of Upbringing on Health Choices 10:40 Forgiveness and Self-Compassion 17:55 Navigating Uncertainty and Change 24:06 Core Needs and Values 29:22 The Journey to Writing a Book 37:26 Conclusion and Book Release Becca Pearce is a seasoned executive coach and business strategist with years of experience helping leaders achieve their professional and personal goals. As the Founder and CEO of Extend Coaching & Consulting, she brings unique insights from her career as a former health insurance executive and her transformative personal experiences, including overcoming public failure and significant health challenges.  Her expertise lies in empowering leaders to navigate change, enhance productivity, and build lasting success through strategic planning and leadership development. Becca’s passion is helping executives and business owners lead with authenticity, innovation, and confidence.

Today I am joined by Mikaela Seligman—founder of Lumin/Us Leadership, a guide, coach, and partner to mission-driven leaders and organizations. With over 30 years of experience across nonprofits, education, philanthropy, government, and labor, Mikaela brings wisdom from roles as diverse as classroom teacher, executive director, and advisor. She shares how adaptive leadership and wholehearted transformation have shaped her path—and how she helps others walk theirs with fierce compassion. It’s a thoughtful, heart-forward conversation about vocation, mission, and becoming all of who we are in the work we do. Interested to learn more about Arianne's leadership coaching and the ways she partners with leaders, organizations and communities? Click here  You can connect with Mikaela on her website and on LinkedIn

In this episode I’m joined by my friend and colleague John Frisch—an executive coach, leadership consultant, and former CEO of the mid-Atlantic law firm Miles & Stockbridge. John’s passion for growing leaders and transforming workplace cultures is rooted in years of experience and a deep commitment to values-based leadership. In this conversation, we talk about love—not as a feeling, but as a practice, a value, and a choice. Whether it’s in our leadership, our relationships, or our calling in the world, love can be a steady, guiding force. I’m so grateful to John for showing up with honesty and curiosity. I hope our conversation inspires you to ask yourself, especially when facing a challenge: What would love do? Interested to learn more about Arianne's leadership coaching and the ways she partners with leaders, organizations and communities? Click here  You can connect with John and Shawan Leadership on LinkedIn