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.  

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

Today, I’m speaking with Bishop Jennifer Reddall, the sixth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona and the first woman to serve in that role. A graduate of Yale University with a degree in Theater Studies, Bishop Reddall has long understood the power of storytelling.  In our conversation, Bishop Reddall shares how being a witness to the stories of people and communities is central to her leadership. As is emphasizing the importance of joy, celebration, and affirming the unique contributions of each individual and community.  Thanks for listening! Interested to learn more about Arianne's leadership coaching and the ways she partners with leaders, organizations and communities? Click here  Bio Bishop Jennifer A. Reddall is the sixth and first female bishop of the Diocese of Arizona. Elected in 2018 and ordained in 2019, she previously served as rector of Church of the Epiphany in New York City. She leads 64 worshiping communities, fostering deep faith, inclusivity, and discipleship. A collaborative leader, she prioritizes pastoral care for clergy, diocesan unity, evangelism in Hispanic and Latino communities, and advocacy for antiracism, creation care, and immigrant support. A California native, she holds a Yale degree in Theater Studies and is a former Episcopal Service Corps member. 

Today I'm speaking with Leadership Coach Dan Henderson, who spent years building a career in business—founding companies, working in venture capital, and leading major acquisitions - until an undiagonosed discovery changed the trajectory of his career and set him on a journey—not just of understanding himself, but of reframing his entire story. In this conversation, Dan shares how he transformed what he once saw as a deficit into his greatest strength. We dive into the emotional landscape of leadership, the power of finding community, and why the stories we tell ourselves—especially the ones about not being ‘enough’—deserve to be challenged. Thanks for listening! Interested to learn more about Arianne's leadership coaching and the ways she partners with leaders, organizations and communities? Click here  Bio Dan Henderson spent nearly three decades building and successfully exiting high-growth businesses as a founder, venture investor, and corporate development executive. He played key roles in companies like FastSoft (acquired by Akamai) and BeClose (incubated at Alarm.com), led global M&A for 3Pillar Global, and invested in startups that achieved valuations in the hundreds of millions. Now an ICF-accredited leadership coach and Founder of Gravity Insights he helps business leaders navigate growth, blind spots, and work-life balance with insight from his own journey. He also volunteers as a business advisor, plays fiddle in an award-winning bluegrass band, and lives in Falls Church, VA, with his family and an assortment of pets.    

“I realized what I wanted hadn’t been invented yet.” Today I’m speaking with Callie Swanlund—Episcopal priest, retreat leader, spiritual companion, and coach—about her journey to finding fulfillment and helping others do the same. Author of From Weary to Wholehearted: A Restorative Resource for Overcoming Clergy Burnout, Callie shares how creativity, play, and rest can help us live into who we’re called to be. I hope this sparks reflection on your own journey. Thanks for listening and sharing!" Interested to learn more about Arianne's leadership coaching and the ways she partners with leaders, organizations and communities? Click here  Bio Callie Swanlund is an Episcopal priest, retreat leader, spiritual companion, and coach who helps others know their belovedness and find their Spark. Her new book, From Weary to Wholehearted, is a restorative resource for overcoming ministry burnout. Callie is a creative minister and leads individuals and groups in the work of Dr. Brené Brown as a Certified Daring Way Facilitator. Her How2charist: Digital Instructed Eucharist film has reached Christians and curious individuals around the world, and her Wholehearted Wisdom movement invites others into deeper reflection and connection across social media. Callie is an Episcopal Church Foundation Fellow and has keynoted such conferences as: Kanuga Christian Formation Conference, Episcopal Communicators Annual Conference, and Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers Annual Conference. She lives in Philadelphia with her co-dreaming partner Jeremy, their two tween/teen children, and a rescue pup named Rufus. www.callieswanlund.com | callie@callieswanlund.com

You may be familiar with the idea of love languages – a way to understand how we express and receive love in romantic relationships. But what about the relationships we have in and with our work and leadership? In this episode, I explore how connecting with our heart language can transform the way we show up, listen, and engage. My guest, Sandra Dorsainvil, embodies this deeply. As an ordained minister, leadership coach, and retreat facilitator, Sandra’s work is rooted in meaningful questions and deep listening. Her bilingual fluency and cross-cultural experience bring rich perspective to coaching and supporting BIPOC women in leadership. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about vulnerability, connection, and leading with heart. 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 Sandra on her site, read her article "Take A Breath", and listen on YouTube! Bio The Rev. Sandra Dorsainvil is an ordained minister with the American Baptist Churches, USA, and a certified coach with the International Coaching Federation. She serves as a ministry coach and retreat facilitator with The Center for Career Development and Ministry, and through her private practice, she offers coaching to BIPOC women in leadership. With bilingual fluency in English and French and cross-cultural experience across Africa, Europe, and North America, Sandra brings a sensitive and unique approach to her work. Sandra holds graduate degrees in pastoral ministry, rehabilitation counseling, and psychology. She has over 35 years of experience in counseling, advocacy, program development, pastoral leadership, and international ministry. A published author and regular contributor to The Christian Citizen, Sandra’s passion lies in deep listening, presence, and prayerful engagement. In her free time, she enjoys paddleboarding, beach vacations, and time with her grandchildren.

"Helping families learn to communicate effectively, define shared values, engage in philanthropy feels very much like pastoral care." In this episode, I'm speaking with Luke Jernagan, an Episcopal priest whose journey led him beyond traditional church walls. After experiencing burnout in congregational ministry, Luke finds himself intersecting with generations of families as the Managing Director of Family Learning in a multi-family advisement firm. His story reminds us that our vocational paths often extend far beyond conventional boundaries, inviting us to consider how our own gifts might flourish in unexpected places.  Thanks for listening! Interested to learn more about Arianne's leadership coaching and the ways she partners with leaders, organizations and communities? Click here  Guest Bio Luke joined Matter Family Office in 2022 after 15 years as an Episcopal priest, bringing his passion for helping people navigate life’s joys and challenges. As Managing Director of Family Learning, he helps families strengthen relationships, communicate effectively, and focus on what matters most. Luke also leads Matter’s Culture & Learning committee, crafting practices to foster continuous growth. Previously, he served as Rector of St. Peter’s Church in Ladue, Missouri, where he remains a Priest Associate, and he is president of the Cricket Island Foundation, supporting youth-led social change.

"Real authority comes from integrity." Today I'm speaking with Nathan Kirkpatrick one of the principal consultants of Saison Consulting, LLC leading faith communities and organizations in strategic visioning and growth. And we are talking aboutthe backstage work of aligning our values with our leadership. It is a choice to authentically and intentionally share your story as a leader.  Doing so builds trust and connection when it is done with integrity. Thanks Nathan for sharing so thoughtfully in this conversation!. Thanks for listening. Interested to learn more about Arianne's leadership coaching and the ways she partners with leaders, organizations and communities? Click here  Connect with Nathan Kirkpatrick and Saison Consulting. Bio Nathan Kirkpatrick is one of the principal consultants of Saison Consulting, LLC, an Episcopal priest, former Managing Director of Alban at Duke Divinity School (2014–2021) and Leadership Education at Duke Divinity (2007–2021), he has worked with hundreds of congregations nationwide, from rural Oregon to New York City. His expertise includes facilitating strategic visioning for organizations and teaching in the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising through the Lilly Endowment-supported Lake Institute on Faith & Giving. Nathan regularly trains leaders globally on change management, innovation, sustainability, and leadership. Outside of work, his passions include photography, wine, cooking, running, and cycling.

“Our truest personhood, lies in the freedom of being who we are, in our own unique createdness.” Today I’m speaking with Ilia Delio, a Franciscan, theologian, author, and Chair of Theology at Villanova University - and this is not just a conversation for theologians! We delve into Delio's unique perspective on the intersection of science and religion, discuss the themes of wholeness, love as the highest form of knowing, and the importance of embracing change in spiritual growth. Delio is also the founder of the Center for Christogenesis which fosters dialogue and education on the intersection of faith and science, aiming to inspire a transformative understanding of Christianity.  I am so grateful that she joined me and to be able to share her work with 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  Learn more about Ilia Delio Connect with Ilia Delio and The Center for Christogenesis Watch and listen to the lecture God, Evolution and The Power of Love I refer to in our conversation.

"Our human spirituality flows out from our relationship with the earth."  Today I'm speaking with Mark Wastler, Episcopal priest, farmer, spiritual director and founder of Chesapeake Watershed Ministries and together, we explore the themes of listening, creation, and embodied wisdom. We dive into our vocational portfolios and discuss how they continue to shape our understanding of who we are, our leadership, and our spirituality in this ongoing journey of becoming more attentive and present to our truest selves.  Interested to learn more about Arianne's leadership coaching and the ways she partners with leaders, organizations and communities? Click here  Bio Mark Wastler is a farmer, priest, conservationist, and spiritual director. He is the founder and executive director of Chesapeake Watershed Ministries, a non-profit organization helping reconnect human spirituality with local ecology. Learn more about Mark and this transformative work  at chesapeakewatershedministries.org  

"Let's do the work, listen to each other and trust our own selves." Today I'm speaking with my friend and colleague, the Rev. Canon Erika von Haaren who I spoke with for the episode "Being Seen for Who We Are" in 2023. In her leadership roles Erika guides communities and individuals to do the work of true listening. That precious skill that takes time, encourages others, and models curious inquisitiveness that is more about creating solutions than finding the right answers.  So what happens when we use that same listening skill to get curious about ourselves - and are surprised by who we are turning out to be?  Thanks to Erika for sharing so generously from her professional and personal experience - and thank you for listening! Interested to learn more about Arianne's leadership coaching and the ways she partners with leaders, organizations and communities? Click here  Bio The Rev. Canon Erika von Haaren is an Episcopal priest, Enneagram coach, and mother of three pretty great kids. She currently serves as Priest in Charge at Trinity Cathedral in Phoenix, Arizona where she is focusing her energy on strategic change management for their future. She serves as President of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Arizona, and as a mentor-coach of the VTS Thriving in Ministry Program; and also created the Practical Priest Formation Program to develop new priests in their ministries. She is a weightlifter, newly avid bird-watcher, and member of the Phoenix Women’s Chorus. Find her at www.havenconsultingaz.com. 

"The constant embracing of whatever is and saying yes!" Join me as I chat with Rev. Joe Hensley about the fascinating blend of spirituality, leadership, and imagination. From his unique path to the priesthood, Joe offers deep insights on how imagination and vulnerability shape his ministry and leadership. Interested to learn more about Arianne's leadership coaching and the ways she partners with leaders, organizations and communities? Click here  Bio The Rev. Joe Hensley (he/him) grew up in Greensboro, NC and attended the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics and UNC Chapel Hill (BA Philosophy 1996). A monastery experience at age 23 helped cement his commitment to Christ. He later worked as a professional youth minister and for a community mediation center. At age 33, he graduated (DMin) from Virginia Theological Seminary and was ordained an Episcopal deacon and then priest in 2007. He served as assistant rector at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Durham, NC from 2007 until 2014. Since 2015, he has been rector of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Fredericksburg, VA. Joe loves exploring a playful path of “holy foolishness” which seeks joy in the midst of failure and hilarious grace in the midst of chaos. He is committed to his own work toward justice and healing and dismantling all forms of oppression which inhibit our flourishing as God’s beloved children. Joe, who also goes by “Jody,” and his spouse of 25 years, Sarah White, have had four children, Lucy, Alice (deceased 2005), Stella, and Owen. Along the way, he has had gigs as a musician, Outward Bound instructor, and performing clown (“Ashes”). He loves singing, playing and exercising outside, contemplative practices, and making holy mischief.

“Once I became I priest, I realized I had to be more rigorous about my own healing.” Today my guest is Hugh Grant, an Episcopal priest and psychotherapist trained in Internal Family Systems and EMDR modalities. We explore how multiple vocational identities intersect and enrich our work and abilities to serve others, as well as contually challenge and support our own personal growth. I hope our conversation prompts your reflection on what challenges and supports you in your life and professional pursuits. Thanks for listening.  Interested to learn more about Arianne's leadership coaching and the ways she partners with leaders, organizations and communities? Click here  Interested to connect with Hugh Grant? Click here  And Click here for a transcript of our conversation. Bio A Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2000, Hugh is trained and certified in the Internal Family Systems model of psychotherapy and in EMDR.  In addition to hig work as a psychotherapist, Hugh serves as an assistant priest at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Orcas Island.

Welcome back to Feeling Beings Who Think! As we kick off Season 3, I'm thrilled to bring you more conversations about vocational callings and leadership. Have you ever considered how your past careers have shaped who you are today? Many clergy and leadership coaches, including some of our guests, have walked diverse professional paths before finding their calling to guide others. When was the last time you reflected on the skills and insights you've gained from jobs that seem worlds apart from your current role? Each experience, no matter how different it may appear, has contributed to your unique perspective and abilities. That’s what we’re exploring in this season. I hope this episode sparks some personal reflection on your own vocational path. What unexpected lessons have your past roles taught you? How have they prepared you for where you are now? **Want to learn more about leadership coaching, workshops or retreats?** It's a journey of self-discovery and growth. A spiritual practice that enriches your life and sparks growth in others.