The Meaningful Shift Podcast

In a time where so much feels so scary and out of our control, I really appreciated this conversation with Kathy. Her wisdom reminded me of the agency we all have to choose happiness. We have the power to transform ourselves and also the power to transform our world.I hope this conversation encourages you to step boldly into the transitions in your own life. There’s a new you waiting, and a new world waiting for us all. 💖Show Notes:In this episode we hear from Kathy Hampton, a transformational life coach, wellness practice facilitator, and founder of Wellside Retreats. Kathy shares her inspirational journey from an unfulfilling career as a law librarian to embracing happiness through transformational life coaching, walking away from an unhealthy marriage, and building a new life in Portugal. Kathy emphasizes the significance of community, journaling, and overcoming fear to achieve true joy and fulfillment.00:00 Introduction to The Meaningful Shift01:21 Introducing Kathy Hampton03:41 Focusing on Black Women Over 5006:53 Making Major Life Changes21:54 Building Community Through Retreats31:20 Final Thoughts and Takeaways–If you have a comment, question, or any recommended guests hit me on Substack or DM me on Instagram, I would love to chat :)The Meaningful Shift NewsletterInstagramMusic by Auxjack from Epidemic SoundSpecial thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote.ResourcesWellside RetreatsHow We Heal: Uncover Your Power and Set Yourself Free by Alexandra ElleMel Robbins PodcastYou Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen SinceroCasa Elm in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themeaningfulshift.substack.com

Art can save your life. I know this for certain because it’s the only thing that’s saving me right now. My creative practice is my balm…Art can also change your life and I loved talking with Jodine about how art has changed hers.I hope you enjoy this conversation and consider how you might be able to support an artist that speaks to you. 💖Show Notes:In this episode, we delve into Jodine Gordon's multifaceted journey. Based in LA, Jodine leads creative innovation at Amazon Studios, aiming to amplify the reach and impact of storytellers.We briefly discuss her transition to a career in publishing and creative innovation, driven by her love for storytelling. But more importantly, Jodine shares insights on balancing work with personal passions like art and writing, and how she navigates goals and aspirations outside her day job.She also discusses the importance of following her values, building a rich life through diverse interests, and her evolving relationship with work and success.00:00 Introduction to The Meaningful Shift01:08 Meet Jodine Gordon: The Journey to LA04:11 The Writing Group, Exploring Art, and Creativity09:49 Balancing Work and Personal Fulfillment22:46 Reflections on Career and Life Choices35:18 Concluding Thoughts and Takeaways–If you have a comment, question, or any recommended guests hit me on Substack or DM me on Instagram, I would love to chat :)The Meaningful Shift NewsletterInstagramMusic by Auxjack from Epidemic SoundSpecial thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote.ResourcesHana Ward @ OCHI GalleryFrancesa LalanneThe Artist’s WayAlison Saar This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themeaningfulshift.substack.com

What’s really crazy about this conversation is the fact that Maya and I recorded this in April and we talk about “navigating this time” and “ignoring the news” but it feels like we just talked last week. While that may feel depressing at first glance, as I thought about it, it actually brought me peace, because it’s a reminder that mindfulness is an evergreen solution and will continue to be an important antidote.I hope you enjoy this episode and find some helpful tactics that can help you navigate our chaotic world. I’ve already put many of her recommendations into practice!Show Notes:In this episode of The Meaningful Shift, Simone speaks with Maya Burns Bernard, a storyteller, problem solver, and community builder, based in Los Angeles.Discussing personal journeys through professional burnout, Maya shares insights from her life, particularly focusing on how the pandemic caused her to reassess the way she engages with technology and productivity. The conversation navigates the impact of societal pressures, mental health, and the benefits of mindfulness, walking, and meditation.Maya's work with BStill, aims to help people recognize and adapt their daily patterns to live more sustainably and collectively to tackle our problematic relationship with technology.00:00 Introduction to The Meaningful Shift01:21 Meet Maya Burns Bernard: Journey and Realizations04:05 The Impact of the Pandemic06:14 Mental Health and Therapy15:02 The BStill Movement20:27 Isolation and Digital Overwhelm22:35 Meditation and Mindfulness Practices23:53 Practical Tips for Digital Detox30:07 Riding the Wave of Your Energy and Self-Care36:12 Recommended Books and Practices40:32 Final Reflections and TakeawaysCheck out BStill | Website | Instagram–If you have a comment, question, or any recommended guests hit me on Substack or DM me on Instagram, I would love to chat :)The Meaningful Shift NewsletterInstagramMusic by Auxjack from Epidemic SoundSpecial thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote.ResourcesUnwinding Anxiety by Dr. Judson BrewerThe Celestine Prophecy by James RedfieldThe Alchemist This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themeaningfulshift.substack.com

I knew when I started this storytelling journey that I didn’t want to focus solely on me and the business in Jamaica. While I’m sure it’s interesting to many people, I wanted to make sure I wasn’t presenting it like a path that just anybody can take. I also don’t have it all figured out, so wanted to selfishly build something that would allow me to learn alongside you as listeners.However, I do know that my voice is important here too (I’m getting comfortable with that) so we’re launching with a solo episode ☺️ The Meaningful Shift is OFFICIALLY LIVE — Listen now on Apple and Spotify.To celebrate the launch, I’m joining Hiwote LIVE to talk about what it really took to bring this show to life. If you’re curious about the journey OR you’ve been thinking about starting your own podcast, but feel a resistance… join us! Click the Notify Me button here so you're alerted when we go live on Monday at 12PM EST.I hope that you’ll continue to read and listen along and if the stories resonate with you, it would be mean the world if you share with a friend, rate, review, and subscribe. Doing so will really help to grow the community and help more people find stories that will inspire them!Show Notes:In this solo episode of The Meaningful Shift, host Simone delves into the journey behind building a retreat space in Jamaica – sharing her personal experiences, the inspiration behind the project, and the connection to her Jamaican roots.Simone addresses common questions about managing time and the sacrifices required for such a significant endeavor while working a full-time job. She discusses practical strategies for finding time, the importance of mental clarity, and the role of creativity in her life.Resources such as books and podcasts that have influenced her are also highlighted. Join Simone as she navigates the challenges and rewards of creating a meaningful and expansive life.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:04 The Jamaica Retreat Project03:08 Why The Meaningful Shift Podcast06:23 Finding the Time and the Energy08:15 Practical Tips for Creativity and Productivity17:54 Resources and Recommendations22:25 Conclusion–If you have a comment, question, or any recommended guests hit me on Substack or DM me on Instagram, I would love to chat :)The Meaningful Shift NewsletterInstagramMusic by Auxjack from Epidemic SoundSpecial thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote.ResourcesThe Gray Area with Sean IllingShow Your Work! by Austin KleonThe Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themeaningfulshift.substack.com

Have you seen that meme floating around on Instagram and TikTok recently? The one where it’s typically a montage of beautiful landscapes or simple pleasures like fresh fruit, or joyful laughter between friends and then the text overlayed just says “I almost forgot this was the whole point.”This conversation reminded me of that and the power we have to take back our agency and choose joy. I hope you find something joyful to delight you this week.Show Notes:In this episode of The Meaningful Shift, host Simone speaks with Hiwote Getaneh, an audio producer and entrepreneur based in Lisbon, Portugal.Hiwote discusses her journey from following a traditional career path in the U.S. to finding her true zone of genius in podcasting and creative work. She highlights the significance of storytelling, the concept of creative resilience, and the importance of joy in life.They delve into the importance of intention, Hiwote's transformative shift that sparked her move to Lisbon, the importance of staying connected with family, and the empowering truth that you have choice to create the vibrant and joyful life you desire.00:00 Introduction to The Meaningful Shift01:16 Meet Hiwote Getaneh: From Brooklyn to Lisbon02:13 The Journey to Radical Joy05:11 Exploring Creative Resilience20:27 The Power of Storytelling32:58 Practical Tips and Recommendations37:41 Conclusion: Finding Joy and Creative ResilienceConnect with Hiwote | Newsletter | Instagram–If you have a comment, question, or any recommended guests hit me on Substack or DM me on Instagram, I would love to chat :)The Meaningful Shift NewsletterInstagramMusic by Auxjack from Epidemic SoundSpecial thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote.ResourcesThe Book of Delights: Essays by Ross GayThe Telepathy Tapes PodcastSensuous Knowledge: A Black Feminist Approach for Everyone by Minna SalamiThe Surrender Experiment: My Journey into Life's Perfection by Michael A. Singer This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themeaningfulshift.substack.com

The past week was a real doozy (I feel like we say that every week at this point)… I hope you’re finding time to take care of yourself, cultivating moments of joy, and spending time loving on the people in your life that matter.Might I suggest something else to add to your list? ✨Creativity✨You’ll learn, like I did during this conversation, that doing something creative is another important way to process all of the things we’re feeling/faced with every day and should be more of a regular practice for us as human beings.So this week I invite you to put down the powerpoint and pick up some crayons, water colors, or even a pencil and paper to write a short story or poem! The Meaningful Shift as a creative outlet has worked wonders for me, I hope you can find something that feels right for you. 💖Show Notes:In the inaugural episode of The Meaningful Shift, host Simone dives deep into the transformative power of authenticity, creativity, and community with artist and entrepreneur Jessie Spellman.Jessie, who left a high-powered corporate career to co-found Recess Grove, an art café in Brooklyn, shares insights into how creative spaces can serve as sanctuaries for emotional well-being and personal growth.They discuss the importance of interdependence, the universal need for authentic connections, and making subtle but impactful shifts in everyday life to foster a more inclusive and compassionate world.Through personal anecdotes and thought-provoking dialogue, this episode aims to inspire listeners to think differently about work, community, and their own creative potential.00:00 Introduction to The Meaningful Shift01:41 Introducing Jessie Spellman02:53 Recess Grove: A Sanctuary for Creativity & Play05:33 Jessie's Journey: From Corporate to Creative11:22 The Power of Authentic Connections17:54 Balancing Joy and Struggle32:32 Interdependence and Community Support40:50 Recommended Reads and Inspirations44:29 Conclusion: Embracing Creativity and Well-beingCheck out recess grove | Website | Instagram–If you have a comment, question, or any recommended guests hit me on Substack or DM me on Instagram, I would love to chat :)The Meaningful Shift NewsletterInstagramMusic by Auxjack from Epidemic SoundSpecial thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote.ResourcesThe Dispossessed: An Ambiguous Utopia by Ursula K. Le GuinBraiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall KimmererWar Talk by Arundhati RoyAdrienne Maree BrownThe Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themeaningfulshift.substack.com

Hey Substack friends! You’re getting a sneak peek before I share with the rest of the world — I’ll be previewing the first three episodes of the show here exclusively. So please, let me know what you think ☺️This is a show where people share how they’re getting unstuck by embracing new ways of thinking about work, family, community, and everything in between. We’re living in a time of constant information overload, distractions, and stress… it’s time for a change.Once a month, I’ll share a new episode where you’ll hear real stories from real people like me who are also navigating the overwhelm of today’s world to create more meaningful lives. I’ll talk with my guests about how they’ve shifted their mindset, stopped checking society’ boxes, and found their own paths to fulfillment.The Meaningful Shift will inspire you to question the status quo and empower you to find your role in creating a better world. Building a retreat in Jamaica is only one story, I want to share other ways to hopefully encourage you to lean on your community and figure out what feels right for you!—If you have a comment, question, or any recommended guests hit me on Substack or DM me on Instagram, I would love to chat :)The Meaningful Shift NewsletterInstagramMusic by Auxjack from Epidemic SoundSpecial thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themeaningfulshift.substack.com