Empowered Human Academy

To close out this season, we’re shaking things up a bit. Writer and producer Rebekah Pahl is interviewing Isaac, and they discuss the starting point of identity, collaboration, evaluating old narratives, feeling for the space of aliveness, and Isaac’s musings on what’s going on here with this whole experiment of existence. As a Wonderer and the CEO of Lightward, Isaac gives careful attention and presence to the evolution of his own identity, as well as Lightward’s—and it’s a treat to hear him unpack why identity is a resonating theme in his life. As this iteration of Empowered Human Academy comes to a close, this conversation is both a fitting bookend and thoughtful framework for the art and exploration to come. There’s so much light ahead! With deep, deep gratitude and joy for what this chapter has meant to us, we give you our very last episode of season 1. Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/53—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here! Keep the conversation going... Table Question: Where are you sensing the aliveness in your life right now? Journal Prompt: Take internal inventory re: your relationship with collaboration. How would you describe it? Does it light you up, do you find yourself avoiding it—and why? Action Step: Find an artifact that represents where you are in your journey right now. What does this say about you in your most present self and expression? View the printable worksheet on Google Docs Further exploration: Follow Isaac on Instagram: @isaacbowen Walt Whitman quote  This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

To close out season 1, we’re doing something a little different for our final two episodes. Writer and producer Rebekah Pahl is interviewing Abe this week, and then Isaac in the episode to follow. We’ll be reflecting on what this past season of conversations has meant to our own aliveness—and what we’re feeling drawn toward next. Abe and Rebekah discuss the origins of the podcast, what it’s felt like for Abe to uncover a new level of confidence, the liminal space before you know what’s next, developing sustainable patterns for life as an entrepreneur, and the path back to the heart. Consider this conversation a Polaroid of what Abe’s been processing lately— the way he describes the edge of newness that’s coming up for him is inspiring and we hope it might ignite your own curiosity of where life is inviting you, too. Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/52—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here!  Keep the conversation going... Table Question: Where are you feeling the edge of newness in your life right now? Journal Prompt: Describe an ideal day that fills up and nourishes your soul... Action Step: Create a personalized self-care plan that keeps you both energized and rested. What components are needed for your refueling?  View the printable worksheet on Google Docs This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Rebecca Fralick is a chef and the owner of Mara’s Cafe based in Wisconsin. She’s a powerhouse business owner and is crystal clear about her values—she’s only interested in opportunities that deeply align with her intuition. Alongside her business endeavors, she’s also a mom, wife, and lover of plants, sunshine, good coffee, and tacos. Rebecca thinks in flavor profiles and makes decisions with the inner compass of integrity. She’s made it her mission for her insides to match her outsides—and it’s working. She’s only growing more unstoppable, the more she lives what she knows. Throughout this conversation we discuss moving beyond fundamentalism, getting clear about your values, how her business outlived the fail-date she had in mind, the difference between hope that’s native and hope that’s handed, listening to your gut, and surviving domestic violence. Despite the darkness Rebecca’s encountered in her past, the native and very real hope inside her is shining brighter than ever. Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/51—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here! And if you want to take an even deeper dive, we've also recorded a bonus episode (available only via Apple Podcasts) where we digest the conversation's themes and swap art recommendations—it's a lot of fun.  Keep the conversation going... Table Question: What's a way that you're currently bringing your insides to match your outsides?  Journal Prompt: Is there something inside me that I haven’t fully brought to my external world yet?  Action Step: Find a way to weave in a sense of “play” into your work this week. View the printable worksheet on Google Docs Further exploration: Follow Rebecca’s work on Instagram: @matenaercatering  Learn more about Rebecca’s work: matenaercatering.com Notes from a Young Black Chef: A Memoir by Joshua David Stein and Kwame Onwuachi The Art of Flavor: Practices and Principles for Creating Delicious Food by Daniel Patterson and Mandy Aftel Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/ This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

During the first chapter of his career, Jim Jacoby built a successful, privately-owned agency pioneering user-centered design in finance, healthcare, tech, and manufacturing. Then, at the peak of his success, he took a step back and commissioned a world-renowned designer to build a revolutionary motorcycle. Jim studied the methods and behaviors behind the process, then codified his findings into a system that could be applied in any industry—giving a modern, 21st century twist to the idea of Craftsmanship. Jim then reimagined a user-centered design firm from the ground up, launched an executive coaching program, and established a fine-dining venue. We first met Jim a few years ago at a Sofar Sounds show in Chicago. He and his partner Molly were hosting the concert, and their home environment immediately drew us in. And the more we’ve come to know Jim, the resonance has only grown. Not only has he moved through some courageous shifts in his career and personal life, but he’s also mined some profound insights along the way. Throughout this conversation we discuss the difference between strength and courage, honoring your truth, and finding patience in the process. Jim’s life is a powerful example of the joy that’s waiting for us all on the other side of honoring one’s truth. We loved this hour with Jim and hope it sparks something in you, too. Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/50—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here! And if you want to take an even deeper dive, we've also recorded a bonus episode (available only via Apple Podcasts) where we digest the conversation's themes and swap art recommendations—it's a lot of fun. Keep the conversation going... Table Question: What's a courageous choice you've made that might not stand out from the outside looking in, but was profoundly significant to you? How did that choice shift your life? Journal Prompt: This is what’s important to me when it comes to my environment...  Action Step: Write down a list of what you want—the bolder the better. View the printable worksheet on Google Docs Further exploration: Follow Jim on Instagram: @jim_jacoby Follow Jim’s restaurant on Instagram: @saintemeric Follow Jim & Molly’s space on Instagram: @saintemericishome www.admci.org www.studio4dc.com www.saintemeric.com www.bienvillelegacy.com A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Today’s guest is someone who’s part of our daily life—our dear friend, and Lightward’s Wellness Advisor, Ian Day. We’ve known Ian for almost five years now and we’re so grateful to be doing life alongside him. Ian’s a whimsical blend of wellness knowledge and good-hearted fun—and as you’ll soon hear for yourself, the path to self-acceptance hasn’t been an easy one. He’s done the soul-work of getting quiet inside to discover who he is and to find his grounding in a self-love that’s not up for debate—and he shares that story with us here. Throughout this conversation we discuss engaging life with playfulness, shedding self-consciousness, embracing imperfection, showing up as you are, and his journey to becoming sober. We recorded this conversation a few days before Ian’s 30th birthday, so it felt really significant to enter into that reflective space with him—reflecting on not only how far he’s come, but also the aliveness in how he’s continuing to grow. We love Ian so much and are thrilled for you to hear his open, radiant, and generous heart—as well as some wellness tips sprinkled in along the way. Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/49—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here! And if you want to take an even deeper dive, we've also recorded a bonus episode (available only via Apple Podcasts) where we digest the conversation's themes and swap art recommendations—it's a lot of fun. Keep the conversation going... Table Question: In your own life, what's the relationship between self-acceptance and your ability to fully show up as you are? Journal Prompt: This is what it means to show up as myself... Action Step: Identify an area of your life where you feel resistance to asking for help. Share what you learn with a trusted friend and consider how you might take a small step toward asking for support in a tangible way. View the printable worksheet on Google Docs Further exploration: Follow Ian on Instagram: @ian_day_ The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero This is a production of Lightward, Inc.