Authenticity, Belonging, Community

Laura Schellhardt is a Chicago based playwright and adapter. Her original works include Air Guitar High, Auctioning the Ainsleys, The Apothecary's Daughter, The K of D, Courting Vampires, and Shapeshifters, among many others. Adaptations include The Phantom Tollbooth, The Outfit, and Creole Folktales. She is also the author of Screenwriting for Dummies. She’s a two-time Jeff Award nominee and recipient of the AATE Distinguished Play Award, the New Play Frontier’s residency, the TCG National Playwriting Residency, the Jerome Fellowship, the New Play Award from ACT in Seattle, and a Dramatist Guild Playwriting Fellowship. She has participated in the SoHo Rep Writer/Director Lab, the Women Playwrights Festival at SRC, the Kennedy Center's New Voices/New Visions Festival, the Bonderman TYA Symposium, the Ojai New Play Conference, the Denver Center New Play Summit, the Bay Area Theatre Festival, and the O'Neill National Playwright's Festival, among others. She received her graduate degree from Brown University, under Paula Vogel. She’s a former Victory Gardens Resident Playwright and current member of Walkabout Playwrights Collective and she oversees the undergraduate play Schellhardt oversees the undergraduate playwriting program in the Department of Theatre at Northwestern University.   Key Takeaways We all hold many identities and their salience changes with time and context Privilege can be an obstacle when you’re not aware of it but it can be a tool to empower others What you practice grows stronger, especially with how you talk to yourself and others What and how you give your attention is one of your most powerful tools  Effort > outcome and process > product There’s a difference between safety and comfort and it is important to learn and grow in discomfort Authenticity is a series of choices based on your values and intentions Take yourself seriously but hold yourself lightly Make connections not impressions Guest’s Media Recommendations: The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop: How To Decolonize the Creative Classroom by Felicia Rose Chavez (book) Creative Acts for Curious People by Sarah Stein Greenberg (book) __ Find Guest’s work: https://communication.northwestern.edu/faculty/laura-schellhardt.html __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Shannon Watson is a communicator, strategist, thought leader, and civic thinker. Shannon has worked in policy public affairs roles for Majority in the Middle, Casper Corcoran, The Medical Alley Association, St. Paul Area Chamber, U.S. Bank, the Minnesota Senate and the National conference of State Legislatures. She has more than two decades of experience in electoral politics having worked on local and state-wide campaigns on both sides of the aisle in Kansas, Colorado and Minnesota. She holds a bachelor's degree in English, Theatre, and Psychology from Wichita State University and a master's degree in Advocacy and Political Leadership from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She currently lives in Minneapolis with her dog, CJ.  Key Takeaways Unfortunately people often focus on differences first, how can we challenge ourselves to look past differences to see similarities The more time and effort put into relationships makes people more comfortable with people who are different from them or with things they don’t understand There’s no all or nothing — every group is varied and has diversity within it Authenticity is about owning your successes and failures Guest’s Media Recommendations:  The Newsroom (TV series) __ Find Guest’s work: https://www.majoritymiddle.com/shannon-watson __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Michael Rohd is a theatre-maker, educator, process designer, writer and facilitator. His research and creative practice is focused on civic imagination. He has a 30+ year history of projects across sectors bringing cultural activity to the work of public engagement, community planning and cross-sector coalition building. In 1992 in Washington DC he co-founded Hope Is Vital, an arts & public health program that, over 8 years, helped start up theatre-based public engagement/HIV prevention coalitions in over 80 communities around the US. In 1999, he co-founded Sojourn Theatre and served as artistic director for 20 years, co creating and directing nearly 30 devised often site specific and participatory theatre works. In 2012, he co-founded Center for Performance and Civic Practice, a collective of nine artists/facilitators who  work with organizations and agencies around the country on community research, transformational process and system change. He is currently Civic Collaborations Director for One Nation One Project, a national arts/municipality/public health project & research cohort in partnership with National League of Cities; he is co-designer/co-facilitator for Art-Train, a virtual national technical assistance program in partnership with Springboard for the Arts.  He recently founded the Co-Lab for Civic Imagination at the University of Montana, and he is author of the book Theatre for Community, Conflict and Dialogue. Key Takeaways Groups of people share something, whether that is space, time, values or goals What is the harm of entering a space with the intention of persuading others at all costs? Bringing people together might require different tactics depending on their goals. Reflect and dialogue with community members before jumping in Working with a co-facilitator makes for better processes and better outcomes When things are off, be mindful. Pause and be transparent about what might be going wrong We all need to build our capacity for listening Guest’s Media Recommendations: The Candy House by Jennifer Egan (book) Can’t Drink Salt Water by Kendra Mylnechuk Potter (play) __ Find Guest’s work: https://howlround.com/commons/michael-rohd __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Rhodes Perry is a bestselling author, award-winning entrepreneur, and an internationally sought-after keynoter. He helps senior executives and people leaders build belonging at work by establishing psychological safety and trust. Nationally recognized as a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) thought leader, he has over 20 years of leadership experience having worked at the White House, the Department of Justice, the City of New York and PFLAG National. Media Outlets like Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and the Associated Press have featured his powerful work. Both of his books, Belonging at Work (2018) and Imagine Belonging (2022) debuted as #1 Amazon bestsellers and were published by Publish Your Purpose Press. He earned a BA from the University of Notre Dame, and a MPA from New York University. He currently serves on the National LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce’s Transgender Inclusion Task Force, and the Cascade AIDS Project’s Board of Directors. Key Takeaways When people share their identities and experiences with you, receive them with care Standing up and advocating for yourself paves the way for others to do the same Be aware of who you intentionally including and also who you might accidentally be discluding Push yourself out of your comfort zone to engage with many communities and people who identify differently than you When you notice that you’re uncomfortable, note where its happening in your body, and remember that learning happens just past the edge of your comfort zone At work it's important for everyone to have the agency to show up as authentically as they choose Pay attention to who’s speaking, whose ideas are considered and whose aren’t Guest’s Media Recommendations: Disclosure (Documentary) __ Find Guest’s work: https://www.rhodesperry.com/ __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Catherine Altman Morgan is an award-winning career transition expert and business consultant who has been coaching clients and colleagues through job and life transitions for more than 20 years. She is the founder of Point A to Point B Transitions Inc. and the author of This Isn't Working! Evolving the Way We Work to Decrease Stress, Anxiety, and Depression. Key Takeaways Be empathetic, use your experience and build trust Intentionally set up a safe space by providing guidelines like The details of what’s shared here stay here No meanness, shaming or blaming Its okay to get personal Go into new situations with no expectations Engage your curiosity Authenticity is integration of all parts of yourself Guest’s Media Recommendations: Imagine Belonging by Rhodes Perry __ Find Guest’s work: Catherine Altman Morgan | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Joe Davis is an award-winning spoken word artist and bestselling author who uses poetry to power possibility. Joe is a student and practitioner of Radical Joy, a deep-rooted wellspring of well-being that he cultivates in community through writing, music, theater, and dance. Based in Minneapolis, he tours internationally to join schools, faith spaces, and nonprofits to practice envisioning and embodying a world of collective liberation and human flourishing. Joe holds a Master of Arts degree in Theology of the Arts and also heads a multimedia production company, a soul funk band, and a racial justice education program. Key Takeaways Radical joy is getting to the root, depth and fullness of joy which includes the wholeness of human emotions Art allows us to slow down and move at the pace of relationship Lead with questions, invitations and vulnerability The sooner we understand that race work is uncomfortable and that we’re going to mess up sometimes the sooner we can get to repair work Find your freedom practice: a daily ritual that will help you feel more healed, whole and alive Guest’s Media Recommendations: Everything, Everywhere, All At Once (movie) __ Find Guest’s work: www.JoeDavisPoetry.com We Rise Higher: Poems and Prayers for Graduates | Sparkhousegher __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Content warning: This episode discusses abuse and suicide. Please take care as you listen. Shirley Buck is the author of the internationally best-selling book Sweet Freedom Whispered in My Ear. A dedicated mindset coach specializing in trauma and abuse recovery. Drawing from her own remarkable journey of overcoming years of severe abuse and trauma. In addition to her coaching expertise she is also an energy healer helping individuals find healing and empowerment. Her life’s mission is to inspire and guide others on their path to recovery, resilience and personal transformation. Key Takeaways Mindset is everything — it can help you learn, find joy and overcome anxiety, depression or other struggles Learning how to change your thought process can change your life When you’re in survival mode, it's difficult to feel and process your emotions. Once you find safety you can process your experiences. Your identities and your past do not define your value Take an active role in creating your life by being vulnerable and actively creating your mindset   Guest’s Media Recommendations: The Law of Attraction by Esther and Jerry Hicks __ Find Guest’s work: https://www.shirleybuck.com/ https://a.co/d/2PTpee2 __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Andrew Horning is a former licensed private practice psychotherapist with a Masters degree in clinical work from the University of Michigan. He is trained in EMDR, Mediation and Dispute Resolution, Gottman Couples Counseling, and Brené Brown’s Daring Way. He also hosts a podcast on relationships and coached high school basketball. Drew published his book, Grappling: White Men’s Journey from Fragile to Agile, in May, 2021. He lives in Boulder, CO with his wife of over 20 years, Genny, and their two children. Key Takeaways Place, where you grew up or where you live, can significantly shape your identity Show up open-hearted and curious to the experience of others Impact is more important to address than intent The world has been set up to maintain our comfort but it's important to sit with discomfort in order to grow Be fascinated by the people around you Maintain your practice of self-compassion through breath, meditation  Authenticity is all about making your words, actions, thoughts and feelings congruent with each other Guest’s Media Recommendations: There Are No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz (book) Come From Away (musical) __ Find Guest’s work: Hoffman Institute: https://www.hoffmaninstitute.org/drew-horning/  Website: https://www.andrewhorning.co/speaking __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Tim Wise is among the nation's most prominent anti-racist educators and authors.  He has spent the past 30 years lecturing on matters of racism and racial bias in all 50 states, on over 1,500 college campuses, at hundreds of professional and academic conferences, and to corporate, non-profit, and community groups throughout North America. He is the author of eight books, including his highly acclaimed memoir, White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son, and his latest essay collection, Dispatches from the Race War. He has contributed essays or chapters to 25 additional volumes, and his writings have appeared in dozens of popular magazines, newspapers, and scholarly journals. Wise is a frequent commentator on CNN, MSNBC, and NPR, and his speeches have been viewed over 30 million times on various social media platforms. Wise has served as adjunct faculty at the Smith College School for Social Work and was the 2008 Oliver L. Brown Distinguished Visiting Scholar for Diversity Issues at Washburn University, in Topeka, Kansas. He has served on the advisory boards of the Fisk University Race Relations Institute, the African American Policy Forum, and the National League of Cities' Racial Equity and Leadership Team. He graduated from Tulane University in 1990 and received anti-racism training from the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond, both in New Orleans. And he is the host of the podcast Speak Out with Tim Wise.  Key Takeaways Woke is being aware of ongoing systemic injustice and being concerned about altering it Racism is a systemic force and not about “good” or “bad” people Building a collaborative space requires constantly checking in with the things you don’t know — ask questions that make space for others’ perspectives Some of the most radical anti-racism work is listening and supporting the needs of Black people so they can organize and lead When you mess up, sit with the criticism, acknowledge your wrongdoing, apologize and keep moving forward Keep holding truth to power so you understand how and why racism works in America today, then you can reconcile with your community Authenticity is acknowledging that we are all people caught in a bad system: will you change the system or will the system change you? Guest’s Media Recommendations: Any work by James Baldwin (books and essays) __ Find Guest’s work: Tim’s website: https://www.speakoutnow.org/speakers/tim-wise __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Season’s Greetings and Season Beginning to all listeners. Season Beginnings refers to the start of the New Year and what will be the 6th season of the podcast.  I am also alluding to the slight change of brand…we will no longer call the show; Incognito the Podcast, but rather; Authenticity Belonging & Community, or ABC for short.  And for many of us, our childhoods were filled with learning our ABC’s.  These three words - more than anything else - truly define the focus of the show.  And thus, it is with a new season beginning that I offer you Season’s Greetings! __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Michael wraps up the 5th season of the podcast with some thoughts around the condition of DEI education in the United States today. He tells of how the pandemic and current political state of affairs has affected his business and that of others attempting to teach and speak out about identity.  Key Takeaways In 2020 former president Donald Trump labeled any and all discussions of race, slavery or racism as CRT (critical race theory) and subsequently banned them from schools. This is still affecting DEI training and race conversations today. The floodgates opened after the supreme court struck down affirmative action. Edward Blum is the anti-affirmative action warrior who is filing suits to stop organizations from offering opportunities to historically marginalized groups. Volatile reactions to diversity and inclusion hurt everyone. We’re all on the same team. __ If you want to support INCOGNITO the podcast, here are some things you can do: Rate and review the podcast! We rely on ratings and reviews to help others discover INCOGNITO, so please take a minute to leave a rating if you can. Become a sponsor! Do you have a company or work for a company who may be interested in sponsoring our podcast? Email us at info@incognitotheplay.com and we would be happy to discuss a sponsorship deal. Share your suggestions! Do you know someone who would be a great guest on our show? Is there a topic you would like us to discuss? Let us know at info@incognitotheplay.com Follow us on Instagram! Keep up with our work and updates about the podcast by following us @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Eric Grant is the managing partner and financial adviser with Polaris Wealth Management a firm that specializes in insurance, investments and financial advisory services for individuals and businesses. Eric has over 35 years of experience and knowledge in personal and business financial services and is a speaker and lecturer on matters related to personal and business financial planning. He also expresses himself as the host of a two-hour weekly national radio show “The Family Meeting” on WCPT and has been a contributor to various media outlets including Black Enterprise, The Wall Street Journal and WVON Radio. He’s a proud Howard University alumn with a bachelor of business administration degree in finance and insurance. And most importantly a husband and father.  Key Takeaways What is normal? Why do we accept things the way they are? — the word why is powerful Collaboration comes from a high level of intellectual curiosity Avoiding conflict avoids opportunities for understanding In order to have good friends you have to be a good friend Authenticity requires indifference to what other people think Guest’s Media Recommendations: “Caste” by Isabel Wilkerson (book) “The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson (book) “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” (book) “Twisted Melodies” by Kelvin Roston Jr. (play) __ Find Guest’s work: The Family Meeting: https://heartlandsignal.com/programs/the-family-meeting/ __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

John Noltner is an award winning photographer who is the founder and creator of A Peace of My Mind — a multimedia arts project, created by award-winning photographer John Noltner, that uses portraits and personal stories to bridge divides and encourage dialogue around important issues. Through exhibits, workshops, lectures, on-site studios, and distance learning, A Peace of My Mind leads transformative experiences that help a polarized world rediscover the common humanity that connects us. A gifted storyteller, Noltner has worked on four continents, gathering stories of human courage, grace, and resilience. He has produced projects for national magazines, Fortune 500 companies, and non-profit organizations. A Peace of My Mind reflects his belief that art and storytelling can help individuals, organizations and communities articulate their deepest values and encourage action toward building social capital and community connections. Key Takeaways Find the beauty and wisdom in everyone and everywhere Reduce your filter and amplify the voices of others Leave space for serendipity — no matter how well we plan the world sometimes has other ideas When harms don’t get addressed they can never be healed You don’t have to have it all figured out right now just start moving Guest’s Media Recommendations: “Hard Times” by Studs Terkel (book) __ Find Guest’s work: Website: https://apomm.net/ Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/959767/13349345 __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Chaazé P. Roberts, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist who over the last 16 years studied, trained, and worked at The Family Institute, Bette D. Harris Family and Child Clinic at Northwestern University. Mr. Roberts currently still works as a clinical lecturer and supervisor at the Family Institute for the MSMFT program at Northwestern University. Recently, he embarked on a new venture starting his own private practice, CPR Counseling. Mr. Roberts works with families, couples, individuals, adolescents, as well as conducting group therapy. He has a particular passion for and commitment to working with adolescent’s issues and men’s issues, including emerging adult males dealing with the stresses of life transitions. Mr. Roberts has worked clinically with diverse individuals and various combinations of cross-cultural couples and international families – from USA, Poland, Mexico, Colombia, Israel, Ecuador, Jamaica, Venezuela, Nigeria, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Greece, India, Spain, Philippines, Zimbabwe, France, Suriname and Pakistan, to name a few. He has a particular interest working with people of the African American community of which he is from.   Key Takeaways Venture into the unknown and create something from nothing Growth occurs when you step into discomfort Be open, be honest, be vulnerable so you can heal Drumming and music brings us together encourages engagement None but ourselves can free our minds Guest’s Media Recommendations: “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley (song) __ Find Guest’s work: Profile: https://mft.northwestern.edu/online-mft/leadership-faculty/chaaze-p-roberts/ __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Greg Moisio is a longtime Waukegan resident, a father of three daughters, a graduate of Waukegan East and a graduate of the University of Illinois Champaign. He holds a masters degree in education leadership from Aurora University. He is a retired educator from the Waukegan school district with 34 years of service as a football coach, a basketball coach, a baseball coach, and a powerlifting coach. He is on the board of directors of the Illinois High School Powerlifting Association and he is also a retired 3rd ward Alderman in the city of Waukegan for 20 years where he served as the judiciary committee chairman, as the public works committee chairman and the economic development committee chairman. Key Takeaways Don’t get stuck in a loop of judging people Everyone comes with biases but if you slow down and talk to people you can overcome them Trust comes with time and listening Don’t flunk reality tests — don’t be hypocritical and meet same standards you set for others Guest’s Recommendations: “Influencer” by Patterson et al (book) Powerlifting (sport)  __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Kevin Chan Bradley is the Vice President, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community for HUB International. Joining the organization in 2021, oversees the company’s overarching DEI strategy and provides coaching and consultation to ensure the execution of the strategy on all levels or the organization. Mr. Bradley is a seasoned Diversity & Inclusion practitioner with over 30 years in Human Resources. He has been a recruiter, business partner, EEO/AA Compliance leader and D&I leader. Bradley has worked in various industries including manufacturing, aerospace, fast food, and financial services. He is often asked to speak at events on the topic of diversity as a business driver and has received recognition for his work in advocating for diverse communities. He currently serves as Board Chair for Access Living, a nationally renowned disability advocacy organization. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Parents’ Alliance Employment Project an organization that finds gainful employment for individuals with disabilities and serves on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Philharmonic. He has been asked to serve on the Chicago advisory committee for St. Jude Children’s Hospital and is on the DEI Advisory Committee for his fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon. Key Takeaways Allyship must be an action, don’t be a bystander — speak up Assess your environment and adjust your response accordingly Meet people where they are Diversity is about counting heads and diversity is about making heads count When discussing DEI at companies speak to their heads, hearts and wallets Guest’s Media Recommendations: “The Medici Effect: Breakthrough Insights at the Intersection of Ideas, Concepts, and Cultures” by Frans Johansson (book) __ Find Guest’s work: Access Living: https://www.accessliving.org/newsroom/teammember/kevin-bradley/ __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Ed Thomson is the founder and CEO of Uptimize the leading neuro-inclusion training company whose mission is to help organizations embrace and leverage every type of thinker. Born and raised in London and educated at the University of Oxford, Ed founded Uptimize in 2016 recognizing the urgent need for greater understanding and appreciation of neurodiversity within the working world. His role with Uptimize has afforded him unique insights and connections with pioneers in the neurodiversity at work field across the world. And he is now a frequent speaker on the topic. He and Uptimize have been featured by outlets including LinkedIn, BBC, People Management magazine, HR.com and the Financial Times. Ed is the author of the recently released book titled A Hidden Force: Unlocking the Potential of Neurodiversity at Work.  Key Takeaways Combining a social mission and a business approach creates good outcomes Helping other people is the key to happiness Everyone processes information differently — everyone has a different brain Bring people back to the mission Processes, people and technology can be exclusive if not used intentionally Ed’s Media Recommendations: “The Score Takes Care of Itself: My Philosophy of Leadership” by Bill Walsh (book) __ Find Ed’s work: Uptimize: https://uptimize.com/ A Hidden Force: https://uptimize.com/a-hidden-force/ __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Content warning: Please note this episode includes a brief discussion of gun violence at minute 16 and minute 19. Take care as you listen. On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Laura Coe. Laura was born in Chicago and found her calling in philosophy, which she studied at Brandeis as well as in graduate school at Tufts University. After realizing she didn’t want to pursue academia, she went on to become a healthcare tech entrepreneur.  When Laura came across the Akashic Records — a way to systematically deepen the connection to your authentic voice — she found that the wisdom of the Records changed the trajectory of her work, and she used it to author The Nature of series and to found The Little Soul School. Her writing has been featured in Forbes, The Huffington Post, Inc., Through Catalog, The New York Observer, and more. Key Takeaways: Own your identity, but know you’re not your labels Find a balance between authentic passion and success Sustained long-term happiness comes from a connection to self and something bigger than self We are all interconnected You are not your thoughts, your brain is just one tool at your disposal __ Laura’s Media Recommendations: The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle (book) The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz (book) Spiritual teacher Adyashanti (author) __ Find Laura’s work: Laura’s website: https://lauracoe.com/ The Art of Authenticity: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-authenticity/id1078757977 __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Billy Daniel, an episcopal priest and rector at Church of the Ascension in Knoxville Tennessee. Billy received his PhD in theology from the University of Nottingham, England and is the author of Inhabited by Grace and Christ the Liturgy. Billy has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in theology, ethics and the humanities and is the co-creator of Spiritus Knox, a center for spiritual practice and learning in Knoxville. He is currently working on a book of meditations and prayers on the matter of “Becoming,” as well as developing curriculum and retreat programs to help people develop skills and dispositions that enable them to thrive and flourish as humans in a world that is hungry for authenticity. Key Takeaways: External identity markers can cause questions or open conversations Unifying people is a work in progress Name a need, then brainstorm and collaborate a solution Own your stuff Authenticity is being whole, with yourself, with your community, with your environment __ Billy’s Media Recommendations: Living Presence: A Sufi Way to Mindfulness & the Essential Self by Kabir Helminski (book) __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Mark Wynn! Mark is a former police officer and consultant for the justice department. He served as an officer in Nashville for 21 years and worked to create the largest police domestic violence investigative unit in the United States. He trains professionals, from executives to officers to social workers and more, on how to address domestic violence in their work. Recently he was featured in the documentary “This Is Where I Learned Not to Sleep” about his life and his work. Key Takeaways: The system needs to be reminded what civil rights are all about Things are getting better but you need to stay vigilant Smart people learn from their mistakes, intelligent people learn from others’ mistakes too Our world is filled with survivors and we need to start talking out loud about it Ask for help, move away from misery __ Find Mark’s work: This Is Where I Learned Not to Sleep: https://www.thisiswherefilm.com/ (documentary) __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!