The Golden Approach Podcast

EP 213 with Aubrey ShaffnerPastry & Podcast ProfessionalHost Aubrey opens up about the current status of the podcast while drawing connections from the cosmos to the present realities of daily life.EPISODE OUTLINE[00:01:10] Whirlwind of a Week[00:12:00] The Path Forward[00:18:00] Building Connections In Our Environment[00:21:00] Staying In TouchRESOURCESWhere to Find Us:Golden Approach InstagramAubrey Shaffner on InstagramMentioned in the Episode:How the Universe WorksS6 EP1: Are Black Holes Real?S7 EP4: How Black Holes Made UsWays to Support the Show:Join us on Ko-fi for exclusive contentCheck out our MerchExplore our bookshelf on Bookshop.orgFollow/Leave a review on SpotifyFollow/Leave a review on Apple Podcast

EP 212 with Aubrey ShaffnerPastry & Podcast ProfessionalHost Aubrey takes a look back in time, to a point in our history when diversity, inclusion, & equality were just coming to the forefront of our societal consciousness. Two of the biggest names of the time, seemingly from completely different worlds, share a passion & drive to represent a better way. By exploring their work, we can see their shared dream & the different routes they took to achieve such undeniable success.EPISODE OUTLINE[00:00:00] Overview[00:04:53] Part 1: Brave New World[00:09:17] Part 2: A Tale of Two Americas[00:18:31] Part 3: An Expanding WorldRESOURCESWhere to Find Us:Golden Approach InstagramAubrey Shaffner on InstagramMentioned in the Episode:Spotify Playlist‘68 NBC “Comeback” SpecialMartin Luther King Jr. Nobel Prize Acceptance SpeechCBS News Vietnam News Report #1CBS News Vietnam News Report #2Madam [President] Excerpt S6E3Ways to Support the Show:Join us on Ko-fi for exclusive contentCheck out our MerchExplore our bookshelf on Bookshop.orgFollow/Leave a review on SpotifyFollow/Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

EP 211 with Aubrey ShaffnerHost, Pastry Chef, EducatorIn this heartfelt episode of The Golden Approach, host Aubrey reflects on personal challenges with vulnerability, self-expression, and control, sharing insights from dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). As the new year approaches, Aubrey encourages personal reflection, gratitude, and grounding practices for growth. The episode explores setting goals, understanding the root of desires, and focusing on impact over perfection, with the aim of building better relationships and a kinder, more curious world.EPISODE OUTLINE[00:00:00] Welcome to the Golden Approach[00:00:26] Overcoming Childhood Fears[00:02:53] Personal Reflection and Gratitude[00:05:37] The Impact of DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy)[00:07:40] Going to the Root[00:20:03] Playing the Infinite Game, Learning Daily Improvements[00:30:35] End of Year Reflections and AnnouncementsRESOURCESWhere to Find Us:Golden Approach InstagramAubrey Shaffner on InstagramJoin our email listMentioned in the Episode:Simone Biles RisingDBT (dialectical behavioral therapy)Infinite Games by Simon SinekEP 204: Call of our Soul with Elyse PrestonSunny Side CreativeWays to Support the Show:Join us on Ko-fi for exclusive contentCheck out our MerchExplore our bookshelf on Bookshop.orgFollow/Leave a review on SpotifyFollow/Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

EP 210 with Dru Tevis Corporate Chef Dru shares his story of unexpectedly coming across a new passion and capitalizing on that to build a career he had never imagined. By following this path, Dru has spread the joy he found as a Pastry Chef not only with those who enjoy his food but also with all the teams he has been a part of, creating a ripple effect in each community he works in. EPISODE OUTLINE [00:01:42] A Bit About Dru [00:08:51] More Knowledge is Better Knowledge [00:16:17] Being Connected Through Pastry [00:24:46] Why Such an Emphasis on Collaboration? [00:35:36] Rapid Fire Q&A with a twist RESOURCES Where to Find Us: Dru Tevis on Instagram Golden Approach Instagram Aubrey Shaffner on Instagram Mentioned in the Episode: French Culinary Institute Ways to Support the Show: Join us on Ko-fi for exclusive content Check out our Merch Explore our bookshelf on Bookshop.org Follow/Leave a review on Spotify Follow/Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

EP 209 with Sarah Knight Chef, Butcher, Farmer This week Sarah sheds light on a part of our food system that many folks don’t often see for themselves: slaughter and butchery. While this topic may feel graphic to some, it is a necessary reality for all of us who choose to eat meat, whether we see it firsthand or not, and we believe the only way to make the system more ethical is to be open about how it works and what it takes. EPISODE OUTLINE [00:03:27] What does a truly ethical kitchen look like? [00:10:25] Autonomy and whimsy [00:19:29] Death, the companion to life [00:33:35] Feeling the “bad” to more wholly experience the “good” [00:38:32] Putting respect and care first RESOURCES Where to Find Us: Sarah Knight on Instagram Golden Approach Instagram Aubrey Shaffner on Instagram Mentioned in the Episode: Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company EP 204: The Call of Our Souls with Elyse Preston Plant intelligence Ways to Support the Show: Join us on Ko-fi for exclusive content Check out our Merch Explore our bookshelf on Bookshop.org Follow/Leave a review on Spotify Follow/Leave a reviewon Apple Podcasts

EP 208 with Sarah Knight Chef, Butcher, Farmer Sarah walks us through her transformation from working in the high-end hospitality industry to working the land and rekindling her connection to our food system. Throughout this journey, Sarah found that it’s possible to create a more sustainable and ethical food system by respecting the land, labor, and lives that contribute to the food on all of our plates. EPISODE OUTLINE [00:00:30] A Brief History of Sarah Knight [00:12:12] Fantastic and Frustrating Food System Moments [00:22:27] Overview of a Student-Led School [00:35:50] Rapid-Fire Q&A RESOURCES Where to Find Us: Sarah Knight on Instagram Golden Approach Instagram Aubrey Shaffner on Instagram Mentioned in the Episode: Deep Springs College Ways to Support the Show: Join us on Ko-fi for exclusive content Check out our Merch Explore our bookshelf on Bookshop.org Follow/Leave a review on Spotify Follow/Leave a reviewon Apple Podcasts

EP 207: Aubrey Shaffner Creator and Host, The Golden Approach In this episode host Aubrey explores the current tumultuous landscape, emphasizing the need for empathy, diversity, and community. Drawing from her mixed cultural background, Aubrey underscores the importance of self-awareness and collaboration. Conversations span the intersection of faith, family, and social justice, reflecting on personal and historical traumas. The script delves into the urgent need for inclusive representation amidst political and climate crises, urging listeners to remain civically engaged and informed. Emphasizing the power of small daily actions, the episode encourages persistence and collective effort for a better future. EPISODE OUTLINE [00:00] Welcome to The Golden Approach [00:22] Navigating Unprecedented Times [06:54] Personal Reflections and Lessons [23:56] Facing Historical and Systemic Challenges [32:48] Taking Action: Practical Steps for Political Participation RESOURCES Where to Find Us: Golden Approach Instagram Aubrey Shaffner on Instagram Ways to Support the Show: Join us on Ko-fi for exclusive content Check out our Merch Explore our bookshelf on Bookshop.org Follow/Leave a review on Spotify Follow/Leave a reviewon Apple Podcasts Mentioned in the Episode: Vote.org Votesaveamerica.com Fairfight.com BBC Global News podcast NPR’s Up First podcast Wall Street Journal’s What’s News podcast Crooked Media’s What a Day podcast 5 Calls app

EP 206 with Aubrey Schneider and Molly Mummert Chalmus Co-owners of Dandelion Hair Studio & Apothecary Aubrey, Molly, and Aubrey discuss what it was like starting a new hair studio during the COVID shutdown and how they were able to utilize their time out of the salon to kickstart their business planning with renewed focus and dedication. Their story is full of gratitude and support and it exemplifies the power of a positive community environment when starting a new business venture. EPISODE OUTLINE [00:02:30] Getting to know Aubrey, Molly, and the beginnings of Dandelion [00:15:22] Creating a Unique and Sustainable Salon Experience [00:23:00] The Natural Approach and Apothecary [00:26:23] Balancing Business and Personal Life [00:32:34] Community Building and Networking [00:38:26] Final Reflections and Rapid Fire Questions RESOURCES Where to Find Us: Dandelion Hair Studio & Apothecary on Instagram Golden Approach Instagram Aubrey Shaffner on Instagram Ways to Support the Show: Join us on Ko-fi for exclusive content Check out our Merch Explore our bookshelf on Bookshop.org Follow/Leave a review on Spotify Follow/Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Mentioned in the Episode: Green Circles Salon Young Living Essential Oils EP 010:” Do ‘it’ Scared” with Amber Croom

EP 205: featuring Elyse Preston Founder of Be More Connected As a lover of the natural world, Aubrey had to share this bonus minisode to highlight the passage of the autumn equinox, a time of reflection, gratitude, and harvesting the fruits of our labors (both literally and metaphorically). She and Elyse discuss the beauty of synchronizing one’s modern life with various phases in nature such as solstices, equinoxes, and moon cycles, and how doing so can be a tangible reminder to slow down and take care in a world that is all too often go-go-go. EPISODE OUTLINE [00:01:07] What is the autumn equinox? [00:04:40] Following natural cycles [00:07:27] Phasing in the Moon [00:11:53] Buh-bye Virgo season and hello Libra season [00:13:24] The Sun, Moon, and stars, all aligned for reflection RESOURCES Where to Find Us: Elyse Preston on Instagram Be More Connected Information and Registration for The Growth Collective Golden Approach Instagram Aubrey Shaffner on Instagram Ways to Support the Show: Join us on Ko-fi for exclusive content Check out our Merch Explore our bookshelf on Bookshop.org Follow/Leave a review on Spotify Follow/Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

EP 204: Elyse Preston Coach, Consultant, Community Builder Elyse Preston, founder of Be More Connected, shares insights on creating genuine connections, aligning soul and intentions, and the intersection of spirituality and authenticity in the workplace. During this conversation, Elyse and Aubrey discuss overcoming burnout and the importance of self-care in service-based professions, as well as encourage you, the listener, to prioritize your well-being for a positive impact in your community. EPISODE OUTLINE [00:01:13] Getting to Know Elyse Preston [00:10:49] Spirituality and Politics [00:21:14] Following the Call of Our Soul [00:28:08] The Magic of Connection [00:34:32] Simultaneous Truths [00:45:18] Rapid Fire Q&A RESOURCES Where to Find Us: Elyse Preston on Instagram Be More Connected Golden Approach Instagram Aubrey Shaffner on Instagram Mentioned in the Episode: Dandelion Hair Salon and Apothecary Adrian Mariee Brown Lama Rod Owens Reverend Angel Kyoto Williams Ways to Support the Show: Join us on Ko-fi for exclusive content Check out our Merch Explore our bookshelf on Bookshop.org Follow/Leave a review on Spotify Follow/Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

EP 203 Hospitality Professional, Founder of Living Recovered and Scripted Wit McCord shares his story as a hospitality professional and recovered alcoholic with highs in lows across the country. From Santa Barbra to Seattle on the West Coast and North Carolina to New York on the East Coast, this truly is a journey of finding oneself, and all of the good, bad, and ugly that comes along with it. EPISODE OUTLINE [00:02:33] Getting to Know McCord [00:14:48] Supporting Recovery [00:19:14] Everyone’s Addiction is Different [00:29:13] Lessons in Growing In Your Career [00:39:48] Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation [00:50:47] What is Living Recovered? [00:56:42] How Did Scripted Wit Come to Be? [01:10:31] Rapid Fire Q&A RESOURCES Mentioned in the Episode: McCord Henry Scripted Wit Worth How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life by Jamie Kern Lima Where to Find Us: Golden Approach Instagram Aubrey Shaffner on Instagram Ways to Support the Show: Join us on Ko-fi for exclusive content Check out our Merch Explore our bookshelf on Bookshop.org Follow/Leave a review on Spotify Follow/Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

EP 202 with John-Henry Strong, LGPC After a close personal experience with grief, John-Henry shares how he found fulfillment in grief counseling, as well as a career he could be passionate about. EPISODE OUTLINE [00:01:14] Getting to Know Our Guest [00:06:17] How It All Started [00:11:00] Resiliency and Dealing with Grief [00:17:51] Building Better [00:26:20] Social Media, AI, and Technology [00:33:07] Controlling What You Can and Letting Go of What You Can’t [00:36:47] Biological, Psychological, Sociological, and Cultural Context Matters [00:40:13] Accessing Mental Health Counseling, Treatment, and Care [00:45:34] Rapid Fire Time

EP 201 Aubrey Shaffner & Emmalyn Casteris A Pastry Chef and an Administrative Assistant Start a Podcast and… In the Season 2 premiere, Aubrey is joined by her indispensable partner, Emmalyn, to reflect on the highs and lows from Season 1 and discuss the new features coming up this season! Join us in this new chapter filled with inspiring stories, meaningful engagement, and continuing growth. EPISODE OUTLINE [00:00:26] Emmalyn joins the Conversation [00:03:09] Favorite episodes and moments [00:11:11] Influence, wisdom, and community building [00:29:00] Locals supporting local support [00:35:15] Learning from season one to grow into season two [00:41:32] What’s to come in season two RESOURCES Where to Find Us: Golden Approach Instagram Aubrey Shaffner on Instagram Ways to Support the Show: Check out our Merch Explore our bookshelf on Bookshop.org Follow/Leave a review on Spotify Follow/Leave a review on Apple Podcasts RESOURCESWhere to Find Us:Golden Approach InstagramAubrey Shaffner on InstagramWays to Support the Show:Check out our MerchExplore our bookshelf on Bookshop.orgFollow/Leave a review on SpotifyFollow/Leave a reviewon Apple Podcasts

EP 009: Aubrey Shaffner Pastry Professional, Educator, and Host Aubrey dives deep into Emotional Intelligence; explaining where emotions come from, how they affect the brain and body, and impact the decision-making process. This episode is meant to be a resource to help you better understand why emotions matter to the development of your Emotional Intelligence, affect your mental health, and support your growth as a successful leader. EPISODE OUTLINE [00:00:00] What to expect this episode [00:04:25] How to build a strong and resilient mindset [00:06:00] Mindset shift suggestion #1 [00:11:00] Mindset shift suggestion #2 [00:17:00] Mindset shift suggestion #3 [00:19:00] Takeaway exercises for real life RESOURCES Where to Find Us: Golden Approach Instagram Aubrey Shaffner on Instagram Ways to Support the Show: Support the show, check out our Merch Support the show, check out our bookshelf on Bookshop.org Follow/Leave a review on Spotify Follow/Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

EP016 Meg Puglisi 504 Facilitator, Pastry Chef, and Scuba EnthusiastMeg Puglisi shares her “topsy-turvy” career journey from Pastry Chef to 504 Facilitator. Through trial and error, Meg has learned that sometimes what you think is going to be the dream, turns out to not be what you’re looking for. Sometimes it just doesn’t work out and that’s okay! By embracing the unexpected and finding joy in the freedom, in her experience at least, you can find more happiness than you had ever imagined. It takes work, support, self-acceptance, and usually a little bit of therapy, but by doing the work you wind up resilient as hell and happier than before, and after all, isn’t that the dream? EPISODE OUTLINE [00:00:24] Terrible bumper stickers [00:07:05] How did she get here? [00:14:00] Learning to teach [00:25:38] Knowing where your skills lie [00:33:00] PSA: go to therapy [00:45:02] Nobody knows anything at 18 years old [00:56:57] Closing Q&A RESOURCES Meg Puglisi’s Cupcake Enterprise on Instagram Support the show, check out our Merch Support the show, check out our bookshelf on Bookshop.org Follow/Leave a review on Spotify Follow/Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Golden Approach Instagram Aubrey Shaffner on Instagram

EP015 Monica Amtower Specialty Food Sales Executive This episode is all about the power of nature and nurture in shaping who we are and where our priorities lie both personally and professionally. Monica shares her experience from her early passion for pastry to balancing her career in specialty food sales and her professional passions and ambitions with her new venture into motherhood. Monica is someone who has a palpable motivation and drive for success that she attributes to not only her innate personality but also to an early and recurring lesson from her mother about the importance and impact of a strong work ethic. EPISODE OUTLINE [00:01:21] Nature versus Nurture [00:02:26] Secret surprises [00:04:00] Who is Monica Amtower? [00:13:47] Read the room [00:20:13] Finding your motivation and perspective with the help of a good team [00:28:17] Hindsight’s 20/20 and allergy season is not forever [00:34:02] What’s better than one incredibly demanding (and rewarding) job? TWO incredibly demanding (and rewarding) jobs! [00:42:30] Rapid-fire Q&A RESOURCES Where to Find Us: Golden Approach Instagram Aubrey Shaffner on Instagram How to Support the Show: Check out our Merch Explore our bookshelf on Bookshop.org Follow/Leave a review on Spotify Follow/Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

EP014 Danielle DeLisleSocial Impact Manager and Founder of Waverly DeelitesIn this episode, Aubrey and Danielle take a deep dive into the world of non-profits and charitable giving with a focus on Conscious Capitalism, a system that emphasizes ethical business practices while pursuing profits and partnerships with non-profit charitable organizations. This means that businesses are then better able to benefit the communities they are a part of and in return the businesses receive more support from their community members, something we know is vital to the success of new and/or small businesses. EPISODE OUTLINE[00:00:00] Introduction- What is Conscious Capitalism?[00:02:38] Meeting Danielle and learning about Social Impact Management[00:08:12] Mutually beneficial neutrality[00:13:30] How Non-Profits get the best bang for your buck[00:17:28] How to find reliable non-profits[00:23:14] Different types of impact and outcomes[00:30:18] Where to start as a small business interested in supporting your community?[00:34:22] How to get involved as an individual in a meaningful way[00:37:13] Closing remarks and rapid-fire questions[00:46:13] Outro

EP013 Joe BurtonChef and Owner of Rooted RotisserieIn this episode, Aubrey continues her conversation with Chef Joseph Burton and they discuss his journey of opening a restaurant, the importance of community, and how he balances being a business owner and a family man. This leads to the conversation of how to find the best balance between work and family life and what that looks like for Chef Joe and his family. He shares insight from his personal life, including what it took for him to achieve these successes while juggling his recent marriage, becoming a father, and working to open his restaurant during the pandemic.  EPISODE OUTLINE[00:00:00] Hellos and introductions to the show[00:02:30] Chef, business owner, new dad, and husband, how on Earth do you balance all of that?[00:07:04] Carrying on the family legacy one show of support at a time[00:10:00] Accountability, astrology, and availability. Three pillars of a healthy and happy relationship when you’re partners in life and in business[00:14:42] Living a simple (read incredibly busy yet equally rewarding) life[00:18:56] Giving to the community and in turn receiving from the community[00:23:00] Helping one of us helps all of us in the end[00:27:23] Rapid-fire Q’s and A’s[00:33:56] OutroRESOURCESRooted RotisserieRooted Rotisserie on InstagramJoe Burton on InstagramW.C. HarlanDutch CourageUniversity of Maryland Eastern Shore Hotel Restaurant ManagementSupport the show, check out our MerchSupport the show, check out our bookshelf on Bookshop.orgFollow/Leave a review on SpotifyFollow/Leave a review on Apple PodcastsGolden Approach InstagramAubrey Shaffner on Instagram

Joe Burton [Chef and Co-Owner of Rooted Rotisserie] Chef Joseph Burton is the proud owner of Rooted Rotisserie, a French restaurant located in Baltimore. His love for cooking and the influential women in his life inspired him to share his passion with his local community. During the pandemic, Chef Joe gained popularity by posting cooking videos on Instagram with the help of his wife. As the videos took off, he decided to offer curated special menus for his followers to try. Eventually, his passion for cooking led him to open his own restaurant to celebrate his achievements and further share his love of cooking with the Baltimore community. Chef Joe's journey has been a lesson in determination and the power of community support when working to achieve one's goals and we can't wait to share it with you!EPISODE OUTLINE[00:00:00] Introductions to Chef Joe and the Show[00:04:39] Personal and Professional Paths to Success[00:09:38] Bonus Shout-outs and Bonus Business for All[00:12:33] Brief Pause for a Charitable Cause[00:17:11] Light at the End of the Tunnel (or in this case outside of the kitchen dungeon)[00:23:13] From the Pandemic to Paris[00:29:03] The Rotisserie Moment[00:33:00] The Beauty of Access within the Community[00:41:28] OutroRESOURCESRooted RotisserieRooted Rotisserie on InstagramJoe Burton on InstagramFran Gong’s Organic Body CareCarrie Goultra, ChefRodney Scott BarbecueRodney Scott on InstagramSupport the show, check out our MerchSupport the show, check out our bookshelf on Bookshop.orgFollow/Leave a review on SpotifyFollow/Leave a review on Apple PodcastsGolden Approach InstagramAubrey Shaffner on Instagram

Ryan Shaffner[Executive Chef and Husband]Aubrey, the host of the show welcomes her husband, Ryan Shaffner, to discuss the advantages and difficulties of working in the same intense industry as your partner. They will be discussing a range of best approaches that have been passed down and tested firsthand. If you are looking for ways to better support others or specific ideas on connecting better with your partner, this episode is perfect for you.EPISODE OUTLINE[00:00:00] A musical introduction to the Shaffners[00:01:06] What to expect this episode[00:03:10] How Chef Ryan joined the CIA[00:10:00] Calling this part a tree because it’s so sappy[00:13:40] How to support the show [00:15:00] T-Swift isn’t just with some nobody (a.k.a. The value of finding someone who understands your struggles)[00:17:29] Communication is key and miscommunication is pushing a pull door until you hurt something[00:27:00] If he wanted to he would[00:36:53] Partnership with Bookshop.org[00:37:25] Life is like a pack of Pokemon cards, everything is always changing[00:40:10] ClosingRESOURCESSupport the show, check out our MerchSupport the show, check out our bookshelf on Bookshop.orgFollow/Leave a review on SpotifyFollow/Leave a review on Apple PodcastsGolden Approach InstagramAubrey Shaffner on Instagram