EP19: Behind the Method: How The Work Came to be w/ Byron Katie and an Exercise in Application to Public Service w/ Matt Plourd

FULL EPISODE on Apple Podcast & YouTube

Byron Katie is the creator of The Work, an incredibly powerful method of self-inquiry that helps individuals break free from the thoughts that create suffering. Her books, including Loving What Is, A Mind at Home with Itself, and Who Would You Be Without That Story, have become staples in the personal development world, with millions of copies sold and translated into over 30 languages – reaching people in boardrooms, prisons, and even war zones. Her method has had a profound impact on high performers across a wide range of fields, including business, therapy, and conflict resolution, and has been hailed by some of the most influential figures of our time—Oprah, Eckhart Tolle, Tim Ferriss, and Tony Robbins, to name a few. Katie was even recognized by TIME magazine as the spiritual innovator of the 21st century. 

Matt Plourd is a city councilman in Newington, Connecticut, and a truly remarkable young leader from a family of public servants. Still in his 20s, Matt is already on a determined and productive journey as one of the youngest ever elected officials in his town's history. With a strong sense of responsibility for “the community that raised and loved [him] in [his] most difficult moments,” Matt is dedicating his life to bridging the divide and helping us navigate back to common sense and compassion.

In today’s conversation, Katie and I dive deep into how The Work came to be, and how it can be a vital leadership tool for public servants. Public leadership requires the ability to navigate conflict, uncertainty, and high-stakes decisions with clarity and compassion—and that’s exactly what The Work helps you do. You’ll learn how to dissolve the fears that arise from rivals or opposition, how to shift from adversarial to collaborative leadership, and how this powerful method can transform difficult conversations into opportunities for growth. We also discuss why a setback—whether it’s losing an election or not getting the job—may actually be the best thing that ever happened to your leadership. We dive into Katie’s remarkable personal story, experiencing a sudden, life-changing realization in 1986, she went from being clinically depressed and agoraphobic on the floor of a halfway house to, in an instant, finding the clarity that changed her life and, ultimately, the lives of millions. In the second half of this episode, I sit down with Matt Plourd, city councilman of Newington, Connecticut, and we put The Work into action on a live situation he’s facing in his service. You’ll get to see how The Work can be applied in real-time. Get ready for an enlightening conversation with Byron Katie and Matt Plourd.

EP18: “Episodelette” One w/Monica Guzman

FULL EPISODE on Apple Podcast & YouTube

In our first Healing Our Politics “episode-lette” a 15-minute bite of goodness, join me with

Monica Guzeman, Host of A Braver Way podcast, is a powerhouse of political healing and transformation. Author of I Never Thought of it That Way and renowned TED speaker, she is “the guide across the divide” for the Braver Angels Network.

We talk about:
⁉️Why you should care about what folks who disagree with you politically think
🦁 The benefit to you in befriending folks who are different
Becoming anti-fragile
Building resilience through challenge
⚡️Free speech as a tool to build courage and alignment
💻 How to escape your political bubble using tech
🧘🏽‍♀️The power of meditation

If you enjoyed this and want to see more of Monica on a full episode of the Healing Our Politics podcast ❤️🎙️, please DM me with topics you want covered, or reach out to our team at jesse@healingourpolitics.com

EP17: The Body Speaks: The Body - Work Connection w/ Russell J. Pappas

FULL EPISODE on Apple Podcast & YouTube

Russell J. Pappas, known by friends as Russ, is a true master of his craft. He is a Shamanic Bodyworker and Transformational Coach with over 20 years of experience in massage therapy, energy work, and ceremony. As well as having formal training in over 12 different modalities of massage—from Myofascial Release, Shiatsu, Trigger Point Therapy, Neuromuscular Therapy, Western Sports Massage, Rolfing, and the list goes on —Russ’s work stands out beyond his technical mastery with an approach to healing, relaxation, and realignment is in a league of its own—truly unmatched. Russ has worked with a diverse roster of clients including CEOs, celebrities, and high-net-worth individuals—but he’s never one to name drop. His focus is on the work itself, and his commitment to healing is absolute. Every moment of his practice is imbued with great intention to nourish, relieve and listen to the body, mind, and spirit.

We decided to try something a little different today! In this episode, I sit down—and actually, lay down—with none other than Russell J. Pappas: legendary bodyworker who weaves together a fascinating tapestry of bodywork, energy healing, coaching, and ceremony. We explore how bodywork and massage therapy, in its various forms, can be a GAME-CHANGER for public servants who spend long hours at the computer, immersed in high-stress environments that create unhealthy work habits. We dive into body alignment issues common to the public servant— like "keyboard forearm" from hours at the desk, and the infamous "camel neck" or “dowager’s hump” from craning over your phone, and Russ shares actionable tips and techniques to combat these problems that you can implement into your busy routine. Recording the conversation before and after my treatment provides a rare, intimate and in depth review of a bodywork experience, as well as a practitioner’s perspective, and honest advice on finding the type of therapyyoumight want as well as how to find it, navigating what’s often a very murky landscape of options! Russ shares his thoughts on how to evaluate the work of a therapist while maintaining a receptive mindset, how to best give feedback (spoiler alert!: this approach will translate well into your leadership roles!) as well as how to get the most value from your sessions by setting intention and knowing your preferences.  If you’ve ever been curious about the power of bodywork—or if you're just looking for ways to feel better in your own skin—this episode is going to hit the spot. (it definitely did for me!!) 

EP16: Question Everything: Japman Baja on Faith, Self-Discovery, and Service

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Japman Bajaj is an award-winning, transformational leader and a true polymath, recognized in 2012 as a Global Shaper of the World Economic Forum. A force in technology, entrepreneurship, policy, culture, and service, Japman seamlessly bridges human potential with the systemic structures that support it. He is a passionate storyteller, empathetic leader, and lifelong learner with a unique ability to balance left- and right-brain thinking, creating meaningful impact that nurtures human potential and fulfillment. Japman has contributed to several industries: He served as a senior leader at Long View Systems, where he led the Managed Cloud and Infrastructure Services, co-founded and served as Managing Director for Soshal Group, an award-winning digital media agency, and served as a Senior Leader at TELUS, one of Canada’s largest telecom conglomerates. Japman has also made significant contributions to social innovation, managing the Ottawa Innovation Community Challenge, curating at the Global Shapers Community, advising the Calgary Arts Development, and sitting on the Board for The Trans Canada Trail Project. He is also a published author. Currently, he is the Executive VP at Vametric, where he is redefining human ability, testing, and assessment. Whether building businesses or fostering deep social connections, Japman has a rare ability to focus on the big picture while also zooming in on the nuances that make a lasting difference.

In this episode, I connect with ELC Board Member Japman Baja, exploring how spirituality can drive service and influence our daily lives, what the Sikh religion means to him as an individual, and how it continues to inform his leadership, trauma, trust building, and so much more. We discuss the personal and communal challenges he faced as a Sikh after 9/11, and how those events have shaped his views on service and wellbeing. Japman confesses that he came to understand the full gravity of his father’s work as a public servant relatively recently, and shares his evolution from believing that policy was in the way, to seeing it as the way in moving the needle forward. We contemplate the hard choices to be made and commitment needed to pursue an elected position, all while battling a system that favors blame, rather than extending grace. Plus, we touch on the transformative power of meditation and journaling in healing trauma and processing life's struggles. 

EP15: Pocket Pebbles and Perspective: Navigating Life's Complexities w/ Dr. Jerome Burt II

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Dr. Jerome Burt is a clinical psychologist, therapist, and Ph.D. based at the Heritage Group in Nashville, Tennessee, with an expansive career that blends deep expertise in psychology with a uniquely diverse background. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Mississippi, followed by a Postdoctoral Residency at the Psychological and Counseling Center at Vanderbilt University, but his career path has been anything but traditional—before becoming a psychologist, he spent 20 years as a personal trainer and fitness instructor.  With expertise in neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and human behavior, Dr. Burt II’s work spans a wide range of individuals, from Forbes-featured CEOs to college graduates figuring out what's next. He has been a featured TED speaker, with his talk, How a Dinner Party Can Save Your Life, and recently hosted TEDx in Nashville. As the co-host of the Billboard HappinessPodcast, Jerome redefines the way we think about psychology, infusing it with his deep belief in the redemptive power of good friends, good food, and good conversation. In his sixth decade, he is a convener of community, a preacher of possibility, and an acolyte of abundance.

In today’s conversation, we dive into the importance of elders and your social network and how surrounding yourself with the right people can propel you to success. Jerome shares how something as simple as a dinner party can save your life, why ease leads to dis-ease, and the concept of pocket pebbles for personal freedom. Packed with fun anecdotes and valuable insights, we get into everything from navigating anger to the importance of professional—and non-professional—support in shifting from blame and shame to effective leadership. We discuss using annual retreats to unite teams, how exercise and home-cooked meals can elevate your leadership, and building connections across partisan divides. You’ll also hear about the science of being the good Samaritan, the distinction between "getting shit done" juice and "cuddle juice," and how to tap into them to elicit the best from your nervous system. We explore the five S's of success, the power of mentorship, and the importance of being lovingly challenged. Jerome’s wisdom, heart, and vision will challenge you to think about leadership in a whole new way. 

EP14: The Eight Key Elements to Political Wellbeing: Anna Miley of Locale Learning

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Anna Miley is a powerhouse in mindset and mental well-being, working with leaders to create a successful balance in their lives as Lead Coach at Locale Learning, an organization committed to transforming the experiences of Australia’s elected leaders. A graduate of the University of Canberra with degrees in sports science, physiology, and psychology, Anna is also a certified hypnotherapy practitioner, a neuro-linguistic programming expert, an accredited exercise physiologist, and a yoga therapist. Anna’s professional mission is to educate on the power of self-care in leadership. She has a deep understanding of the impact of stress on the body and the mind and how to boost performance and reduce the mental load through mindfulness techniques.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Anna Miley, an expert in mindset, mental well-being, and leadership. We dive into her personal journey, starting with a genetic childhood condition that set her on the path to healing and helping others do the same. We cover practical strategies for building your own “mental health first aid kit,” the importance of movement, the “Middle Way,”  and how to tackle people-pleasing and perfectionism. Plus, we get into the science behind affirmations and how to use them to amplify your leadership.Anna shares her insight and experiences as lead Coach with Locale Learning, an Australian-based company focused on transforming the experience of elected leaders developing ethical, mindful, and high-performing leaders. Recognized by the Apolitical Foundation as one of 26 international political well-being trailblazers, Locale Learning is revolutionizing leadership development in Australia, mirroring the work of the Elected Leaders Collective here in the U.S. We’ll explore how their Eight step Political Well-Being Framework can help you pinpoint the areas in your life and leadership that need the most growth—and how to take action. It’s a packed episode, so let’s dive in!

EP13: The Peaceful Warrior and the Three-legged Stool: Paul Andersen and the Huts for Vets Methodology

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Paul Andersen is a writer, historian, and humanitarian with a jaw-dropping 40+ years of experience. He’s written thousands of news columns, authored 17 books, and even scripted over a dozen movies and IMAX films. But Paul’s story doesn’t stop there. He’s a changemaker. He founded 'Nature and Society,' a groundbreaking seminar at the Aspen Institute, and 'Huts for Vets,' a nonprofit offering transformative wilderness experiences for veterans in the stunning 10th Mountain Division hut system near Aspen, Colorado. Inducted into the Aspen Hall of Fame just last year, Paul is a force of nature who’s always aiming higher—whether it’s growing 'Huts for Vets' or living by his mantra to give 'meaning to every interaction.' If you’re looking for a masterclass in creativity, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership, you’re in the right place.

In this episode, we explore the profound connection between nature, philosophy, and healing. Discover the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or 'forest bathing,' and how immersing yourself in nature can help you reconnect, rejuvenate, and boost performance. We challenge the label of PTSD as a 'disorder,' reframing it as PTS—the body's natural response to life-or-death trauma—to reduce stigma and support healing. We delve into the overlooked issue of sexual trauma in the military and uncover lessons civilians can learn. Our conversation takes us into the world of classic philosophy, examining the links between disconnection—from others, from purpose, and from something greater, and self —and mental health. We unpack the 'Aspen Idea,' exploring the “three-legged stool” of mind, body, and spirit, and share practical ways to cultivate balance in your life. We discuss the transformative power of a “solo”, the ways we shape and are shaped by our environments, and the enduring impact of history and service. Finally, Paul shares his extraordinary journey to founding Huts for Vets, a nonprofit that has touched countless lives.I hope you enjoy this soulful, wide-ranging, and thought-provoking conversation with Paul Andersen.

EP12: Feeling to Heal: Emotional Mastery for Leaders w/ Jamie Butemeyer

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Jamie Butemeyer is a transformational mastery coach + movement facilitator and former musical theater artist whose coaching practice exists at the intersection of artistry and entrepreneurship. Based in Aspen, Colorado, Jamie’s client roster includes women CEOs, billionaires, and leaders of all kinds, working one-on-one and in group formats. Her signature program, “Leading Lady,” helps women step out of the background and into the main stage of their lives. Jamie is the head female coach for the Elected Leaders Collective and the co-creator of the Body Alive practice at Aspen Shakti, transforming bodies and lives nationwide. She is also a certified breathwork facilitator.

In this episode, I sit down with the best human I know, my better half and partner in life and love, Jamie Butemeyer. We discuss the intersection of authenticity, leadership, emotional intelligence, and success. We delve into Jamie’s background, growing up in Lawton, Oklahoma, and being on stage as a beauty queen from a young age. We talk about childhood patterns and the unconscious programming she picked up as a little one. Jamie shares where her insecurities and limiting beliefs held her back from becoming the Broadway star in NYC she wanted to be but ultimately planted the seeds of her success. Jamie talks about how making big bets on herself paid off and reflects on how embracing emotions, owning her fear, and cultivating emotional mastery skills freed her to become the world-class coach and leader of leaders she is today —all essential skills for leaders like you in high-stakes environments. We dive into practices like nonviolent communication, somatic awareness, and the power of community to foster healing and connection. Jamie offers unique insights into being a partner to a public servant and what she learned about how you, as a spouse or partner, can contribute to a conscious relationship that safeguards and supercharges the relationship and your service. Jamie has been right here with me, helping me find the courage, compassion, and authenticity to be here with you today, and I know in her wisdom that you will find more of these things for yourself.

EP11: Rethinking Health: Connection, Purpose, and Joy w/Lifestyle Medicine Dr. Jasdeep Saluja

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Dr. Jasdeep Saluja is the Chief Medical officer and Co-Founder of the Aroga Institute, which has served over 10,000 patients through the six pillars of lifestyle medicine: nutrition, fun physical activity, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, restorative sleep, and social connections, and his seventh pillar, purpose and meaning. With this integrative approach, he helps patients improve their lifespan and healthspan while reclaiming their joy and impact in the world. Dr. Saluja is widely regarded as a preeminent leader in his field, serving as a diplomat at the American Board of Obesity Medicine, an advisory council member of the Global Positive Health Institute, an advisory board member of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine, and at the Elected Leaders Collective.

In this episode, we explore Dr. Jasdeep Saluja’s deeply personal path to discovering Lifestyle Medicine. This journey began with changing his habits to support his father and evolved into transforming the health of thousands. Dr. Saluja shares how Lifestyle Medicine bridges the gap between lifespan and healthspan, empowering you to take control of your health future. We discuss the six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine and actionable steps to improve your well-being—whether you’re struggling with weight, hypertension, pre-diabetes, brain fog, or want to feel better in your body and mind. We explore how to integrate these tools effectively, from the essential health screenings and evaluations you should consider to wearable technology for tracking fitness. We also dive into the critical role of mindset, language, and culture in shaping health outcomes—like why framing movement as “fun physical activity” leads to better results than mandated “exercise.” Jasdeep introduces Aroga's Journal Club process, a collaborative method for evaluating new research and integrating evidence-based decisions into your health and leadership. Additionally, we uncover lessons from Blue Zones, regions with the highest concentrations of centenarians, and how their insights can inspire healthier, more connected communities. Dr. Saluja shares practical resources, books, and tools to help you create the mind, body, and life you want—while uplifting those around you. If you’re ready to make small changes that deliver big impacts, this insightful and applicable conversation with Dr. Jasdeep Saluja is for you.

EP10: Neuroscience and Trauma Healing: Dr. David Rabin’s Tools for Leadership

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Dr. David Rabin is an MD PhD board-certified practicing psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and entrepreneur who has studied resilience and the impact of chronic stress on our lives for over 15 years. He is the co-founder and chief medical officer at Apollo Neuroscience, which developed the first scientifically validated wearable technology to improve sleep and mood. In his practice, doctor Dave specializes in treatment-resistant illnesses, including PTSD, personality disorders, substance abuse, and more, using minimally or noninvasive treatment strategies. He is a co-founder of the Board of Medicine, a MAPS-trained MDMA-assisted therapist, and a trained ketamine-assisted therapist studying the epigenetics of trauma. He invests as part of the Noetic Fund. Dave is the host of the Psychedelic Report + You Brain Explained podcasts.

In this episode, we dive into how Dr. Dave Rabin stays highly productive and how you can use his methods to tackle the issues you care about most effectively. Dr. Dave shares simple physical practices to help you stay calm and centered, even when triggered so that you can respond with clarity and connection. We talk about his Jewish upbringing, a culture of curiosity and questioning, and how it shaped his approach to leadership and teamwork. He explains how creating psychological safety within yourself and with your team leads to better conversations, stronger decisions, and improved outcomes. We also explore the fascinating world of epigenetics, uncovering how trauma can be passed down through generations and how you can break the cycle to heal yourself and your family. Plus, Dr. Dave reveals the surprising top predictor of weight gain, burnout, and anxiety—and shares actionable tools to address it. This conversation is packed with energy, practical advice, and wide-ranging insights. I hope you enjoy this engaging and inspiring talk with my friend and expert, Dr. Dave Rabin!

EP9: Beyond Bipolar: Shakeyla Ingram’s Journey of Healing, Forgiveness, and Resilience in Public Office

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Shakeyla Ingram served on the city council in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she focused on community empowerment, small business support, and housing issues. It was not all roses. Shakeyla was diagnosed with bipolar disorder while in office and faced significant challenges as she found herself embroiled in the middle of factional community anger during the COVID-19 epidemic and immersed in dysfunctional behavior between council members and herself. As a councilwoman, Shakeyla released a book, Intentionality Here, ran her consultancy, Haus Host, and relaunched her podcast, The Key to the City. Since losing re-election, Shakeyla has blossomed - releasing Provisions Boot Camp, an Entrepreneur's Toolkit, and starting a newsletter, Intentional Impact, along with traveling the country to train newly elected officials on effective governance.

In this episode, we dig into adolescence’s impact on our adult leadership: the importance of family and role models in shaping who we become. How early childhood experiences, adverse childhood events (ACEs), and trauma manifest unconsciously in our leadership and how to discover and break those patterns to uplevel and expand our leadership. We discuss coming out as battling bipolar depression on council and how you can disclose and work with your challenges. Shakeyla shares stories of inter-council conflict and the impact of public hate - being stuck in the middle of community factions - and its effect on our well-being and performance as leaders.  Shakeyla shares some of her most significant learnings from her journey, including techniques to identify and work with triggers, practices to exhume yourself from depression, creating “goal friends” and “journey agreements,” the distinction between trauma and healing as she understands it, what “intentionality” is and how to use it for your success, and so much more. 

EP8: Human-Centered Design & Entrepreneurial Strategies for Public Leaders: Testing, Failing Fast, and Maximizing Growth w/ Andrew Hutton

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Andrew Hutton is co-founder of Day One, which supported early-stage founders and their teams in navigating from 0 to 1 by taking a customer-discovery-led approach to go-to-market. Andrew is an industry-leading expert in human and user-centered design principles, a master at customer interview techniques, a teacher, coach, a former illustrious Parsons School of Design professor, and an Elected Leaders Collective board member. This episode is all about transferrable knowledge, learning from another wisdom tradition to set yourself apart in public service - in this case, entrepreneurship and start-up mindset.

In this episode, we discuss how a pig farm in Uganda took Andrew from West Wing dreams to the mean streets of entrepreneurship. The principles, practices, and strategies of an entrepreneurial mindset and how they can be applied in your public service journey. Human-centered design and design thinking, how you can use small tests to improve professional and personal efficacy and mitigate downside risk to drive public policy innovation. Creating positive constraints to encourage growth and nimbleness to shake your organization out of its rut. How to re-frame “failure,” learn to fail forward, and use setbacks to build resilience and organizational power. How can we work with societal factors and constraints to more effectively measure and plan around risk - professionally and otherwise? How can we speak to citizens differently, using customer discovery techniques to create better policies and bring people together? I hope you enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with my friend, Andrew Hutton. 

EP7: Suffering to Strength: Ashley Grimmel on Transmuting Pressure into Power, Resilience, and Health

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Ashley is the founder of both Grimel Biometrics and the Fresh Program and an ultra-endurance athlete. With a passion for pushing the limits of human performance, she trains UFC fighters, endurance athletes, race car drivers, and even everyday individuals. Ashley herself is a seasoned athlete, having competed in extreme events like the World’s Toughest Mudder—a grueling 75-mile race over 24 continuous hours featuring over 350 obstacles, including freezing water submersion, in which she places in the 10 top women, in the world. Ashley has faced innumerable personal challenges, coming our stronger on the other side, and can teach you how, too. In addition to her athletic achievements, Ashley serves as a board member for the Elected Leaders Collective, bringing her dedication to high performance and well-being to the political realm. Simply put, Ashley is the real deal.

In this deep and personal episode, we explore a range of topics designed to help you enhance both your physical and mental well-being. Ashley shares actionable tips on improving your diet with minimal time and budget, strategies for sustainable weight loss, and how to boost brain health and longevity. She introduces the concept of the "human audit" to improve relationships and workflow and walks us through the 7 S’s of stress reduction. Ashley also opens up about how her life was shaped by tragedy, death, and sickness and offers a raw and honest discussion on overcoming personal trauma, including rape. This episode contains potentially triggering content, but it’s real, and Ashley’s story shows how even the most difficult moments can fuel personal growth and self-improvement. You’ll walk away with tangible tools and inspiration from this real, deep, and highly tactical conversation.

EP6: Unapologetically You: Reggie Hubbard on Yoga, Healing & Embracing Self-Acceptance

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Reggie is the founder of Active Peace Yoga, a Yale graduate, and a renowned teacher, speaker, and translator, gracing stages at prestigious venues like Kripalu, TED, and Summit. Formerly a top-level staffer and strategist on Capitol Hill, Reggie now assists others in overcoming the physical and mental challenges he once faced. He serves on various boards, including the Elected Leaders Collective, Wanderlust, and Be Here Now Network.

In our conversation, we explore Reggie's journey from waking up to bourbon and struggling with stress, weight, and eczema to waking up to singing bowls and helping others heal, highlighting how our internal reality impacts physical health. In this episode, Reggie Hubbard shares his transformative journey from high-pressure Capitol Hill work to becoming a leader in holistic wellness. He discusses how burnout and poor mental well-being in public service nearly broke him, and how discovering yoga and sound healing helped him reclaim his health. Reggie explores the ancient activist roots of yoga and how it can help public servants build resilience, process trauma, and embrace their authentic selves.

We delve into Reggie’s personal transformation, how well-being affects leadership effectiveness, transforming anger into healing, simple tools anyone can use to foster inner peace and mental clarity,  and why the wellness world is accessible to everyone.

Reggie also shares how spreadsheets can be a surprising tool for personal accountability and wellness.

EP5: Why Well-Being Matters: Lisa + Kim on Achieving the Politics You Desire

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Lisa Witter is a serial political entrepreneur who co-founded Apolitical and the Apolitical Foundation, a global learning platform utilized by 260k+ public servants across 160 countries, recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies. As CEO of the Apolitical Foundation, she champions the next generation of trusted politicians, releasing "Better Leaders, Better Democracies: Mapping the Organizations Shaping 21st Century Politicians." A World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, Lisa co-chairs the Forum’s Council on Agile Governance and boasts extensive experience in behavioral science. Kimberly McArthur is a senior researcher and strategist at the Apolitical Foundation, focusing on democratic innovation and political well-being. Through her research, she addresses the global mental well-being challenges politicians face and works on fostering healthier political systems.

In this episode, we discuss the critical underpinnings of political leadership and well-being, emphasizing the importance of creating a political environment that nurtures leaders' mental health. We break down the “Mere Mortal’s Report,” the most comprehensive global study on the mental well-being of elected officials. The conversation dives into how poor mental health among politicians can destabilize democracy, leading to burnout, harassment, and declining civic participation and how a shift towards more inclusive, supportive political structures is urgently needed. The episode also explores actionable steps public leaders can take to prioritize well-being, break down barriers like cynicism, and adopt a leadership style rooted in gratitude, community, and joy.

In this episode, we challenge the misconception that vulnerability is a weakness in leadership. We explore Jerry Colonna’s practice of radical self-inquiry, how it works, and how you can apply it to enhance your leadership effectiveness in public service. We dive into the importance of understanding your personal triggers and how this awareness can transform your responses to public criticism and internal stress. We discuss actionable techniques for bringing your whole self to your leadership role, even in the face of potential backlash or misunderstanding. Jerry shares his experiences of growing up in challenging circumstances and how these shaped his journey toward becoming a more compassionate and effective leader. By embracing your full humanity, Jerry emphasizes, you can create more authentic connections, foster a sense of belonging, and lead with greater resilience and clarity—learn how to bring deeper purpose and well-being into your leadership in this powerful conversation.

EP3: How to Master Mental Clarity: David Allen's GTD Guide for Stress-Free Leadership

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David is the creator of the GTD (Getting Things Done) Methodology. David has sold over 3 million GTD books worldwide, is hailed by Forbes as one of the top five executive coaches globally, and calls amongst his followers high-preforming humans like Howard Stern, Will Smith, Robert Dr. Junior, and Groupon founder Brad Keywell. GTD has revolutionized organizations and the lives of their leaders by cultivating a “mind like water,” emptying the mental RAM, eliminating stress, and creating space for creativity and relaxation while staying productive. His new book, GTD TEAM, with co-author Edward Lamont, empowers leaders to cultivate aligned, harmonious, and successful teams using his renowned structure. 

In this episode, we debunk the myth of overwork as a prerequisite for success. We review the GTD methodology, how it works, and how to implement it in your workplace, complete with real-world public service examples. We explore who GTD is for and why you should bust through resistance. We discuss techniques and tools for tasks, reminders, and email management to alleviate stress and quell anxiety. We delve into David’s orientation as "Mr. Approval" and how effective systems facilitate boundary setting and create space for self and others to shine, complete with how to give “concious nos” that will be well received. GTD, David emphasizes, cultivates space for creativity, freedom, and peace, fostering a "mind like water" – learn how to find better productivity, peace, and connection in this episode.

EP2: From Conflict to Collaboration: Dr. Diana Smith's Guide to Political Healing

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Dr. Diana Smith is an expert in Human Dynamics and the author of Remaking the Space Between Us, her fourth book. With over 40 years of experience in social science and relational dynamics, Diana holds a Master of Education and Doctorate in Consulting Psychology from Harvard University. She has spent 25 years teaching top executives, educators, and leaders to build relationships to master tough challenges.

In this episode, we explore that relationships must be fixed before policy to heal our politics. Diana breaks down the science of in-group–out-group thinking, extreme partisanship, and repairing relationships. We discuss leveraging biases for connection, historical decline, and how to reverse the trend. She provides playbooks to test if you are unknowingly under the influence of malevolent leaders, media, and profiteers, how to engage those you disagree with, and how to beat conspiracy theories.

Diana shares techniques for building stronger teams, reviving trust, and cultivating support, along with the behaviors of bridge-building leaders like Abe Lincoln and Nelson Mandela that you can cultivate in your leadership.

EP1: Navigating Neurodiversity in Public Service with Housing Executive Director Jonathan Cappelli

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Jonathan is a leading regional expert in affordable housing and urban development out of Denver, Colorado.

In this episode, we dive into Jonathan's years of service, from the mangroves of Ecuador to the forests of Colorado. We discuss serving with ADHD and recently diagnosed bipolar disorder and what you can learn about serving with or managing those who are also nero-a-typical. We dive into habit replacement techniques, addiction cessation, nature exposure as a balm for the stress of public life, monocausotaxophilia (The tendency to explain everything as based on a single cause - more on that), and so much more.

Ultimately, Jonathan has learned to leverage personal challenges as strengths to improve problem-solving, decision-making, and management abilities, and you will learn how you can, too…