Ep. 37 : Author Jessica Fein Shares How Not Knowing the Future and Being Present Can Be a Blessing
Release Date: 12/08/2024
Ep. 45: Becoming the Person Who Takes Action: Identity, Goals, and Student Well-Being with Dr. Brian Smith
Make Discomfort Your B*tch
If you’ve ever struggled to put your knowledge into action, this episode is for you! Dr. Brian Smith, co-author of The Recipe for Student Well-Being, shares how choosing an identity that aligns with our goals can be the key to real, lasting change. With a decade of experience in mental health counseling and deep expertise in behavioral science, Brian has dedicated his career to translating research into practical strategies that drive real impact in education and beyond. But these tools aren’t just theoretical—they've been invaluable in his own life as he navigated cancer and recovery,...
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Ep. 44: Bridging the Gap: Embracing Wisdom and the Magic of Yes with Lori Pappas
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How do we close the gap between who we are personally and who we strive to be professionally? In this episode, award-winning entrepreneur and philanthropist Lori Pappas shares insights from her new book, The Magic of Yes: Embrace the Wise Woman Within. We explore how to recognize wisdom in our own lives, navigate reinvention, and apply the DREAM framework to turn challenges into opportunities. Through powerful storytelling and life lessons, Lori reveals how saying “yes” to curiosity and self-discovery can unlock deeper fulfillment and purpose. Don’t miss this conversation on resilience,...
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Ep. 43: Stop Gaslighting Yourself...Honoring Your Pain & Finding Your Voice with Monique Elliott
Make Discomfort Your B*tch
This week, I sit down with Monique Elliott, a powerhouse in mental health, coaching, and leadership, to unpack a topic we all wrestle with—honoring both our emotional and physical pain instead of dismissing it. Monique dives deep into how we gaslight ourselves, often internalizing the dismissive messages of others as a misguided way to cope. She shares her own journey of finding her voice, breaking free from these patterns, and helping others do the same. As a licensed clinical social worker, executive life coach, and founder of Savy Counseling Services, Monique has worked with high...
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Ep.42 : Alexia Hoffman Makes Bold Leaps Towards a Fulfilled Life
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In this episode, I’m joined by Alexia Hoffman, creator of The Fulfillment Blueprint, to discuss her belief that achieving your goals sometimes requires blowing up your life—and embracing the discomfort that comes with it. Alexia shares how leaving a lacrosse scholarship at 19 led her to an incredible real estate career, building a portfolio of over 60 properties by age 23. Along the way, she discovered the power of aligning ambition with fulfillment, creating environments that foster growth, confidence and work-life balance. We also explore how Alexia balances multiple businesses,...
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Ep. 41: Executive Coach Ron Higgs Has Been a Trailblazer Since An Early Age
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In this inspiring episode, we dive into the journey of Ron Higgs, a trailblazing leader, engineer and business executive. Growing up, Ron didn’t have models for what he aspired to be, but he found refuge and inspiration in his local library—a safe space that became the cornerstone of his path forward. Through a mentorship program, Ron discovered the tools and guidance to dream big and navigate a world that often presented challenges as a Black man in America. Ron shares how these experiences shaped his leadership philosophy and the work he does today. We’ll explore the obstacles he...
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Ep. 40: Welcome to Season Three! Let's Get Into It...
Make Discomfort Your B*tch
I'm a mental health therapist, speaker, author and educator who helps organizations bridge the gap between knowing and doing the things that foster well-being, resilience and success. With expertise in school counseling, trauma-informed practices, and social-emotional intelligence (SEI), I help teams address the root causes of issues such as burnout, communication breakdowns, and resistance to change—rather than just treating surface-level symptoms. My engaging, evidence-based approach equips audiences with the skills to navigate discomfort, build trust and create healthier, more adaptive...
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Ep. 39: A Solo Session to Close Out Season Two
Make Discomfort Your B*tch
Welcome back to the show! In today’s solo episode, we’re diving into one of the most common defense mechanisms we all tend to lean on when we hear feedback we don’t like. If you’ve ever found yourself getting defensive or shutting down in these moments, you’re not alone—but what if there was a better way to respond? I’ll be sharing practical strategies to help you move past the knee-jerk reaction and embrace feedback as an opportunity for growth. MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME: * Subscribe to for exclusive content, the latest news and more! I post a few times a month so I won't be...
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Ep. 38: Julie Jones Encourages Us All To Stop Waiting, Start Living
Make Discomfort Your B*tch
In this episode, we're diving deep with Julie Jones, a former police officer and SWAT team member turned Award-Winning Speaker, International Bestselling Author, and Breakthrough Coach. Julie's journey from bottling up emotions to embracing authenticity offers powerful lessons for anyone feeling stuck. Join us as we explore her transition from the high-stakes world of law enforcement to empowering individuals and teams with the tools they need to thrive. Learn how Julie's story of courage and self-discovery can inspire you to stop waiting and start living today! MORE ABOUT JULIE: Julie Jones,...
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Ep. 37 : Author Jessica Fein Shares How Not Knowing the Future and Being Present Can Be a Blessing
Make Discomfort Your B*tch
In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Fein, the author of Breath Taking, to explore some of life’s most challenging uncertainties and unexpected blessings. Jessica shares her journey of learning to let go of the need to control the future and embracing the freedom that comes with being present. We talk about how fear of the unknown can paralyze us, but also how powerful it can be to release that fear and find victory in the moment. Tune in as we discuss what it means to live fully, find peace, and breathe through the unknown. This conversation is for anyone looking to find strength in...
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Ep. 36: Anzara Shifts From Avoidance to Growth and Models the Same to Her Children and Others
Make Discomfort Your B*tch
My guest Anzara shares how she shifted from trying to avoid or get through discomfort as quickly as possible, to being able to sit with it and learn from it, modeling and teaching her kids to do the same. This practice was especially helpful when she left her position at a school district she worked in for almost 20 years for a job that really lit her up. I can't wait for you to learn from this powerhouse of a human! MORE ABOUT ANZARA: Anzara Miller has been in education for 25 years as an administrator, professional developer, technology specialist, and middle school Spanish teacher....
info_outlineIn this episode, I sit down with Jessica Fein, the author of Breath Taking, to explore some of life’s most challenging uncertainties and unexpected blessings. Jessica shares her journey of learning to let go of the need to control the future and embracing the freedom that comes with being present. We talk about how fear of the unknown can paralyze us, but also how powerful it can be to release that fear and find victory in the moment. Tune in as we discuss what it means to live fully, find peace, and breathe through the unknown. This conversation is for anyone looking to find strength in uncertainty and beauty in the present.
MORE ABOUT JESSICA FEIN:
Jessica Fein is the author of Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes and host of the "I Don't Know How You Do It” podcast, which features people whose lives seem unimaginable and who triumph over seemingly impossible challenges. Her writing has appeared in Newsweek, Psychology Today, The BostonGlobe, HuffPost, Scary Mommy, Zibby Mag, Kveller, andmore. Jessica is a relentless warrior in the memory of her dynamic daughter whom she lost to rare disease in 2022. Her work encompasses hope and humor, grit and grace --the tools that make up her personal survival kit. Jessica serves on the Board of Directors of Mito Action. She’s the mother of three, whom she and her husband adopted from Guatemala. They live outside of Boston with their quasi-service dog, who trained himself. To learn more visit www.jessicafeinstories.com
BOOK REVIEWS:
"More than an honest and humorous memoir, Breath Taking can be the guide star so many seek when life hands them more than they ever imagined they could endure." --Daniel DeFabio, rare disease filmmaker and Co-founder of The Disorder Channel
“A story of relentless heartbreak met with wit, strength, and resilience.” –Jennifer Weisel Bailey, ELLE Magazine
MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:
* Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content, the latest news and more! I post a few times a month so I won't be inundating your inbox
* Book me for a workshop or speaking event! Email me at [email protected]
* Read or listen to my book Could It Be Better? An unorthodox approach to experiencing more joy and connection in relationships
* Find me @cheranderton on Instagram and TikTok
Disclaimer: My podcast and other work on social platforms are for educational purposes only and are not meant to be a replacement for professional mental health services. We are not creating a client/therapist relationship through social media, including comments and direct messages. This platform is not monitored 24/7 so if you feel unsafe or need immediate help in any way, please call an emergency number that can meet your needs.