You Move at Your Pace
The Even Better Podcast
This episode is brought to you by the ! In this solo episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh reflects on the unique pace at which each of us works, communicates, and learns, and why that difference is not just normal, but necessary. We all move through the world in our own way, and while it’s natural to want others to keep up or slow down to match us, doing so means giving them the tools, training, and support they need to succeed. Sinikka shares practical insights on finding your natural flow throughout the day, adapting your communication style with intention, and recognizing how...
info_outline
How to Co-Create Greatness in a Meeting
The Even Better Podcast
This episode is brought to you by the ! In this solo episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh explores how to co-create greatness in every meeting—whether you’re leading it or simply participating. Our workplaces thrive when people feel cared for, valued, and like they matter, and meetings are a powerful microcosm of that culture. Sinikka shares practical ways to make meetings more effective and meaningful, from clarifying the purpose and desired outcome to honoring people’s time and contributions. Drawing parallels between running a meeting and managing a project, she...
info_outline
Change: Should I Do This?
The Even Better Podcast
This episode is brought to you by the ! In this solo episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh explores the crossroads we all face when change presents itself and a decision needs to be made. Sometimes the question is simple—Should I do this? Do I even want this?—but the answers can feel anything but clear. With warmth and practical wisdom, Sinikka walks through a process for navigating those moments of uncertainty: pausing before reacting, defining what “A” and “B” really mean, weighing the gains and losses of each path, and grounding choices in personal values. Once a...
info_outline
Five Ways to Reclaim Your Time and Energy for What Matters Most
The Even Better Podcast
In this episode of Even Better, Sinikka Waugh is joined by Dr. Ngozi Igbokwe, Senior Learning and Development Manager at Bright Horizons, for a conversation about reclaiming your time and energy for what matters most. Drawing from her expertise in leadership development and her own experiences balancing career and community, Ngozi shares practical strategies for focusing on what fuels you—and letting go of what drains you. Together, they explore five key ways to realign your energy and attention: knowing what fills your cup, taking an honest look at how you spend your time, getting...
info_outline
Working on Climate Action with People of Faith
The Even Better Podcast
This episode is brought to you by the ! In this episode of Even Better, Sinikka Waugh is joined by Debra Rienstra for a conversation about pursuing climate action in partnership with people of faith. From early passions that shaped her calling, to the experiences that prepared her for this moment, Debra shares how her journey has evolved—and how faith communities can be powerful allies in creating meaningful change. Together, they explore what sustains this passion even in the face of discouragement, and how others can catch and carry the spark of hope forward. Along the way,...
info_outline
EOS is One of the Ways to Have Better Workdays
The Even Better Podcast
This episode is brought to you by the ! In this episode of Even Better, Sinikka Waugh is joined by Rob Taylor for a conversation about the common frustrations business owners face—and how to move past them. From lack of control to lack of profit, people challenges to stalled growth, it can feel like nothing is working. Rob introduces us to the Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS®), a proven set of simple, practical tools designed to help leaders gain clarity, alignment, and traction. Together, they'll explore the six key components that EOS strengthens—Vision, People,...
info_outline
Change You Didn't Want
The Even Better Podcast
This episode is brought to you by the ! In this solo episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh takes on a challenge we’ve all faced: dealing with change we didn’t ask for, didn’t expect, and maybe didn’t even want. When circumstances shift outside of our control, it’s natural to feel resistance, frustration, or even grief. With her trademark clarity and compassion, Sinikka explores how the power of the pause can shape our response, whether or not a change can be undone, what it means to envision a “point B,” and how we can choose to make the journey in ways that honor...
info_outline
5 Ways to Relax Your Mind (and Down-Regulate Your Nervous System)
The Even Better Podcast
This episode is brought to you by the ! In this episode of Even Better, Sinikka Waugh is joined by Jana Mitzoda for a conversation about when life moves at full speed, slowing down can feel impossible—but your mind and body need it. Jana joins us to share five simple, powerful ways to quiet your mind and soothe your nervous system. From the permission to truly stop, to the grounding power of your breath, to finding your own body’s version of relaxation, these practices invite you back into balance. Discover how connecting with nature can restore your circadian...
info_outline
5 Ways to Relax Your Mind (and Down-Regulate Your Nervous System)
The Even Better Podcast
This episode is brought to you by the ! In this episode of Even Better, Sinikka Waugh is joined by Jana Mitzoda for a conversation about when life moves at full speed, slowing down can feel impossible—but your mind and body need it. Jana joins us to share five simple, powerful ways to quiet your mind and soothe your nervous system. From the permission to truly stop, to the grounding power of your breath, to finding your own body’s version of relaxation, these practices invite you back into balance. Discover how connecting with nature can restore your circadian...
info_outline
3 Leading Causes of Pain in Organizations
The Even Better Podcast
This episode is brought to you by the ! In this solo episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh shines a spotlight on three of the biggest sources of organizational pain: ineffective communication, role and responsibility mismatch, and ineffective risk management. These common challenges cause breakdowns in projects, teams, and trust—and yet, they’re often overlooked or accepted as "just how things go." With clarity and compassion, Sinikka explores how better communication, aligned expectations, and proactive planning can lead to fewer headaches and better workdays—for...
info_outlineThis episode is brought to you by the Change Makers Certification Program!
In this episode of Even Better, Sinikka Waugh is joined by Debra Rienstra for a conversation about pursuing climate action in partnership with people of faith. From early passions that shaped her calling, to the experiences that prepared her for this moment, Debra shares how her journey has evolved—and how faith communities can be powerful allies in creating meaningful change. Together, they explore what sustains this passion even in the face of discouragement, and how others can catch and carry the spark of hope forward. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of collaboration, practical insights on engaging faith-based groups in climate work, and reflections on how day-to-day actions connect to the bigger picture of caring for our world. If you’ve ever wondered how personal passion, professional purpose, and spiritual conviction can intersect to drive climate action, this conversation will inspire you to imagine new possibilities—and invite others to join in.
Debra Rienstra is professor of English at Calvin University, where she has taught since 1996, specializing in creative nonfiction, early British literature, and environmental literature. Her most recent book is Refugia Faith: Seeking Hidden Shelters, Ordinary Wonders, and the Healing of the Earth (Fortress 2022), a book that combines theology, nature writing, and biological principles to consider how Christians must adapt our faith and practice for a climate-altered planet. In connection with her work on faith and climate change, Debra speaks frequently to church and faith groups, hosts the Refugia Podcast, and writes the Refugia Newsletter on Substack. Her essays also appear fortnightly at The Reformed Journal, where she writes about spirituality, pop culture, the church, the arts, higher ed, and more. Debra is the author of three previous books—on motherhood, Christian spirituality, and worship—as well as numerous academic essays, literary essays, and poems. Debra serves on the research advisory board of the BTS Center and the coordinating committee for Third Act Faith. She is also active in several of her university’s campus-wide sustainability initiatives.