Why Victimhood Is Choice - With Quadriplegic And Ms America Wheelchair Winner, Ali Ingersoll
Okay, Now What? - With Kate Gladdin
Release Date: 12/05/2024
Okay, Now What? - With Kate Gladdin
I know I've been MIA the past month, and I've recorded this episode with a broken heart to explain why. This episode is messy, raw and honestly I'm still in shock that I had to record it at all.. But I always want to keep it real with you guys about the realities of what we all go through in life.. and right now I am really going through it.. My Mum was truly one of a kind. The best parts of me, are her. In honor of her generous heart and lifelong mission to uplift others, we’ve created the Julie Fitzsimons Legacy Fund at Sheridan College. This endowment will support students in...
info_outlineOkay, Now What? - With Kate Gladdin
Let’s be real—long distance isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s for the ones who are willing to cry on dog walks with sunglasses on. The ones who whisper we’ll figure it out even when every plan falls through. The ones who know love is worth the effort—but still wonder, how the heck do people actually make this work? So in this episode I dive into this topic that's close to my heart - the rollercoaster of long distance relationships. After navigating my own 2 year international long distance relationship with my now-husband Nate (including military life and visa challenges!), I'm...
info_outlineOkay, Now What? - With Kate Gladdin
Ever been through a breakup that didn’t just hurt emotionally—but physically? Like your chest was caving in or your stomach was in knots? You're not crazy. In fact, there's actual science behind that soul crushing pain. In this episode, we dive deep into what's actually happening in your brain and body when your heart gets broken—and why breakup grief might actually be harder to heal from than grief after death. If you've ever felt like you were "crazy" for not being able to "just get over it," this episode is for you. We'll explore the fascinating neuroscience behind heartbreak and give...
info_outlineOkay, Now What? - With Kate Gladdin
What if the thing holding you back isn’t fear—but the story you're telling yourself about it? This week on Okay, Now What?, I’m joined by the powerhouse that is Sally Zimney—award-winning speaker, bestselling author, and host of one of the top speaker podcasts in the world—for a real, raw, and laugh-out-loud honest conversation about what bravery really looks like. Spoiler: it’s not the absence of fear. It’s showing up with it. We unpack: Why “confidence” is overrated and what to build instead The power of gumption (and no, not the Aussie cleaning product kind—though...
info_outlineOkay, Now What? - With Kate Gladdin
Let’s be honest: Most of us aren’t just busy - we’re burnt out, overbooked, and quietly wondering if this is just how life’s meant to be. If your schedule feels like a never-ending to-do list and your soul’s running on empty, this episode is for you. This week on Okay, Now What?, I’m joined by the incredible Peggy Sullivan — a leadership coach, TEDx speaker (her talk’s hit over 1 million views!), and author of Beyond Busyness. And let me tell you… this conversation is like a permission slip to finally stop glorifying the hustle and start living with intention....
info_outlineOkay, Now What? - With Kate Gladdin
What if the most heartbreaking chapter of your life also held the key to your greatest purpose? In this powerful and tender conversation, I sit down with Kara Byron - founder of Moments by Kara - to talk about the raw reality of being a full-time caregiver to her father in her early twenties, how she turned grief into a lifelong mission of creating meaningful moments, and the difference between moving on and moving forward after loss. We get real about the emotional toll of caretaking, the sacredness of grief, and how to hold joy and sorrow in the same hand. Whether you’ve lost someone,...
info_outlineOkay, Now What? - With Kate Gladdin
From a young age, we're taught not to interrupt conversations. But I've realised there is definitely a conversation we need to interrupt EVERY SINGLE DAY. It's the one happening in our between our own ears. Because let's be honest - do you ever find yourself spiraling in self-doubt, thinking things like “I’m not good enough,” “I always mess things up,” or “I’m just not the type of person who can…”? Yeah, welcome to being human right?! So in this episode, I dive into a powerful mental interrupt tool—one simple question that can help you stop those runaway thought spirals...
info_outlineOkay, Now What? - With Kate Gladdin
Ever feel like you’re doing all the right things—yet still feel off? Tired? Resentful? Like you're living life for everyone but you? Yeah… me too. In this powerful episode, I pull back the curtain on one sneaky little word that’s silently controlling so many of our choices—and not in a good way. That word? Should. It seems harmless. Responsible even. "I should call her back." "I should go to that dinner." "I should be happier by now." But when you really pay attention, you’ll notice how heavy that word feels in your body. How tight your chest gets. How small your world...
info_outlineOkay, Now What? - With Kate Gladdin
Ever find yourself spiraling in “why me?” energy—or slapping on a fake smile, insisting “I’m fine” when you’re anything but? Yeah. Been there. Both sides of that coin will wear you out. That’s why this episode? It’s a lifeline. Fresh off an emotional and empowering experience speaking at my first ever women’s leadership conference, I’m unpacking a topic that hits deep: the difference between self-pity, self-denial, and self-compassion—and why knowing how to navigate between them is one of the most important skills you’ll ever learn. In this episode, I share: ✨ The...
info_outlineOkay, Now What? - With Kate Gladdin
In this powerful episode, we're joined by Kevin Lowe, an inspirational speaker and podcast host who shares his remarkable journey of losing his sight at 17 and discovering an entirely new way to "see" the world. Through launching his own travel agency, creating a podcast during the pandemic, learning how to 'see' through sound and now inspiring others through speaking, Kevin exemplifies resilience in its purest form. His personal equation—"faith plus family equals a life worth living"—reminds us all to identify what gives our lives meaning, especially during our darkest moments. Kevin's...
info_outlineJoin me for one of my show's most inspiring interviews yet with the incredible Ali Ingersoll, whose life took a dramatic turn after a diving accident left her a C6 quadriplegic. Ali shares her adventurous pre-accident life, her harrowing recovery journey, and her inspiring work as a disability rights advocate. Most importantly though, she shares why victimhood is a choice and how we can use the power of perspective and taking responsibility for ourselves as the key to changing our lives for the better - no matter the adversity that we face. Get ready to laugh, tear up and be beyond inspired by the incredible, Ali Ingersoll.
Learn more about Ali and connect with her here: https://aliingersoll.com/
CLICK HERE to ORDER Kate's book "Okay. Now What?" - How to Be Resilient When Life Gets Tough.
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Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)
Kate Gladdin introduces episode 18 and welcomes guest Ali Ingersoll.
Ali's Colorful Background (00:01:06)
Ali shares her unique upbringing and experiences traveling around the world.
Moving to China (00:03:37)
Ali discusses her spontaneous move to China and experiences there.
Life-Changing Accident (00:06:53)
Ali recounts the shallow water diving accident that left her paralyzed.
Initial Recovery Challenges (00:07:50)
Ali describes her recovery journey, including medical challenges and surgeries.
Struggles and Resilience (00:08:36)
She shares her ongoing struggles, including health issues and mental health challenges.
Connecting with the Disability Community (00:11:17)
Ali explains how connecting with the disability community changed her life.
Advocacy Work (00:12:13)
Ali discusses her advocacy efforts for health equity and disability rights.
Navigating Personal Life (00:12:27)
Ali talks about her dating life and the intersection of personal experiences with advocacy.
Combining Advocacy and Business (00:13:56)
Ali shares her journey to becoming a disability strategy consultant and speaker.
Conclusion of Ali's Journey (00:15:14)
Kate reflects on Ali's inspiring journey and the lessons learned along the way.
Ali's Surgery Experience (00:16:45)
Ali describes a failed surgery and the emotional impact of her recovery journey.
Finding Community (00:17:44)
Ali shares how connecting with others on Facebook helped her feel less isolated during recovery.
The Importance of Support (00:18:27)
Ali emphasizes the need for community support and understanding from those who have shared similar experiences.
Choosing Empowerment (00:19:10)
They discuss the significance of choosing to empower oneself instead of adopting a victim mentality.
Belief Systems and Life's Challenges (00:19:25)
Ali reflects on whether everything happens for a reason, emphasizing personal interpretation of life's events.
Mentorship and Listening (00:21:00)
Ali talks about mentoring women with similar experiences and the importance of listening to their needs.
Processing Grief and Loss (00:22:09)
The speakers discuss the complexities of grief and how personal experiences shape their perspectives.
Life's Unexpected Paths (00:24:11)
Ali considers how her life would have been different without her accident but finds meaning in her current path.
Redefining Happiness (00:24:39)
Ali's TED talk focuses on the concept of "happy enough" and the societal pressures surrounding happiness.
Taking Responsibility (00:25:33)
Discussion on taking 100% responsibility for one's life and the impact of mindset on personal growth.
Emotional Hostage Situations (00:28:24)
Ali describes how negative thoughts can trap individuals in their own lives, hindering progress.
Humor in Difficult Times (00:31:22)
The importance of humor and light-heartedness in coping with serious life challenges is highlighted.
Legacy and Impact (00:32:32)
Ali expresses her desire to leave a legacy that positively impacts others rather than focusing solely on personal achievements.
Social Media and Doomscrolling (00:33:06)
Ali discusses her use of social media, including a phase of doomscrolling.
Happiness vs. Purpose (00:33:27)
Kate reflects on the difference between external validation and finding internal peace after loss.
Hope Among Holocaust Survivors (00:34:24)
Ali shares insights from studies on Holocaust survivors and the power of hope during adversity.
Altruism and Selfishness (00:35:11)
The speakers debate whether altruism is selfish if it benefits both the giver and receiver.
Finding Meaning in Grief (00:36:07)
Kate explains how her sister's death led her to seek underlying problems and create a charity.
Risk Assessment in Adventure (00:37:40)
Ali describes her approach to risky activities, emphasizing research and acceptance of consequences.
Cultural Differences in Grief (00:38:01)
The conversation touches on varying beliefs about death and how they influence behavior.
The Power of Perspective (00:40:19)
Kate shares a story about a farmer illustrating the unpredictability of life events and responses.
Curiosity as a Life Principle (00:41:06)
Ali encourages being insatiably curious and learning from diverse experiences and conversations.
Friendship Dynamics (00:41:47)
The speakers discuss the unrealistic expectation of finding everything in one friend.
The Importance of Resilience (00:42:31)
Kate emphasizes the choice between being a victim of circumstances and maintaining resilience.
Connecting with Ali Online (00:43:19)
Ali shares her blog and website for listeners to connect with her and her work.