An Open Conversation with Mark and Monica

Mark and Monica Neubauer have invested hours and years into cultivating good conversation skills with each other and with others. People are complex beings and we live in shades of nuance that are best understood in conversation and the telling of stories. They will share stories of the journeys of their lives and have conversations with others about topics that may be tough to show how much we all really have in common.

Know Thyself - Personality Profiles 01/30/2025

Engaging with Adult Children: Trust, Respect and Boundaries 12/12/2024

Engaging with Adult Children: Trust, Respect and Boundaries 1. Respect and Trust in Family Relationships: Monica kicks off the episode by discussing the importance of mutual respect and trust, especially with children who have granted permissions like GPS location sharing for safety reasons. She emphasizes respecting their privacy and maintaining minimal invasiveness despite having access to their whereabouts. 2. Family GPS Sharing: We explore the different ways families utilize GPS sharing, its benefits for safety, and logistical reasons. Monica shares her experience with her daughter's GPS permissions, highlighting the delicate balance of safety and privacy. 3. Boundaries with Adult Children: Boundaries don’t disappear just because kids grow up. Respecting the independence of adult children, even when living under the same roof, is vital. We discuss scenarios such as families opting out of shared GPS after marriage and the importance of trusting your adult children to make their own decisions. 4. Living Arrangements and Financial Responsibility: Whether adult children are living at home or on their own, contributing to household expenses and learning financial responsibility are crucial steps towards maturity. We exchange insights on how to foster financial discipline, including asking adult children to pay rent and manage their own chores. 5. Respect Across Generations: Monica highlights the differences in parenting styles across generations and underlines the mutual respect needed between parents and their grown children. This generational respect fosters healthier, long-lasting relationships. 6. The Power of Open Conversations: We can’t stress enough how pivotal open and honest conversations are in maintaining trust and respect. Monica and Mark discuss the importance of regularly engaging with adult children to ensure strong, positive family bonds. 7. Teaching and Learning Responsibility: Through personal anecdotes, we dive into teaching self-reliance and personal responsibility to children, whether it’s through household chores or financial management. These skills prove invaluable as they navigate adulthood. 8. Addressing the Influence on Children: We talk about the diverse influences on children, from media to peer groups, and how these shape their worldview. The conversation brings up the importance of a balanced approach to monitoring media and encouraging independent thinking. 9. Parental Sacrifice and Real-World Challenges: There’s an insightful discussion on the societal expectation of parental sacrifice and its impact on children’s preparedness for real-world challenges. We touch on the concept of sheltered upbringings and how they might contribute to struggles in adulthood. 10. Boomerang Kids and Financial Maturity: Mark and Monica humorously tackle the topic of "boomerang kids" – children who return home after living independently. Through this, they stress the importance of financial maturity and responsible living. 11. Trust vs. Control: Reflecting on the delicate balance between control and trust, Monica and Mark share personal experiences and strategies for trusting children to make the right choices, even when they make mistakes. 12. Worried While Overseas: A fascinating paradox is discussed where Monica admits worrying less about her children when they're abroad compared to when they're nearby, suggesting it’s easier to maintain trust and independence when the physical distance is greater. If you enjoyed this episode, please share your thoughts and experiences with us. We always love hearing from our community! Stay Updated: Schedule Changes and More Monica's travel schedule has often resulted in inconsistent podcast uploads. However, she is committed to improving this, planning ahead to ensure we bring you regular, high-quality content. Stick with us as we navigate these changes! Thank you for being part of "An Open Conversation" community. We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing this journey with you. Connect with Monica at www.MonicaNeubauer.com /episode/index/show/anopenconversation/id/34413345

What is Time Management? 08/15/2024

Stress is real! Laugh it off with Mark and Monica 06/25/2024

Let's Talk Politics 01/24/2024

Life Expectations with Mark and Monica 12/07/2023

Life Expectations with Mark and Monica Welcome back to "An Open Conversation with Mark and Monica." In this episode, we delve into the theme of "Expectations." Monica and Mark Neubauer share real stories and insights on the impact of expectations in various aspects of life. From managing grocery expenses to parenting styles, aging, and societal norms, the Neubauers discuss the influence of expectations on relationships, work environments, and the real estate industry. They explore the importance of clear communication, adapting to changes, and embracing imperfections. Join us as we navigate through the complexities of expectations in this open and honest conversation. Timestamped overview 00:00 Adapting to changing workplace expectations across generations. 04:20 Frustration with agent's text-only communication preference. 07:41 Prioritizing healthy food, balancing expenses creates tension. 10:26 Joy can be found despite suffering expectation. 15:05 Overprotective parenting aims for an ideal childhood. 19:55 Parenting and gardening have similar outcomes. 20:43 Value in different approaches; imperfection is universal. 25:39 Miscommunication happens when words don't match feelings. 27:12 Enjoyment, challenges, and perspective on life's journey. 33:18 Value achieving easier movement and aging well. 34:18 45-minute strength training class for older women. 37:01 Seeking normality and adapting to situations positively. Key Points and Bullet Underpoints Primary Topic: Grocery Expenses and Financial Management - Impact of food expenses on finances - Importance of managing grocery shopping - Need for better financial management to avoid high grocery bills - Unexpectedly high grocery expenses due to Mark's surgery Primary Topic: Aligned Expectations in Life - Raising children and managing leisure activities - Reflecting on finding joy amidst suffering - Societal expectations of a perfect life and handling disappointments - Concept of misery being optional when reality does not meet expectations - Illustration of road trip and the impact of false expectations Primary Topic: Communication in Relationships and Work Environments - Importance of clear communication in developing new relationships - Poor communication leading to frequent failures - Adjustments in work environments to meet the expectations of new generations - Impact of lack of communication in the real estate industry - The value of scheduled check-ins for evaluating and improving systems in relationships Primary Topic: Aging and Expectations - Tailored exercise classes for specific age groups - Normalizing and adapting to changes in the body as it ages - Need to adjust expectations and embrace imperfections - Kids feeling pressure to be perfect in various domains - Lack of chance for people to make decisions and explore on their own - Unaligned expectations in midlife with the reality of aging - Challenges of unexpected physical changes and adjustment to aging If you want to start the journey to having better conversations, share your spiritual journey and listen to An Open Conversation, sign up at: We will send you 10 conversation starters to help you with having AN OPEN CONVERSATION. Follow us on FB at: Receive updates on podcast releases and share your pain journey with our Open Conversation Community. About The Neubauers: Monica Neubauer is a Speaker, Author and Everything DiSC consultant. Follow Monica at: Mark Neubauer is a creator of many things. This website is for his art. /episode/index/show/anopenconversation/id/28965573

Holidays and Relationships with Mark and Monica 11/23/2023

Emotions and Self-Awareness with Mark and Monica 08/24/2023

Actively Listening for Better Results with Sue Mohr 06/08/2023

Actively Listening for Better Results with Sue Mohr Are you committing ASSUMICIDE? We have lost the Art of Listening. We are facing an epidemic of people not being able to listen effectively. People are caught in the habit of Assumicide where we only hear half of the things that people say and just assume what we believe people are saying. Sue Mohr, a Master Certified Life and Business Coach/Consultant has joined Monica Neubaue to have An Open Conversation about Actively Listening. About 90% of the problems in relationships come from not listening. Everyone wants to be heard and wants to talk, but we need to take away our automatically self-focused nature and learn how to actively listen to hear other’s perspectives. Sue shares with Monica’s listeners her technique of repeating back. When someone is talking, repeating in your head what the person is saying transforms you into an active listener. This allows you to stop your own thinking, pushing out the other thoughts swirling in your head and centering you to just focus on the person talking. Sue and Monica discuss the awareness that you need to be an effective listener. There are 3 main areas that will help you master the art of listening: Know the person speaking - their personality and history Respect the person the person speaking Understand yourself Once you become an active listener, you won’t believe how your world will change! Sue MohrMaster Certified Life and Business Coach/Consultant Sue Mohr started a coaching and consulting firm in 2003 called The Inner Vizion. The company serves creatives and entrepreneurs through a whole-istic approach focusing on mental, emotional, and business wellness. Sue's goal is to co-create with others, helping them find their true passion and vision. Her book, is sharing the message that No matter the circumstances Hope is available to YOU right now. Join An Open Conversation CommunityJoin An Open Conversation Community and be a part of our open conversations about improving your life through Civil Duty and Civil Service. Sign up at: We will send you 10 conversation starters to help you with having AN OPEN CONVERSATION. Follow us on FB at: Receive updates on podcast releases and share your pain journey with our Open Conversation Community. About The Neubauers:Monica Neubauer is a Speaker, Author and Everything DiSC consultant. Follow Monica at: Mark Neubauer is a creator of many things. This website is for his art. /episode/index/show/anopenconversation/id/26862798

Global Living with Doreen Cumberford 05/25/2023

Global Living with Doreen Cumberford Global Living Doreen Cumberford works with expats, global nomads and international returnees to create happier, easier and more successful transitions while globally mobile. She is joining An Open Conversation with Monica Neubauer to discuss Living Internationally. Although Doreen’s heart is in Scotland where she grew up, she has a love for the 8 other countries that she has lived in from England, South Africa, Dubai, United States, Japan, Saudi Arabia and now Mexico where she resides. Through her experiences as a global housesitter and relocating overseas she has learned how to navigate traveling and moving internationally. Doreen shares with Monica’s listeners her tips for being a successful Global Housesitter and relocating successfully to different countries. Tips for Living and Working Internationally: ● Know the sacrifices - There will be sacrifices no matter what choices you make ● Have Cultural Intelligence - Have the imagination, communication skill and tolerance to work across cultures ● Remain Global Hearted with an open mind, heart and voice ● Be willing to adopt people into your life and enjoy the varied cultures ● Be considerate of the mindset of others ● Have conversations of what is possible in your life - you can create the life of your dreams Both Doreen and Monica leave us with the question, “Are You Willing to be Transformed by Travel!” Doreen Cumberford Expat Author, Global Housesitter, Transition Expert A Certified Coach, and 30 year licensed Practitioner, Doreen speaks, writes and teaches about the principles and practices necessary to navigate global mobility while maintaining vitality through health and well-being. The author of Life in the Camel Lane, Arriving Well and Home Again, Home Again – Jiggedy jig she is currently compiling her second book on Repatriation. A native of Scotland, her experience in 8 overseas postings over 3 plus decades, on 4 continents have enabled her to constantly create new lifestyles and trained her to constantly move with ease and grace. Doreen helps globally mobile people master transitions, relocate well and find joy in-between. Join An Open Conversation CommunityJoin An Open Conversation Community and be a part of our open conversations about improving your life through Civil Duty and Civil Service. Sign up at: We will send you 10 conversation starters to help you with having AN OPEN CONVERSATION. Follow us on FB at: Receive updates on podcast releases and share your pain journey with our Open Conversation Community. About The Neubauers:Monica Neubauer is a Speaker, Author and Everything DiSC consultant. Follow Monica at: Mark Neubauer is a creator of many things. This website is for his art. /episode/index/show/anopenconversation/id/26827704

The Power of Habits with Terry Lancaster 05/11/2023

The Power of Habits with Terry Lancaster The Power of Habits Terry Lancaster, Nashville born and raised, is a marketing strategist, speaker, and best-selling author. He has written the book, Self Help for the Rest of Us and is joining An Open Conversation with Monica Neubauer to share with our listeners his journey to self-help. One of the most influential pieces of advice Terry utilizes in his life is the “Jerry Seinfeld” method which is to approach change by working at it every day, not just when you feel like working. How do you make changes in your life become a habit? Monica and Terry discuss how what you do everyday matters more than what you do every once in a while. Here are some tips to help you succeed in your path to change: · Just start. · You can’t skip the small steps. · Sustainable change is incremental. · Don’t try to be perfect each day, just try to be a little bit better. · You have to feel good to be good. Celebrate the small victories! Terry also shares his strategies for creating good habits in the workplace. He utilizes the Pomodoro or Time Blocking Technique, the strategy of focusing all your attention for a designated period of time, to improve his work habits. Whether it is making changes in your life or in the workplace, Monica and Terry have armed their listeners with the tools to lead them to victory in their path to change and a better life. Terry Lancaster Marketing strategist, Speaker, and Best-selling Author Terry has helped thousands of business owners create billions in revenue by putting the right words in the right order to tell the right story and providing proven strategies for making the cash register ring. He has been featured in Forbes, Automotive News, and Dealer Marketing Magazine, spoken from the TedX stage and at national conventions for the automotive and broadcasting industries. Terry is a survivor! “I've had a gun held to my head and a knife held to my throat. I've survived Cancer... twice. I've been inside a building that was hit by a tornado, onboard a boat that sank and a plane that dropped a mile out of the sky in the middle of the Bermuda Triangle. I lived through three teenage daughters and I've been married over 30 years... in a row! When I'm not battling for truth, justice and the American Way, I spend most of my free time, like every other middle-aged, overweight, native southerner, at the ice rink playing hockey.” - Terry Join An Open Conversation CommunityJoin An Open Conversation Community and be a part of our open conversations about improving your life through Civil Duty and Civil Service. Sign up at: We will send you 10 conversation starters to help you with having AN OPEN CONVERSATION. Follow us on FB at: Receive updates on podcast releases and share your pain journey with our Open Conversation Community. About The Neubauers:Monica Neubauer is a Speaker, Author and Everything DiSC consultant. Follow Monica at: Mark Neubauer is a creator of many things. This website is for his art. /episode/index/show/anopenconversation/id/26713443

Being Your Authentic Self with Heather Hause 04/27/2023

Being Your Authentic Self with Heather Hause Being Your Authentic Self Heather serves as an upbeat and spunky REALTOR® on the Dayton Real Estate Crush team located in the Dayton, Ohio region. There is never a shortness of smiles, laughs, or dresses with pockets with Heather. Heather is known to many people as, “Sunshine” because of her bright personality. She is the perfect person to discuss this week’s topic of living an authentic life. Monica Neubauer and Heather Hause are tackling the topic of “How to Be Your Real or Authentic Self.” It is hard to be true to yourself when your style or ideas do not fit the norm. We live in a “cancel culture” where we fear if we speak up or do things differently from the crowd, then people will stop following us or choosing us. Introverts have more of a challenge staying true to themselves with their fear of being in a crowd. If you're an introvert, it is even more difficult. Heather shares her transition from trying to fit in to being her real self in both her life and work. She shares tips on how to be comfortable being you. The most important advice Heather gives is to stop worrying about the people who don’t like you or your style and instead to focus on finding your tribe - the people who relate to you. When you are your real self, you will not please everyone. You may be challenging to some, delightful to some and awesome to some. That is ok! You will find your people! Be yourself and live your authentic life! Heather Haase Home Experts Realty Heather pursued real estate because she wanted to help and meet new people and be involved in her local community. Real estate came with the added benefit of pursuing her passions of education, networking, and involvement. Now she also travels the country educating and inspiring others in their real estate careers on topics such as social media, authenticity, and mindfulness. Heather is the past chair of both Ohio YPN and Dayton YPN, as well as a former NAR YPN Advisory Board member. She is a National Association of REALTORS® C2EX ambassador as well as a Director for both her local and state associations. On top of that Heather also helps run Dayton REbar camp In her spare time, you can find her spending time with her daughter, traveling the country, karaoke, going to museums, and educating others on the industry on networking Join An Open Conversation Community Join An Open Conversation Community and be a part of our open conversations about to measure success, Sign up at: We will send you 10 conversation starters to help you with having AN OPEN CONVERSATION. Follow us on FB at: Receive updates on podcast releases and share your pain journey with our Open Conversation Community. About The Neubauers: Monica Neubauer is a Speaker, Author and Everything DiSC consultant. Follow Monica at: Mark Neubauer is a creator of many things. This website is for his art. /episode/index/show/anopenconversation/id/26668881

The Illusion of Success with Burton Kelso 04/13/2023

The Illusion of Success with Burton Kelso The Illusion of Success Burton Kelso is the owner of Integral, a computer repair and IT support services company as well as a national, speaker, and international media Tech Expert. Monica Neubauer and Burton Kelso are having An Open Conversation about success. What is the definition of success in your life and business? How do you stop comparing yourself to others as a definition of your success and start realizing that you ARE successful! There is an “Illusion of Success” that the world is getting caught up in. We are looking at the people around us through social media and media wanting and wishing for someone else’s life. We yearn for someone else’s successes instead of sitting down and thinking about what our goals in life are and what would make our life happy. Monica and Burton discuss a list of tips that you can follow to help change your definition of success. 1. Take time to look back at your achievements. Pat yourself on the back- Look at the view and enjoy it. 2. Analyze your competition globally and locally and realize how far you have come. 3. Help others succeed. Be a good person. 4. Be excited for others' success instead of doing the comparison game. 5. You cannot be everything to everyone. It is ok if not everyone likes you. 6. Success is not just measured by your business but in your marriage, relationships, friends, children, and health. 7. Celebrate your successes! Both Monica and Burton agree that in life the best way to be successful is to contribute to the success of others and to take care of yourself to the best of your abilities. Think about what you value and think is success and continue on that pathway so you can live a full life. Burton Kelso The Technology Expert Burton Kelso’s vision is to remove the frustrations and complexity of computers and technology and open people up to a world of new ideas, experiences, and opportunities. He loves technology, he’s read all the manuals, and he’s serious about making technology fun. safe, and easy to use for everyone! Join An Open Conversation CommunityJoin An Open Conversation Community and be a part of our open conversations about to measure success, Sign up at: We will send you 10 conversation starters to help you with having AN OPEN CONVERSATION. Follow us on FB at: Receive updates on podcast releases and share your pain journey with our Open Conversation Community. About The Neubauers:Monica Neubauer is a Speaker, Author and Everything DiSC consultant. Follow Monica at: Mark Neubauer is a creator of many things. This website is for his art. /episode/index/show/anopenconversation/id/26528133

The Benefits of Civil Service with Aaron Masliansky 03/30/2023

The Benefits of Civil Service with Aaron Masliansky The Benefits of Civil Service Aaron Masliansky, a REALTOR® at Dream Town Realty, who is connected with his local and global community, has joined Monica Neubauer in An Open Conversation to discuss how Civil Duty and Civil Service can improve your life and the world around you. Choosing to be involved in Civil Service and being engaged in your community allows you to be connected to the people around you. It allows you to find people with similar interests. Aaron’s motto is “by doing good, you feel good and can continue to do more good. “ The number one factor that makes people happy is community. If you step into the part of society that wants to do good and surround yourself with positive people, then these acts of service can change your moods and your outlook on the world. When you do good, it spreads and continues to grow. Monica and Aaron discuss the challenges to living a life of service and give solutions and how we can be involved in civil service even if our time is limited. There are so many service opportunities in our community with varying degrees of commitment. Find something that you are passionate about and volunteer. Service can work in your schedule even if you have a busy life. Spend time with a friend or family member doing service together. There is strength in numbers. Not only are they company for you but you can motivate each other to be committed to the service you choose. Monica and Aaron show us how we can help improve the world and our community by doing our duty through Civil Service. Aaron Masliansky REALTOR® at Dream Town Realty https://www.skevanston.com Aaron Masliansky is a Realtor at Dream Town Realty. He is the past Chairman of the Global Real Estate Council at the Chicago Association of Realtors, a Young Professional Ambassador with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, and a member of the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center and Rotary International. Aaron hosts two podcasts to connect with his local and global communities. The first podcast is Inside the Skev, which is an exploration of the stories and life of the people and places of Skokie and Evanston, Illinois, a community rich in history, culture, and diversity. It was featured in the Chicago Tribune and the podcast for the National Association of Realtors. The second podcast is The Real Estate Diplomat, which is an American's guide to global real estate looking through a geo-political lens. Join An Open Conversation Community Join An Open Conversation Community and be a part of our open conversations about improving your life through Civil Duty and Civil Service. Sign up at: https://www.anopenconversation.com/contactWe will send you 10 conversation starters to help you with having AN OPEN CONVERSATION. Follow us on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/AnOpenConversation Receive updates on podcast releases and share your pain journey with our Open Conversation Community. About The Neubauers:Monica Neubauer is a Speaker, Author and Everything DiSC consultant. Follow Monica at: www.MonicaNeubauer.comMark Neubauer is a creator of many things. This website is for his art.www.TheLaughingArtist.com /episode/index/show/anopenconversation/id/26384328

Conflict Resolution Realities and Suggestions 11/24/2022

Conflict Resolution Realities and Suggestions Conflict Resolution How do you resolve conflict in your relationships? Mark and Monica Neubauer are back with an open conversation about resolving conflict in your marriage and potential with friends and teams as well. Without weathering storms or conflicts, there is no transformation of one’s self or the relationship. The Neubauers take you through the stages of a relationship from forming, norming, storming and ending with transforming. They give you tips for resolving conflict with your spouse and others so that it may lead to having more open conversations and better relationships. M&M Words of Wisdom: ● “In conflict there can be some joy.” ● “Have serious conversations face to face.” ● “Do not fear the phrase, ‘we need to talk.’” Tips for resolving conflict: ● Attitude - Be aware of the attitude that you bring to the conversation. ● Body Language -Pay attention to your body language and your spouse’s body language. What is being communicated? ● Timing - Have difficult conversations at a time that is good for both parties.. ● Voice Inflections -listen to a person’s voice when they are talking during the conversation. Actions speak louder than words. ● Avoid words like, “You always…” ● Use positive reinforcement when talking about difficult situations. If you want to start the journey to having better conversations, share your spiritual journey and listen to An Open Conversation, sign up at: We will send you 10 conversation starters to help you with having AN OPEN CONVERSATION. Follow us on FB at: Receive updates on podcast releases and share your pain journey with our Open Conversation Community. About The Neubauers: Monica Neubauer is a Speaker, Author and Everything DiSC consultant. Follow Monica at: Mark Neubauer is a creator of many things. This website is for his art. /episode/index/show/anopenconversation/id/25132152

Spiritual Journey #4 - How to Read the Bible 10/27/2022

Spiritual Journey #4 - How to Read the Bible How Do You Approach the Bible? So many faith questions center around the Bible and how to understand the Scriptures. People have a hard time reading the Bible and relating it to their faith and everyday life.Mark and Monica Neubauer want to help listeners on their faith journey by focusing on the Bible in this episode of An Open Conversation. The Neubauers are teaching listeners a different way to approach reading the Bible. They suggest studying the Bible as if you were a detective, utilizing the method of BRI, Basic Required Information - asking the who, what, where and why of the text. Giving yourself permission to ask questions of Scripture and having open conversations about your faith will lead to a stronger spiritual journey. BRI Questions to Ask While Reading the Bible: Who is the author? Who is the text written for? What is the context that the text is written in? What locations were talked about in the text? Where is the author from? What is the author’s mood and situation? What is the genre of the text? What patterns of accommodations are revealed throughout the text? Recommended Resources: Greg Boyd, Pastor of Woodland Hills Church Peter Enns, American Biblical Scholar Rachel Held Evans, an American Christian columnist, blogger and author M&M Words of Wisdom: “Don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story” “Give yourself permission to ask all the questions of the text.” “So many people walk away from their faith because of how they see it played out by humans.” If you want to start the journey to having better conversations, share your spiritual journey and listen to An Open Conversation, sign up at: We will send you 10 conversation starters to help you with having AN OPEN CONVERSATION. Follow us on FB at: Receive updates on podcast releases and share your pain journey with our Open Conversation Community. About The Neubauers: Monica Neubauer is a Speaker, Author and Everything DiSC consultant. Follow Monica at: Mark Neubauer is a creator of many things. This website is for his art. /episode/index/show/anopenconversation/id/24743622

Spiritual Journey #3 - Evolution 10/13/2022

Mark and Monica Spiritual Journey #2 - Adjusting to the American Church 05/12/2022

Mark and Monica's Spiritual Journey #1 04/28/2022

One Caregiver's Story with Monica and Breeda Miller 04/14/2022

One Caregiver's Story with Monica and Breeda Miller Caregiver Interview with Breeda Miller, from Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home “Take a Break, Before You Break!” Breeda Miller, professional author, speaker and trainer has joined An Open Conversation to share her experiences in her personal caregiving journey with her mom. She is dedicated to helping caregivers carry on through encouragement and inspiration. Breeda interviewed Monica Neubauer about her role as a caregiver in Mark Neubauer’s pain journey and shared with our listeners the value of empathy and self-care. Her message to our community is “Take a Break, Before You Break” encouraging caregivers to give up the guilt and take care of themselves. She teaches caregivers about how to have awareness of the caregiving situation and learn to have empathy with the people around them. Breeda gives us the ability to “Give Ourselves Grace” in our caregiver journey. Breeda Miller Professional Author, Speaker and Trainer Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home Breeda Miller’s Words of Inspiration: “Take a Break, Before You Break.” “Be Kind to Yourself.” “Give Yourself Grace.” Monica’s Wisdom: “You have to grieve what won’t happen.” “Try to speak nicer to each other.” “I do my best not to live my life with areas of regret.” “Give yourself permission” “Seek resources. Is there something else that can help us?” Join An Open Conversation Community Are you a caregiver that could use some support or need support through your pain journey? Join An Open Conversation Community and be a part of our open conversations about caregiving and pain journeys through honest conversations. Sign up at: We will send you 10 conversation starters to help you with having AN OPEN CONVERSATION. A Community of Hope! An Open Conversation is a caring community of people who are here to give you encouragement, support and hope through your pain journey or caregiving journey. Follow us on FB at: Receive updates on podcast releases and share your pain journey with our Open Conversation Community. /episode/index/show/anopenconversation/id/22664852

Clothes, Pets, Plants and Community for Pain Journey 03/31/2022

Clothes, Pets, Plants and Community for Pain Journey Caring and community can help your pain management. “When you have pain, if you can care for something outside yourself, it gives you hope and a purpose in life.” - M&M Mark and Monica Neubauer are continuing their discussion on Pain Management in their 3rd episode on Mark’s Pain Journey. This episode focuses on CARING & COMMUNITY and how it can help manage pain. Caring for something outside yourself can be a good distraction from your pain, allowing you to find purpose and meaning in your life again and make you realize that your life IS worth living. Forms of Caring: Caring for yourself Caring for your Spouse & family Taking care of Plants Taking care of an Animal Caring about the community M&M Words of Wisdom: “What contributes to a better sense of well-being for you?” “Your primary job is taking care of your body. Don’t feel bad about the time you need to take in order to care for your body” “Give Yourself Permission! Know your body’s limitations” “When you have pain, if you can care for something outside yourself, it will give you hope and a purpose in life.” “If you can remove the obstacles that prevent you from doing what you need to do in life, you will have a smoother path through your pain journey.” Find what you can do, don’t focus on what you can’t do.” “If the roles in a relationship changes, find a new role.” Join An Open Conversation Community If you want to start the journey to having better conversations and listen to An Open Conversation sign up at: We will send you 10 conversation starters to help you with having AN OPEN CONVERSATION. A Community of Hope! An Open Conversation is a caring community of people who are here to give you encouragement, support and hope through your pain journey. Follow us on FB at: Receive updates on podcast releases and share your pain journey with our Open Conversation Community. About The Neubauers: Monica Neubauer is a Speaker, Author and Everything DiSC consultant. Follow Monica at: Mark Neubauer is a creator of many things. This website is for his art. Links: https://newskete.org/our-life-with-dogs /episode/index/show/anopenconversation/id/22610543

Mark's Pain Journey Part 2 - The Medical Side 03/17/2022

Mark's Pain Journey Part 2 - The Medical Side How to Manage the Physical Pain Pain is the single most powerful motivating force in our lives. It controls our thoughts, work, play, rest, and relationships with our spouse, friends, family, and God. In this second episode on pain, Mark and Monica discuss how Pain Management is an intricate balance of activity, medication, mindfulness, rest, and support from family and friends. Your Pain journey is HARD and EXHAUSTING, but the Neubauers are here to give you support and share what has helped them in their journey with pain. An Open Conversation Podcast creates a community of hope for listeners so that they may have a place to share open conversations about their pain journey or listen to other people’s pain journey. How Do I Manage My Pain: Creating relief in one area of pain may help you better manage the pain in other areas. When we talk about Medicare, the program that we are discussing is Medicare Advantage and the Silver Sneakers Gym membership. I don't think Medicare Advantage is free for everyone though. Check with your insurance agent. Different Types of Pain Management: Medication Yoga Heat/Cold Chiropractor Acupuncture Float Therapy M&M Words of Wisdom: “Motion Is Lotion. If you don’t exercise, you don’t have a life.” “Give Yourself Permission! Know your body’s limitations” “The journey to any place where it will be good for you will have challenging points along the way.” "There is pain in change.” “Continuing to try new things in your pain journey will keep hope alive.” We are always working to improve the sound. Stick with us as we grow. Join An Open Conversation Community If you want to start the journey to having better conversations and listen to An Open Conversation sign up at: We will send you 10 conversation starters to help you with having AN OPEN CONVERSATION. Don’t Lose Hope! “Hope deferred makes the heart sick” (Proverbs 13:) When you lose hope your heart can become sick. An Open Conversation Community doesn’t want you to give up hope. We are here to help you keep hope alive. Follow us on FB at: Receive updates on podcast releases and share your pain journey with our Open Conversation Community. About The Neubauers: Monica Neubauer is a Speaker, Author and Everything DiSC consultant. Follow Monica at: Mark Neubauer is a creator of many things. This website is for his art. www.TheLaughingArtist.com /episode/index/show/anopenconversation/id/22473086

Mark's Pain Journey - 1 of 3 03/03/2022

Mark's Pain Journey - 1 of 3 EDIT - I have removed this episode temporarily to rerecord it and improve the sound quality. You can watch it on YouTube. Thanks! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukgoOuHKDQI&t=809s What is your pain journey? Mark and Monica Neubauer’s philosophy has always been to talk about anything and everything including their pain journey. By sharing their story and Mark’s chronic pain journey with others, they hope to help people have open conversations about physical pain and emotional pain. An Open Conversation Podcast gives listeners a place to have open conversations about their pain journey or listen to other people’s pain journey and gain hope that some days can still be good in life. Starting with this story sets the stage for some of the stories that come later. Questions to Ask Yourself During Your Pain Journey: Who am I in my pain journey? How do I adapt to my pain journey and still be myself? How do I find new opportunities and new connections when I can no longer do the things I love. M&M Quotables: “The mental game is the hardest part of chronic pain.” “When you can sleep, you can handle a lot. When you are not sleeping, everything is out of proportion.” “Physical pain, emotional pain, and spiritual journey are all intertwined.” ‘During your pain journey in the periods when you feel better, work to compartmentalize the fear that something is going to happen to your health so that you can enjoy the health you are having now.” “Don't let pain define your life.” Join An Open Conversation Community If you want to start the journey to having better conversations and listen to An Open Conversation sign up at: We will send you 10 conversation starters to help you with having AN OPEN CONVERSATION. What is your pain journey?Follow us on FB at: Receive updates on podcast releases and share your pain journey with our Open Conversation Community. About The Neubauers:Monica Neubauer is a Speaker, Author and Everything DiSC consultant. Follow Monica at: Mark Neubauer is a creator of many things. This website is for his art. www.TheLaughingArtist.com /episode/index/show/anopenconversation/id/22319996

How to Start Having Open Conversations 02/17/2022

How to Start Having Open Conversations Let’s be honest, having an open conversation is hard! Starting conversations and finding topics to talk about can be intimidating. This episode Mark and Monica Neubauer discuss how to start a conversation. They know firsthand that having open conversations is an important part of relationships that takes time and practice. Through their personal experiences and stories, the Neubauers share the process it takes to become better at communicating with your family, friends and co-workers. The Keys to having An Open Conversation: Create a safe space for conversations. Practice makes perfect. “You need to do it to improve it!” Commit to having conversations every day. Start with 15 minutes daily and then increase the time. Draw someone into your conversation with open ended questions. Use the phrase, Tell Me More... Make your conversation fun. Be a good listener. M&M Thoughts on Conversation: Most problems in marriages are a result of communication failure or break down. Learn the tools for better communication with An Open Conversation. Communication is a two-way street. Learn how to talk and listen in a conversation. Conversation is a key factor in improving your relationship with your spouse and/or children. Having conversations about feelings is hard! Your feelings drive thoughts and thoughts drive feelings. Having friends that have open conversations can help you have open conversations. Be humble enough in a conversation to say: I don’t have to be right all the time. I don’t have all the information. I care enough about you to hear your opinion on this even if I don’t like it. "It is Better to be Loving than Right" Joan Del Brock Join an Open Conversation Community: If you want to start the journey to having better conversations and listen to An Open Conversation Podcasts,sign up at: We will send you 10 conversation starters to help you with having AN OPEN CONVERSATION. And we have a book with 130 questions once you work through the 10 starter questions. It is a digital download. We all have good stories! What is yours? Follow us on FB at: Receive updates on podcast releases and to share thoughts and experience with our Open Conversation Community. Resources:Atomic Habits by James Clear /episode/index/show/anopenconversation/id/22068929

Let's Have An Open Conversation 02/03/2022

Intro to An Open Conversation with Mark and Monica 01/30/2022

An Open Conversation with Mark and Monica

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