This Epic Life

Leslie Ehm— Unlocking the Swagger of Leaders from Some of The World’s Biggest Brands

Leslie Ehm— Unlocking the Swagger of Leaders from Some of the World's Biggest Brands (#33) ABOUT TODAY'S EPISODE What do YOU call that X-Factor, that when you have it— creates influence, connection, and an unwavering belief in what you’re saying or asking for?    Is it influence? Confidence? Authenticity?   Leslie Ehm calls it Swagger.   A former TV host and professional singer, Leslie spent decades traveling the globe with her award-winning company Combustion, training leaders from places like Google, Disney, Pepsico, Uber, HBO, and more. Her workshops have turned technologists into creative forces, bankers into incredible storytellers, and has created serious levels of discomfort, disruption, and breakthroughs into boardrooms everywhere.   Leslie has a fierce passion for human potential. She’s the author of the brand-new book Swagger – Unleash Everything You Are and Become Everything You Want.    She has been called “better than therapy”, “a rock star”, “ass-kicking”, “a force of nature” and even “a witch”.   This conversation was a blast. We talk about her truly legendary Mom who created a global movement around female solo travel.      We get into the connection between extreme discomfort and personal transformation. Leslie also details the specifics about how to tap into your own Swagger, and how to leverage it as fuel for your personal brand.  She also covers everything she learned from stepping into the boxing ring, and why her walk-on song is “Momma Said Knock You Out” by LL Cool J.   I mean, who couldn’t use a little more Swagger? Enjoy this far-ranging conversation on tapping into your authentic voice with Leslie Ehm.      Read an excerpt of Leslie’s brand-new book on Amazon.     CONNECT WITH LESLIE   Pick up Swagger (USA) on AmazonPick up Swagger (Canada) on AmazonOfficial Site: www.leslieehm.comCoach with Leslie: Coaching PageOn Facebook: Leslie Ehm SpeaksOn Twitter: Follow Leslie hereOn Instagram: Follow Leslie here       HEAR MORE + SUBSCRIBE This podcast shares ways to expand your container as a business leader, and as a human being— to hold more MAGIC, as we continue to navigate so much change and uncertainty.Our show explores 4 powerful permissions with guests and listeners: Permission to Chill, Permission to Feel All the Feels, and Permission to Glow in the Dark, and Permission to Glow in The Light. Emceed by yogi, Dad, and executive coach KC (Kristoffer Carter). Emceed by yogi, Dad, and executive coach KC (Kristoffer Carter). Learn more: thisepiclife.com       Access all of our episodes:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

Melissa Bernstein— Melissa & Doug’s Co-Founder on her Journey From Profound Darkness to Radiant Light

Melissa + Doug’s Co-Founder, on her Journey from Profound Darkness to Radiant Light. ABOUT TODAY'S EPISODE Thirty-two years ago, Melissa Bernstein cofounded Melissa + Doug toys with her husband, Doug. Since then, the company Melissa + Doug has created over 5,000 children’s products and sold billions of dollars of toys.   Throughout her long and incredible career, Melissa kept a secret that had been plaguing her since childhood.   A couple years ago, on my friend Jonathan Fields’ Good Life Project podcast, Melissa revealed that she has struggled with acute anxiety and existential depression. Suffering largely in silence, she was still able to build a life many of us would consider ideal. Six kids, a successful, beloved children’s brand, and working side-by-side with her best friend, husband, and business partner Doug.   In her incredible new book LifeLines— An Inspirational Journey from Profound Darkness to Radiant Light, Melissa shares hundreds of poems she has written since was a child. Each verse and couplet working with the opposing forces of darkness and light.   The book really is kind of breathtaking. 650 pages, with hundreds of full-color images, exploring the tragedy and transcendence of being human. Poetry, nature, music, and a handful of other themes she explores in great depths became her lifelines, and her healing.   In our conversation today, we talk about the duality of producing so much great work, while suffering so deeply. We hear how she turned her darkness into fuel for achievement, her daily practices, and how she gives her mind a much-needed break. (I call this Permission to Chill).   We spend a good amount of time exploring her new community, and the movement Melissa and her husband Doug have created to coincide with the book— LifeLines. This conversation is a great reminder that we are never alone in our suffering, and that there are proven ways out.    LifeLines has also launched a new community and website to get people connected to resources, awareness, and to one another.   Melissa’s husband Doug may have written the sweetest About the Author page I’ve ever seen.    In it, her perfectly summarizes this long-form interview you’re about to hear: “Melissa shows us that when darkness descends, and it seems there’s no escape, there actually is a way out, there actually is hope, and there actually is a path that can lead to meaning and purpose.”     Please enjoy this vulnerable, and ultimately joyful conversation with of my longtime Sheroes, and new friends— Melissa Bernstein     In our conversation, you will learn:     How her and her husband Doug founded, and built their toy empire Melissa & Doug. How she discovered she her sensitivities and existential depression. Her big “coming out party” on Jonathan Fields’ Good Life Project podcast episode. How her family supports her new calling, and some of the challenges. How to turn some of your struggles into meaning and purpose through community, non-judgment, and personal practice Her daily creative mantra for staying curious and getting into the heart.       Read an excerpt of Melissa’s brand new book on Amazon   CONNECT WITH MELISSA   Send Melissa a direct message   www.lifelines.com   www.melissaanddoug.com   www.instagram.com/seeklifelines   twitter.com/seeklifelines     HEAR MORE + SUBSCRIBE This podcast shares ways to expand your container as a business leader, and as a human being— to hold more MAGIC, as we continue to navigate so much change and uncertainty.Our show explores 4 powerful permissions with guests and listeners: Permission to Chill, Permission to Feel All the Feels, and Permission to Glow in the Dark, and Permission to Glow in The Light. Emceed by yogi, Dad, and executive coach KC (Kristoffer Carter). Learn more: http://thisepiclife.com Emceed by yogi, Dad, and executive coach KC (Kristoffer Carter). Learn more: thisepiclife.com       Access all of our episodes:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

[Podcast] Lodro Rinzler – Take Back Your Mind + Finding Compassion in a Dumpster Fire

Have the events of the last few years made you more anxious? If so, you’re not alone. Anxiety + Stress aren’t weaknesses. Rather, they are indicators of some of the important changes we must make. We can work with anxiety using simple, timeless methods that take us back to our breath, and back into our hearts.Our return guest Lodro Rinzler reached out about his new book at exactly the right moment. We are grappling with more uncertainty and anxiety than ever before. Lodro’s gift is to apply the practical simplicity of ancient Buddhist teachings in just about any modern context.In our conversation, you will learn: 1. How to find “compassion in a dumpster fire”2. Simple practices for taking back your mind when it wants to run and hide.3. The series of events that led to writing his latest book.4. Why this is the book that he, and so many of his students and friends needed at this time.5. How the book pays it forward by donating 100% of the proceeds to a great cause supporting young women.In his new book, Take Back Your Mind— Buddhist Advice For Anxious Times, 6-time author, MNDFL founder, and meditation teacher Lodro Rinzler lays out a practical path of working with our anxiety. The book is available everywhere on February 9th, 2021. Read an excerpt of Lodro’s brand new book on Amazon: ABOUT OUR GUEST Lodro Rinzler is a Buddhist meditation practitioner and teacher. He took refuge in the Buddhist tradition around the age of 6, and considered monastic vows as a teenager, before choosing to stick it out in our noisy world as a teacher. After leaving college, he was recruited to lead one of Boston’s largest meditation centers. Around this time he began leading numerous workshops throughout the United States, and to date has taught meditation at locations as diverse as Google, Harvard, and the Obama White House. In 2015, he founded MNDFL (spelled capitol MNDFL), which is NYC’s premier drop-in meditation studio. Over the last couple years MNDFL has expanded into three studios, an online portal of teachings, and a non-profit arm which brings meditation into the education system. It has recently been named the “best place to meditate” by New York Magazine. Lodro is the author of six books including the best-selling “The Buddha Walks into a Bar…”, Walk Like a Buddha, The Buddha Walks into the Office…, Sit Like a Buddha, How to Love Yourself (And Sometimes Other People) and Love Hurts: Buddhist Advice for the Heartbroken. His books translate Buddhist meditation principles for modern times, and have been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and on CBS, FOX, and NBC News. Connect with Lodro here: www.LodroRinzler.comwww.mndflmeditation.comwww.facebook.com/LodroRinzlerSpeakstwitter.com/@lodrorinzler SHOW NOTES + RESOURCES NEW BOOK: Take Back Your Mind: Buddhist Advice for Anxious Timesby Lodro Rinzler| AmazonMNDFL Meditation Studio | Class Schedules: New York CityVOGUE article: Introducing Manhattan’s Must-Visit Meditation StudioNY TIMES: So, you think you can meditate? (MNDFL)MNDFL Meditation Teacher Training ProgramSusan Piver Interview: “Trying to Impress Susan Piver” story HEAR MORE, SUBSCRIBE! Incredible leaders + creators, how they live, and how they contribute to the world we deserve. Our show explores 3 powerful permissions with guests and listeners: Permission to Chill, Permission to Feel All the Feels, and Permission to Glow in the Dark. Emceed by yogi, Dad, and executive coach KC (Kristoffer Carter). Learn more: thisepiclife.com Access all of our episodes:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

Nonviolent Communication: Healing Our Lives & Our Planet with Rachelle Lamb

What is important?What deepens our lives? What does it mean to be human? As a teacher and practitioner of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), Rachelle Lamb has devoted over 40 years to these questions. I discovered Rachelle’s body of work while doing research for my book, and a was compelled to leave her a message that same morning. It was really inspiring to find someone so committed to creating global change, by working on a very personal level. These themes are ever-present in our lives in 2020, as we navigate issues like a pandemic, political division, and the impact of climate change. Tackling complex and emotionally charged topics often begins in our homes, around our tables. What struck me about Rachelle is her balance between gentle compassion, and unwavering strength. There’s a quote I love from Swami Sri Yukteswar, who was the guru of my teacher, Paramahansa Yogananda: “Gentle as the flower where kindness is concerned. Stronger than the thunder when principles are at stake.” Our world needs more kindness and strength, and it gives me hope to find a teacher like Rachelle who is so committed to training and embodying both qualities. At the core of nonviolent communication is the practice of making neutral observations, identifying our feelings, clearly stating our needs, and making a request. Dr. Marshall Rosenberg developed the Nonviolent Communication framework in the 60s. Rachelle studied with, and was certified by Dr. Rosenberg, and continues to carry his work forward in so many cool ways. About Rachelle Lamb Rachelle Lamb is a recognized speaker, poet, and “relationship whisperer”. She draws on decades of study of cultural anthropology, history, psychology, mythology, poetry, storytelling and ecology. In the conversation you’re about to hear, pay attention to her ability to look deeply into any area that empowers a more transformational dialogue. If this sounds too intellectual, please remember that all of this is in service of fully seeing and understanding ourselves, and whomever we’re communicating with. My hope is that we can get more committed to practicing nonviolent communication in our homes, within our teams, and in our communities. This is a huge opportunity to learn the basics, and they absolutely work. I remember feeling deeply connected to myself, and to Rachelle’s teaching after this conversation. Rachelle lives in Victoria BC, Canada, where she’s constantly delivering learning experiences her students call “profound, and life-changing.” Connect with Rachelle Lamb Official Website Free Tools for Nonviolent Communication*Excellent* Resource – KC Rachelle’s Coaching + Workshops LinkedIn Facebook – Breakthrough Conversations Youtube Channel Instagram . You will learn in this conversation: . The 4 obstacles to Nonviolent Communication, or what Rachelle calls “types of alienating communication” A different approach to helping those we love put down their phones(that may actually work) The essential pieces of Rosenberg’s NVC framework, and how to practice. How our language is connected to the state of our environment, and how we may heal it through practice. About our Host Kristoffer Carter (“KC”) is a coach for founders and executives, and meditation teacher for organizations. He is also the founder of This Epic Life, and creator of the Full-Life Integration Framework. ​As a meditation teacher, KC has over 33,000 active students on Insight Timer. As a workplace culture consultant, he has designed, or is delivering conscious leadership programs for AT&T, Avery-Dennison, Good Life Project, Litera Microsystems, and more. KC’s Mission + Values-centric programs have been featured in Business Insider, onstage at TEDx (“What if change was FUN?”) and Wisdom 2.0, and in countless conferences and podcast interviews. HEAR MORE, SUBSCRIBE! Incredible leaders + creators, how they live, and how they contribute to the world we deserve. Our show explores 3 powerful permissions with guests and listeners: Permission to Chill, Permission to Feel All the Feels, and Permission to Glow in the Dark. Emceed by yogi, Dad, and executive coach KC (Kristoffer Carter). Learn more: thisepiclife.com Access all of our episodes:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

Radical Alignment: A Framework for Game-Changing Conversations (#28)

> Our lives and well-being are intimately connected to the people we interact with the most. With the leaders I coach, their lives and businesses are held together by relationships. We talk a lot about our families at home, our families at work, and how important it is to stay in sync with the people closest to us. The quality of lives is directly correlated to the quality of our relationships. Alex Jamieson and Bob Gower have been working with entrepreneurs and organizations for decades. I’ve observed them as a married couple. They have always been fiercely committed to creating a high-level of transparency and connection in their relationship. They have taken these values for clear communication, and wrote a book for leaders called Radical Alignment— How to have game-changing conversations that will transform your business and your life. The book comes out on August 11, 2020 on Sounds True. This Epic Life Podcast subscribers can grab the exclusive cheat-sheet for the book below! In their new book “Radical Alignment”, Alex & Bob share a powerful 4-step framework for a structured conversation. The “All-In Method” (AIM) is a simple, guided conversation that helps all parties gain clarity about a tough topic. GRAB THE EXCLUSIVE CHEAT-SHEET From the book: “The All-In Method is appropriate for any topic that feels important and that’s likely to raise deep emotions. It is best to use AIM at the beginning of a project and before emotions are running high. However it is appropriate any time you want to connect and more deeply align with your teammates, your partner, or even yourself.” $3500 IN PRE-ORDER BONUSES! About our Guests Alexandra Jamieson is the bestselling author of five books, and co-creator / co-star of the Oscar-nominated documentary Super Size Me. She is a highly-sought-after success mentor and motivational guide for thousands and has made it her mission to empower women to create epic lives. Her work has been praised by Oprah, The Today Show, Dr. Oz, Goop, Martha Stewart Living, the New York Times, CNN, USA Today, People, and many others. Alex hosts Her Rules Radio, a #1 rated podcast and an award-winning watercolor painter. Her wellness expertise has grown out of a decade of experience, as well as her education at the Natural Gourmet Institute, the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and a certification in Applied Positive Psychology. Bob Gower is a New York-based consultant, writer, and speaker. He is a contributor to Inc. magazine and the author of the books Agile Business: A Leader’s Guide to Harnessing Complexity. He is a sought-after speaker and teacher, having keynoted gatherings on four continents and lectured at Columbia University, NYU’s Stern School of Management, the Berlin School and many others. Bob has worked with leaders at organizations from multinationals like Chanel, Ericsson, Ford, and GE to non-profits like New York Public Radio, the Studio Museum in Harlem, and the Wikimedia Foundation, among others. Bob holds an MBA in Sustainable Systems and a certification in Applied Positive Psychology. Connect with Alex & Bob, and their work… Radical Alignment Website – Pre-order the book Radical Alignment on Amazon Radical Alignment on Barnes & Noble Her Rules Radio (Alex’s Podcast) Alex Jamieson official website Bob Gower official website . You will learn in this conversation: . A behind the scenes look at tackling a major creative project (like a book) with your spouse. The “All-In Method” for game-changing conversations. How they used the method to get into alignment before committing to the book project. A step-by-step walk through of how to use the method. GRAB THE EXCLUSIVE CHEAT-SHEET About our Host Kristoffer Carter (“KC”) is a coach for founders and executives, and meditation teacher for organizations. He is also the founder of This Epic Life, and creator of the Full-Life Integration Framework. ​As a meditation teacher, KC has over 33,000 active students on Insight Timer. As a workplace culture consultant, he has designed, or is delivering conscious leadership programs for AT&T, Avery-Dennison, Good Life Project, Litera Microsystems, and more. KC’s Mission + Values-centric programs have been featured in Business Insider, onstage at TEDx (“What if change was FUN?”) and Wisdom 2.0, and in countless conferences and podcast interviews. HEAR MORE, SUBSCRIBE! Incredible leaders + creators, how they live, and how they contribute to the world we deserve. Our show explores 3 powerful permissions with guests and listeners: Permission to Chill, Permission to Feel All the Feels, and Permission to Glow in the Dark. Emceed by yogi, Dad, and executive coach KC (Kristoffer Carter). Learn more: thisepiclife.com Access all of our episodes:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher