Curiosity sits at the intersection of creativity, effective human interactions, problem-solving and purposeful change. Unfortunately, the pace of life — at home, work, and school — often sidetracks our natural curiosity. So, listen as we look at the familiar from a different angle or something new as a possibility to consider.
Tour guide, Iain McHenry, helps us walk virtually through the battlefields of World War I. There we learn about the soldier’s life, the remnants of battle today, the continued search for the missing, and the haunting nature of war memorials and cemeteries.
Read MoreIn this episode, Tara LaFon Gooch, TED-X speaker, best-selling author, and confidence coach, explores how self-gratitude can jumpstart the journey to confidence and purpose. Learn how to reframe negative thoughts, discover your strengths, and build a life that aligns with your values.
Read MoreIf you’re periodically struggling to find direction and purpose in your life, this episode explores a practical framework, “possibility management,” developed by sociology professor Bradley Wright. In this episode, we also dive into his new book, The Purpose Journal, to learn how to navigate different paths, discover your passions, and take action to create a fulfilling life with a positive impact.
Read MoreWhat happens when “In sickness and in health” and “‘till death do us part” become more than words in a wedding ceremony? Author Jarie Bolander recounts a powerful story of negotiating impending loss and then managing the grief that comes with a spouse’s death.
Read MoreThis is an episode about episodes that never happened. Here, I briefly profile six individuals I could not entice—for various reasons—to sit opposite me behind the mic. But there was still much to be learned.
Read MoreAs a happiness keynoter, consultant, and coach, Kim Strobel could establish a level of value simply by quoting ideas from others who have researched happiness. What makes Kim’s work extraordinary is that she has lived unhappiness. As a longtime sufferer of panic attacks, Kim knows what it’s like to look at the world through lenses of pain and fear. Her strategies for transformation are hard-earned.
Read MoreLike most people, I had known beavers—this furry, industrious rodent—to be very adept at building dams and lodges of brush, leaves, twigs, and mud. But it’s what happens to the riverscapes and landscapes as a result of their building that makes them special. Environmental journalist Ben Goldfarb provides the details.
Read MoreAre you in a traditional sales position? Are you a consultant or speaker trying to influence other people's thinking and behavior? Are you leading a team or an organization? If you answered “yes” to these questions, you’re “selling” something. Most of us are, and that's why sales consultant Katie Mullen's message is so powerful—how she looks at "selling" applies to all of us. Listen in as Katie explains the imperatives of successful selling today. And, of course, it starts with being curious.
Read MoreIn this conversation, educational leader John “Camp” Camp highlights how the New England Innovation Academy is shifting the 6-12 education landscape away from the idea of knowledge acquisition toward student-centered instruction and learning, competency-based assessment, and students’ social-emotional development.
Read MoreBennett (Ben) Bratt helps leaders and their teams create the transformative, inclusive, and enduring changes in their team effectiveness that fuel their most deeply desired outcomes. The operative word in that description is “help.” Ben doesn’t ride in on a white horse and say, “Do this to fix your team's dysfunction.” He takes a different approach. He listens.
Read MoreFrom a major in communications, Dr. Donya Ball's path to becoming an educational leader and teacher began with America Reads, igniting a passion for people-centered learning. Prioritizing empathy and collaboration, she champions personalized experiences over standardized tests, embracing diverse perspectives as fuel for continuous growth and a more equitable education system.
Read More“Getting Unstuck” host Jeff Ikler reflects on recent messages of remembrance that prompt him to consider life's impermanence of life and how he wants to be remembered. (Photo by Sandy Millar on Unsplash.)
Read MoreWHAT STORIES do you tell yourself? In this timeless conversation, Rosamund and Benjamin Zander explain how we can reframe those draft stories – they're not written in concrete – into life lessons that are more useful for us and those around us. “It’s all invented anyway,” write authors Roz and Ben Zander, “so we might as well invent a story … that enhances our quality of life….”
Read MoreMy conversation with Dr. Hayley Watson delved into the critical topic of mental health support for students, exploring its connection to childhood trauma and the need for robust education in schools. Dr. Watson emphasized the neuroscience behind mental health and its impact on both students and educators, highlighting the importance of prioritizing well-being within the educational space. Key to her work is training educators to use words that help draw the limiting stories out of children and provide a space for students to help one another.
Our conversation covered practical strategies like mindfulness exercises and self-care techniques that educators can adopt while advocating for broader systemic changes like comprehensive mental health education for children. By bridging the gap between neuroscience, education, and self-care, she provided valuable insights into fostering a healthier and more supportive environment for students and educators alike.
Read MoreMy conversation with the “Connection Counselor, Joe Kwon, focused on the concept of “executive presence,” the ability to command attention and inspire trust through confidence and clarity of voice and behavior. An essential component of E.P. is image – how one presents oneself to others, especially to leadership. But it’s more than mere image; it’s the aura you convey to leadership that you can step into the larger shoes of the next position and make things happen. E.P. gives leadership the confidence to place a bet on “future you” rather than just on “past you.” E.P. is often an essential component of getting promotions when candidates are similar in terms of skill set and track records.
Read MoreJason Greer is the Founder and President of Greer Consulting, Inc., a labor management and employee relations consulting firm specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion. He is a trusted source of the latest race and labor relations news for media across the country. In this conversation, Jason and I explored the challenges of DEI in today's divided world, delving into practical strategies for building inclusive workplaces and navigating sensitive topics, all to achieve a future where every voice is heard and differences are celebrated.
Read MoreAndy Stephens was born and raised in a small town in Northwest Washington on the Salish Sea. After 17 years, he traveled to Los Angeles to play college baseball in the sunshine. He taught in the public schools of LAUSD for six years before moving to Boulder, CO where he now teaches science at New Vista High School.
Read MoreNo guest today on Getting Unstuck in what is my first episode of the new year. I promise no New Year’s resolutions except one: to read and digest as many books as I can during the year.
Given my interest in books, I was curious to know what some of my colleagues, friends, and family members will read in 2024. So, I contacted more than 40 of them, asking them for a brief bio, their book of choice, and why that title might find its way to their nightstand. I thought that maybe I'd hear from a few, acknowledging that many might be too busy to respond, given the fast-approaching holidays.
Their responses poured in.
Read More“Getting Unstuck” is somewhat of a rare animal in the world of podcasting. It’s offered timely content focused on change, education, and curiosity for over 5 years and sits in the top 3% of all podcasts. And we just passed the 300-episode milestone, which is somewhat of a magic marker for podcasts.
As we approach the end of the year, I wanted to take a moment to thank my listeners and recap 2023 in three parts: 1. the top episodes in terms of downloads, 2. the episode that meant the most to me, and 3 my most popular episode over the life of the podcast.
Read MoreMary Nadeau has worked at Nokomis Regional High as a teacher and administrator for the past 32 years. She has served as the Principal for the past 15 years. Nick Miller is a member of the English department. Our conversation explored how fly fishing, a seemingly unconventional activity in schools, can be woven into the fabric of education. We delved into the significance of the sport, its potential as an English elective, and its role in empowering student voice and choice.
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