Operationalizing Your Growth & Success With Green Beret Nick Lavery

Today for our last episode of this season on Well, Not Perfect, I have a timely and important episode for you. 

In response to many recent events involving gun violence, today’s guest Kitty Brandtner went to social media with one thing to say: “You messed with the wrong mom.” 

The events following are nothing but heroic and nearly impossible. Kitty, who is a working mom of three kids under 5, became the lead activist for March Fourth in the span of just a few days. She and an amazing group of volunteers started March Fourth two days after the tragic Highland Park shooting on the Fourth of July. The mission behind this organization is simple: to federally ban assault weapons and to do it right now.

In today’s episode you will learn:

1. Who the woman is behind March Fourth 
2. How you too can have the tenacity to do the seemingly impossible
3. What to do, if or when, you get called to join a social movement that lives close to your heart. 

And before we get into the episode, I just want to remind everyone that these conversations can be uncomfortable and triggering. I recommend you take your time to listen and understand your reaction to this conversation and seek out local resources if you want to get involved. Also, if you feel overwhelmed after listening to this episode, take a break, do some self-care and be gentle on yourself. 

With that being said, welcome to the final episode of Season 3 of Well, Not Perfect. 

To connect with Kitty and March Fourth, and other resources mentioned in this episode, you can find them at:

• Website: www.wemarchfourth.org/
• Instagram: @march_fourth_
• Ways to act now: www.wemarchfourth.org/actnow

Welcome back to another episode of Well, Not Perfect.

Today I got to sit down with Kelly Oberle, and I was immediately struck by all the things we have in common.

Kelly is a leadership development coach and founder of Access Human Potential, an emotional intelligence and performance enhancement organization working with corporations, schools, and athletic teams. 

Kelly and I both come from a background playing a collegiate sport that inspired us to help athletes with the mental side of their game. The work she is doing to develop the whole athlete and make system-level changes is so valuable for coaches, parents and players alike. 

Listen in to hear about all the ways she is helping people build upon their strengths and stay connected to joy.

In this episode, you will learn: 

1. How positive psychology can benefit athletes, coaches, and parents;
2. The importance of knowing your “why’; and
3. How to prevent burnout and breed confidence in athletes

Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect.

To connect with Kelly & Access Human Potential, you can find her at:

• Website: www.accesshumanpotential.com/
• Instagram: @access_human_potential
• Facebook/Twitter: @ahpnow
• LinkedIn: Access Human Potential

Hello again and welcome back to Well, Not Perfect. 

I had an absolute blast putting on my clinical hat with our guest today. 

Dr. McGrath currently serves as the Chief Clinical Officer for NOCD, an app-based platform for the treatment of OCD. He leads their teletherapy services across the world. He is also a Lead Psychologist at Ascension Illinois Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, where he opened Intensive Outpatient, Partial Hospital, and Residential Treatment Programs for Anxiety Disorders, School Refusal, and OCD. 

I’ve known Dr. McGrath for years and it was a privilege to get to pick his brain on this episode. He shares with us some of the exciting developments in the treatment of OCD and other anxiety disorders as well as some of the most interesting cases he’s dealt with in his career. 

There was an empowering golden thread throughout our conversation that I think is important for every listener to hear: that we as humans really are more capable of overcoming our fears than we may think.

In today’s episode you will learn: 

1. The evolution of therapeutic treatments, including Exposure Response Prevention;
2. Strategies for supporting a loved one who struggles with an anxiety disorder; and
3. Why it's crucial for us to be okay with short term emotional discomfort in order to benefit in the long term

Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect.

To connect with Dr. McGrath & NOCD, you can find him at: 

• Website: www.nocd.com
• Books: “Don’t Try Harder, Try Different” & “The OCD Answer Book”
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-mcgrath-37b981/
• Study on the Effectiveness of Virtual ERP: https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/could-virtual-erp-be-the-new-standard-of-treatment-for-ocd

Welcome back to another episode of Well, Not Perfect.

Today I have Vanessa Bohns on the show and let me tell you, this was one of the most thought provoking conversations I’ve had on this podcast to date. 

Vanessa is a social psychologist and a professor of organizational behavior at Cornell University. She holds a PhD in Psychology from Columbia University and an AB from Brown University. Professor Bohns is an expert on social influence, compliance, and consent; and investigates why it’s so hard to say no. Her research has been published in top academic journals in psychology, management, and law. And her first book You Have More Influence Than You Think was published in September. 

I found my conversation with Professor Bohns to be absolutely fascinating on both a personal and professional level. Her insights helped me understand a lot about myself and the people around me.

In this episode you will learn:

1. Why so many of us struggle to say no;
2. Biases that influence the way we see the world and how the world sees us; and
3. Why we tend to be harder on ourselves than others are on us.

Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect.

To connect with Professor Bohns, you can find her at: 

• Twitter & Instagram: @profbohns
• Website: https://www.vanessabohns.com/

• Her book ‘You Have More Influence Than You Think’: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1324005718/

Hello & welcome back to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. 

Today’s guest is someone who knows first hand what it’s like to overcome a seemingly impossible challenge. 

Nick Lavery is an active-duty member of The United States Army Special Forces. In 2013, on Nick's second combat rotation to Afghanistan, he and his Detachment fell victim to an insider attack ultimately resulting in the loss of his leg. Following a year of surgeries and recovery, he returned to his Detachment and was deployed once again. Nick is considered the first Special Forces operator to return to combat as an above-the-knee amputee and I was honored to hear his story.

This episode gives listeners an in depth look into the mindset Nick relies on to continuously achieve his goals. His story and outlook on life are testament to the power of committing to your purpose and developing a strong sense of self. 

Nick’s perseverance, humility, and intelligence were evident to me throughout our conversation. I know that you will walk away feeling inspired by his attitude and motivated to prioritize your own growth, too. 

In this episode, you will learn:

1. How to compare yourself to others with gratitude instead of self-pity;
2. How to become more systematic about achieving your goals; and
3. How to let go of distractions and focus on what truly matters most to you.

Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect.

To connect with Nick, you can find him at:

• Website: http://www.machinenick.com
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKNVniNJKTYRZpTmfyJJjtA
• Instagram: @nick.machine.lavery
• Book: Objective Secure

Welcome back to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. 

This week I got to sit down with fellow Simply Bee clinician Eric Stevenson. Eric is a licensed professional counselor and certified mental performance coach. He specializes in working with adolescents, young adults, and athletes, helping them with issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, perfectionism and life transitions.

I wanted to have Eric on the show today to talk specifically about the issue of men’s mental health. This is an issue that deserves a lot of attentionbecause suicide rates among men are on the rise and there is still a strong stigma around seeking treatment.

Since joining my practice 2 years ago, Eric has seen a lot of our male clients and has great insight on common trends that we’re seeing today. 

Listen in to hear what he has to say about these issues and what parents and clinicians can do to provide support.

1. Common issues that we see amongst male clients in our office
2. How parents can help their kids make effective behavioral changes; and 
3. Coping strategies to help teens combat negative thoughts and emotions.

Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect!

To learn more about Eric, you can find his bio on our website: https://www.simplybeecounseling.net/meettheteam

TW: Eating Disorders

Hi everyone and welcome back to Well, Not Perfect. 

This week we’re doing something a little different. I want to share with you again one of my favorite episodes from last season. Dionne Miller was my first guest on Season 2 and someone who I feel really embodies what this show is all about.

So whether you’ve listened to this episode before or not, I encourage you to tune in and get inspired by Dionne’s resilience, bravery and honesty.

_______

Today on Well, Not Perfect, I am so proud to have Dionne Miller. She is an incredibly talented female Sports Anchor and Reporter at ABC7 Chicago. 

Prepare to get a glimpse inside of her incredibly resilient mind and see the personal side of her life that often doesn’t get seen on TV. 

As I was talking with Dionne, I couldn’t get over the fact that her story is just like so many other people I talk to who struggle with body image, perfectionism, and their relationship with food. 

What most may not know is that she has climbed the ranks in the broadcasting world all while battling an eating disorder and still fights for her recovery to this day. Dionne’s inspiring story shows us how faith, family, and perseverance work together to create joy. She is proof that success co-exists with mental and physical challenges to make up a beautiful life full of ups and downs. 

In today’s episode you will learn about: 

1. How to fight the inner critic that lives in our minds
2. Ways to keep a balanced mindset
3. Why you can find hope and purpose too 

Dionne is a full-time, working mom of two and a hustler in an extremely cut-throat industry. She has a true passion for Chicago sports and Chicago sports fans and is the first full-time female in the ABC 7 Sports department. You can find her here: 

       Facebook: DionneMiller

       Instagram: @DmillerABC7

       Twitter: @dmillerABC7

We’re back for another episode of Well, Not Perfect.

This week’s guest is someone who is literally overcoming mountains every day. 

Dr. Jon Kedrowski earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Geography, Weather, and Climate and he is also the owner and founder of Dr. Jon’s Adventures, which leads expeditions to all corners of the globe. 

He has climbed 6 of the 7 continental summits, including 5 expeditions to Mount Everest. His most recent summit of Everest came while guiding and coaching singer/songwriter Mike Posner in June of 2021.

Throughout our conversation I was struck by his laid back attitude and humility. These qualities have undoubtedly played a huge role in his ability to lead himself and others through great and often dangerous adventures.

This episode is full of intriguing insights from someone who frequently encounters unpredictability and setbacks. Listen for an inside look into the mindset that allows Jon to per-sa-vere and push others to do the same.

In this episode, you will learn: 

1. The attitude and mindset required to overcome adversity and uncertainty;
2. Why athletes need focus on fun as the center to their spor; and
3. The importance of spending your time looking forward instead of living in the past. 

Welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect.  

To connect with Dr. Jon Kedrowski, you can find him at:

• Instagram: @drjonkedski  @drjonsadventures
• Website: https://jonkedrowski.com/home

Books: https://jonkedrowski.com/books

Welcome back to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. 

Today I sit down with Michael Gazzo, a music producer with an absolutely fascinating story. Michael has been in the music industry for 10 years as an artist, songwriter, producer and artist developer. He has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry from Jordin Sparks to the Backstreet Boys to Snoop Dogg. 

Through my conversation with Michael it was clear to me that his perspective is unique. He showed me the power of infusing spirituality into his personal and professional work and boy does he get some amazing results in the studio.

In an industry that is known for its high stakes and intense pressure, Michael’s perspective and energy is benefitting the mental health of those he works closest with. 

In this episode, you will learn: 

1. About the intersection between music and mental health; 
2. The importance of infusing healing practices into your everyday routines; and
3. How to let go of outcomes and focus on presence.

Be sure to check out this gratitude meditation that Michael recorded for us: https://www.simplybeecounseling.net/gratitude-meditation

And to connect with Michael, you can find him on instagram @gazzomusic!

Today on Well, Not Perfect, I have a timely and important episode for you. 

In response to many recent events involving gun violence, we at Simply Bee stepped back and asked ourselves, “How can we help?”

To answer this question, I turned to our community and sought out a person who is initiating positive and powerful discussion.

Today I interviewed April Oboikowitch. She is an attorney working as a clerk for an Illinois Appellate Court judge. She also volunteers for Be SMART, a program designed to prevent minors’ access to guns, promote secure gun storage and reduce the risk of suicide. She lives with her husband and three daughters in the north suburbs of Chicago and is a friend and neighbor of mine who I genuinely trust and respect immensely. 

In today’s episode you will learn about Be SMART, a non profit social movement aimed to change the narrative surrounding safe gun storage—because if we are open and talk about safe storage practices with our friends and family, the stigma will fade and our children and communities will be safer.

In today’s episode you will learn:

1. How to avoid politics and stay focused on goal to reduce incidences of gun violence
2. Why it's important to ask friends and family how their guns are stored; and
3. Why gun violence and suicide might be more common than you think

And before we get into the episode, I just want to remind everyone that these conversations can be uncomfortable and triggering. I recommend you take your time to listen and understand your reaction to this conversation and seek out Be SMART if you want to get involved. Also, if you feel overwhelmed after listening to this episode, take a break, do some self-care and be gentle on yourself. 

With that being said, welcome to another episode of Well, Not Perfect. 

To connect with April, Be SMART, and other resources mentioned in this episode, you can find them at:

• Be Smart Website: https://besmartforkids.org/
• April’s Instagram: @aoboikowitch
• Text-For-Help: https://linkingefforts.com/textforhelp-app/