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    Dancing in the Discomfort Zone with Anne Bonney

    Let's face it, life is uncomfortable. Whether it's interacting with other humans (or trying to), going after our goals and improving our lives, or understanding other people's perspectives, preferences and proclivities, being able to face the discomforts in life with courage, compassion, confidence and resilience will make life a lot more enjoyable! So join me as we DANCE IN THE DISCOMFORT ZONE! We'll explore new ideas, learn how to build our confidence, courage and resilience, and laugh a little too, because life is serious enough. We need a little cha cha, and a little ha ha every once in a while! Welcome to the Discomfort Zone with Anne Bonney!

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    Episodes (275)

    Dr Andrea Hollingsworth: Radical Self-Compassion

    Dr Andrea Hollingsworth: Radical Self-Compassion

    Humans make mistakes!  It’s just one of the undeniable truths about being humans.  Sometimes they’re big mistakes, sometimes they’re small, but whatever the case, shame is a dark and moist bedfellow (ew!) of those mistakes, and in this episode, Dr Andrea Hollingsworth (www.hollingsworthconsulting.com) and I talk about how to own up to your mistakes, and how to move through them with strength and compassion for the damage we may have done, and compassion for ourselves as we recover from those mistakes and learn and grow from them so we don’t repeat unhealthy and destructive patterns.

    We talk about

    • Weak times that lead to weak responses
    • How embracing the “Brutiful truth” (thank you Rachel Hollis) can help you build self compassion
    • The 3 level structure of her self-compassion scaffold
    • Parenting, and how great intent can turn into another mistake we need to recover from

     Want more from Dr Andrea Hollinsworth?  Here you go!

    Website: www.hollingsworthconsulting.com
    Vimeo https://vimeo.com/904573133?share=copy
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-hollingsworth-ph-d-0644058b/

    The Alcohol Experiment by Annie Grace https://thisnakedmind.com/the-alcohol-experiment/

    Dr. Andrea Hollingsworth is a speaker, researcher, and seasoned psychotherapist who has spent decades studying the transformative power of compassion and self-compassion in life and leadership. Andrea’s articles on the science and spirituality of compassion have been published more than a dozen times in peer-reviewed journals, and she’s taught at prestigious institutions like Princeton and Boston University. Today, she spends most of her time helping leaders use her Compassion Advantage framework to boost emotional wellbeing, fight shame and perfectionism, increase resilience, and solve workplace problems. She lives with her family in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

    Joshua Berry: Daring to be Naive and living with intention

    Joshua Berry: Daring to be Naive and living with intention

    For some reason, we all think we are supposed to know everything…and have it all figured out by the second rodeo, and as I saw posted on social media lately, that doesn’t seem like enough  rodeos!  This week’s guest Joshua Berry wrote a book called Dare to be Naïve (www.daretobenaive.com) and in this episode, we talk about curiosity, intentionality, and all the lessons along the way that show us how much we have to learn!  In this super fun and fast moving episode we talk about Joshua’s experience with a Vipassana retreat, and how it led him to listen to his gut (and the little creatures in there…I’m not kidding!), think very carefully about the should, and led so some of the amazing work he is doing now, helping people think more intentionally and problem solve for the issues of today rather than how we’ve always done it.  Enjoy this episode with Joshua Berry. 

    Want more from Joshua?
    Website: www.econic.co
    Dare to Be Naive (Joshua's book): www.daretobenaive.com
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joshberrygphr

    Joshua Berry is a world-class facilitator of change. As an author, speaker, entrepreneur, and director of Econic, Joshua has spent the last two decades evolving the what, who, and why of Fortune 500 companies and venture-backed startups. For employees and leaders looking to grow themselves and their organizations, Joshua speaks on overcoming limiting beliefs, adaptive leadership, and the innovation systems and mindsets that create engines for growth.

    James Robilotta: Perfectly Imperfect

    James Robilotta: Perfectly Imperfect

    Life is full of ups and downs.  Imposter syndrome is a real thing.  I always joke that we know too much about ourselves, everything we've messed up, gotten wrong and generally screwed up!  It makes confidence kinda hard!  This week I welcome James Robilotta, Professional Speaker and Improv Comedian, to talk about his journey and all the lessons he's learned!  He's frequently witty.  He's always fresh, and this episode does not disappoint!

    @JamesTRobo on the socials if you want to get theRobo Giggles on the regular!

    James Robilotta (https://jamestrobo.com/) is an author, speaker, personal coach, emcee, and entrepreneur.  His book, Leading Imperfectly is available wherever people buy books. He speaks internationally to willing and unwilling attendees about authentic leadership, vulnerability, and storytelling. His clients include AMEX, GE, and many others.  His podcast is called “Diner Talks with James” and it’s new so he’s a little insecure about it but it’s also pretty great.  To learn more, visit his website JamesTRobo.com.

    Bernadette Smith, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Authority, Speaker, Author and Consultant

    Bernadette Smith, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Authority, Speaker, Author and Consultant

    Did you know that organizations with more women and people of color can have up to 30% more profits?  

    Did you know that more inclusive workplaces have increased employee engagement and retention?  

    Bottom line aside, the world is a better place when we can create equality, inclusion and belonging, so this week I've invited DEI speaker and consultant Bernadette Smith (www.BernadetteSmith.com) to demystify DEI for us!  In this we talk about

    • What happens when we mess it up! (because we will!)
    • How to communicate about DEI issues
    • The huge role that curiosity plays
    • Why Bernadette got into this work, and some of the transformational experiences that got her here!

    For more on Bernadette, check out her website www.BernadetteSmith.com
    Or join her weekly e-mail list that brings good news and inspirational DEI policies!  https://www.theequalityinstitute.com/5-things
    Or grab her book!  https://www.amazon.com/Inclusive-360-Solutions-Equitable-Organization/dp/1737635410

    Bernadette Smith is founder and CEO of Equality Institute and award-winning author of four books, including the bestseller Inclusive 360: Proven Solutions for an Equitable Organization.

    Bernadette has presented to enthusiastic audiences of CEOs, associations, entrepreneurs, leadership teams, sales professionals, account executives, marketing executives, human resource managers and more. Her expertise has been sought after by the New York Times, Forbes, the Washington Post, and Fast Company, among many others, and she’s appeared on the Today Show, the BBC, National Public Radio, and CNN.

    Bernadette has been named one of Chicago’s Notable LGBTQ Executives by Crain’s Chicago Business and hosts the weekly podcast 5 Things in 15 Minutes: Bringing Good Vibes to DEI. When she’s not busy speaking, you can probably find her on a local pickleball court!

    Kristen Henry: Midlife Transition and Holistic Wellness Coach

    Kristen Henry: Midlife Transition and Holistic Wellness Coach

    Security....boy that would be nice!  Having a destination that we can strive for, and than will never change.  Well that's just not how this life works, so this week I welcome Kristen Henry (https://www.wideningyouraperture.com/) to talk about change, and navigating the challenge of imperminence!

    In this episode we talk about

    • Sacrifices we sometimes have to make, but when we have a why, they're much easier!
    • The questions to ask yourself when you're ready for a change
    • How saying  yes should be to YOURSELF as well as to other people!

    Want more?  Check out Kristen's website https://www.wideningyouraperture.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wideningyouraperture/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100056873366812
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrykristen/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDgySiVcsbDKNO5_VewnZzQ

    Enjoy my guest spot on her podcast!  https://ignitingyourcourage.com/blog/2024/01/05/ignite-your-shift-building-resilience-in-the-fires-of-change/

    Thanks for listening!  


    Jess Pettitt: Cheese lover and Master of Uncomfortable Conversations!

    Jess Pettitt: Cheese lover and Master of Uncomfortable Conversations!

    This episode will make you think!  There are no easy answers, nothing is black and white, and this week's guest Jess Pettitt (https://jesspettitt.com/) and I wander down a bunch of uncomfortable paths!  This is something she has been doing with her audiences and clients for decades, and she is a master at giving people permission to sit in the discomfort of commonly challenging topics like INCLUSION and CHANGE and LUNCH MEATS!  (ok, I added that last one.  I have baloney on the brain....you'll see why once you listen to this episode!)  Open your mind, set aside emotion, and engage in this brilliant academic exercise with us, to help make you stronger when the challenges aren't so academic...and they join you in your kitchen!

    We chat about

    • Self awareness being the first step to true change
    • How change doesn't have to come in big leaps...in fact, it sticks better if it doesn't.
    • War criminals
    • spreadable cheese
    • Inclusion
    • Tough Conversations
    • Bologna (baloney?)
    • Prison Reform
    • Abortion
    • When to order more appetizers!

    There's a little something for everyone, so buckle up and enjoy!

    If you want more from Jess, go to https://jesspettitt.com/  

    Thanks for wandering down this road with us!  

    Jacques Lopez on International Upbringing, Unknowns, Parenting and Leadership

    Jacques Lopez on International Upbringing, Unknowns, Parenting and Leadership

    Sometimes it's great to connect with old friends and talk about...whatever!  In this case, I reconnect with Jacques Lopez (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueslopez/ ) , a friend I met while traveling to the Antarctica Marathon!  We found out that we had a very similar upbringing, growing up all over the world as gypsys (essentially) and this fabulous conversation hits on a bunch of topics, as Jacques shares some amazing insights on life, the power of curiosity and thriving despite unknowns.  

    Jacques Lopez grew up as a global traveler in a US Embassy family. Born in Guatemala, family travels took him around the world where “normal” was less defined and imbued him with a strong sense of tolerance and gratitude! After years of diversity in work and residence, Jacques happily works in cybersecurity where he is now CRO at CodeLock. Jacques resides in NH with his wife, Jenny, their two kids, two cats, and a dog.

    Laurie Haley; leading and parenting in a tech-full world!

    Laurie Haley; leading and parenting in a tech-full world!

    Laurie Haley is a leader in her industry!  She has risen to executive level in the male-dominated industry of IT/Cyber Security.  She is raising 4 children as a single parent.  Se is juggling it all, and in this episode, we talk about raising young people, not only our own children, but the younger people in the workplace!  We talk about

    • the responsibility of leadership
    • raising children in today's tech-infested world.
    • Shifting your thinking and leading for the situation at hand rather than for your past!

    Want more from Laurie?  Find her on LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriehaley/ 

    Maggie Jackson, Author of "Uncertain, The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure"

    Maggie Jackson, Author of "Uncertain, The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure"

    We humans like to know!  We like to know what's going to happen, what to expect, what's coming next, but the fact is, we usually don't, and when we think we do know, it's frankly, an illusion!  Author Maggie Jackson (www.maggie-jackson.com) dove deep into the world of uncertainty, how our brain deals with it, and how, even though it sucks when we're in the middle of it, it's actually a really good thing!  In this FASCINATING episode you'll learn more about how uncertainty can sharpen your brain, your resilience and your ability to overcome obstacles!  Enjoy.

    Want more from Maggie?  You've got it. 
    www.maggie-jackson.com
    Twitter (X) - @maggie8jackson
    linked in - maggie jackson
    CNN Op Ed: https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/03/opinions/uncertainty-is-good-for-you-jackson/index.html
    Templeton Ideas Podcast: https://www.templeton.org/news/how-uncertainty-can-lead-to-childlike-wonder

    Maggie Jackson is an award-winning author and journalist known for her pioneering writings on social trends. Her new book, Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure, explores why we should seek not-knowing in times of flux. Nominated for a National Book Award, Uncertain is a must-read of the Next Big Idea Club. Maggie’s acclaimed book Distracted sparked a global conversation on the steep costs of fragmenting our attention. A former columnist for the Boston Globe, Maggie has written for many other publications and her writings have been translated into multiple languages.

    Linda Ugelow: Finding Delight in Speaking on Stage and on Camera

    Linda Ugelow: Finding Delight in Speaking on Stage and on Camera

    Public Speaking: Most people would rather wear a tutu of angry bees than get up and speak on stage.  Addtionally, in this day and age, we're being asked to speak on camera a lot as well, for promotional and presentation purposes, and a lot of people are SUPER uncomfortable with that.  This week's guest Linda Ugelow (https://www.lindaugelow.com/ ) was one of those people, so she overcame her fear, and is now a professional speaker!  She helps people reduce that anxiety, and boldly professes to help them Delight in the Limelight (which is also the name of her book!)
     
    INb this episode we talk about

    • Identifying why public speaking makes you so uncomfortable
    • Clearing those blocks, and upgrading your programming to reduce that fear
    • Why this is such a helpful process for speaking in person and on camera 

    If you're one of those people who hates public speaking, Linda's unique approach could be just what you need!

    First, grab that free Empowerment Kit she mentioned on the episode.  https://www.lindaugelow.com/empowermentkit/

    Want more from Linda?   
    Website: https://www.lindaugelow.com/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linda.ugelow/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindaugelow/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindaugelow
    Podcast:https://www.lindaugelow.com/ditl-podcast/ 

    Thanks for listening!

    Kimberly Faith: Breathwork, what it is and why is it good for you?

    Kimberly Faith: Breathwork, what it is and why is it good for you?

    Breathing!  We do it every day!  Without even thinking about it.  But if we think about it, and do it in particular ways, it can make a huge difference in our lives!  Don't believe me?  Ask this week's guest Kimberly Faith (Www.thebreathworkgirl.com) Breakthrough Breathwork Healer and wonderful human being!  She speaks with great passion about breathwork, and how it can help you! 

    We talk about

    • What is somatic breathwork?
    • The physical benefits
    • The psychological benefits
    • The emotional release you can get from breathwork

    Want more from Kimberly?  

    Kimberly Faith is a powerful healer in the holistic industry. Using breathwork, she's discovered her purpose and inspires others to do the same. She's a rebel who challenges societal norms and invites others to push past their limitations and embrace their full potential. Her somatic breathwork sessions take participants on a journey of self-discovery and healing, helping them deepen their connection with themselves

    Anne's experience at a 10-day Silent Vipassana Meditation Course

    Anne's experience at a 10-day Silent Vipassana Meditation Course

    Meditation...something that makes a lot of people uncomfortable!  During a 10-day Vipassana Meditation Course (https://www.dhamma.org/) , you spend 10 days not interacting with anyone and meditation for 1-2 hours stretches for 10 hours every day!  It was hard, which is exactly why I went, but it was a much richer (and more hilarious) experience than I could have imagined!  Join me for the straight poop on my 10 day silent meditation experience!  

    And if you want more information on the 200 Vipassana course centers around the world, go to https://www.dhamma.org/

    Tori Leto on pageants and standing for who you are

    Tori Leto on pageants and standing for who you are

    People may roll their eyes at pageants, but that will change after you listen to this episode.  Young people like Tori Leto (https://linktr.ee/ToriLeto) are changing the game by being courageously authentic, and preserving their sense of self…and still winning!  In this inspiring episode, we talk about the challenges and successes, the mental health challenges, the resistance and the victory!  You won’t want to miss this inspiring and courage igniting episode.  

    Be sure to listen all the way to the end for the results of the pagaent she mentions in the episode that would fund some of her masters work to help her continue the amazing work she's doing with Brighter Times.  

     

    Want more from Tori?  Here are the links!  

    https://linktr.ee/brightertimes?utm_source=qr_code

    https://linktr.ee/ToriLeto

    https://www.brightertimesrc.com/

    https://www.brightertimescan.org/

    "Dr J": Dr Mary Jacobson on Women's Health Issues and how her practice is helping!

    "Dr J": Dr Mary Jacobson on Women's Health Issues and how her practice is helping!

    As the nation continues to follow some of our national healthcare issues, one particular OBGYN has been at the frontlines witnessing minorities and women suffer to get dependable and affordable care. According to her, our system still has challenges because of a lack of understanding for Whole Person Care, meaning there isn't enough education and accessibility to preventative care. This goes back as far as medical school training ... preventative care and women's health focused studies is unfortunately still a rarity in medical school training. 

     

    Dr. Mary Jacobson, (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-jacobson-md-09366385/)  is an OB GYN who studied at Stanford and has dedicated her career to women's health. She serves as the Chief Medical Advisor at Hello Alpha, (https://www.helloalpha.com/) which is a unique tool that's answering to the fact that women face the greatest barriers to accessible and affordable healthcare. Alpha was formed with the goal of providing access to care for some of the country’s most common, underserved, and undertreated medical needs. In today's modern American culture, Dr. Jacobson believes we just need to care for humans on a more personal level and better understand the vast amount of conditions they can have. 

     So I thought I would invite Dr. J (as she is fondly referred to) to provide firsthand stories based on the issues she is seeing with her patients, as well as new data and stats around women and minorities when it comes to seeking care and health outcomes. Through her work she has developed a great deal of knowledge on these topics so I figured she'd be a really useful source for any relevant stories. 

    Victoria Tolbert-Ashley: On successfully being a great mom, wife, student and entrepreneur!

    Victoria Tolbert-Ashley: On successfully being a great mom, wife, student and entrepreneur!

    HOW DOES SHE DO IT?  3 gorgeous, curious, healthy, energetic kids, one happy husband, getting an MBA AND Starting a new global business!  Victoria Tolbert-Ashley (https://www.linkedin.com/in/vta-ms/) seems to be holding it all together while making everything happen, so I invited her to the show to share her secrets, and she does not disappoint!

    In this episode we talk about

    • How she's doing it all AND holding it together!  (hint: it's all about alignment!)
    • How she relies on her resources rather than doing it alone
    • What true "self care" means, and how to find it

    Check out the Champlified website: Champlified.org 
    LinkedIn: Champlified Health and Wellness Solutions,
    Facebook: Champlified Solutions
    IG: Champlified Health and Wellness Solutions

    Victoria Tolbert-Ashley is a Warren, Ohio native and currently resides in Chicago, Ill.
    She holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts with the concentration in Fashion
    Design/Merchandise Management, Masters of Science in Health Promotion and
    Exercise Science 3. She is certified in Corrective Exercise, Performance Enhancement
    and Health Nutrition. Victoria is a New York State Board Certified member of Institute
    Integrative Nutrition Holistic Health. She most recently earned her Executive MBA from The Ohio State University, Fisher College of Business.

    Victoria is the founder of Champlified Health and Wellness Solutions, a 501C3 that is an individual consulting firm providing access to scalable capital for marginalized
    businesses, researching, and providing community engagement in health driven
    programs. Champlified is vital because it gives the opportunity to build organizations
    focused on financial growth, health improvement, and an increasingly solid education
    for a population who doesn’t have genuine people fighting for them.
    Victoria lives with her loves, her husband Andre and three children, Ziva, Dalis and
    Andre.

    Linda Cohen: The KINDNESS Catalyst

    Linda Cohen: The KINDNESS Catalyst

    Kindness.  Something we all enjoy and value from the people around us, and something some people may think is missing too often in human interactions, but this week's guest has a different perspective, and she has a great point. 

    Linda Cohen (www.lindacohenconsulting.com) is The Kindness Catalyst.  Author, speaker and Kindness consultant, Linda helps bring more kindness into the world!  In this episode we talk about

    • How she got started working in this arena
    • Why kindness is so important
    • How acts of kindness don't have to be massive and epic!  Small acts are what truly makes a different in the day-to-day!

    Want more from Linda?
    Website: www.lindacohenconsulting.com
    Resource page she mentioned in the episode: https://lindacohenconsulting.com/resources/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindamcohen/

    Linda Cohen, also known as the “kindness catalyst”, is a professional speaker and consultant. For nearing two decades, Linda has worked with businesses and associations on the ROI of Kindness.

    Linda served for 6 years on the board of the National Speaker Association Oregon Chapter. In 2018-19, she was their chapter president. Linda’s second book, The Economy of Kindness: How Kindness Transforms Your Bottom Line was published in October 2021.

    You may not know she's a devoted and steadfast Earl Grey tea drinker. Originally, from New England, she lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband of 30 years. They have two spirited young adult children and have raised three  Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

    Darla Burns Cornett: Taking a difficult and honest look at her relationship with alcohol.

    Darla Burns Cornett: Taking a difficult and honest look at her relationship with alcohol.

    Alcoholism is a label that has interesting connotations.  For a busy mom, wife and entrepreneur, who has time for everything that comes with that label...but too soon, Darla Burns Cornett realized that if she didn't take on that label, everything was going to fall apart.  So she took a hard, honest look at her life, her values, and what she wanted for herself and her family, and made a huge change!

    In this honest and challenge episode, we discuss the courage it takes to make huge changes that are very uncomfortable at first, the resources necessary to make those big changes, and the allowances we need to make for ourselves to be able to find the brighter side.  

    Ryan Alin on Artificial Intelligence

    Ryan Alin on Artificial Intelligence

    In this fascinating episode, Ryan Alin, Software development manager gives us his perspective on AI!  He provides a ton of fascinating metaphors and parallels involving artificial intelligence and the future!  Listen with an open mind and even if you're not convinced of anything, or even ifyou don't agree, it will definitely make you think about things you might not have considered!

    Want to connect with Ryan?  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alin-1935597/
    Fascinating video on AI predictions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFwZxoTzHl4

    Do you have questions?  Arguments?  Would you like to see another episode addressing those things?  Hit me at admin@annebonney.com or leave a comment!