In this fascinating episode of The Mindful Coach Podcast, I sit down with Janet Livingston, a master facilitator and executive coach whose career has taken her from program management in global NGOs to developing leadership programs for aviation giants like Boeing. Janet's unique journey has led her to explore the intersection of executive coaching and psychedelic-informed practices, offering a fresh perspective on personal growth and leadership development.

Janet shares her fascinating trajectory, beginning with her experiences facilitating strategic planning sessions in Africa and Eastern Europe. She explains how these cultural immersions shaped her approach to communication and coaching, eventually leading her to Boeing, where she designed leadership programs for international aviation leaders.

• The power of active listening in cross-cultural contexts
• How cultural norms influence communication styles
• The evolution from facilitation to executive coaching

As our conversation deepens, Janet reveals her recent foray into psychedelic studies and how it's informing her coaching practice. She discusses:

• The growing interest in psychedelics for mental health and personal growth
• The importance of safe, therapeutic approaches to psychedelic experiences
• How psychedelic integration differs from traditional executive coaching

• The role of preparation and integration in psychedelic experiences
• Legal and ethical considerations for coaches interested in this field
• The value of personal experience and comprehensive education

Janet emphasizes the need for a holistic approach, combining verbal processing, somatic awareness, and creative expression in the integration process. She also highlights the potential of Internal Family Systems therapy in supporting psychedelic integration work.

Whether you're a coach curious about expanding your toolkit or a leader interested in cutting-edge approaches to personal development, this episode offers valuable insights into the emerging field of psychedelic-informed coaching. Janet's blend of corporate experience and alternative modalities presents a unique perspective on the future of leadership development and mental health support.

You can learn more about Janet at her website: https://www.cultureiskey.coach

And you're encouraged to explore the legal status for psychedelics. If you're interested in working in this way, be sure to get expert advice before proceeding.

• Matt Monday

In this captivating episode of The Mindful Coach podcast, I sit down with Matt Monday, an entrepreneur and former product lead at ESPN and Apple, who's on a mission to maximize human potential. Matt shares his remarkable journey from high-achieving corporate professional to mindfulness advocate and innovator in the world of AI-powered well-being.

Matt's story begins with an unexpected win of an iPod that led to a career at Apple, where he played a pivotal role in the App Store's early days. However, it wasn't until after leaving Apple that he discovered mindfulness through a chance encounter. This revelation set him on a path to explore the intersection of technology, personal growth, and human potential.

At the heart of our conversation is VITAL, Matt's groundbreaking startup that's revolutionizing the meditation experience. VITAL combines cutting-edge AI technologies to create:

• Custom-crafted meditations on demand
• Personalized guidance based on user input
• A variety of meditation styles and techniques

What sets VITAL apart is its ability to generate meditations tailored to specific, real-time needs specific to your life, in a matter of seconds. This is where it gets real. Instead of a generic stress reduction meditation, you can create a specific meditation on "Help me to not get triggered by my Boss Bill, in company meetings. He's so disrespectful to people. " Choose the duration, voice, and music you want --and be listening in seconds.

We tackle the elephant in the room: concerns about AI-led meditations. Matt offers reassurance about data privacy and explains how VITAL aims to augment, not replace, human meditation teachers and coaches.

Looking ahead, Matt shares his vision for VITAL's evolution, including:

• Expanding voice options and languages
• Developing more advanced coaching interfaces
• Creating specialized workshops with expert coaches

Matt leaves us with a thought-provoking phrase encapsulating his approach: "Awareness leads to clarity. Clarity leads to choice. Choice leads to transformation."

Whether you're a meditation novice, a seasoned practitioner, or a coach looking to enhance your offerings, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of mindfulness and personal development. Join us as we explore how technology and ancient wisdom converge to create new possibilities for human growth and well-being.

Takeaways:

• The journey towards mindfulness often begins with unexpected events that reshape our understanding of ourselves.
• Personal experiences, like making a wager with God, can lead to transformative insights about life.
• Being introduced to mindfulness and meditation can drastically change one's perspective on life.
• Coaching should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to afford it.
• AI technology can enhance personal growth by providing customized meditation experiences for users.
• The evolution of meditation apps is moving towards personalized experiences that integrate mindfulness with technology.

Learn more about Matt at https://www.mattmonday.me/

Want to experience personalized mindfulness meditations like you've never seen before? Browse to https://joinvital.ai/

If you'd like to experience the power of somatic, mindful coaching, head over to T

Imagine a world where every conversation you have is more connected, insightful, and empathetic. In this thought-provoking episode of The Mindful Coach Podcast, I explore the transformative power of mindful communication and its potential to elevate every aspect of our lives.

• • The importance of checking in with yourself
• • Noticing and naming your experiences without judgment
• • Building your "presence muscle" through intentional practice

Mindful communication isn't just about what we say—it's about how we listen and perceive others. Learn how to:

• • Connect with others on a deeper level
• • Recognize underlying emotions and stressors
• • Respond with empathy and understanding

Discover a simple yet powerful technique that can instantly improve your connections with others. This approach:

• • Shifts focus from yourself to the other person
• • Validates their experience
• • Opens the door for deeper sharing

While mindful communication can enhance most interactions, I also address:

• • Recognizing toxic individuals
• • Setting healthy boundaries
• • Protecting yourself from manipulation and gaslighting

I introduce my comprehensive 8-week program designed to help you:

• • Develop a strong foundation in mindfulness
• • Enhance your communication skills
• • Transform your personal and professional relationships

Are you ready to elevate every conversation and connection in your life? This episode offers a glimpse into the transformative world of mindful communication, providing practical insights and techniques you can start using today.

Takeaways:

• Mindful communication can transform every conversation, enhancing connection, empathy, and effectiveness.
• Investing time in developing mindful communication skills leads to improved relationships and decision-making.
• Being present and aware of your own feelings is essential for effective communication.
• Mindful communication enables deeper connections by focusing on others' experiences rather than our own.
• Practicing mindfulness allows you to notice judgments without being consumed by them.
• Mindful communication is not just about techniques; it emerges from who you are as a person.

Links referenced in this episode:

• themindfulcoach.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Mindful Coach Association
• Mindful Coach

In this enlightening episode of The Mindful Coach Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Larissa Chuprina, a remarkable educator and coach who bridges the gap between language learning and personal growth. With a rich background spanning multiple countries and cultures, Dr. Chuprina brings a unique perspective to the challenges faced by immigrants and expatriates adapting to new environments.

Dr. Chuprina shares her inspiring journey from a multilingual childhood to becoming a positive psychology practitioner and ESL coach. She emphasizes the profound impact of self-awareness and inner dialogue on language acquisition and cultural adaptation. Her approach goes beyond traditional grammar-focused teaching, addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of communication.

• The importance of connecting with one's core values and identity when adapting to a new culture
• How positive self-perception enhances language learning and cultural integration
• The role of mindfulness in managing the stress of cultural transitions

Dr. Chuprina offers valuable techniques for both language learners and coaches:

• Using self-affirmation exercises to boost confidence and resilience
• Incorporating cultural context into language instruction
• Practicing mindfulness to improve communication and reduce anxiety

We discuss Dr. Chuprina's innovative approach to language practice, including her "English Tea Party" events that provide real-world opportunities for learners to apply their skills in a supportive environment.

Whether you're a coach working with international clients, an educator in the ESL field, or someone navigating the complexities of a new culture, this episode offers profound insights into the interconnection of language, culture, and personal growth. Dr. Chuprina's holistic approach reminds us that true communication goes far beyond words, touching the very essence of who we are and how we connect with the world around us.

00:06:23

Larissa's Journey: From Multilingual Upbringing to Language Coach

00:08:59

The Importance of Self-Connection in Cross-Cultural Communication

00:11:22

ESL and Culture Coaching: A Holistic Approach to Language Learning

00:15:40

Positive Psychology in Language Learning: Focusing on Strengths

00:23:24

The Power of Naming Emotions and Mindfulness in Language Learning

00:29:17

Cultural Knowledge: The Key to Effective Communication

00:34:25

• The Impact of Language: Words That Heal or Harm

Links referenced in this episode:

• eslandculturecoach.net
• eslandculturecoach@gmail.com

Chronic pain affects millions worldwide, often leaving sufferers feeling hopeless and misunderstood. In this enlightening episode of The Mindful Coach Podcast, I sit down with Rob Lieblein, a life coach and member of the Mindful Coach Association who specializes in mind-body approaches to chronic pain conditions. Rob shares his personal journey from debilitating pain to recovery, offering hope and practical insights for those struggling with persistent discomfort.

Rob's story begins with a rotator cuff surgery that spiraled into a year-long battle with widespread pain. Despite seeking help from numerous medical professionals, he found no relief until he discovered the concept of neuroplastic pain. This revelation led him to explore mind-body approaches that ultimately transformed his life and inspired his current work.

Rob explains the concept of neuroplastic pain, a condition where the brain generates pain signals in the absence of physical damage. He highlights how stress, emotions, and learned patterns can contribute to this phenomenon, emphasizing the importance of addressing the mind-body connection in healing.

• • The role of stress and life changes in triggering chronic pain
• • How the pain-fear cycle can amplify and perpetuate symptoms
• • The importance of ruling out structural issues before exploring mind-body approaches

Rob shares several strategies that can help individuals manage and potentially overcome chronic pain:

• • Somatic tracking: A mindfulness technique for observing bodily sensations without judgment
• • Self-compassion practices: Tools for reducing anxiety and breaking the pain-fear cycle
• • Gradual reengagement: Safely increasing physical activity to rebuild confidence in one's body

Rob's message is clear: chronic pain doesn't have to be a life sentence. By exploring mind-body approaches and understanding the role of neuroplasticity, many individuals may find relief where traditional methods have failed.

Whether you're personally struggling with chronic pain or know someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights into an often-overlooked approach to healing. Rob's journey from sufferer to practitioner provides a beacon of hope for those seeking alternatives to conventional pain management.

Rob Liedline, a member of the Mindful Coach Association, shares his transformative journey from chronic pain to healing, emphasizing the importance of a mindful and holistic approach to pain management. With a background in mindfulness coaching, Rob reveals how personal experiences with severe physical ailments shaped his coaching philosophy. He discusses the mind-body connection and how emotional stress often manifests as physical pain, a cycle he calls the 'pain fear cycle.' Listeners will learn about the groundbreaking practice of somatic tracking, which encourages individuals to observe their pain with curiosity rather than fear, fostering a sense of safety and self-acceptance. Rob's insights into neuroplastic pain and the efficacy of tools like the Curable app offer a fresh perspective for those struggling with chronic pain, demonstrating that healing often requires addressing underlying emotional issues rather than merely treating physical symptoms. Through his story, Rob inspires hope and empowerment for those suffering from chronic pain, urging them to explore new...

Developing intuition is an essential resource for coaches, allowing them to connect with clients on a deeper level. This episode emphasizes the importance of being present and mindful, not only for oneself but also in fostering meaningful relationships with those being coached. Brett Hill explores how heightened awareness of one's own inner state can lead to valuable insights and impressions about clients, which may not be immediately obvious through their words alone. By cultivating an authentic curiosity and being open to these intuitive nudges, coaches can enhance their ability to support clients effectively. Join Brett as he shares practical tips on integrating intuition into coaching and highlights the transformative power of genuine connection in the helping professions.

At the core of mindful coaching lies the ability to be fully present with our clients. This means:

• • Cultivating awareness of our own internal state
• • Regulating our emotions and energy in the moment
• • Bringing our full attention to the client's experience

By honing these skills, we create a space of deep connection and understanding that sets the stage for transformative coaching experiences.

When we're truly present and attuned to our clients, something remarkable can happen. We may begin to receive intuitive impressions or hunches about the client that go beyond what they've explicitly shared. These insights might include:

• • Curiosities about their background or experiences
• • Impressions about their relationships or interests
• • Subtle nuances in their communication style

Sharing these intuitive insights requires finesse and sensitivity. Here are some guidelines:

• 1. Frame your insights as gentle curiosities rather than definitive statements
• 2. Be prepared to adjust if your impression doesn't resonate
• 3. Use intuitive insights to deepen rapport and understanding, not as a party trick

Cultivating your intuition is a practice that can enhance your coaching effectiveness. Consider these strategies:

• • Regular mindfulness practice to sharpen your awareness
• • Paying attention to subtle cues and impressions in daily life
• • Creating low-stakes opportunities to test your intuitive hunches

"When I am in this more spacious place, I not only have the capacity to connect and feel and sense and process my impressions and observations about another person, but something interesting happens."

By embracing intuition as a valuable tool in our coaching practice, we open ourselves to a richer, more nuanced understanding of our clients. This can lead to more profound insights, stronger rapport, and ultimately, more impactful coaching outcomes.

Remember, intuition is not about being psychic or always right. It's about tuning into the subtle information available in the coaching relationship and using it wisely to serve our clients better.

If you're inspired to explore mindful coaching further, consider joining the Mindful Coach Association. Connect with like-minded professionals committed to bringing more goodness into the world through mindful practices.

The conversation centers on the profound connection between mindfulness, coaching, and the development of intuition. Brett Hill articulates the significance of being present and aware in the coaching relationship, emphasizing that successful coaching transcends mere techniques; it requires a genuine connection with the client. He explores how mindfulness can serve as a foundation for building this...

Are you a coach, therapist, or helping professional seeking to elevate your practice? The power to transform your work and clients' lives might be closer than you think. In this powerful episode of The Mindful Coach podcast, I explore the truly profound impact of mindfulness on the quality of your work not to mention the your personal life.

Discover why incorporating mindfulness practices into your professional toolkit is not just beneficial, but essential. Learn how cultivating presence can:

• Enhance your ability to connect authentically with clients
• Sharpen your intuition and observational skills
• Improve the quality of your guidance and interventions

Uncover the fascinating link between mindfulness and the executive functions of your brain. I explain how regular mindfulness practice can:

• Strengthen your prefrontal cortex
• Improve your capacity for sustained attention
• Enhance your ability to regulate emotions and make clear decisions

Explore concrete ways to integrate mindfulness into your coaching or therapy sessions:

• Techniques for grounding yourself before and during client interactions
• Strategies for helping clients tap into their own present-moment awareness
• Methods for using curiosity as a powerful tool in challenging situations

Learn how the skills you develop through mindfulness can extend far beyond your professional life, potentially improving:

• Personal relationships
• Overall well-being
• Ability to navigate life's challenges with greater ease

Whether you're new to mindfulness or looking to deepen your existing practice, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips to enhance your effectiveness as a helping professional. Join me in exploring this "diamond at your feet" – a resource that has the potential to elevate every interaction and conversation in both your professional and personal life.

Takeaways:

• Mindfulness practices are essential for coaches to improve the quality of their work.
• Being present with oneself enhances the ability to connect authentically with clients.
• The executive function of the brain is crucial for maintaining focus and presence.
• Regular mindfulness practice can help reduce stress and improve communication skills.
• Noticing your own feelings and thoughts is vital for effective coaching sessions.
• Mindfulness not only benefits the coach but also profoundly impacts the client's experience.

Links referenced in this episode:

• themindfulcoach.com
• themindfulcoachassociation.com

These days, an endless torrent of disturbing news bombards our senses. Climate change, violence, politics—the rate of change is so rapid. In this storm of news and rapid change, how can we maintain our balance and make clear decisions? How can we avoid burnout and disconnection without being in denial about important events?

This episode of The Mindful Coach podcast explores practical tools for centering ourselves amidst life's storms and rapidly changing current events.

Join me as I sit down with Dr. Sonja Olson, a veteran emergency veterinarian turned wellness educator. Together, we unpack the vital importance of developing resilience and mindfulness skills in today's challenging landscape.

• Discover why mindful individuals tend to cause less harm and make better decisions
• Learn about the power of the polyvagal nervous system and how to harness it
• Explore the concept of radical acceptance and its role in managing stress

• Centering Breath: A simple yet powerful tool for regaining focus in overwhelming situations

• Smile and Hum: How these simple actions can positively influence your nervous system

• Mindful Triage: Developing "touchstones" to quickly bring yourself back to center

Dr. Olson and I also discuss our upcoming workshop, "Centered in the Storm," designed to equip participants with repeatable, on-demand skills for maintaining presence in high-stress scenarios.

Whether you're a coach, therapist, or anyone seeking to navigate life's challenges with greater ease, this episode offers valuable insights and practical techniques to enhance your resilience and effectiveness.

Interested in experiencing these techniques firsthand? Learn more about our upcoming in-person workshop in Portland, Oregon, on October 5th.

Click here for workshop details

Remember, in a world of unlimited difficulty and unlimited beauty, who do you choose to be? This episode will help you make that choice with greater awareness and intention.

You can find out more about Sonja and here work here: https://sonjaolsondvm.com/

And if you're interested in working with me in 1:1 or group work, check out my website at https://themindfulcoach.com

If you're a coach or other helping professional and would like to connect with me, Sonja, and hundreds of others who are committed to helping others while bringing mindfulness into our life and work, you are welcome to join The Mindful Coach Association where you can list your services and meet your colleagues. You can list your services for completely free of charge.