P.S. We Expire with Morgan Motsinger

Ep72: Lantern Consciousness and Living a "Plus 10 Life" with Allison Evans

Allison has a way with words. 
Metaphors are sprinkled through her stories which bring visuals to my mind instantaneously. Our brains LOVE stories and visuals, which make her lessons and wisdom stick even more. I met Allison at a retreat and immediately connected with her and the more I got to know her, the more I knew she had life experience and coaching expertise I wanted to share with my podcast listeners. 
I know that you will get a lot out of this episode. 
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Allison is a Certified Wayfinder Master Coach and Wayfinder Life Coach Training instructor with an MA in English literature from George Mason University and undergraduate degrees in English and French from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her work has been featured in Elephant Journal, Thrive Global, and Pathways magazine. She lives in Omaha with the people who inspire her work: her husband, daughter, and son.
 
You can find Allison at allisonevanscoaching.com
and learn more about her upcoming program (enrollment opens Nov 25!) 
and follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allisonevanscoaching
 
Chapters
00:00 The Nature of Consciousness: Lantern vs. Spotlight03:17 Widening Our Focus: The Impact of Technology06:22 Mindfulness and Body Awareness: Tools for Wellness09:01 Emotions: The 90-Second Rule12:15 The Stories We Tell: Understanding Our Narratives15:12 The Role of Anger and Fear in Motivation18:13 Navigating Despair: A Coaching Moment44:22 Exploring Emotions and Body Awareness47:20 The Power of Storytelling in Overcoming Hopelessness49:35 The Importance of Inner Change52:21 The Magic of Authenticity in Relationships56:57 Navigating Authenticity and Sincerity01:00:31 The Long View of Personal Growth01:02:54 The Role of Apologies in Growth01:04:23 Defining Winning in Conversations01:09:55 The Micro and Macro Connection in Our Stories01:12:56 Amassing Evidence for Intentional Beliefs01:15:22 Decomposing Limiting Stories01:20:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

Ep71: Relationships with people who voted differently than you

How do we navigate our relationships with people who believe and vote differently than we do? In this episode I'm sharing how to deal with disappointment about the election. How do we maintain our compassion and connection with people who are close to us that voted differently? If we want to keep our relationships healthy and not drown into a pool of despair, let's explore some skills to pay attention to what we have control over instead of obsessing over what we don't.
 
Although I share my perspective from a more liberal perspective, this insight into human behavior, relationships, and how our brains work when it comes to biases and beliefs, will be helpful for people on both sides of the aisle.

Ep70: Who Were You Before They Told You Who to Be?

This quote from Carl Jung has been rolling around in my mind:
"The first half of life is devoted to forming a healthy ego. The second half is going inward and letting go of it."
What does it mean to operate from a deeper place, beneath the ego? Who were we before the world told us who we should be? This episode explores these ideas of deeper conscious awareness of the illusion of separateness, the delight in being nobody, and the self-compassion that is necessary to accept and love others.
 
If you want to check out the video for this episode (and all other episodes of this podcast) you can find them all on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@morganmotsinger
and follow along on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/morgan_motsinger/
 
Jill Bolte Taylor's TED talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYD7Y9CXeUw&t=2s
Book: I Contain Multitudes by Ed Yong 
 

Ep69: Health Anxiety SUCKS (and what to do about it)

Anxiety about myself has been kicking my butt lately, which is frustrating because I'm DOING ALL THE RIGHT THINGS.
So, what gives? And what has been helping?
In this conversation, I discuss my struggles with health anxiety, exploring the complexities of mental health and the brain's predictive nature. I'm sharing personal experiences and insights on how to manage anxiety through mindfulness, decision-making (this is a BIG ONE), and acceptance of life's natural cycles. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the brain's role in emotional responses and the value of having a plan to reduce fear.
 
You can check out an earlier episode where I talk all about anxiety here (including more in depth about what works well for me) 
 
You can find me on the black hole (that is sometimes a cheery, uplifting place) called Instagram here
If you want your own set of Mindful Moment Cards, you can find them in my shop https://www.morganmotsinger.com/shop
k, love you, bye.

Ep68: Knowing Yourself, Your Strategic Plan, and Your Financials with Michele Williams

When I was an interior designer, I worked with Michele for a year. She coached me through business growth, strategic thinking and planning, and general life challenges. She encouraged me to bring my full self to my businesses and see the through line through all the work I was doing. 
 
Key Takeaways
Owning and understanding the decisions made in the business is crucial for making necessary changes.
Developing a strategic plan and managing finances effectively are vital for the long-term success and sustainability of the business. Have a strategy and plan in place when transitioning from a job to starting a business
Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship requires open conversations and prioritization
Iteration and feedback are crucial for refining the business and meeting customer needs
Define your own journey as an entrepreneur and prioritize profitability and sustainability in your business.
 
Michele Williams is the dynamic owner of Scarlet Thread Consulting and Metrique Solutions, two companies focused on empowering creative professionals to own the financials of their business. With an eye for detail and a passion for innovation, Michele has carved a niche in providing strategic business coaching and financial analytics to help business owners navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. At Scarlet Thread Consulting, Michele utilizes her extensive experience in finance and business management to offer tailored coaching and mentoring services. She is dedicated to helping her clients achieve financial clarity and operational efficiency, enabling them to make informed decisions that drive their businesses forward. Through Metrique Solutions, Michele offers a unique blend of technology and consultancy, providing cutting-edge software solutions designed specifically for the owners of small business. Her expertise in financial metrics and data analysis empowers her clients to optimize their pricing strategies and enhance profitability. Michele's commitment to excellence and her unwavering support for her clients have established her as a trusted advisor and thought leader in the design community. Her work not only transforms businesses but also inspires creativity and growth, making her an invaluable asset to the industry.
 
You can find Michele at
https://www.scarletthreadconsulting.com
https://www.metriquesolutions.com
 
or on socials at
@scarletthreadatl, @metriquesolutions
Facebook : Scarlet Thread Consulting, Metrique Solutions
 
Chapters
00:00 From Corporate America to Entrepreneurship05:37 The Pivotal Moment: Recognizing the Need for Change11:27 Viewing Yourself and Your Business Differently19:08 The Skills of Service and Being a Business Owner20:18 Owning Your Decisions and Creating a Strategic Plan27:00 Prioritizing Spending and Managing Finances34:56 Transitioning from a Job to Starting a Business36:48 Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship38:11 Creating a Strategy for Life and Business39:32 Starting a Business: Assessing Resources and Creating a Strategic Plan52:30 Refining the Business: Iteration and Feedback01:02:20 Staying Focused on the Why and Enjoying the Process01:07:26 Knowing When to Iterate or Pivot01:07:50 The Power of a 212-Degree Mindset01:08:24 Addressing the Emotional Needs of Entrepreneurs01:09:26 Seeking Feedback and Analyzing Data for Growth01:11:38 Choosing the Right Marketing Platforms01:13:27 Defining Your Own Journey as an Entrepreneur
 

Ep67: From Corporate to Coach: A Journey of Fulfillment with Monique R. Shields

How do you navigate entrepreneurship what what you're familiar with is a corporate environment? How do you know when it's time to embark on your own journey and how do you decide what that will be? Join me as I talk with Monique about her experience leading entrepreneurs, coaching, and raising kids. 
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Monique Shields, Executive Coach, Founder of Seven Pines Leadership and Podcast Host of "Ambition Without Compromise", is committed to liberating the professional imaginations of WOC CEOs, Founders & Leaders. Monique was formerly on staff at the Stanford Graduate School of Business as a Facilitator for their Women in Management program as well as at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business a Leadership Coach for current MBAs and alumni executives. Prior to launching Seven Pines, Monique was the Director of Coaching and then the Director of Partnerships at Joyable, a mental health technology start-up in San Francisco - employee #7. In her management roles, she built, led and scaled a client-facing team for a business that served nearly a half million users and managed relationships for the company's largest, most strategic global accounts. Personally, Monique is a wife, a mom of two and a fierce friend to amazing women.
Find Monique on Instagram @moniquershieldsand her website www.moniquershields.com

Ep66: What people don't tell you about entrepreneurship

This is part 1 of a series about entrepreneurship. Originally, the series was going to be very practical, sharing the nuts and bolts of how to start or grow a business (cue the commentary about deciding on a product/service, marketing, customer service). But then I remembered that AI exists and you can so easily get input tailored to what you want by paying attention to the prompts you're using. 
 
Instead, how about we talk about how to know what NOT to pay attention to? How do you feel proud of what you're putting your name on? How do you navigate the feelings that come with entrepreneurship? 
 
All that and more coming to you in this series. This solo episode is about how I got started, some of the advantages I had, and realistically how to create a business when you've got little ones you're in charge of. 
 
You can find me on Instagram @morgan_motsinger, online at morganmotsinger.com, or email me at hello@morganmotsinger.com
 
Find my latest download 6 Ways to Embrace Mortality (and live with more purpose!) HERE. 
 

JAM: Our Phones

Just A Moment (JAM) are bite-sized episodes with thoughts or practices that aren't quite tall enough to ride the full episode ride. The insights shared in these little JAMs are meant to bring more mindfulness and self-compassion to your life. 
 
A podcast sparked this JAM. I was tuned in to how social media trends impact our subconscious processes. This got me thinking about what our phones in general do to our subconscious beliefs about attention, connection, and how we connect with others in our real life. 
 
You can find more mindfulness tools on my website https://www.morganmotsinger.com/
or follow along on the only social platform I keep up with: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/morgan_motsinger/
 

JAM (Just A Moment): Worry

Just A Moment (JAM) are bite-sized episodes with thoughts or practices that aren't quite big enough to ride the full episode ride. The insights shared in these little JAMs are meant to bring more mindfulness and self-compassion to your life. 
 
This JAM is all about worry. How do we treat that little (or big) part of ourself that clings to worry with all their might? Worry isn't just an abstract THING somewhere out there. It's a feeling experienced by a part of ourselves. We often want to kick those feelings to the curb, because who wants to feel worry (or anger or fear or anxiousness), but we don't realize that we are effectively telling part of our very self, "You're not welcome here." This JAM will help you exercise compassion toward that part of yourself with a simple visualization and an awareness of how we talk to those "unlovely" parts of ourselves. 

Ep65: Develop the skill of being confident with Tara LaFon Gooch

Tara LaFon Gooch offers insightful perspectives on the importance of confidence and the various ways we can cultivate it in our lives. She emphasizes that confidence is a choice, rooted in embracing gratitude, taking responsibility for our actions, and maintaining a clear vision. Importantly, she clarifies that true confidence is not about arrogance or seeking validation from others.Gooch also highlights the value of collaboration and the need to uplift those around us, which is essential for personal development. She discusses how negative thought patterns can hinder our growth, while positive self-talk can empower us. By taking ownership of our thoughts and actions, we can create a more positive external environment.Additionally, she stresses the significance of discovering one’s purpose and aligning it with the goal of helping others. Rather than fostering competition, she advocates for collaboration and mutual support. Finally, Gooch addresses the role of confidence in parenting, underscoring the importance of setting a positive example for future generations.
Bio:
Tara LaFon Gooch embodies a paradigm of modern leadership, serving as a TEDx speaker, CEO, branding and marketing expert, podcast host, and bestselling author of "How To GRASP Confidence & Own Your Power." Her journey underscores a dynamic approach to leadership, empowering individuals to thrive in today's rapidly evolving landscape. In recent years, Tara's influence has reached unprecedented heights, gracing the covers of leading publications like Forbes, MSN, LA Weekly, and Yahoo Finance. Her features in the United Business Journal, Fox News in New York, the Digital Journal, and TEDx in Nottingham, England, highlight her ability to resonate with diverse audiences, offering compelling insights into contemporary leadership and personal empowerment.
Tara's academic credentials reflect a commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation and knowledge. With an MBA specializing in Business Analytics from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, she possesses a strategic mindset tailored for navigating the complexities of modern business environments. Complemented by certificates in Management from The University of Notre Dame and Financial Management from Cornell University, Tara exemplifies the fusion of traditional expertise with contemporary insights. Beyond individual accolades, Tara's role as the United States Country Chair for Start-Up Ecosystems at the G100 Mission Million underscores her dedication to fostering inclusive leadership ecosystems. Through her visionary stewardship, she champions the elevation and support of female entrepreneurs nationwide, catalyzing a new era of inclusive economic growth and opportunity.
Engaging Tara LaFon Gooch as a speaker offers profound benefits rooted in modern leadership principles. Her unique blend of expertise, charisma, and real-world experience resonates deeply with audiences, inspiring them to embrace innovation, resilience, and adaptability in today's dynamic landscape. By sharing her transformative insights and strategies, Tara equips individuals and organizations alike to navigate complexity with confidence, fostering cultures of innovation, inclusion, and sustainable growth in an ever-changing world.
 
Contact Tara:
www.TaraLaFonGooch.comwww.BestBranding.Solutions
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-lafon-gooch https://www.facebook.com/tara.lafon https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTXN57YGfMOMJdkphzr2PoQhttps://x.com/taralafongoochhttps://www.instagram.com/taralafongooch
 
Episode Chapters:
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:49 Tara's Journey to Confidence
04:57 Defining Authentic Confidence
10:15 The GRASP Framework: Gratitude
13:43 The GRASP Framework: Responsibility
21:15 The GRASP Framework: Action
24:35 The GRASP Framework: Sight
30:08 The GRASP Framework: Purpose
35:35 Finding Your Purpose
43:57 Navigating Self-Promotion
46:29 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt
54:09 Self-Exclusion: Why Women Hold Back
56:03 The Power of Collaboration and Abundance
58:42 Embracing Your Unique Purpose with Confidence
01:02:53 Conclusion