Episode 195: The Shame Doctor's Gift

Stories of Shame and How it Differs from Guilt

John Dunia image and quote podcast cover art

John Dunia image and quote podcast cover art

John Dunia didn’t become the Shame Doctor overnight. His journey from a junior high kid discovering his love for music to releasing his first book took years, and the struggle of his 22-year-old marriage falling apart was a catalyst in his personal growth and professional career shift.

He found writing his novel was a time to self-reflect and contemplate the experiences that brought him to where he is today, and believed that sharing those experiences could guide others to find relief from self-doubt and anger.

The moments that sparked the passion in John’s life are something we all have encountered whether we realize it or not.

John Dunia book cover image and quote for podcast cover art

John Dunia book cover image and quote for podcast cover art

For John, one of those moments was listening to Switched-on-Bach in high school, an encounter that changed the course of his life. For John, different experiences, from meeting with a therapist to listening to his friend’s older brother’s music, influenced the way he perceived the world.

Today’s podcast episode starts with John’s stories about being a band teacher. This is the beginning to the discussion about John’s life and the moments that brought him clarity.  

About John: 

John Dunia is the author of “Shame on Me”, a Principle at Shamedoctor.com, and a public speaker helping others find their purpose. John is also an ambassador for HumansFirst, a featured writer & columnist for BIZCATALYST 360°, and a sales representative for several companies. 

John attended California State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance. He also attended Pasadena City College. 

Visit John's website, take his self assessment, and follow John on LinkedIn and Facebook to learn more!

*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret


ABOUT SARAH:

Image of Sarah Elkins and her dog, Toby, with Elkins Consulting logo and StrengthsFinder logo

Image of Sarah Elkins and her dog, Toby, with Elkins Consulting logo and StrengthsFinder logo

"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."

In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.

My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.

The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!

Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.