399 Support In All Its Different Forms
When it comes to feeling comfortable, confident, and seen, it is important that we dress ourselves in a way that reflects how we want to feel. When it comes to women, a good bra that is comfortable and supportive is absolutely vital. We feel good when we have clothes that fit our body and flatter us.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and LaJean Lawson discuss not only Doctor Lawson's extensive research into the comfort and support of sports bras and how it has impacted the people in her life that needed something so vital and yet so easily overlooked.
399 Support In All Its Different Forms
When it comes to feeling comfortable, confident, and seen, it is important that we dress ourselves in a way that reflects how we want to feel. When it comes to women, a good bra that is comfortable and supportive is absolutely vital. We feel good when we have clothes that fit our body and flatter us.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and LaJean Lawson discuss not only Doctor Lawson's extensive research into the comfort and support of sports bras and how it has impacted the people in her life that needed something so vital and yet so easily overlooked.
Highlights
When we have access to things that make us comfortable it will make us feel more confident.
Are you pushing the right buttons in your life? How do you know you are on the right path?
How have you felt like your voice was heard?
Here’s the link to the Runner’s World article.
Read about the disparity in research funding for female vs. male athletes here.
A book recommendation to gain perspective about life as a large-sized woman of color: Skin & Bones by Renée Watson
Quotes
“I so love and respect the trades, and I try to do a project every year, especially in really hot or really cold weather because what that does is it raises my awareness and appreciation for the people in our lives that do these things all around the calendar.”
“I realized how much courage it took and what an honor it was, and a privilege, for me to be included in her experience.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What gear can you ensure that they have to be successful? Yes a sports bra, exactly the right sports bra to encourage a woman, that is a good start. I think a lot about something my husband says often, which is; “If you’re going to start playing guitar, don’t go buy a cheap one. Because it won’t sound good, and you’ll give up.”
The same thing goes for anything you want to do, make sure you have the gear that will set you up for success. Whether that means a great sports bra or a close friend, whether that means the right hiking boots or a passport. You have to have the right gear before you can step out of your comfort zone and do exactly what you were meant to do.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About LaJean
When it comes to the science of sports bras, Dr. LaJean Lawson easily qualifies as THE global expert! But digging deeply into why and how breasts move, and investigating how to design great sports bras that really work isn’t just an end in itself. Her achievements in this intriguing research area also support her passion to help all women get the gear they need to stop worrying about breasts and bounce, and simply enjoy the fabulous benefits of an active lifestyle, indoors and out.
Dr. LaJean’s longstanding research credentials include more than 35 years of scientific sports bra investigations for Champion Athleticwear and founder/director of the Bra Lab, a biomechanics and consumer testing lab devoted 100% to sports bra science and consumer insight research, with the focused goal of building better sports bras. She is further distinguished as arguably the only person on the planet with two graduate degrees in sports bra science. Her 1985 thesis for her M.S. degree in Clothing and Textiles from Utah State University, a seminal study in sports bra science, investigated the biomechanical support of a variety of sports bras, while her dissertation for her Ph.D. in Exercise & Sport Science from Oregon State University took the first serious scientific look at the effect on performance of protective sports bras for contact sports. Her sports bra and wearable medical device innovations have been awarded multiple patents.
Dr. LaJean is also a sought-after speaker/host for media and marketing events, including co-hosting one of the most commercially successful fitness equipment infomercials in broadcasting history with Jane Fonda. She is a repeat sports bra expert on Another Mother Runner’s popular podcast. She has been a featured speaker at major sports bra launch events at Rockefeller Center in New York, Run Disney special events in Orlando and Susan G. Komen races. In 2018, LaJean was a keynote speaker at the Utah Outdoor Recreation Summit, challenging and inspiring attendees with another topic she could not be more passionate about—size inclusivity in athletic and outdoor gear/participation.
Be sure to check out LaJean’s LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! As well as her website Dr Sports Bra!
About Sarah
"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.
Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
396 Curiosity and Authenticity
It is in human nature to be curious, to ask questions, and seek out insight in an attempt to make sense of the world we are thrust into. It is when we craft our own personal board of directors do we get the opportunity to finally seek the answers we crave and in doing so find our own purpose.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Cole Mannix discuss how curiosity led them to find their authentic selves as well as the many paths their hunger for answers took them on.
396 Curiosity and Authenticity
It is in human nature to be curious, to ask questions, and seek out insight in an attempt to make sense of the world we are thrust into. It is when we craft our own personal board of directors do we get the opportunity to finally seek the answers we crave and in doing so find our own purpose.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Cole Mannix discuss how curiosity led them to find their authentic selves as well as the many paths their hunger for answers took them on.
Highlights
Curiosity and the questions it makes us ask often shape how we grow, even if we don’t see where it’s taking us at first.
Drawing in voices from all over can lead to new perspectives and new questions as well as answers.
Although our path can change throughout life, our mission will always remain the same.
Quotes
“What you serve really matters.”
“What can I give my life to? What is worth the limited time, y’know we all have a limited time, and life no matter what, no matter how rich it is will involve plenty of suffering, and if you decide what’s suffering for and what’s worth giving yourself over to, sometimes it’s multiple things.”
“How does the way we do business together allow for flourishing or not.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What have you been thinking about during this conversation, did anything in particular remind you of something that happened that helped you understand your purpose, your mission, where you can serve. I’d be really curious to hear if something came up for you, if you’ve developed any kind of clarity around what you want to do next to contribute, to bring your version of reciprocity to your environment and your community. I’d love to hear from you.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Cole
Cole is part of an extended family that has ranched together since 1882 near Helmville, MT. He did an undergrad in biology, another in philosophy at Carroll College, then a masters in theology at Boston College. From ‘12-’16 he worked for a startup beef company called Salt of the Earth Ranchers Cooperative. From ’17-’20 he worked for Western Landowners Alliance to advance policies and practices that sustain working lands, connected landscapes, and native species. As a co-founder and President of Old Salt Co-op, he is helping to build a regenerative marketplace for fine American meat. He and spouse Eileen Brennan live in Helena with two sons, Finn and Charlie. Be sure to check out Cole’s LinkedIn, Old Salt, and The Union!
About Sarah
"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.
Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
395 Carpe Diem
It’s easy to think we have all the time in the world to do something we’re putting off. Whether it’s changing jobs, or finishing your novel, or finally folding the laundry, we always think we’ll have more time. However time is a finite resource, and one day it too will run out. So we carry with us reminders of that which matters most to us and in doing so we remind ourselves to seize the day and to not take time for granted.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and George Schunk discuss their own collections of sentimental items, their own art they have dedicated themselves to, as well as how important it is to act on an opportunity instead of waiting for the perfect time.
395 Carpe Diem
It’s easy to think we have all the time in the world to do something we’re putting off. Whether it’s changing jobs, or finishing your novel, or finally folding the laundry, we always think we’ll have more time. However time is a finite resource, and one day it too will run out. So we carry with us reminders of that which matters most to us and in doing so we remind ourselves to seize the day and to not take time for granted.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and George Schunk discuss their own collections of sentimental items, their own art they have dedicated themselves to, as well as how important it is to act on an opportunity instead of waiting for the perfect time.
Highlights
What are you holding on to that means a great deal to you?
What is something you read or wrote that you still think about?
Are you doing something because you want to? Is the story you tell about it fair to the other people involved in it?
Those stories matter, and not just to you.
Don’t wait for the perfect time to do something. Make it the perfect time and do it anyway.
What are the themes of your stories that everyone can relate to, even if the words for those themes have changed?
Quotes
“Before I started to write about my life, I started to wonder; was I fair to the women that I loved?”
“What did you start with and what did you end with?”
“When something came up that I wanted to do, I went and did it.”
“When you’re unemployed, when you’re taking those gap years, or let’s say you have a good job and you’re moving up from your corner office, everything is looking good whether it’s public service or private. But if for any reason you get the wild hair that there’s a wild, larger world out there and you need that, and you go on a mid-life walk about -I did this when I was 45, for 2 years- The benefits of something like that are enormous.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
First, I highly recommend Michael Easter’s book, The Comfort Crisis, and in the future I promise to update you when George’s book is finally released. Who knows when that will be but I’m sure it will be well worth the wait. And now I’m going to ask you the hard question; What is something that you want to accomplish? What is something that you want to do in your life that you haven’t yet done? That you can take a step today, tomorrow, the next day, toward that idea that you’ve been thinking about for years. Don’t wait, we’re not guaranteed tomorrow. Make sure that people in your life know that those relationships are meaningful. Tell them, and take that step.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About George
Born into the privilege of good education and stable family life, got educated on my own, nine-years post-secondary. Lots of gap years along the way. I managed to change some laws for the better, access to public lands, closing mines significant to Native populations, managing timber sustainably, etc. I worked for President Clinton, Pew Charitable Trusts and Ecotrust, a green think tank in Portland. Now I snowboard half the year at the Great Divide and explore the country of Colombia. I have finished the first draft of a memoir that I want to edit and publish.
About Sarah
"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.
Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
394 The Driver of Innovation is Curiosity
Curiosity is in our nature as human beings, we crave knowledge and the answers to the how’s and why’s. Whether it be from a scientific standpoint, raising a child, or to work more cohesively with our coworkers, we must always stay curious so that we can always be growing.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Jeff Ikler discuss not just their vital work, but how they have maintained healthy relationships, and a positive mental state by always staying curious.
394 The Driver of Innovation is Curiosity
Curiosity is in our nature as human beings, we crave knowledge and the answers to the how’s and why’s. Whether it be from a scientific standpoint, raising a child, or to work more cohesively with our coworkers, we must always stay curious so that we can always be growing.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Jeff Ikler discuss not just their vital work, but how they have maintained healthy relationships, and a positive mental state by always staying curious.
Highlights
Avoiding the after conference hangover by having a support team to further your ideas and goals.
Taking something you deem important and holding onto it while using it as the foundation for something meaningful to be built.
You can’t please everyone, so cast a smaller net, tend to your audience.
How are you furthering yourself either with academic education or social education?
Walk away with at least one idea, even if you need to come up with it yourself or seek it out. Be intentional about what you choose to remember.
Let people get comfortable and feel safe before taking a risk.
What do you carry that reminds you of those who have shaped you?
Quotes
“I have to narrow it down to what’s one really good thing I can remember about this? Otherwise, for me, it can become overwhelming.”
“If you stand for everything, you stand for nothing.”
“Shoot with a rifle, not with a shotgun.”
“Glaciers move faster than changes in education.”
“The driver of innovation is curiosity.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
Sarah: going to have Jeff ask you a few questions but first I’m going to ask you a couple questions. When you think about the stories that you tell, do they demonstrate your curiosity? Do they demonstrate your motivation or your ambition to learn and to grow as a human being? What is one story that you can point to that you can craft and develop, that is three minutes or shorter, that you know people will understand what matters to you and how you lead. I’d love to hear from you. Jeff, what are your conclusions for our listeners?
Jeff: So what I’m curious about is what came up for people as you and I were talking, because my hope, because this is like when we’re talking about the reflection part of the podcast, I want people to be wanting to walk away with something.
So what’s the take away? What’s something that impacted you as Sarah and I were talking about how we go about doing our work, how we’re thinking about our work, and how it impacts on the work you’re doing.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Jeff
Jeff Ikler is Director of Quetico Career and Leadership Coaching, a firm dedicated to helping individuals overcome career issues and develop sustained changes in their leadership practices and organizations. He received his certificate in coaching from the Coach Training Institute. He is a certified innovation facilitator using the SIT (Systematic Inventive Thinking) process. Jeff holds a Master’s in the Teaching of History along with a Bachelor’s in History from the University of Illinois. He taught high school history in Maywood and Batavia, Illinois, for seven years. He is a former Executive Vice President at Pearson Learning where he directed the development of text- and technology-based products for all disciplines. Jeff is a co-author of Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. He is the host the “Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity” podcast. Supporting the agency of others is the river that has run through his entire career.
Be sure to check out Jeff’s Substack, LinkedIn as well as Quetico Coaching and Consulting!
About Sarah
"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.
Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
392 Intention and Mindfulness In Conversation
Inevitably we will have to confront the reality of how certain comments, remarks, and individuals make us feel, especially when it is in a negative way. Unspoken expectations lead to resentment, and if we do not have the hard conversations and practice curiosity and active listening we not only do a disservice to them but to ourselves as well.
In this episode Sarah Elkins takes us on a hike with her dog Jocko, while teaching us the importance of mindfulness and intention in conversations, and how important it is we talk to and listen to people we want to maintain relationships with.
392 Intention and Mindfulness In Conversation
Inevitably we will have to confront the reality of how certain comments, remarks, and individuals make us feel, especially when it is in a negative way. Unspoken expectations lead to resentment, and if we do not have the hard conversations and practice curiosity and active listening we not only do a disservice to them but to ourselves as well.
In this episode Sarah Elkins takes us on a hike with her dog Jocko, while teaching us the importance of mindfulness and intention in conversations, and how important it is we talk to and listen to people we want to maintain relationships with.
Highlights
Sharing things we enjoy with others.
How do you approach conversations that involve or may lead to conflict?
Knowing when, where, and how to start the hard conversations. Be mindful of your audience.
Stay curious about someone’s intentions and remember to actively listen.
Quotes
“Passive versus more direct approaches in having conversations, particularly in times when we feel like there is going to be conflict or we’re addressing something that could create conflict.”
“Anyone who has ever been in a long term relationship knows that timing is everything.”
“It’s all about Practice.”
About Sarah
"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.
Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
391 Stories and Connection
It is vital to our own communities that we remember our stories and share them with one another, not to dwell on regrets and what ifs, but to reach out and connect with one another so that we all can learn and grow together, and hopefully create more grand stories on the paths we walk together.
In this revisited episode, Sarah Elkins and Lee Keylock discuss their own stories and how they have healed through sharing stories and listening to the stories that others share with us.
391 Stories and Connection
It is vital to our own communities that we remember our stories and share them with one another, not to dwell on regrets and what ifs, but to reach out and connect with one another so that we all can learn and grow together, and hopefully create more grand stories on the paths we walk together.
In this revisited episode, Sarah Elkins and Lee Keylock discuss their own stories and how they have healed through sharing stories and listening to the stories that others share with us.
Highlights
Connecting with people through sharing stories.
Healing from trauma through stories and the community that sharing those stories creates.
The changing paths our decisions create and how we should live in the moment and not dwell on what ifs.
Greet the world and the challenges offered with open minds and a willingness to learn.
Quotes
“No regrets. Life is sliding doors right? If it’s meant to be, it's meant to be.”
“We’re perpetual students, right? I’ve never approached anything I’ve ever done as an authority on anything.”
“It’s not enough to just hear stories. That can be brilliant and beautiful and life changing and you can have those moments, but when we work with youth we want them to think about how they can use stories to think about themselves, their communities, and the world and their place in it, and how they can become agents of change.”
About Lee
Lee Keylock is Director of Global Programs at Narrative 4 and oversees the coordination and administration of all aspects of N4’s ongoing programmatic development. Originally from Britain, Lee immigrated to the United States in 1989 and taught English at Newtown High School in Connecticut for thirteen years. He has served as an adjunct professor teaching Creative Writing and Composition at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, where he also earned his MFA in Creative Writing.
Connect with Lee on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram! And make sure you check out his website Narrative 4!
About Sarah
"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.
Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
390 Good Service Goes Both Ways
Anyone who has ever worked in customer service has at some point or another dealt with that one customer. You know the type, the huffy, irritable, “My issues are more important than your wellbeing and rules” that insist and demand everything, while demeaning you in the process. Unfortunately, these people will always exist, however what we can change is how we allow these types of interactions to affect us.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins tells the story of one of her own unruly customer moments, as well as how she chose to learn and grow from the experience in order to teach others.
390 Good Service Goes Both Ways
Anyone who has ever worked in customer service has at some point or another dealt with that one customer. You know the type, the huffy, irritable, “My issues are more important than your wellbeing and rules” that insist and demand everything, while demeaning you in the process. Unfortunately, these people will always exist, however what we can change is how we allow these types of interactions to affect us.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins tells the story of one of her own unruly customer moments, as well as how she chose to learn and grow from the experience in order to teach others.
Highlights
Respect others. Especially those who are in a position of community service.
Carrying your work home with you is not healthy for you.
When you are rude and nasty to people, no one will be in your corner.
Quotes
“But then it hit me, I should write a book about customer service. The point would be that good service goes both ways. If you want good customer service try being a good customer first.”
“Because it’s easier to provide good customer service when you are looking at it from the perspective of the customer.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
Can you think of a time when you weren’t the best customer? When whatever was going on in your life erupted into a situation and you treated someone badly? Did you apologize? Can you think of a time when you had exceptional service? Did you tell the person or their manager? Did you write a rave review? What made the experience memorable?
We need kindness around us. You know the old saying that people are fighting battles we know nothing about. And when you’re frustrated with a situation it’s rarely the fault of the employee in front of you. And most of the time they can’t fix it without engaging their supervisor. So start with kindness and develop an advocate for yourself. Let’s do our best to bring our best to others.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Sarah
"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.
Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!