427: Eat Your Feelings - A Cooking Show Demonstrating True Connection, Featuring Sam Nathews
427: Eat Your Feelings - A Cooking Show Demonstrating True Connection, Featuring Sam Nathews
Technically, this is a sequel to episode 423 featuring Cory Brown. Sam Nathews is the cohost for their YouTube cooking show, Eat Your Feelings.
Highlights from the show:
Sam initially wasn't sure about cohosting the show with Cory! He can be shy about performing or entertaining people he just met. It didn't take long to realize how grateful he was that Cory was persistant in starting the project and about Sam joining the show.
Sam shared how the show helped him process his grief over losing his mother, and how being able to talk openly about his emotions has been healing for him. He emphasized the importance of normalizing vulnerability, especially for men.
The Eat Your Feelings show's format of transitioning between lighthearted cooking and deeper emotional discussions resonates with Sam because he sees it as reflective of the ups and downs of real life.
Sam has been touched by the feedback from viewers (and the show's crew!) who say the show has helped them feel less alone in their own struggles and given them permission to be open about their feelings.
Sam hopes the show can continue to provide a model for men to be vulnerable and support each other, especially in smaller, rural communities where that may not come as naturally. He sees it as an important service the show provides.
Quotes:
"...especially when you're in the midst of raw, sudden, super traumatic grief, a lot of the feelings and thoughts that come up can make you feel like this is not normal."
"...we've all cried together. We've all laughed together, we've all burnt the skin off the roof of our mouth together, and it's really, it's just been a really fulfilling thing because of the relationships that we've gotten out of that and the personal growth I've seen ... with the crew on the show..."
"...the tagline of our show is 'everybody's got to eat and everybody's got sh*t to go through."
"...I think the feedback that I've gotten ...is 'thank you guys for talking about this stuff and just showing that it's okay for two guys to talk about hard things and what you're feeling and making it normal that it's okay to feel these things.'"
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About Sam:
Sam Nathews is a brand strategist and storyteller, and the co-creator of Eat Your Feelings, a conversation series that blends food, humor, and emotional honesty. With a background in building brands and campaigns, Sam is interested in what happens when we drop polish and talk about the stuff we’re usually taught to hide. He lives in Virginia with his wife, son, and golden retriever and believes some of the best conversations happen in the kitchen.
Be sure to check out Sam's Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. As well as Eat Your Feelings on Youtube and Instagram.
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About Sarah
Sarah is a Montana based workplace communication trainer, TEDx speaker, DisruptHR speaker, public speaking coach, professional storyteller, musician, and podcast host. Her workshops and coaching packages with teams and their leaders are known to address and reduce miscommunication – the most common cause of tension and stress in the workplace. Using the team’s results from the StrengthsFinder assessment, she guides teams in learning to speak each other’s “language”, learning to value each other’s strengths and connecting with each other through enhanced self-reflection and effective listening.
Sarah’s nearly 20 years working in government agencies inspired her to complete her MBA and to achieve her StrengthsFinder certification to improve work environments for others, guiding teams toward increased satisfaction, productivity, and happiness.
Visit her website to purchase her book, Your Stories Don't Define You in paperback or audiobook.
405 A Love Letter To My Future Self
Throughout life there will come times where we must take up our skills and talents as a knight would a sword and shield, wielding our innate and powerful gifts to further our lives for the better. By facing these moments, refusing to make excuses, and instead put in the hard work, we are bound to succeed.
In this episode, Sarah Elkins contemplates the events that lead up to her presence on the TEDX stage, how the encouragement of her closest confidants, the peacefulness of nature on her hikes, and her own self reflection has brought her to this pivotal moment in her life.
405 A Love Letter To My Future Self
Throughout life there will come times where we must take up our skills and talents as a knight would a sword and shield, wielding our innate and powerful gifts to further our lives for the better. By facing these moments, refusing to make excuses, and instead put in the hard work, we are bound to succeed.
In this episode, Sarah Elkins contemplates the events that lead up to her presence on the TEDX stage, how the encouragement of her closest confidants, the peacefulness of nature on her hikes, and her own self reflection has brought her to this pivotal moment in her life.
Highlights
What are you hesitating on? What is giving you pause as you take this next step in your life?
How social media and our own personal responsibility can potentially contribute to division.
Connecting as a human being is all you need to be to make your life and the lives of those around you more fulfilling.
Are you making excuses? Or are you avoiding doing something hard even though it will pay off in the end?
You just need to make it exist first, then you can make it perfect.
You are at a summit, but not the summit.
Quotes
“Every like, comment, and share, tells the algorithm on every platform exactly what it needs to know to manipulate us.”
“Our personal stories can reduce loneliness and division when we share them with the intention to connect. Not with the intention to change a person’s mind.”
“You took big risks Sarah, and they paid off! I’m not surprised at all.”
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!
403 Choosing Love First
It’s easy to forget that we have free will, that we can choose what we love, what we like, how we choose for others to perceive us. It takes a great deal of self reflection and growth to find the parts of ourselves that are willing to speak up and fight for what we believe in, even if we must speak up and fight against ourselves.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Edward Simberg discuss everything from how they met, to their deep love of storytelling, to the core beliefs they both hold dear.
403 Choosing Love First
It’s easy to forget that we have free will, that we can choose what we love, what we like, how we choose for others to perceive us. It takes a great deal of self reflection and growth to find the parts of ourselves that are willing to speak up and fight for what we believe in, even if we must speak up and fight against ourselves.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Edward Simberg discuss everything from how they met, to their deep love of storytelling, to the core beliefs they both hold dear.
Highlights
How do you live the stories you share? How do your stories reflect your values?
Do you put genuine human effort into reaching out to a person?
How are your self perceptions skewed? Are you conscious of how you want to be perceived?
What is something you want? And what are your next steps in getting there?
If you can have foundational love and gratitude your life will change.
Quotes
“You need to burn that candle a little bit, before you realize how big that fire really is.”
“If you want it, it’s way more likely that it’s going to happen.”
“We don’t choose our interests, that’s one of the most interesting things I’ve learned lately. We don’t really choose our thoughts, we don’t really choose our interests, they just come to us.”
“Do you think love is a choice?”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
I have a few questions for you: The first is, what is something you say you’re not good at and maybe it’s time to ask yourself the question, am I not good at it or have I decided not to be good at it? Have I decided not to try? Is it something I call inauthentic when it’s actually uncomfortable or I don’t like it? The next thing I would love to hear from you about is what was your takeaway? I was thinking about the difference between love and like, and why I feel like love is a more important choice to people and things. Because that will color how you choose happiness as well. And Last, I would love to hear what you are going to do with this one precious life and having conversations -extended conversations- with people in your community. Now, Go.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
Mentioned In This Episode
About Edward
- A digital nomad who's been traveling the world for the last 5 years
- Business owner specialized in building premium websites and social media profiles
- I have exercised every day for more than 5 years (haven't skipped a day)
- Lover of dogs, philosophy books, fitness, travel, storytelling
Be sure to check out Edward’s LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! As well as his website Max Capacity Agency!
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!
398 Everything We Do Can Create A Story
Every living breathing moment, we contribute to our own story. Every job, every interaction with another soul, every moment we reflect, we write a significant line in our story and oftentimes we must take time to truly consider what we truly want to have in our story. Do we want exhaustion or loneliness to rule our narrative? Or do we want to forge our own community based on that which brings us joy and cherish the light within us? These are the questions we must ask ourselves.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Tracy MacDonald discuss the importance of living as much as possible, from adventures around the globe, to taking a moment to just breathe and take in the beauty of nature. And how in doing so you create a life for yourself and those you love to be proud of.
398 Everything We Do Can Create A Story
Every living breathing moment, we contribute to our own story. Every job, every interaction with another soul, every moment we reflect, we write a significant line in our story and oftentimes we must take time to truly consider what we truly want to have in our story. Do we want exhaustion or loneliness to rule our narrative? Or do we want to forge our own community based on that which brings us joy and cherish the light within us? These are the questions we must ask ourselves.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Tracy MacDonald discuss the importance of living as much as possible, from adventures around the globe, to taking a moment to just breathe and take in the beauty of nature. And how in doing so you create a life for yourself and those you love to be proud of.
Highlights
Are your actions in alignment with how you want people to remember your story?
What is grounding to you?
What relationships, whether it be a place like nature or people around you, have you developed out of loneliness?
It’s never too late to change your label.
What fears did you have and how did you get through them? And would that fear have stopped you?
Quotes
“Nature is always consistent, and I can go out and I can look for the beauty. And I find it really grounding.”
“The more you practice getting outside your comfort zone, the more comfortable you become with it.”
“I think you learn so much about America by being outside of it.”
“Your skills are never wasted. Sometimes you’re tapping into skills you learned early in your career and there’s nothing wrong with that.”
“It’s interesting the stories that strangers will share with each other."
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
Some of the things that Tracy said that are really strong in my memory, is that when she was facing things she was afraid of and she knew she wanted to push through, she asked a lot of questions. Open to taking risks. She prepared in that way and she practiced. She talked about doing this over and over and over again, knowing that once she stepped into her stretch zone once, she could stretch even further every time she did it again. She has a limited fear of failure allowing her to learn from each thing and here’s the kicker; When she’s brave, she likes how she feels about herself. She knows she’s modeling the behavior she wants to see in people around her.
Friends it’s your turn. What are you going to do next that you’re a little bit afraid of that you can ask enough questions to feel confident enough to step into that stretch zone? And start practicing. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Tracy
Tracy, a native of Columbus, Georgia, is a dynamic Fraud and Risk Consultant, public speaker, and former Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service. With an impressive career that spans roles such as Counter-Terrorism Instructor for the Defense Intelligence Agency and Lead Associate in Counter-Illicit Finance for Booz Allen Hamilton, Tracy exemplifies what it means to break barriers and lead with resilience and excellence.
Be sure to check out Tracy’s LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and her blog Carpe Diem Creative!
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!
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!