423 We Need Each Other
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Cory Brown discuss their ideas and the influences in their lives that they have had that gave them the push to act on their ideas or to think them through, as well as the importance of putting something into the world that will make a genuine authentic change.
423 We Need Each Other
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Cory Brown discuss their ideas and the influences in their lives that they have had that gave them the push to act on their ideas or to think them through, as well as the importance of putting something into the world that will make a genuine authentic change.
Highlights
Eat your feelings, coming together over a meal to discuss your feelings.
The importance of mental health and reaching out to others for their sake and our own.
You must be the one to take the first step to make a change.
What can you put into the world to make others feel less alone and begin to heal?
Quotes
“I would do anything I can to help you, but you got to take that first step.”
“Over these past few years I’ve kind of let myself be okay with being emotional. Because I was like, “how can I help people think about these stigmas and try to find these breakthroughs if I’m not willing to do it myself?”.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
Cory mentioned that there was a point in his career where he hit a level of success where he knew that there was something more out there and he chose to serve, and he didn’t know what that would look like at the time but he came up with this idea and almost didn’t activate on it, until somebody said; “Get off your ass and do something. Stop talking about it, and do something.”
Now you know listeners, I am a Gallup certified Strengths Finder Coach. One of the things that I’ve found when using any kind of assessment tool, is that we need to surround ourselves with people who have different talents than we have, for exactly this reason. Everyone who is quiet and talks a lot about things and does a lot of research, has a best friend or partner that activates them. That says; “We’re gonna go get out of the house, come with me.”, “I’m gonna go do this, come with me.” And each of us that has more of the action behind us, we need those friends that do the research first and help us set up for success. So I encourage you, look for your personal board of directors. Those people who will help you take action or help you think through before you take action. Those people who are ‘get shit done’ people, and those people who are ideators and big-picture and lovingly relationship building people. We need each other and this is a perfect example.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Cory
Cory Brown is a veteran, strategist, and creator focused on helping people reconnect with themselves and one another through honest conversation. After more than sixteen years of military service, including a combat deployment to Iraq, Cory experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to talk about mental health in ways that feel human rather than clinical.
He is the founder of Eat Your Feelings, a cooking-centered storytelling project that uses food as a doorway to deeper conversations about resilience, identity, and care. Cory’s professional background spans research, strategy, and leadership, but his current work sits at the intersection of service, storytelling, and creating spaces where people feel safe enough to be real.
Whether in a kitchen or a boardroom, Cory believes how we tell our stories shapes how we understand ourselves and each other.
Be sure to check out Cory’s LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube! As well as his website Eat Your Feelings Show!
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!
422 Experience Awe
The natural world is one of few places in the world where we can truly feel at peace. Whether it be to get away from the hustle and bustle of life, or even just to get away from all the screens and pollution, we can find a moment to center ourselves and find genuine awe in the world.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Thomas Reed discuss the importance of the natural world, finding awe, how we talk to ourselves, as well as finding our own courage to seek the paths that call to us.
422 Experience Awe
The natural world is one of few places in the world where we can truly feel at peace. Whether it be to get away from the hustle and bustle of life, or even just to get away from all the screens and pollution, we can find a moment to center ourselves and find genuine awe in the world.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Thomas Reed discuss the importance of the natural world, finding awe, how we talk to ourselves, as well as finding our own courage to seek the paths that call to us.
Highlights
How we interact with the natural world around us.
The importance of positive Self Talk.
Beauty of the natural world and its importance to the human psyche.
Where is the one place you can go to that turns off the chatter in your head?
Quotes
“I don’t know if it was a choice or it was just being me.”
“Use me as your inspiration, that you don’t need inspiration.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What will you do to experience awe? I am going to give you one chore, one piece of homework, one suggestion at the end of this episode, is to find an opportunity to experience awe. That could be watching your child do something for the first time, and have them be very proud of themselves. I can tell you I had many of those experiences while my boys were growing up and they had a realization as basic as finding their own thumb when they were infants. There’s a sense of awe when you watch other people experience awe or when you experience that sense of awe about another person, like this Chinese woman from a small village that decided to go experience what she did. Experience Awe, go hug a tree, go stand in front of a man made bridge that is inspiring for its unlikeliness, for the fact that somebody had to create that, watch that daffodil start to bloom and realize you didn’t have to do a thing to it to make it show up in all it’s full color. Find awe, remember it, and consider that desire to find awe, your connection to the natural world and your humanity.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Thomas
I studied photography at Rutgers University as a Geography student. Major influences have been Ansel Adams, Edgar Payne, and the Hudson River School.
Zen sensibilities profoundly influence my compositions, as I am a student of Japanese martial arts and aesthetics (chado). Black and white is my genre
My work is centered on the experience of awe at the sight of a landscape, and I hope it leads to the consideration that nature itself is divine, sacred, and that stewardship, as opposed to the dominant utilitarian view, is the only sane attitude.
Be sure to check out Thomas’s Facebook, his Photos, LinkedIn, and Instagram! As well as Peak Wellness, his website Tom Reed, and his books at Tom Reed Books!
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!
412 Ego and Soul
When was the last time you were proud of yourself? When was the last time you took a moment to truly look at yourself and say “I am proud of the person I am and I want other people to see how amazing I can be.”? When was the last time YOU fed your soul? It’s easy to forget when we’re cheering others on that we also need to cheer ourselves on, because if we don’t then who will?
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Sharon Rolph discuss their own personal growth and the pride they feel in the people they have become and are still growing into.
412 Ego and Soul
When was the last time you were proud of yourself? When was the last time you took a moment to truly look at yourself and say “I am proud of the person I am and I want other people to see how amazing I can be.”? When was the last time YOU fed your soul? It’s easy to forget when we’re cheering others on that we also need to cheer ourselves on, because if we don’t then who will?
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Sharon Rolph discuss their own personal growth and the pride they feel in the people they have become and are still growing into.
Highlights
The desire to be visible and relevant as we grow.
The importance of ego in our growth. Be proud of yourself and how far you have come.
Embracing visibility.
Just because something is uncomfortable, doesn’t make it inauthentic. It only makes it uncomfortable.
The importance of having Soul and Ego in an authentic manner.
Quotes
“I think a lot of us women have been too quiet.”
“The butterflies flying in your stomach, just get them flying in formation.”
“I decide what stops me.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What are you doing consciously or unconsciously to remain relevant in your daily activities? What are you thinking about when it comes to being somebody who matters, someone who contributes? What are you choosing in your life to make sure you have ongoing relevance, whether that’s directly to the planet, whether that’s to your family, whether that’s to your home, to your fur babies, or to your community. I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Sharon
For most of her life Sharon felt invisible and when retired, she wondered how she'd know if she was productive.
Today she's a motivating influencer at 78, as an author, podcast guest and the Queen of Courage on Instagram.
Her days now feel "right" since finding her Spark. This transformation she experienced is being offered to the public, for the first time.
Sharon is the perfect person to help others matter outside of work, live meaningfully, impact life with wisdom and confidence and find their inner Spark.
Sharon's sparkle, passion and her youthful appearance easily confirmed. Mental strength and faith have given her a healthy lifestyle.
Potential has intrigued Sharon from a very young age, and she loves uniqueness. That's what she sees in people, from her Behavioral Science perspective. She inspires curiosity and possibilities in everyone.
Be sure to check out Sharon’s LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook! As well as, her Youtube Channel, FRESH COURAGE in Retirement: finding purpose, essence and fulfillment, and her Calendly to schedule your session!
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!
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!
401 Exploring Our Identities
It can be daunting to explore outside of your comfort zone, it is vital to your growth. Whether that be leaving your hometown or simply stepping into a new field, we must challenge ourselves to unlock our true potential.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Sarah Degn discuss how important it is to spread your own wings and to travel outside of your comfort zone and to find who you are through your own skills and knowledge.
401 Exploring Our Identities
It can be daunting to explore outside of your comfort zone, it is vital to your growth. Whether that be leaving your hometown or simply stepping into a new field, we must challenge ourselves to unlock our true potential.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Sarah Degn discuss how important it is to spread your own wings and to travel outside of your comfort zone and to find who you are through your own skills and knowledge.
Highlights
Leaving home behind to pursue your dreams.
It’s never too late to try and to explore.
Learning and growing as an individual to in turn help your community.
Quotes
“You can come back, just the reminder that yes you absolutely should go experience something beyond your small town.”
“You just need to find the new opportunities and things that are missing.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
Sarah and I spoke for nearly an hour about what it’s like to explore our identities through our youth and maybe come back home, and find out what life is like and how our identities can be shaped by our environments and by the things that we think are important. We talked about what it’s like to travel and tell people our story so that they uncover their own stories and that they can understand truly what the rest of the world could look like. It was full of inspiration and ideas and now I want to know, what will you do with this? What was one thing that stood out in this conversation? I’d love to hear from you.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Sarah Degn
Sarah is a fourth generation farmer near Sidney, MT. With her family, she raises 800 acres of corn, soybeans and wheat. She’s represents NE Montana of the Farmers Union Board of directors.
Be sure to check out Sarah’s LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! As well as The Montana Farmers Union, and The National Farmers Union!
About Sarah Elkins
"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!
400 Of Reciprocity and Return
In celebrating the 400th Episode of Your Stories Don’t Define You How You Tell Them Will, Sarah Elkins ruminates on the many lessons and gifts she has been given throughout her journey as a podcaster, an entrepreneur, and a person. From returning to what truly matters, to reciprocating the good and beautiful things in life.
400 Of Reciprocity and Return
In celebrating the 400th Episode of Your Stories Don’t Define You How You Tell Them Will, Sarah Elkins ruminates on the many lessons and gifts she has been given throughout her journey as a podcaster, an entrepreneur, and a person. From returning to what truly matters, to reciprocating the good and beautiful things in life.
Highlights
What goals have you met that still shock you?
What are you reflecting on and have you made amendments to others and yourself?
How do you reciprocate in your relationships? Especially in the relationship with yourself.
Are you surrounding yourself with the people who help build you? Who reciprocates your intentions?
How do you hold space for the stories of those around you?
Quotes
“She thinks about it in terms of returning to our core goodness. She believes this is our opportunity to return, find, and bring our hearts back to that core in action.”
“When I receive, what am I giving in return? When I give, what am I receiving in return?”
“Stop chasing people who don’t treat you the way you deserve to be treated.”
“Everything we do has consequences. Everything we do is reciprocal.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What words do you infuse in your life, relationships, and actions? What role does reciprocity play for you? And what was one thing in this episode that’s so sticky that you will change something; behavior, actions, or maybe something in your internal dialogue?
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!
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!