What does 'being connected with self' actually look like…feel like? It’s impossible to describe, as we explore with Sydney in part 2 of this conversation. Whether or not we can describe it, what is true from this conversation is that vulnerability and the willingness to express it with yourself and others is a big step in finding that connection. O…

What is a fact? A fact is something that is true. Yet, today we are so conflicted about our facts because we have decided to conflate them with truth. Truth is subjective. What is true to you may not be true to me. You may think The Matrix is the greatest cinematic accomplishment of the 20th century. I may think that award belongs to Schindler’s Li…

In a postindustrial, technology centric, world we are taught to be productive, get a job, work, work, work… We reserve play for short periods of time and for our childhood. Yet, we are increasingly demanding more productivity of our children to get ahead. The thing about play, is that it is a necessity of life. We need it. We especially need it to …

What do you think of when you think someone is homeschooled? What do you think when someone homeschools their kids? Homeschooling is a great example of the subtle biases we all project onto other because of our cultural influences. There are many reasons for homeschooling and it’s important to understand when it makes sense for your kids. In this c…

Developing a child is one of the most challenging responsibilities any parent will have in a lifetime. One of the biggest challenges is removing your ego to focus on what the child needs, not what you would need if you were the child. We all struggle to separate these two realities. However, when we can, we will deliver the promise to our children …

Everyone goes through a journey from the beginning to the end. It's easy to look at our stories and think about our limitations and how they will prevent us from doing more. That voice inside tells you one thing that reality doesn't seem to support. Then we focus so much on "what is" because we can't see "what could be." Lisa is an excellent exampl…

No matter how much effort you put into something, it's never done alone. This applies to everyone, including the smartest or most athletic. A genius doesn't create without supplies, funding, or assistance to contribute to their field of study. Like an athlete doesn't get to show their skills if the structure of sport doesn't exist. This is highligh…

Culture is an agreed-upon set of values and norms that we accept and embrace. In organizations, if these aren't intentional and established, the company is not likely to operate at its best. Ben and Fitz came to some remarkable conclusions about Culture in the collective time at Google causing them to write their book, Debugging Teams. Their goal i…

History is always 20/20 if we decide to look. Looking at history from the present perspective is a flawed exercise loaded with past judgment. Too often, we don't look at history from the present it once represented. As a result, we don't see the perspectives of those that came before us and what they did to give us what we have today. Paula beautif…

We are with award-winning book author, TV writer/producer, and feature screenwriter Paula Yoo. Hailing from Los Angeles, CA, she loves to spend time hanging with her family and cats. Her latest Young Adult narrative non-fiction book, FROM A WHISPER TO A RALLYING CRY: The Killing of Vincent Chin and the Trial that Galvanized the Asian American Movem…

It's rare these days to get into the field you study in college, especially if you don't go onto a master's or Ph.D. program. The rising costs of education make it more and more challenging to pursue a field that doesn't set you back financially for a lifetime and aligns with how you want to live your life. Brandon Stover is reimaging how to delive…

Time continually evolves our needs and how we access those needs. We have a thirst for knowledge and education, yet, it is increasingly less accessible to us. Especially education that captures what we want out of life. Giving us the practical experience to pursue what we know we are good at, but it falls outside the parameters of traditional educa…

Pursuing our dreams is not easy, and we want it to be, but it is a grind with daily effort to make our reality what we envision it. Jeremiah Smart is an excellent example of someone living that before his dream is fulfilled. It is never easy, but it becomes easier when we achieve what we set out to do. However, in the early days, belief and a visio…

So often, we look in the past to see how people have arrived at the present. It's easy to do because we can pick those we see as a "success" and wonder how they got there. What is impressive about this conversation with Jeremiah Smart is that we get to initially see someone with the dreams and vision for their future that has yet to pan out. We don…

We all have a journey. On our journey's we take many steps in every direction. Sometimes, those steps have us walking in a circle, and it seems as if there is no way out. As we talk about Elizabeth's philosophy on taking small pivots, we learn about her story. We learn about what her first Pivot was that sent her life in a direction she never thoug…

In life, there are significant moments that change the direction we go. There are also big moments we choose not to take for fear of the unknown and the amount of change all at once. Many people say it is these moments that are necessary to pursue what you want out of life. And, there is some truth to that. However, there are so many opportunities …

When we pursue passions, especially in a group, a decision needs to be made that the pursuit of the thing will be a way to make money. Making sure everyone is aligned to the goal while still maintaining the love for the thing is a challenge many people face. How do we do this without selling ourselves out? Banana Chant has an amazing outlook on thi…

We all work with people with who we don't always see eye to eye. Sometimes it's our closest relationships that challenge us the most. Put those two together, and it can be a challenge to accomplish what you set out to. Banana Chant embodies the struggles and the way to resolve those struggles in order to accomplish the common goal. A group that pro…

So many things try to dictate how we act. It's easy to follow when we don't know who we really are. In Part 2 of this conversation with Jessica, we really get into what it looks like to navigate acting most aligned to who you are and not what you are told. The navigation of self within the social structures of our social ecosystems is a balance man…

Life can be complex, with so many different influences on how we see ourselves. Our identity is wrapped up in so many things that we can easily lose sight of who we really are. Jessica is a shining example of understanding yourself. She carries many labels. Those labels could easily cause her to act in a way that is expected by others. Yet, it does…

Our perspective is dramatically shaped by our personal experiences. Hearing how other people perceive based on their lived experience is a great way to expand your perspective. In America, we see change as slow and rarely accomplished. However, when you talk to someone from another country, their perspective of slowness is very different because it…

We create labels to simplify how we see the world. It's an important part of how our brain works. However, those labels can, and often do, cheat us out of really getting to know someone. Carlos is a musician. It's easy to come to this conversation with a lot of biases and assumptions based on that one label alone. What you learn about Carlos in thi…

Meditation is amazing. It helps us focus, learn calm, train being present, and can help us rewire how we think about the world. What if you can't meditate? Is it not for you? So many actually have a hard time meditating. It's a learned skill, and not everyone can access it. The truth is, many feel like they are broken because they can't do it. They…

Meditation is amazing. It helps us focus, learn calm, train being present, and can help us rewire how we think about the world. What if you can't meditate? Is it not for you? So many actually have a hard time meditating. It's a learned skill, and not everyone can access it. The truth is, many feel like they are broken because they can't do it. They…

What stands in your way of feeling accomplished? Is it your habits or behaviors? Our guest Melissa Stecher is a mom, owner, creator, and a master of taking control of her life. She's walked the long road of changing habits, behaviors, and her mindset to bring hope into her life. Her inspiring conversation provides hope to others that they to can do…

What stands in your way of feeling accomplished? Is it your habits or behaviors? Our guest Melissa Stecher is a mom, owner, creator, and a master of taking control of her life. She's walked the long road of changing habits, behaviors, and her mindset to bring hope into her life. Her inspiring conversation provides hope to others that they to can do…

What is culture? Do you think we have a common, national culture? It’s complicated… Culture is an amalgamation of ideas, histories, life experiences and many other things. Every culture has subcultures, and the more connected we become the more culture becomes dispersed. This is a challenge for many as we look to define what our common culture is a…

What is culture? Do you think we have a common, national culture? It’s complicated… Culture is an amalgamation of ideas, histories, life experiences and many other things. Every culture has subcultures, and the more connected we become the more culture becomes dispersed. This is a challenge for many as we look to define what our common culture is a…

“My goal is not to feel like a good person, my goal is to make sure they're okay right now.” - Natalie Christensen The power of investing in yourself and your identity is truly powerful. But do you know how powerful it can be? Our guest Natalie Christensen demonstrates this power in her chosen domain of film. As a film creator she reimagines ways i…

“My goal is not to feel like a good person, my goal is to make sure they're okay right now.” - Natalie Christensen The power of investing in yourself and your identity is truly powerful. But do you know how powerful it can be? Our guest Natalie Christensen demonstrates this power in her chosen domain of film. As a film creator she reimagines ways i…

“No wonder I felt awful, because I was saying awful things to myself” - Yvonne Marchese What helps you answer and explore the question, who are you? Answers will vary. At the most simplistic level, responses to this question can be found in aspects of our life such as passions and self-reflection. In addition, this question can be reflected in how …

“No wonder I felt awful, because I was saying awful things to myself” - Yvonne Marchese What helps you answer and explore the question, who are you? Answers will vary. At the most simplistic level, responses to this question can be found in aspects of our life such as passions and self-reflection. In addition, this question can be reflected in how …

“Prioritize the relationship over being right.” - Benjamin Mathes How much power do you give your ego? Our minds are constantly at war with our ego. This war can stunt growth and the ability to reach our true potential because, with ego there is pride. Our Guest Benjamin Mathes encourages us to unravel the layers we have built protecting our ego. O…

“Prioritize the relationship over being right.” - Benjamin Mathes How much power do you give your ego? Our minds are constantly at war with our ego. This war can stunt growth and the ability to reach our true potential because, with ego there is pride. Our Guest Benjamin Mathes encourages us to unravel the layers we have built protecting our ego. O…

Learn from whomever you meet and connect with” – Devin Larkins How well do you listen? How do you increase your capacity to listen? How do you define laziness? Devin shares some really helpful functional tips for listening. He is a good soul and feels like the friend and family member we all need. Devin practices compassion often and shares how he …

Learn from whomever you meet and connect with” – Devin Larkins How well do you listen? How do you increase your capacity to listen? How do you define laziness? Devin shares some really helpful functional tips for listening. He is a good soul and feels like the friend and family member we all need. Devin practices compassion often and shares how he …

Who’s a free thinker in your life? True free thinkers are few and far between. At More In Common Podcast, the importance of hiring people who challenge what you're doing and thinking is what our guest, and former producer, Ruf Holmes reflected on. But he's much more than a producer; he's an individual filled with talent and creativity who never fai…

Who’s a free thinker in your life? True free thinkers are few and far between. At More In Common Podcast, the importance of hiring people who challenge what you're doing and thinking is what our guest, and former producer, Ruf Holmes reflected on. But he's much more than a producer; he's an individual filled with talent and creativity who never fai…

Who’s a free thinker in your life? True free thinkers are few and far between. At More In Common Podcast, the importance of hiring people who challenge what you're doing and thinking is what our guest, and former producer, Ruf Holmes reflected on. But he's much more than a producer; he's an individual filled with talent and creativity who never fai…

What's your relationship with validation? We often seek others' approval, in hopes that the external validation obtained will bring us something that we cannot provide for ourselves. However, this desire, not uncommon, only leaves us wanting more and feeling unfulfilled. Once you change how you see yourself not only do you stop the need for validat…

What's your relationship with validation? We often seek others' approval, in hopes that the external validation obtained will bring us something that we cannot provide for ourselves. However, this desire, not uncommon, only leaves us wanting more and feeling unfulfilled. Once you change how you see yourself not only do you stop the need for validat…

Our daily lives revolve around communication. When communication is ineffective, or lacking, the goals of companies and teams are on the line. Conversations take place numerous times throughout a day, and we can’t escape them. Therefore, we must find a way to embrace them. Our guests, Essential Partners, immerse us in the world of conversation and …

Our daily lives revolve around communication. When communication is ineffective, or lacking, the goals of companies and teams are on the line. Conversations take place numerous times throughout a day, and we can’t escape them. Therefore, we must find a way to embrace them. Our guests, Essential Partners, immerse us in the world of conversation and …

What does being genuine look like? Genuine people are simply who they are, all the time. A genuine person forges their own unique path not fearing the opinions of others. Simply, they are comfortable and confident with who they are. Our guest, TJ Bonaventura, discusses his journey to becoming the version of himself that feels genuine. In the past, …

What are your thoughts on being a Christian? Our brains have a natural tendency to automatically judge and compare which often prevents us from listening and connecting to another's way of living. When you first read the word “Christian” you instantly internalize your own biases and reflect those on the person that you are describing. The reality i…

What do you fight for? Movements, religion, and love are a few of the many things people spend their lives fighting for. When you find a cause or life purpose that ignites a burning passion within you, you will forever be destined to fight all your life to keep it alive and known. A successful businessman, author, and our guest Jim Lowry embodies w…

Have you ever wondered what box you fit into? Naturally, our mind creates metaphorical boxes where we categorize ourselves and others. Many of us tend to find comfort and safety within our box, despite its restrictive nature. Only a handful of people dare to step or think outside the box. Quite a cliche, we know. Our guest Sherwyn Cooper is reflect…

Competitive stress culture: have you experienced it and if so at what cost? The competitive stress culture’s narrative of success pushes the idea that you must be constantly busy and stressed out to achieve a great amount of success. And if you are not stressed or busy, you are not that successful. Redefining success through self-reflection and min…

To all the women out there, how hot are you feeling? And we don’t mean looks; we’re talking menopause. To all the men out there, take notes, this applies to you too. The stigma surrounding menopause prevents many women from feeling comfortable discussing the natural aging processes of the female body. It's important to create an open dialogue for w…

“That could never be me.” Have you ever heard or thought about this phrase before? Maybe when you were passing a homeless person on the street or discussing someone who’s political views differ from yours. The ability to provide compassion to those who you dissociate from or disagree with, is the philosophy behind genuine compassion. Providing comp…