Be Freaking Awesome Podcast

In this conversation, the hosts and guest discuss the importance of nutrition in reducing chronic inflammation in the body. They emphasize the need for balance and consistency in making healthy food choices. They also highlight the negative effects of sugar and processed foods on inflammation and overall health. The conversation touches on the connection between our relationship with food and our relationship with ourselves, emphasizing the importance of self-love and self-care. The guest, Shelley Loving, shares her personal journey and mission to help people improve their health through nutrition. The conversation explores the relationship between food and mental well-being, particularly in the context of emotional eating. The hosts discuss the importance of being mindful and intentional about food choices, even when using food for comfort. They share personal experiences and strategies for finding alternative sources of comfort and addressing emotional needs. The conversation also touches on the impact of food on brain health, emphasizing the importance of nourishing the brain with healthy fats and avoiding artificial sweeteners. The episode concludes with practical advice for reading food labels and making informed choices.Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.

In this episode, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford discuss mental health awareness in a non-traditional way, sharing their hot takes and opinions. They address different generations and their perspectives on mental health. They start with boomers, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health issues instead of ignoring them. They then move on to Gen X, highlighting the need for self-reflection and embracing therapy without considering it a brave act. Finally, they discuss millennials and the impact of significant events on their anxiety levels. This conversation explores the experiences and challenges faced by different generations, particularly millennials and Gen Z, in relation to mental health. The hosts discuss the impact of technology, access to information, and societal expectations on mental health. They also touch on the importance of empathy, understanding, and self-reflection when it comes to generational differences. The conversation concludes with a call for real human connection and acceptance as a means to bridge the gap between generations and promote mental health awareness.Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.

In this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford bring on Kat Gretzmier and Lexi Belford to discuss their experiences working in family businesses. They talk about the unique dynamics and challenges that come with working with family members. They also highlight the sense of responsibility and ownership that comes with being part of a family business. Kat shares her personal experiences and the pressure they feel to prove themselves in the business. They also discuss the close relationships and camaraderie that develop in a family business. Working in a family-owned business can have its advantages, such as a supportive and understanding work environment. Growing up in a family business can create a unique connection with others who have had similar experiences. However, there can also be challenges, such as blurred boundaries between work and personal life, and the potential for laziness or lack of motivation. It's important to define clear roles and expectations in a family business.Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.

This week, we're flipping the script and bringing you something truly special. Our very own Sami took the stage at the NWA Women in Tech conference, delivering an electrifying speech on "Emotions as a Superpower." And guess what? You get a front-row seat to the action!Join us as we transport Sami's captivating speech straight to your headphones. It's a rare opportunity to experience the magic of a live event from the comfort of your own space, seamlessly blended with our signature podcast style. In this electrifying episode, Sami Kinnison takes center stage, exploring the transformative potential of emotions and framing them as a potent superpower. Drawing from her recent address at the NWA Women in Tech conference, Sami delves into the significance of embracing emotions for holistic well-being, stronger connections, and living a more authentic life. Tune in and let's embark on this transformative journey together! 🎙️ #PodcastSpecial #EmbraceYourPowerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L9ozIYMixI Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.

In this episode, Denise and Javan Hamilton, a mother-daughter duo, join the hosts to discuss their experience working together in their digital consultancy, Watch Her Work. They share the journey of starting the business and the unique contributions each of them brings to the table. The benefits of working as a mother-daughter team, such as trust and cross-generational perspectives, are highlighted. However, they also discuss the challenges and pressures they face, including the fear of disappointing each other and the need to establish boundaries. Overall, their story showcases the dynamics and complexities of working as a family in business. In this conversation, Denise Hamilton and her daughter Javan Hamilton discuss their experience working together in a family business. They emphasize the freedom and flexibility that entrepreneurship provides, allowing them to spend time together and travel as a family. They also share insights on managing conflict and creating synergy in their working relationship. The importance of setting boundaries, embracing individuality, and having fun in a family business is highlighted. They offer advice for those considering working with family, including the need for emotional work and maintaining strong relationships. Overall, their story showcases the benefits and challenges of building a successful family business.https://watchherwork.com/ https://denisehamilton.co/https://www.instagram.com/watchherworktv/?hl=enOrder Traveling Light wherever you get your books!Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.

In this episode, Angela Belford, Sami Kinnison, and Mark Zweig discuss entrepreneurship and what sets entrepreneurs apart from others. They debunk the misconception that entrepreneurs are risk-takers, highlighting that they are actually risk mitigators. They emphasize the importance of listening to problems and finding innovative solutions, rather than inventing something new. The conversation also touches on the significance of reputation and the willingness to take action. The hosts encourage listeners to design their lives and pursue what they truly want, as success is ultimately determined by the relationships and time spent with others.Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.

In this episode, the hosts ask listeners what they would do if they weren't afraid and share their own answers. The conversation covers a range of topics, including vulnerability, the fear of impact on others, the desire to travel and experience new things, the pressure on men to provide, balancing personal and professional life, overcoming loneliness, fear of change and starting over, fear of financial situations, fear of surrounding circumstances, fear of financial constraints in adoption, and the importance of facing fears and pressing forward.Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.

In this episode, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford discuss the power of asking the question 'What else?' to build meaningful conversations and engage with others. They explore how this question can be used in various contexts, such as check-ins and brainstorming sessions, to encourage people to open up and share more. They also share other conversation openers and continuers, such as 'Is that true?' and 'How did that make you feel?' to deepen the conversation and understand different perspectives. They emphasize the importance of being non-judgmental and creating a safe space for others to express themselves. The episode concludes with a reminder to choose good and respect personal boundaries in conversations.Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.

In this episode, Angela and Sami explore the question of 'What's the point?' and its existential implications. They discuss the importance of asking this question at different stages of life and how it can potentially lead to a sense of disillusionment. The hosts emphasize the significance of relationships and finding purpose in the present moment. They also suggest finding a 'super soaker moment' to ground oneself in the present and avoid getting caught up in existential thoughts. The episode concludes with a reminder to continuously upgrade coping skills for a freaking awesome life.Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.

In this episode, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford discuss the question of whether we are asking the wrong question. They explore the limitations and drawbacks of asking 'why' in certain situations, particularly when it comes to taking action. Angela emphasizes the importance of starting with 'why' when beginning a new project or endeavor, but suggests that asking 'why' when faced with challenges or lack of action can be unhelpful and even detrimental. Instead, they propose asking more specific questions such as 'what' and 'how' to gain better insights and find solutions. They also discuss the role of mind games and the responsibility of thoughts and actions.Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.

In this episode, Sami Kinnison and Angela Belford discuss the question of whether we are asking too much from various aspects of our lives. They begin by celebrating a milestone in their podcast journey. They then explore the idea of asking too much from work, considering the fulfillment and lifestyle factors involved. They also discuss the importance of finding meaning and purpose outside of work. Finally, they address the question of asking too much from relationships, emphasizing the need for self-fulfillment and maintaining friendships. In this conversation, Sami and Angela discuss the concept of asking too much from others and ourselves. They explore the dynamics of balancing relationships, the pressure parents sometimes put on their children, and the cultural expectations that can influence our behavior. They also delve into the importance of recognizing when we are asking too much from ourselves and how to define what is enough. The conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their expectations and consider ways to find balance and fulfillment in their lives.TakeawaysFinding fulfillment and meaning in work is important, but it's okay if work doesn't provide all of it.Separating basic needs from lifestyle needs can simplify the decision-making process when it comes to work.It's important to find meaning and purpose outside of work, whether through hobbies, side hustles, or other activities.In relationships, it's unrealistic to expect one person to fulfill all of our needs. Maintaining friendships and finding fulfillment outside of the relationship is crucial. Balancing relationships requires understanding and respecting each other's needs and boundaries.Cultural expectations can influence our behavior and create additional pressure to meet certain standards.It is important to recognize when we might be asking too much from ourselves and to define what is enough for our own well-being and fulfillment.Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.

In this episode, Angela, Sami, and Corinna Dranow discuss the concept and practice of Sand Tray Therapy. They explore the purpose and process of Sand Tray Therapy, as well as the different reactions and experiences people may have with it. The conversation also touches on the neurobiology of Sand Tray Therapy and its connection to children's play. The hosts and guest share personal insights and experiences with Sand Tray Therapy, highlighting its potential benefits for emotional regulation and inner child work. They also discuss the integration of Sand Tray Therapy into everyday life and its role in therapy modalities like Internal Family Systems Therapy. In this conversation, Angela Belford and Corinna Dranow discuss the significance of college years, the importance of corrective emotional experiences, reflecting on personal growth, creating a sanctuary, and the psyche's ability to heal.Takeaways:Sand Tray Therapy can help access and process emotions and experiences that may be difficult to put into words.Sand Tray Therapy can be beneficial for emotional regulation, inner child work, and exploring different parts of the self.Corrective emotional experiences can be healing and transformative.Creating a sanctuary can provide a safe and healing space.The psyche has the innate ability to heal itself.Find Corinna online to further explore sand tray therapy!Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.

In this episode, Gary Ware discusses the importance of play in various aspects of life, including work, learning, and relationships. He emphasizes the need to see the world as a playground of possibilities rather than a proving ground. Gary also highlights the impact of play on memory and learning, explaining that play can significantly reduce the number of repetitions needed to create a synapse in the brain. He shares how he incorporates playful methods in training and bonding activities, and encourages adults to prioritize rest and give themselves permission to play. Gary concludes by discussing the concept of the playful rebellion and the power of small moments of play. In this conversation, Sami Kinnison and Gary Ware discuss the importance of play in parenting and how it can enhance the parent-child relationship. They explore the challenges of finding balance in parenting and offer practical tips for incorporating play into daily life. They also discuss the benefits of adding playfulness to work and share examples of how to gamify tedious tasks. Overall, the conversation highlights the power of play in bringing joy, connection, and creativity to both parenting and work.TakeawaysSee the world as a playground of possibilities rather than a proving ground.Play significantly reduces the number of repetitions needed to create a synapse in the brain.Incorporate playful methods in training and bonding activities to improve effectiveness and build relationships.Prioritize rest and give yourself permission to play.Embrace the concept of the playful rebellion and find joy in small moments of play. Play is essential in parenting as it strengthens the parent-child relationship and creates joyful moments.Adding playfulness to work can increase engagement, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.Find out more about Gary's work: https://www.breakthroughplay.com/Follow Gary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garyware/Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.

In this episode, Sami and Angela talk with Mike Rucker about the shift from pursuing happiness to cultivating a fun habit. They talk with Mike about his book The Fun Habit: How the Pursuit of Joy and Wonder Can Change Your Life where they talk about the benefits of creating fun habits. They explore the importance of emotional resilience. They also emphasize the need to feel and express emotions and the benefits of making a habit of fun. The conversation highlights the four quadrants of fun and the importance of creating upward spirals and changing circumstances. Additionally, they discuss the role of parenting in incorporating fun into daily life. In this conversation, Sami and Mike discuss the importance of embracing playfulness and creativity in parenting. They highlight the magic of children's play and the benefits of co-creating experiences with them. They also share tips for finding joy in play, setting boundaries and time limits, and pretending to be a beginner. In addition, they discuss the power of disclosure and connection through play, as well as the role of modeling play and storytelling. The conversation concludes with a focus on mindfully choosing fun and information on where to find more resources. To buy Mike's book or connect with him, visit his website: https://michaelrucker.com/Follow Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewonderoffun/Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.

In this episode, we continue our series on fun and explore the importance of incorporating fun and laughter into communication training. We are joined by Rebecca P. Murray, who shares her insights on making training engaging and entertaining. The conversation covers topics such as the relationship between doubt and fear, the order of courage and confidence, and the power of laughter in overcoming shame and fear. We also discuss the impact of laughter on personal growth and offer advice on creating a safe and enjoyable environment for others. Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of incorporating fun and laughter into various aspects of life to promote growth and well-being.TakeawaysIncorporating fun and laughter into communication training can make it more engaging and effective.Doubt can be a trigger for courage, and facing fear with a sense of humor can help overcome it.Creating a safe and enjoyable environment for others can have a positive impact on their growth and confidence.Laughter can be a catalyst for change and can help interrupt negative patterns and promote a sense of safety.You can connect with Rebecca online at her website, rebeccapmurray.com or on LinkedIn!Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.

Welcome to the kickoff of our month-long series dedicated to the pursuit of fun! In this episode, we're diving headfirst into the concept of embracing a lifestyle filled with joy and laughter.Join us as we peel back the layers of what it truly means to live life to the fullest, unapologetically embracing the whimsical and playful side of existence. From exploring the power of emotions to reveling in the art of joyful living, we're setting the stage for a month packed with insights, laughter, and plenty of surprises.But before we embark on this adventure, we're taking a moment to break down exactly what it means to us to lead a fun-filled life. Through personal anecdotes, candid reflections, and maybe a few dance moves, we'll explore how we've learned to let go of self-imposed pressure and embrace every moment with open arms.So buckle up and get ready to join us on this journey towards a life overflowing with fun and fulfillment. It's going to be a wild ride, and we can't wait to share it with you!Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.

This episode is a heart-to-heart about something we all face – building relationships with others. What are the things that we have ownership of within our emotional resiliency journey that can help us build better relationships with people around us?We're unpacking emotions – those indicator lights, not judgments. Assuming positive intent, paying attention to our thought habits, and, when needed, giving ourselves a little "reparenting" when things get tough. We all carry some self-judgment baggage from way back when we were kids, trying to be good enough, do the right thing, say the right words. But here's the nugget we've discovered that can make or break our relationships with others – self-compassion. It's about recognizing our pain, not just brushing it off. It's letting ourselves be moved by our struggles, and understanding the significance of our challenges.And you know what? Pain, failure, rejection – they're all part of being human. Instead of fearing them, we are beginning to acknowledge them as a natural part of life and a part of relationships.Join us in this genuine conversation about self-discovery, forgiveness, and self-compassion. It's not about flashy transformations but about embracing our imperfections and building a real, honest connection with ourselves so that we can show up in relationships with others.Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.

Have you ever considered that the most pivotal relationship you'll ever have is with yourself? Join me and my co-host Angela Belford as we embark on an intimate exploration of self-relationship's profound effects on our lives, revealing why the way we treat ourselves sets the foundation for every other relationship we form. Grounded in insights from the Harvard Study on Adult Development, our debate takes flight—Angela, armed with skepticism, questions if nurturing our inner dynamic truly translates to enhanced connections with others, while I argue it's the essential groundwork for a fulfilling life.Wrestling with our self-beliefs can often feel like navigating through a storm, but what if the compass we're using is skewed by our own negative perceptions? We tackle how these internal narratives, left unchecked, can cloud our reality and impact not just our own well-being, but also how we interact with the world. From the science of the reticular activating system to the tender nuances of parenting, we share insights and personal stories that shine a light on the importance of reshaping beliefs from childhood to foster healthier adult lives.For those who've ever felt the sting of their own inner critic, our discussion on transforming self-judgment into a nurturing inner coach promises hope and strategy. Through my personal encounters with grief and finding solace in the pages of fiction, we highlight the universal need for self-compassion. Closing with the promise that our beliefs can be remodeled for a more effortless path to happiness, we extend a compassionate invitation to journey with us toward self-discovery and unwavering self-trust.Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.

When the silence around grief in the workplace grows too loud, it's experts like Dr. Mekel Harris and Janet Gwilliam-Wright who dare to break it. Our latest podcast episode features these two compassionate pioneers from Bloomwell Partners as they share their wisdom on nurturing grief literacy within the corporate culture. We are moved beyond words as they unveil a framework that doesn't just aim to support grieving employees but seeks to transform organizational empathy into a tangible, healing force.Grief doesn't punch out when we clock in; it follows us into our cubicles, meetings, and breaks by the water cooler. This episode peels back the layers of how personal losses like infertility, miscarriage, and divorce seep into professional spaces, affecting productivity and team dynamics. Dr. Mekel and Janet guide us through the pitfalls of isolation that traditional employee assistance programs may inadvertently create, advocating for a culture of witnessing and acknowledging grief as a cornerstone of workplace mental health.Turning the page on how we perceive loss at work, we delve into the heart of why companies are reaching out to Bloomwell Partners. From nurturing emotional intelligence to understanding the mosaic of grief experiences, our conversation with Dr. Mekel and Janet is a testament to the far-reaching impact of grief-informed leadership. So join us as we honor the beauty in befriending grief, and creating an office culture that remembers, supports, and grows through loss, one powerful conversation at a time.Follow Janet Gwilliam-Wright on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janetgwilliamwright/Follow Dr. Mekel Harris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmekel/Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.

Pop the cork with us as we celebrate a smashing success—100 episodes of 'Be Freaking Awesome'! Angela Belford and Sami Kinnison are toasting to the journey that's been as rich in laughter as it has been in lessons. This centennial episode is a mixtape of milestones and the unique stories that have shaped us.Ever considered the art of turning setbacks into stepping stones? That's what we're unpacking as we look back on both triumphs and trials. You'll hear about lessons in resilience and why embracing risk is the true evidence of effort. We're also bringing back some of our favorite podcast moments, proving that every episode is an integral strand in the fabric of our lives.Wrapping up with a bow, we beckon you to join us in living a 'freaking awesome' life, finding bliss in both the extraordinary and the mundane. Our heartfelt thanks go out to our vibrant community—this celebration is as much yours as it is ours. As we tease the rich content ahead, we invite you on this continued voyage of personal growth, laughter, and learning. Let's keep the momentum going, one freaking awesome day at a time. Here's to the next hundred episodes and beyond!Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.