Bravefull

From a human connection standpoint, wouldn't it be better if we all were more childish, just playing and showing up just the way we are? To our guest, the fabulous Rachel Awes, even if it sounds cliche, the world would be a much better place if all of us moved from the softness of our hearts. Rachel Awes is a Psychologist, Author, Art Playgroundist, Speaker, and Clothing Ambassador. She has a unique approach to life and a colorful philosophy to see things she gracefully shared in our conversation. Rachel is the author of three beautiful books, "All I did was listen," "The great green okayness," and "Diving in," which we discuss and take some valuable nuggets from them. Today, our conversation spins around Rachel's intoxicating view of the world, life, and human interaction. We delve into the powerful message of "Diving in," of how we can decide to live our lives from the edge, or we can dive into the water, blend in, and enjoy the uncertainty of taking our chances. Rachel shared some advice for those who feel they aren't ready yet to dive in, the crucial importance of active hearing, and much more. Some Questions I Ask:In your book "Diving in," you take the emotional, spiritual side of swimming. What gave you the idea to do that? (3:11)To somebody who doesn't dare to dive in? How do you provide them with that courage? (7:50)What does it feel like to do active listening? (11:34)In This Episode, You Will Learn:How powerful can it be to feel joy during the task rather than thinking about when it'll be over (4:37)Why do women have this tendency of being too hard on ourselves (14:55)What is "The Rachel Process" and how it helped Rachel create her art (16:43)How can we reach enough freedom to live in the field of ourselves (23:19)An invitation to magnificence. About the Great Green Okayness (27:16)Creating art that creates us (39:56)Resources:Rachel Awes websiteBook: Rachel Awes - Diving InBook: Rachel Awes - All I Did Was ListenBook: Rachel Awes - The Great Green OkaynessConnect with Rachel:LinkedInPinterestInstagramTwitterFacebookLet's Connect!WebsiteEmail: alqziegert@gmail.com

Although Peter Cousineau always had a strong calling for helping others and always wanted to experiment with homeopathy and medicinal plants, he needed to earn a living when he moved to Vermont 22 years ago. He postponed his original plan and used his farming and gardening knowledge to start his own farm. Still, some things are simply meant to be, and regardless of what happens in the middle, they end up happening. Peter's mother needed major surgery on her shoulder, and despite the doctor's reluctance, she decided to use hemp's CBD and tincture to deal with the pain instead of using opioids. She navigated her recovery with minimal discomfort. That was it, Peter decided to blend his farm, his desire of helping others, and the ancestral knowledge his part-Native American grandmother kept alive in the family to produce hemp derivates. Peter Cousineau is the Founder and CEO of Rēl Hemp, a company that offers quality CBD products grown on their farm. He has over 20 years of experience in the horticulture and agriculture industry, building 3 successful businesses in the process. He owns the Four Pillars Farm, which grows the Organic Hemp CBD commercialized in Rēl Hemp. In this episode, after experimenting with CBD myself to help me sleep better, which ended up having a positive impact on hot flashes, I decided to bring Peter to the show to tell us more about hemp CBD's benefits. He kindly shared his story and relationship with farming and why he decided to start producing hemp CBD. We also go through the lack of education about these products in the market and the massive amount of people that are tricked into buying products that won't help them much. Some Questions I Ask:What does CBD do? And what is the value that it can bring to the table? (6:24)Please, explain to me the different products that you have and how can they help women? (16:08)How do you think we got to this point in our lives that we're looking to a natural plant to help us get through some of these issues we're facing? (23:15)In This Episode, You Will Learn:About Peter's journey into becoming a hemp CBD producer (7:03)How hard it was for Peter to make the leap of faith and start this business (25:43)Why it is essential to educate people on CBD's benefits (32:49)The benefits of using Peter's products (33:32)Resources:Rēl Hemp websiteRēl Hemp InstagramRēl Hemp FacebookConnect with Peter:LinkedInLet's Connect!WebsiteEmail: alqziegert@gmail.com

Although many people see emotional intelligence as a soft skill, Dr. Stevie Dawn thinks the opposite; it is a hard skill for her. And she goes even further. Before anything, she stops and asks herself why her brain is pushing her in that direction? To Dr. Stevie, emotions are a byproduct of a hormonal response to a mental trigger, meaning every emotion has a thought behind it. To understand and have more control over our emotions, we need to step back a bit and look for the thought that triggered that emotion. Our guest, Dr. Stevie Dawn, is a Keynote Speaker, Consultant, Coach, Author, Corporate Trainer, and the CEO and Founder of Stevie Dawn Inspires, LLC. She helps those who have unrealized profits, un-lived aspirations, and underwhelming results. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Small Business Administration from Union University, a Master's Degree in Sociology from Wichita State University, and a Ph.D. in Community College Leadership from Colorado State University. In this episode, our conversation revolves around a different perspective of what emotional intelligence really is. We travel back in time to the moment Dr. Stevie decided to investigate more about emotional intelligence, a decision that would change her life. We learn to use our feelings to leverage our day rather than letting them put us down, and much more. We also analyze the different relationships men and women have with their emotions; we talk about our mantras, the enneagram, and much more. Some Questions I Ask:Why did you decide to actually focus on emotional intelligence? (7:09)How has studying emotional intelligence impacted your life? (10:17)What does arguing from an emotional intelligence perspective looks like? (10:48)Let's say I want to go for a promotion at my job. How do I do it without having to defend myself? (22:48)In This Episode, You Will Learn:Dr. Stevie's definition of emotional intelligence (3:47)How can we listen to people through their emotions and not ours (6:41)About the difference between how men and women deal with their emotions (15:43)How do I feel today? Take a pulse check at the beginning of the day (32:08)We are in the driving seat. The apex predator mindset to face life (35:13)Resources:Dr. Stevie Dawn websiteAlways Be The SharkMonday Morning Coffee Club podcastBook: Dr. Stevie Dawn - Networking 101: Foundation for SuccessBook: Dr. Stevie Dawn - From 0 to 6 FiguresConnect with Dr. Stevie:LinkedInInstagramTwitterFacebookLet's Connect!Website

Whether we are aware of it or not, all of us have money blocks; many women think, for instance, that making more money than their partner could cause fights with them. It could be things we picked up when we were kids, or we might think that having money will change who we are. Still, the number one money block is that money causes stress; having money is stressful. What Dr. Amanda Barrientez explains to us in today's episode is that these money blocks run the show from behind the scenes, at an unconscious level. Dr. Amanda is the Founder and CEO of No Fucking Around Money. She teaches coaches and online entrepreneurs how to heal their relationships with money, charge the fees according to their worth, work less, be happy, and make more. Dr. Amanda holds a B.A. in Psychology, a Women & Gender Studies Graduate Certificate, and a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Colorado Boulder. Dr. Amanda is also a Mindset and Business Coach and host of the Max Potential Money podcast.  Dr. Amanda shares the things everyone needs to know about money, but no one is willing to say. We explore why most women don't feel comfortable talking about money and the devastating effects on our lives, relationships, and careers. She kindly shares bits of her past relationship with money, the shame she felt using food stamps to buy groceries, and the rest of the money blockers she had to deal with. Questions I Ask:How do you make people feel comfortable talking about money? (2:48)Do people actually have that fear that they'll lose their friends if they make money? (4:27)How did you go from food stamps to No Fucking Around? What was your timeframe? (10:32)When did you decide to let go of the shame? What were the steps that you took to do that? (16:16)In This Episode, You Will Learn:A bit about people's money blocks (3:18)The number one money block (5:23)About the power we feel when we let the shame leave our bodies (8:34)The difference between eliminating shame and fear and learning how to deal with them (19:34)The relationship between being a control freak and being afraid (27:13)Resources:NFA Money websiteMax Potential Money podcastBook: Darlene Lancer - Codependency for DummiesBook: T. Harv Eker - The Secrets of The Millionaire MindBook: Gay Hendricks - The Big LeapBook: Gay Hendricks - The Genius ZoneConnect with Dr. Amanda:LinkedIn

After having her first suicidal thought when she was around 5, Stormi Lewis started seeing herself as divided between good and evil Stormi. As a product of the "don't ask, don't tell, and you'll be fine" parenting style, she quickly understood she shouldn't talk about that with her parents, so she sought and found shelter in books. Although she didn't know what was going on with her (she was diagnosed with bipolar personality and ADHD disorder at 22), Stormi understood the need to develop her bag of tricks to survive, and so she did. Stormi Lewis is the Founder and CEO of Chasing Stormi. The author of The Sophie Lee Trilogy, Surviving the Storm, Fuel for the Storm, and the Bookish Chatter podcast host. Her writing style focuses on never being alone and conquering our storms with style, class, and a bit of sass. Stormi grew up dealing with Bipolar disorder, ADHD, and anxiety, plus a people-pleasing addiction that would put her life at risk several times. In this episode, Stormi takes us on a trip through the crazy weather of her life, the multiple storms she conquered, and the critical role books played in her life. We dive deep into the darkest moments of her life, the dangerous situations in which her people-pleasing addiction put her, and the bag of tricks she developed that saved her life on more than one occasion. We also talk about the difficulties she faced growing up in a family where certain things are not mentioned nor discussed and how that environment made her develop her people-pleasing traits. Some Questions I Ask:I would like to talk about you and your "surviving the storm" journey. Could you talk a bit about that? (2:49)Even after all these years, your family still does not acknowledge your condition? (22:16)How have you taken all of what happened in your life and channeled it into something so brave? (25:21)In This Episode, You Will Learn:How books saved Stormi's life (3:11)About finding our best moment to be creatives and embrace it (6:52)How Stormi managed to come up with her own bag of tricks to survive (11:11)A moment of relief for Stormi. The day she knew she was right - something was wrong with her, and it wasn't her fault (19:45)A big aha moment. Even if we don't take things personally, it doesn't mean we don't absorb the energy of negative words (38:13)Resources:Chasing Stormi LLC websiteBookish Chatter podcastBook: Stormi Lewis - The Key: A Plot Twisting Thriller MysteryBook: Stormi Lewis - The Protector: A Plot Twisting Thriller MysteryBook: Stormi Lewis - Surviving the Storm: Stories of Personal, Everyday Challenges ConqueredBook: Stormi Lewis - Fuel for the StormBook: Jennifer Alwood - Fear Is Not the Boss of YouBook: Jen Sincero - You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome LifeBook: Mindy Kaling - Why Not Me? Dauchys Meditations websiteConnect with Stormi:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitterLet's Connect!WebsiteEmail: alqziegert@gmail.com

Almost one year after our first conversation, I'm honored to welcome Sarah Castor to the show again. This time, to talk about Malembe Rise's next event on September 18th, 2021, which will have Tayo Rockson as its main attraction. In this episode, we discuss why Malembe Rise chose Tayo over hundreds of orators and the things he brings to the table others speakers don't. We also talk about the communication issues the world is experiencing, the importance of celebrating our differences and build with them, rather than separate and destroy. Sarah shares her expectations about the event and the things she believes we can accomplish through it. Some Questions I Ask:Why did you decide to have an event with Tayo versus just doing something that says, please give to Malembe Rise? (1:29)How do you think his presence will add to our mission's conversation? (5:45)What would you say it is if you had to sum up what you want this event to accomplish? (9:10)In This Episode, You Will Learn:The things Tayo can add that no one else can (2:48)Tayo's message is necessary for Indianapolis, the US, and the world (4:02)The things people can expect from joining Tayo's event (7:13)There is a lot of people hungry for a change around the world (12:25)Resources:Tayo Rockson eventBook: Tayo Rockson - Use Your Difference to Make a Difference: How to Connect and Communicate in a Cross-Cultural WorldTayo Rockson websiteThe Importance of an Expanded Worldview event on LinkedInConnect With Sarah Castor:LinkedInTwitterMalembe Rise websiteLet's Connect!WebsiteEmail: alqziegert@gmail.com

Tracy's husband, Dave Parkinson, had a radio show when they were in their mid-'20s, in which she started participating as an anti-racist activist. Both Tracy and Dave had strong convictions against racism, poverty, and all kind of injustices, and one day, destiny dropped Jimmy Dennis' case on their laps. Mr. Dennis was convicted for robbing and murdering a 17 years old girl in Philadelphia and sentenced to death at 21. Tracy decided to write him a letter, asking for information about his case, and what she got back would change her life. Dennis sent a 28 pages-long letter with information and legal documents proving his innocence; Tracy and Dave believed him. From that day, they started advocating for Dennis' innocence and liberation. More than 20 years later, Jimmy Dennis proved his innocence and walked free, but that was a tiny piece of Tracy's fantastic story. Tracy Lamourie is a High Profile International Award Publicist, Founder & Managing Director at Lamourie Media, Inc. She is also a well-known long-time advocate on many critical worldwide issues, passionate about amplifying important messages and being a voice for those who most need one. Tracy is the author of "GET REPPED," and she was featured in Rolling Stone, NBC TV, CBC, Huff Post & over 200 TV, radio, podcast, and several panel appearances. In this episode, we talk about Tracy's unique and inspiring story. She takes us on a trip through an intoxicating conversation about how she touched and changed lives and destinies following her passions and convictions. Tracy explains how she decided to use the skills learned with years of activism and advocating for innumerous causes to start her own company. We also talk about the importance of taking action in front of any injustice, even when what we can do seems small. Tune in to Episode 3 of the Second Season of Bravefull, and get ready to meet a smart activist, a brilliant advocate, and most importantly, a beautiful human being.Some Questions I Ask:You helped free an innocent man. Was that something you focused on? Or is it something that you fell upon? (4:12)You're embracing human rights. Meanwhile, you're doing your other job. How did the two come together? (17:49)If somebody wanted to write a book, could they come to you, and you'd help them find a publisher? Or what would you do? (27:30)What are some of the big activist projects that you're championing today? (38:11)In This Episode, You Will Learn:How innocent can this guy be? The start of a new life (5:38)Tracy's first light bulb moment (19:33)How it was to be in the credits of a Rosa Parks movie, one of the legends in Tracy's world (21:36)How Tracy helps people be successful in her unique way (32:48)Two books and a person that inspired Tracy along the way (43:48)Resources:Tracy Lamourie Media websiteBook: Tracy Lamourie - GET REPPED!: Build Your Brand with Effective Public & Media RelationsJimmy Dennis on Apple MusicMy Life with Rosie on Apple TVHiBnB websiteSong: Bolu - Make it Right. YouTubeBook: Viktor Frankl - Man's Search For MeaningBook: Lewena Bayer - The 30% SolutionConnect with Tracy:LinkedInInstagramLet's Connect!WebsiteEmail: alqziegert@gmail.com

Even before considering herself an artist, Vanessa Johanning was painting with flowers. She worked for more than 20 years as a garden designer, and her color palette was the thousands of flowers she learned to love and combine. Even in a gift store she had, where she would bring art from other artists, she would never have thought on offering some of her own artistic work. With time, Vanessa would embrace the idea she always had in the back of her mind, becoming an artist, even when she didn't have an idea of how that was going to work.Vanessa Kiki Johanning is an International Full Time Mixed Media Artist, Product Designer, Instructor, and Teacher. She decided to live her life to the fullest, the one life she has, the life she won. Vanessa lives a loudly colorful life, doing only the things that give her joy and happiness, nothing more, nothing less. She loves to teach and enjoys public speaking; she is a published Trendspotter, Designer, and Event Creator. She has three studios and writes on seven journals, perhaps in an attempt to contain the endless stream of creativity flowing through her.In this episode, we have an inspiring conversation about art, joy, and embracing a colorful version of our lives. Vanessa shared the thinking process behind her decision to transition from gardening to art, the challenges she faced, and how this new approach to life changed her reality. We also talk about living our lives expressing our authentic self, her future projects, and the books that impacted her life.Tune in to Episode 2 of the Second Season of Bravefull, open your mind, and let the colors in. Some Questions I Ask:Who are you, and how did you become to be living in such full color? (4:18)Do you still do gardening? Or is that kind of on the back burner? (7:37)Have you thought of teaching classes for adults? Do you do that or not? (14:36)Could you mention at least three books that have impacted your life? (37:08)In This Episode, You Will Learn:A bit of Vanessa's background and how she decided to embrace the artist inside of her (4:27)About Vanessa's three studios and their differences (13:12)Vanessa talks about her seven journals (20:46)From gardening to doing chairs (25:06)The colorful truck. Vanessa talks about why she decided to customize her truck (29:12)Resources:Vanessa Kiki Johanning websiteBook: Peter Mayle - A Year In ProvenceBook: Rachel Ashwell - Painted StoriesBook: Susan Brown and Caroline Rennolds Milbank - Suzie Zuzek for Lilly PullitzerConnect with Vanessa:LinkedInInstagramLet's Connect!WebsiteEmail: alqziegert@gmail.com