Learning From Your World

Is empathy enough to create real change?

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org and lifelong advocate for character development, about why empathy alone doesn’t create change, and what it really takes to live with integrity, purpose, and courage.

We discuss: - Why Empathy Isn’t Enough: What most people get wrong about empathy, and how too much of it can block justice and enable harm. - Characte...

What if your mind was never meant to fit the system?

In this episode, Perry Knoppert shares what happened after he gave everything up, and what he built. From living without a home to founding the Octopus Movement, Perry explores the power of nonlinear thinking and creating outside the lines.

*This is Part 2 of our conversation. In Part 1, Perry shares how his  journey began.

We talk abou...

What happens when someone steps outside the system?

In this episode, Perry Knoppert, founder of The Octopus Movement, shares the story of the seven months he spent without a home. What began as a personal decision rooted in curiosity quickly became a deeper experience of disconnection, challenge, and insight.

With honesty and reflection, Perry talks about:

• Why he gave everything up, and what happened next
• The emotional and me...

After an overwhelming response to our first conversation, I had to bring Chelsey back for round two! In this follow-up, the licensed psychotherapist and author answers listener questions, breaking down narcissistic behavior and how to heal from toxic relationships.

We explore:

• Grandiose vs. covert narcissists - how they manipulate differently.
• Why narcissists distort ...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Jody Olsen, former Peace Corps Director and global leader, about embracing courage, building trust, and making bold life decisions. From her unexpected leap into the Peace Corps in the 1960s to leading the evacuation of 7,000 volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Olsen shares her journey of stepping into the unknown, making high-stakes decisions, and fostering deep human connection across cul...

In this episode, I talk with Todd Cherches - CEO of Big Blue Gumball, NYU professor, TEDx speaker, and author of Visual Leadership - to explore how visual thinking transforms leadership, communication, and problem-solving. We explore why leadership isn’t just about titles, but about how you see, think, and connect with others. 

We discuss:

• Why leadership is about influence - not job titles.
• How visual thinking strengthens me...

In this episode, I explore the critical role of connection in mental health with Dr. Chinwé Williams - licensed counselor, trauma therapist, and co-author of Beyond the Spiral and Seen. We discuss how anxiety and despair impact the brain, why true healing requires relationships, and how we can foster deeper, more meaningful support systems in our lives.

We discuss:

- Why feeling seen is essential for emotional well-being.

- How c...

In this episode, Cheryl Ilov returns to dive deeper into the philosophy of martial arts, the neuroscience of movement, and how training rewires both body and mind. We explore the principles that make Ninpo Taijutsu more than just self-defense - it’s a lifelong practice of resilience, strategy, and adaptability.

We discuss:

• Why martial arts builds mental toughness, problem-solving skills, and confid...

In this episode, I talk with Cheryl Ilov (movement expert, author, and podcast host) about how training in Ninpo Taijutsu helped her heal from trauma, rebuild her confidence, and redefine her sense of strength. After years of resistance, she discovered that martial arts offered a unique path to empowerment. At 57, she became her teacher’s first female black belt, proving that transformation is possible at any stage of life.

We d...

In this episode, I talk with Avery Thatcher, burnout specialist and former ICU nurse, about rethinking stress management, recovering from burnout, and building sustainable energy resilience.

We discuss:

• Why managing energy works better than managing stress—and what most strategies get wrong.

• The four types of energy and how they each lead to burnout.

• How burnout is shaped by larger societal pressures, not just personal ...

In this solo episode, I share the backstory of Learning From Your World - why I started this podcast, how it's evolved, and the surprising themes that have emerged from my conversations.

I discuss:

• How the book I wrote at 16 led to the podcast.
• Why connection and courage are the two forces that shape our lives - and how they reinforce each other.
• The "two wheels" analogy - how connection creates momentum and drives growth.
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We discuss:

- The difference between narcissistic traits and narcissistic personality disorder.

- The cycle of narcissistic abuse and its impact on victims.

- Recognizing red flags, gaslighting, and DAR...

We discuss:

- The power of internal narratives in shaping our external interactions.

- How to use self-reflection to reveal and adjust our personal biases and judgments.

- Practical strategies for fostering better storytelling, collab...

In this episode, I talk with Andy Weins, author, entrepreneur, and army veteran, about the impact of language on our reality, psychological resilience, and the role of authenticity in personal and professional life.

We discuss:

• How the language we use shapes our emotions and actions.
• The power of authenticity in building stronger connections and self-acceptance.
• How to cultivate a growth mindset and overcome self-limiting bel...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Martha Libster, nurse herbalist, historian, and author of Gentle Medicine for Balance in Body and Peace of Mind, about integrating holistic health, traditional medicine, and the power of plants in promoting mental and physical wellbeing.

We discuss:

• The balance between modern healthcare and traditional healing methods.
• How patterns in nature and Traditional Chinese Medicine can help us manage ...

In this episode, I have a conversation with Lisa Bodell, CEO of FutureThink and author of 'Why Simple Wins' and 'Kill The Company,' about embracing change, challenging the status quo, and simplifying work for meaningful outcomes.

We discuss:

• The importance of saying no and focusing efforts on what truly matters, rather than merely being 'busy'.
• Implementing strategies like 'killing stupid rules' and time management tools to r...

In this episode, I talk with Cynthia Coufal, an experienced anxiety coach with a rich background in education and counseling.

We cover:

• Normalizing anxiety and recognizing how it manifests.
• The link between anxiety, connection, and courage.
• Strategies to foster emotional regulation and psychological safety.

Challenge: At [54:15], Cynthia challenges us to set aside a daily worry time to better manage anxiety.

Resourc...

In this episode, I talk with Therese Merkel-Hamadi to explore her inspiring journey from leaving the corporate world to establishing her business, Tricky Foods. She dives deep into what she felt, thought, and learned along the way.

We discuss:

• Therese's personal transformation and her transition from a demanding corporate job to creating a successful charcuterie and catering business.
• The importance of finding joy and passion...

In this episode, Sahara Rose De Vore shares her journey and insights as a travel coach, a role distinct from travel agents focused on helping individuals find deeper meaning and purpose in their travels. Sahara Rose founded the Travel Coach Network, which trains, guides, and certifies travel coaches through an ICF accredited certification program. At TCN, they believe that building a transformative experience goes farther than just...