Productive Passions
Change is happening everywhere eliciting excitement and anticipation in its wake. How do we harness that excitement for ourselves when we find work to be overwhelming, monotonous, or dissatisfying and we’re ready for change? That’s the question we’re looking to answer as we talk with guests who have turned their passion into meaningful work! Productive Passions - hosted by Christy Tagye - takes us on a journey with guests who have dared to reshape their lives and follow their dreams. In each episode, we have candid conversations with people who have embraced change jumping headfirst into uncertainty and following their passions. We’ll explore their stories, experiences, sources of support, and what fuels their motivation to persevere when things aren’t sunshine and rainbows. Hear from experts who provide valuable advice, and resources for actionable steps to begin your transformative journey. Subscribe to Productive Passions wherever you listen to podcasts and never miss an episode!
Episodes
Most of us enter adulthood without the financial education we actually need. In this episode, Christy speaks with Joey Belsanti, Founder of Twelve Points Academy, about the financial literacy crisis and the movement he is building to change it.
You will learn how to align money with your values, why taking action matters more than inspiration, and what young adults should understand about credit, debt, and early investing. They als...
Can solar farms grow food and renewable power at the same time? In this episode of Productive Passions, host Christy Tagye sits down with agri-energy advocate Rebekah Pierce to explore how sunlight, sheep, and solar can transform the future of farming. From upstate New York pastures to nationwide debates about land use, you will hear how agri-energy protects farmland, supports farmers, and powers our communities.
Whether you are a ...
Air Force veteran, author, and performance strategist John Knotts joins Christy Tagye, host of Productive Passions, to share how strategic thinking, discipline, and confidence create lasting success. From designing his 20-year life plan to leading others through fear and growth, John reveals how founders can turn ambition into a clear, actionable roadmap.
Whether you’re building a business, leading a team, or striving for personal ...
The journey to greater consciousness begins with being open to change and committing to daily self-connection. Like brushing your teeth, make time each morning to connect with yourself through meditation, prayer, or reflection; even just 5-10 minutes can set your intention for the day.
2. Accept Your Emotions Without JudgmentWhen you notice emotions arising, don't fig...
Today’s Takeaways:
- Money matters for relationships: Financial conflict ranks among the top divorce drivers in the U.S. Early money conversations aren't optional—they're preventive care for your partnership.
- Talk before you commit: Understanding your partner's money story and habits before major commitments helps you build a realistic, shared future together.
- Read more
Today’s Takeaways:
- Challenges can spark innovation. Often the most meaningful solutions are born from lived experiences and personal struggles.
- Start small. Even a simple idea or experiment can grow into something impactful when you follow it with intention.
- Focus on connection, not perfection. Whether in caregiving, business, or relatio...
Today’s Takeaways:
- Work with nature, don’t try to conquer it. Regenerative farming is collaboration with ecological processes, not battling them.
- Soil health = nutrient-dense food. Healthier soil produces more nutrient-dense crops, which supports public health and can reduce healthcare costs.
- Regenerative systems can be more profitable...
Today’s Takeaways
- Trauma can be transformed into growth: Survivors often find meaning and resilience by exploring coping strategies like counseling, faith or community support.
- Choose advisors who share your values: Founders and leaders should seek mentors and board members whose vision and ethics align with both their personal goals and the organization’s mission. In p...
Today’s Takeaways:
- Giving Fuels Growth Bettina’s “flywheel” is built on giving, supporting, and championing others. The more she gives, the more her wealth and impact grow.
- Invest in Founders First Bettina backs people: character, courage, coachability, and emotional intelligence matter more than the pitch.
- Founders Must Be Resilient Operators Early-stage leaders are the salesperson, HR, CFO, and cleaner! Emotional stamin...
Today’s Takeaways:
- Design for All, Benefit Everyone • Remember that technologies created to empower people with disabilities often unlock efficiencies and greater equality for everyone. When you innovate with accessibility in mind, you’re not just helping one group—you’re lifting the entire community.
- Continuously Update Legacy Solutions • Periodically audit older a...
Today’s Takeaways:
- Answering a Higher Calling Nico walked away from a successful career to follow his true mission: bringing dignity to those facing the worst of humanity’s crises.
- From Immigrant Dreamer to Global Changemaker Arriving with no connections, no English, and no funding, he turned a personal dream of emergency shelters into CMAX, a UN-recognized organiz...
- Purpose-Driven Work Creates Meaningful ROI Consider how your daily work contributes to community wellbeing and environmental stewardship—sustainable development and social impact can deliver strong financial returns while creating lasting positive change.
- Designing Community Spaces That Foster Natural Connection Healthy community spaces should encourage organic interactions rather than forced socializati...
- Key Success Traits: Dedication, passion, curiosity, hustle, determination and unwavering integrity are essential for entrepreneurial success.
- Leverage Life Challenges: Personal hardships build resilience and perspective, helping you navigate business obstacles more effectively.
- Women’s Confidence Gap: Women often under...
Today’s Takeaways:
- Act Now Don’t Wait for Regulation The time for action is now. We cannot afford to wait for policymakers or regulators to lead the way. Individuals, businesses, and communities must take initiative to build a more sustainable future. No sector can tackle this alone. By aligning policymakers, investors, industry and cultural leaders today, we can scale regenerative solutions far m...
Empowering Women in the Creative Economy
- Power in Diversity Bringing together creatives from different backgrounds sparks fresh perspectives and multiplies impact.
- Community-First Mindset Always design with sustainability in mind: leave something meaningful behind, not just a finished project.
- Global Sisterhood When...
Today's Takeaways:
- Innovation + collaboration disrupts for good. Treat “do-gooding” like a startup. Leverage creativity, research, local partnerships, and unlikely alliances to unlock breakthrough success.
- Build win-win supplier partnerships. Treat your vendors as strategic allies: invest in their success (training, fair contracts, shared goals) so they’ll deliver hig...
Today’s Takeaways:
- Embrace effortless connections. Notice and nurture those natural, uncomplicated bonds with others that energize you.
- Honor your non-linear journey. The detours and unexpected turns often lead to your most rewarding experiences.
- Acknowledge early influences. Your formative years leave powerful imprints. Don’t underestim...
Today's Takeaways:
- Regret Is Natural In the heat of conflict we speak and act with what we know in the moment. Acknowledge any regrets then offer yourself the same compassion you would extend to a friend.
- Ask Then Honor There is no one size fits all approach to supporting someone in grief. Simply ask, “What do you need from me right now?” and follow through.
Today’s Takeaways:
- Success Through Integrity: True success comes from a blend of tenacity, relentless drive, integrity, and ambition. Remember: no one can take your learning away from you.
- Trust and Follow Your Passion: Trust in the process—even without knowing the outcome. When you pursue your calling, the Universe often provides, though hard work and challenges re...
Today’s Takeaways: 1. Interrupt Hunger’s Mission: Focus on preventing chronic disease, feeding the hungry, and fostering community. 2. Community Collaboration is Key: Change starts by working together—teaching essential skills like cooking, gardening, and movement while giving back.
3. A Look at the Past vs. Today: Several generations ago, nearly 40% of produce came from home gardens. Today, ultra-processed foods and additives h...
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