How People Grow: Finding Wisdom in Every Season

In the late 1960's John Perkins nearly died in the Amazonian Jungle of Ecuador... he was saved by a traditional healer and it changed his life. In this season finale episode, he shares his story. John Perkins is a New York Times bestselling author, international speaker, and activist best known for his book Confessions of an Economic Hit Man and other works including The World Is As You Dream It. A former chief economist at a major international consulting firm, he advised the World Bank, United Nations, Fortune 500 corporations, and governments around the world. His writing explores global economics, indigenous wisdom, and pathways toward a more just and sustainable world. Perkins is also a co-founder of the Pachamama Alliance, which partners with Indigenous communities to protect the Amazon rainforest and advance global sustainability.  Learn more at https://johnperkins.org/ and https://pachamama.org/  To support this podcast go to: https://substack.com/@davidachata To learn more about David's leadership & personal work: https://jointherootedway.com/ Original music by Makete and Mad Hellelujah: https://makete.bandcamp.com/  

Can plants really teach?  In this episode, I speak with Francisca Santibáñez, founder of Plant Spirit Talk, about plant communication, and her own journey of healing that reshaped her life. Raised across Brazil, Chile, and California, Francisca traces her lineage to the Tupi-Guarani people of Brazil and has spent over a decade studying plant healing with Shipibo teachers in the Peruvian Amazon, alongside other Indigenous lineages in Peru. We talk about how a severe health crisis became a turning point that led her into herbal medicine, plant initiations, and a lifelong path of remembrance and healing. Our conversation explores what it means to listen to nature, heal ancestral wounds, and how that listening can restore connection, meaning, and wholeness. Learn more about her work at https://www.plantspirittalk.com/ To support this podcast go to: https://substack.com/@davidachata To learn more about David's leadership & personal work: https://jointherootedway.com/ Original music by Makete and Mad Hellelujah: https://makete.bandcamp.com/

Leonard “Casey” Church is a member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, of the Bear and Crane clans. A former U.S. Marine, he is a cultural practitioner, teacher, and spiritual leader who has spent decades working to restore Indigenous ceremony and identity in contemporary life. He’s the author of Holy Smoke and Native American Rites of Passage, and his work explores how ritual and ceremony can foster healing, belonging, and personal transformation. Today Casey joins us to talk about the role ceremony plays in the lives of indigenous peoples and how "everyone has a native heart." To learn more go to https://www.gmwgathering.org/ To support this podcast go to: https://substack.com/@davidachata To learn more about David's leadership & personal work: https://jointherootedway.com/ Original music by Makete and Mad Hellelujah: https://makete.bandcamp.com/

Lorena Saavedra Smith is the author of the new book, Awaken Your Roots: Reclaim Your Ancestry and Sovereignty by Heeding the Jaguar’s Call. Lorena is a Pacha Philosopher, an Eco-Psychologist, and a wellness consultant dedicated to helping individuals heal through ancestral wisdom, nature reconnection, and holistic well-being. She joins the podcast to share Pacha Philosophy, and her ideas on how to reweave the broken soul.  Connect with Lorena at https://www.lorenasaavedrasmith.com/ To support this podcast go to: https://substack.com/@davidachata To learn more about David's leadership & personal work: https://jointherootedway.com/ Original music by Makete and Mad Hellelujah: https://makete.bandcamp.com/    

Dr. Damian Costello joins us this week to talk about the role of visions in an indigenous worldview. Dr. Costello is an international expert on Nicholas Black Elk, a Lakota Medicine Man. Damian is the author of Black Elk: Colonialism and Lakota Catholicism, and holds a Ph.D. in theological studies from the University of Dayton. Currently serving as the Director of Postgraduate Studies at NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community, he focuses on the intersection of Indigenous traditions and Catholic theology, with a career deeply informed by extensive ethnographic research. To support this podcast go to: https://substack.com/@davidachata To learn more about David's leadership & personal work: https://jointherootedway.com/ Original music by Makete and Mad Hellelujah: https://makete.bandcamp.com/  

Dr. Stephanie Goins joins the show this week to share what it means to "Walk in a Good Way." Stephanie calls on her research working with former child soldiers in Sierra Leone, her work as a Psychologist, teacher, and more.  Dr. Goins helps us understand in this episode some of the factors that come into play when we think about living in a good relationship with ourselves, the earth, and others.  If you'd like to connect with Stephanie, you may email her here or connect with her on Linkedin. To support this podcast go to: https://substack.com/@davidachata To learn more about David's leadership & personal work: https://jointherootedway.com/ Original music by Makete and Mad Hellelujah: https://makete.bandcamp.com/

Rev. Dr. Randy Woodley, Ph. D., is a farmer, activist/scholar, distinguished speaker, teacher and wisdom keeper who addresses a variety of issues concerning American culture, faith/spirituality, justice, race/diversity, regenerative farming, our relationship with the earth and Indigenous realities. In this episode, he talks with us about the Harmony Way of native cultures and how that impacts how we live with one another and even govern. Learn more about Randy Woodley at https://www.randywoodley.com/ and check out his books here. Randy writes regularly at Substack.com To hear David's first interview with Randy from September of 2024, click here. To support this podcast go to: https://substack.com/@davidachata To learn more about David's leadership & personal work: https://jointherootedway.com/ Original music by Makete and Mad Hellelujah: https://makete.bandcamp.com/

In this episode, David Achata interviews Danny Zacharias & Chris Hoklotubbe's about their new book, Reading the Bible on Turtle Island: An Invitation to North American Indigenous Interpretation.  Their book explores the historical and systemic dismissal of Indigenous worldviews within Western Christian circles, specifically how colonial practices labeled these cultures as "problematic" and stripped them of their theological value. Zacharias and Hoklotubbe believe that reasserting the dignity of Indigenous cultures is essential for the modern Church, as these unique interpretations provide invaluable insights into Scripture that a Western-only perspective simply cannot offer. This episode, Declonizing the Way We See is a rich exploration of the book, and the topics within. Check it out to learn what it would be like if we viewed faith in God and in the Bible through a different lens.  Purchase their book at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1514007568 Support this podcast at: https://davidachata.substack.com/  To learn more about David's work see: https://jointherootedway.com/ Original music by Makete and Mad Hellelujah: https://makete.bandcamp.com/ Help others find this podcast by leaving a review. 

Welcome back to Season 6 of the How People Grow Podcast.  This season focuses on what indigenous wisdom could teach us today. In this introductory episode, David Achata overviews for us why this conversation is important and what the word "indigenous" means. David takes us on his own journey of embracing his native roots. He'll take us on a journey to the Andes Mountains, we'll learn from a Lakota Medicine Man, we'll talk about the Doctrine of Discovery and the importance of joining all parts of ourselves together with a little wisdom from Richard Rohr.  Sound interesting? Join us for this season. Thanks for being here. To support this podcast go to: https://substack.com/@davidachata To learn more about David's work see: https://jointherootedway.com/ Original music by Makete and Mad Hellelujah: https://makete.bandcamp.com/ 

Father Len Cowan is a retired priest in the Anglican and Episcopal Churches. Today he runs the Abbey of the Way, a retreat center in Worcester, MA. Learn more about the Abbey here: https://www.abbeyoftheway.us/ In this season five bonus episode, Len shares with us his fascination with the Irish and how he returns to Ireland regularly to learn of the life of St. Patrick and the unique form of Christianity that took root there.  Len shares what a rooted Christianity looks like and encourages us to adopt practices to form our vision of God, and shape our character as we learn to bless those who live around us. As in the life of St. Patrick, he calls us to make things better where we live and take on the posture of learning to look for God vs. thinking we are bringing him somewhere that he is not.  This is the last of the Rooted Life series. Stay tuned for Season 6, coming in a few weeks on what Indigenous Wisdom Can Teach Us Today.  To support this podcast, please leave us a review. You can also join a community that is forming over on our substack page at https://substack.com/@davidachata To learn more about David's work see: https://jointherootedway.com/  

In this bonus episode, David Achata challenges us to look at the Holiday Season as a time to remember "The Religion of Jesus" vs. "The Religion about Jesus." Who were the Magi that came from a distance of 1600 miles? Why did they go to Jerusalem? What do their beliefs about power, wisdom and authority show us for our time today in 2025?  As we finish 2025 and look ahead to 2026 - here's a Christmas message to contemplate.  If you'd like to read the substack blog that comes with this podcast, go click here. To support this podcast you can do so at http://davidachata.substack.com/  To learn more about David's work see: https://jointherootedway.com/ Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the How People Grow Podcast. 

In our season finale, David Achata sits down with legendary author Parker Palmer to explore what it means to live a rooted life. Discover the wisdom of prioritizing faithfulness to your true values over the pressure of external effectiveness, and how integrity deepens as we grow old. In this episode, Parker Palmer quotes a poem by William Stafford.  A Ritual to Read to Each Other If you don't know the kind of person I am and I don't know the kind of person you are a pattern that others made may prevail in the world and following the wrong god home we may miss our star.   For there is many a small betrayal in the mind, a shrug that lets the fragile sequence break sending with shouts the horrible errors of childhood storming out to play through the broken dike.   And as elephants parade holding each elephant's tail, but if one wanders the circus won't find the park, I call it cruel and maybe the root of all cruelty to know what occurs but not recognize the fact.   And so I appeal to a voice, to something shadowy, a remote important region in all who talk: though we could fool each other, we should consider— lest the parade of our mutual life get lost in the dark.   For it is important that awake people be awake, or a breaking line may discourage them back to sleep; the signals we give — yes or no, or maybe — should be clear: the darkness around us is deep.   To read Parker's recent writing visit: https://parkerjpalmer.substack.com/ To learn more about the Center for Courage and Renewal: https://couragerenewal.org/   To support this podcast visit https//davidachata.substack.com/    To learn more about David's work see: https://jointherootedway.com/   If this interview was helpful to you, please leave us a postive review.   

Jeff Vanderstelt is the Executive Director of http://saturatetheworld.com/ an organization committed to equipping the church to live out of its identity in every space and place. He also helped found the Soma Family of Churches and lives near Seattle, Washington with his wife Jayne, and their family.  In this interview, Jeff shares his story of learning to be himself. After many years of personal work, Jeff reflects on his own life, changes, and his learning to be present to himself, to God and others.  To support this podcast see http://davidachata.substack.com/ To learn more about David's work see: https://jointherootedway.com/ AND - don't forget to leave us a review.  To connect with Jeff, listen for his email in the podcast. 

Tim Ross is a Cherokee teacher, retired pastor, missionary and current seminary teacher. In this episode Tim shares with us native ways of praying, as well as the concept of becoming a "Sticker" - meaning, someone who stays and invests in a community. Tim's teaching work can be found at NAIITS, an an indigenous seminary. To learn more about Tim and his work, check out https://naiits.com/ If this podcast was helpful to you, please leave us a review by clicking here, scrolling to the bottom and leaving a rating and a note.  To join an online conversation about this and other podcasts from this show support us at davidachata.substack.com - all the articles are free. For $8 monthly you can join the conversation. 

Lisa Sharon Harper is an author, theologan, teacher, and consultant. She is the founder of https://freedomroad.us/ and gives her life to helping others learn to do justice in just ways.  This is Lisa's second appearance on this podcast. To listen to her first interview, go back to Season 2 and check out our season finale.  In this episode, Lisa shares about a recent trip to Brazil to work with an influental church there, and talks with us about the importance of silence when cultivating a rooted life.  Join Lisa's Substack page with nearly 10k others to track reguarly with her work: https://substack.com/@lisasharonharper To support this podcast go on over to http://davidachata.substack.com/

Dr. Donna Burske serves as a Hospital Chaplain Manager in Orlando, Florida. She is a mother, teacher, contemplative, and a cancer survivor. In this episode Donna shares what it was like growing up adopted and eventually finding her biological family.  She shares what it means to her to live a rooted life in this thought-provoking episode. To contact donna email her at [email protected]  To support this podcast go to http://davidachata.substack.com/ 

Joe Steinke is a Spiritual Director, a former pastor, lifelong musician and co-founder of 24/7 Prayer USA. In this interview he shares what it was like to grow up in community in the midst of the Jesus Movement of the 1970's. He also shares practices people can engage in to find their rooting. Joe shares what it means to be a mystic and encourages us to find a "greater grace from a deeper well."  To find out more about Joe Steinke and connect with his work visit http://www.souloftheshepherd.org/  To support this podcast go to davidachata.substack.com 

Ron Pickell is a retired pastor and chaplain. His most recent position was serving on the University Campus of UC Berkeley, California for 25 years.  In this episode Ron talks with us about how being rooted means knowing what you’re about, where you’re going, and what’s most important. For Ron, that means understanding the presence and power of God among us right now. Ron shares his conversion story, his near death experience of a years ago and how that changed him. As a special bonus, we’ve included a song of Ron’s from many years back called “The Wedding.” Stay till the end.  To get into contact with Ron, check out his instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/rpig4wordoncampus/ To support his podcast go to davidachata.substack.com 

What does it mean to be a rooted person in a world that leaves so many of us feeling lost? To be rooted is to be connected — to God, to others, and to the larger story we’re part of. This season, David Achata, author, leadership consultant, coach, and former pastor, takes listeners on a journey of listening, learning, and connecting with mentors and community. In this episode, he draws from the wisdom of Parker Palmer, Richard Rohr, and John O’Donohue, as well as Scripture and Indigenous traditions. David explores how rootedness can transform pain, restore connection, and reveal a better way to live. Podcast music provided by Aaron Roche. Support this podcast at davidachata.substack.com 

Andrew Holley was once a pastor and church planter. But then his house burned down. After picking up the pieces, he and his wife tried to keep going the way they always had, but something had changed.  Some time later, at the urging of his friends, he entered a singer/songwriter contest. From there, he kept playing. Today, Andrew has embraced the music life and writes music that's full of soul, blues, and good ole' rock n' roll.  He spoke on the How People Grow Podcast about this transition - listen and enjoy his wisdom about how important relationships are, life in community, and doing what you love.  Hear his latest EP at https://onerpm.link/166172119066  Find out more about Andrew at https://www.andrewholleymusic.com/  To support the podcast go to https://substack.com/@davidachata 

Tommy Rutledge began his career as an Engineer, but later in life felt the call to serve in pastoral work as a Church Planter. Tommy shares how it changed him and helped birth the most unusual kind of work. To learn more about Tommy check out http://somaasheville.com/ and https://www.mountcarmelgoats.com/  To support this podcast go to http://davidachata.substack.com/  To join the Leadership renewal collective go to http://achatacoaching.com/ and click "coaching cohorts." 

Daniel Kasambira is the CEO of the United Way in Madison County, Alabama. After a successful career in non-profit work Daniel moved to the for-profit sector. But after being laid off, he faced the question: how do I navigate this season of unknowns? Finding himself delivering pizzas, he got an opportunity that changed everything. Today he shares his story as a way to encourage people to not give up and to remember those who helped you along the way.  To learn more about Daniel see https://uwmadisoncounty.org/leadership/ To learn about the Leadership Renewal Collective go to https://achatacoaching.com/coaching-cohorts/ To support this podcast visit http://davidachata.substack.com/ 

Ashi Alison is a Yoga and Breathwork teacher currently living near Chattanooga, Tennessee. In this special interview, she talks with us from a courtyard in Ireland. Ashi describes why she left a successful career at the North Face, selling all her possessions, and moving to a shack in Costa Rica for 10 years.  Ashi walks us through what she learned during a season by the Ocean and encourages us to "embrace the fertile void" when in a transition season.  To support this podcast go go http://davidachata.substack.com/  To learn more about David's work go to http://achatacoaching.com/ 

Brooke Lark is the founder of Lark & Co. She is the world's most downloaded food photographer and one of the world's most interesting women.  After leaving the Mormon faith, she embarked on a journey she could never have predicted. To listen to her first interview on this show, click here.  What happens after you leave your faith and your marriage? For Brooke, a call with a U.S. Senator changed everything and led her into the world of plant medicine. In this episode she shares that when you embark on a healing journey, you heal.  To connect with Brooke go to http://brookelark.com/  To support this podcast go go http://davidachata.substack.com/  To learn more about David's work go to http://achatacoaching.com/ 

Tim Ross is a lifelong pastor, missionary and teacher. He's also a Native Cherokee related to Chief John Ross. In this episode Tim shares his story, his life with the Maasai People for ten years and most recently, his work with NAIITS, the North American Indigenous Institute for Theological Studies.  Tim walks us through what it means to step into your ancestry and take the simple steps the Creator reveals. He invites us to pray, "show me, teach me, I'm open."  Learn more about NAIITS at https://naiits.com/ Support this podcast at http://substack.com/@davidachata  Learn more about David's work at http://achatacoaching.com 

Transitions are marked by endings, then a murky middle zone, and then a new beginning. In this episode David Achata discusses why we're focusing on transtions for season 4.  To learn about David's work see http://achatacoaching.com To support this podcast go to the new Substack page at: https://substack.com/@davidachata 

Join us as Amy Achata recounts her deeply personal story of overcoming chronic illness and migraines. Amy shares how she discovered the surprising reason for a lifetime of pain lay hidden in her own story. From there, she was able to explore the untapped intelligence of her body. Amy delves into the specific embodiment practices that enabled her to finally understand and respond to her body's needs, resulting in remarkable transformation and healing. She shares invaluable lessons learned on her path and provides actionable tips for listeners seeking to alleviate chronic pain or illness by tuning into their body's inherent wisdom. Find out more about Amy at http://scoutcounseling.com/ To support this podcast go to http://patreon.com/howpeoplegrow/ Sign up for the Leadership Renewal Collective at http://achatacoaching.com/ and click the "coaching cohorts" button.

Ever wonder where those "gut feelings" really come from? In this episode, David shares a personal story about stalking a deer that led him to a surprising understanding of the gut's influence on what we think. He and Dr. Tyler McCurry, D.O., unpack the fascinating gut-brain connection and how optimizing your gut health can unlock clearer emotional and intuitive guidance. Plus, get actionable advice on strengthening your intuition through practices like mindfulness and spending time in nature, and explore how faith can be a powerful ally in trusting your inner voice. Tune in to tap into your true intuitive power! To support this podcast check out http://howpeoplegrow.patreon.com/ Learn more about David's corporate work at http://achatacoaching.com/

Discover the powerful connection between your mind, body, and spirit with us. David shares his personal journey of overcoming a decade of chest pain by understanding the link between his emotions, breathing, and physical health. Dr. McCurry explores how spiritual practices like prayer and meditation can support your overall wellness and revisits the idea of your body as a sacred temple deserving of care. Learn to live with intention, aligning your actions with what truly matters. Join David Achata & Dr. Tyler McCurry, D.O., for insights on a holistic path to a healthier, more fulfilling life. Support this podcast at http://patreon.com/howpeoplegrow/ Join the Leadership Renewal Collective at http://achatacoaching.com/  

Join David Achata and Dr. Tyler McCurry as they discuss the vital role movement plays in both our physical and emotional well-being. Explore the benefits of mindful practices to connect with your body and release tension. Dr. McCurry explains how regular exercise helps calm the nervous system and reduce stress. Discover the surprising connection between movement and spiritual practices like prayer and meditation. Plus, get practical ideas for easily incorporating more movement into your daily life, no matter your current fitness level. To support this podcast go check out http://patreon.com/howpeoplegrow/ To join the Leadership Renewal Collective go to http://achatacoaching.com/ and click "coaching cohorts"

*Updated - Note: The previous version of this episode was partial. This new version contains the entire interview. Join David Achata and Dr. Tyler McCurry as they explore how past hurts and ongoing stress can get trapped in the body, affecting us physically and emotionally. Dr. McCurry explains how our nervous system reacts to stress and trauma and how it can get out of balance. In this episode, you'll discover body-centered ways to heal, like focusing on physical sensations, and how hands-on methods can help release held tension from the past. Learn about the body's natural ability to bounce back and find healing, even after tough experiences. To support this podcast go to http://patreon.com/howpeoplegrow To join the Leadership Renewal Collective see http://achatacoaching.com/ and click "coaching cohorts" To learn more about Dr. McCurry see https://www.tnosteopathic.com/

Join David Achata and Dr. Tyler McCurry as they explore how our bodies communicate. Dr. McCurry shares his story of the damage done to his body as a football player and how that was the first step that led him toward osteopathic medicine. In this episode, we'll look at the core principles of the body's self-healing capacity and how symptoms can be vital messages. We'll also touch on practical tips for tuning into your body's language through mindful movement and reflection as well as caring for your body as a spiritual practice. To support this podcast see http://patreon.com/howpeoplegrow For David's corporate work see http://achatacoaching.com/ To learn more about Dr. McCurry, see https://www.tnosteopathic.com/

Join hosts David Achata & Dr. Tyler McCurry as we launch "The Wisdom of the Body," exploring the powerful mind-body connection, and learning the shift from "doing" to "being." In this season introduction, David shares how our stories are embodied, influencing our feelings and actions, drawing on insights from Bessel van der Kolk (trauma's impact) and Stephen Porges (nervous system). Learn to listen to your body's wisdom for greater self-awareness and navigate life's journey with authenticity. Tune in to begin your embodied understanding. Support this podcast at http://patreon.com/howpeoplegrow/ Learn more about David's work at http://achatacoaching.com/

Life is chaotic, but you don't have to be. In this special bonus episode, David interviews Kyle & Brigitte, two leaders who participated in the Leadership Renewal Collective to gain stability in their lives and in their leadership.   Kyle & Brigitte are both people leaders who wanted to invest in themselves. In this interview, they talk about why they needed three months to learn four valuable disciplines, the difference it made, and their advice for others looking to invest in themselves.   To learn more about Off Course Rescue, Brigitte's non-profit, go to https://ko-fi.com/offcourserescue/   The Leadership Renewal Collective is an ongoing cohort. To join go to https://achatacoaching.com/ and click "coaching cohorts" on the homepage to learn more.

Lisa Sharon Harper is an author, activist, and professor. She's written multiple books including The Very Good Gospel and Fortune: How Race Broke My Family and the World and How to Repair it all. In this episode, Lisa shares how she didn't set out to write the book, Fortune, but to learn who she was. In the process she uncovered the complex twists and turns of the development race laws in the United States. She urges us to learn our stories and learn that we can change the power dynamics in our culture if we choose. Learn more about Lisa & her podcast at https://freedomroad.us/ and find out about her books at https://shorturl.at/DI55x Support the How People Grow podcast at https://www.patreon.com/c/HowPeopleGrow  

Justin Uhler is a former Army Ranger & Iraq War combat veteran. In this interview, Justin describes overcoming PTSD and finding purpose after the military. Today he works as a business consultant, is married, and a father of four living in Tacoma, Washington. Learn more about Justin's work at https://www.refineandgrow.com/ Support this podcast at https://www.patreon.com/c/HowPeopleGrow

Amy Buckingham describes her upbringing on the Round Valley Indian Reservation, surviving attempted murder, single parenthood, learning how to live life in broader society, and the unlikely path she walked that landed her as a healthcare executive. She embodies the resilience principle of learning to live and lead from a place of vulnerability. Don't miss this amazing conversation. Support this conversation at https://www.patreon.com/c/HowPeopleGrow  

Captain Vince Chamberlain describes his rocky journey after The United States Coast Guard, how he overcame a hard divorce, navigated finding a new career (from driving tugboats to private yachts), and became a barber. Vince describes finding purpose in his new endeavor, "The FOB" project (Forward Operating Base) - a new non-profit for transitioning veterans. Support the FOB project at https://www.thefobproject.org/ Vince guides us through his journey and encourages us to find a way to serve. Support this podcast at https://www.patreon.com/c/HowPeopleGrow  

Brooke Lark runs Larke & Co, a creative agency. But before that, she was a devout Mormon. Hear her story of leaving Mormonism, divorcing, finding herself in an abusive marriage and how she escaped on a backpacking trip and started over. Brooke embodies the principle of "pushing all the buttons until the candy comes out," in other words, try many things to become the healthiest and most expansive version of yourself. Find out more Brooke's creative work at: https://larkxco.com/ Also, to learn more about her foray into the the world of plant medicine, listen to her podcast, Good Mama Magic at https://brookelark.com/ Her podcast is a wild and unexpected ride. Support the How People Grow podcast at https://www.patreon.com/c/HowPeopleGrow  

In this powerful episode, David Achata and Mike Cinelli discuss Mike's recovery from Heroin. Mike takes us on his personal journey through trauma and substance abuse, while emphasizing the importance of community, addressing emotional pain, and daily practices like meditation for recovery. Connect with Mike at https://mikecinelli.com/ Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/HowPeopleGrow

Life is chaotic, but you don't have to be. Season 2 of the How People Grow Podcast is all about resilience-- the ability to not just survive, but thrive amidst life's inevitable chaos. This episode outlines three key investments for building it: strengthening support systems, cultivating a resilient mindset, and prioritizing physical and emotional well-being. Last, David previews upcoming guests and their stories of overcoming addiction, navigating religious transitions, finding purpose after military service, escaping challenging circumstances, and the power of understanding personal narratives, all through the lens of the three pillars of resilience: Connection, Perspective, and Regulation. New episodes for season 2 will be released every week. Thanks for listening. Support us at https://www.patreon.com/HowPeopleGrow  

In this special bonus episode, David Achata talks with Pastor Tommy Rutledge about the impacts of Hurricane Helene. They discuss how suffering changes people and ways to get involved in helping their efforts in the city. With so much flooding and damage, knowing where to turn to help is hard. We're thankful Tommy took time on short notice to share what he is up to.   To help Soma Asheville's efforts go to http://somaasheville.com/ and click the red "donate" button to contribute to the efforts in West Asheville to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene

This is our season finale with Dr. Randy Woodley of the Eloheh Indigenous Learning Center. In this conversation David Achata interviews Randy about his journey to embracing his Cherokee ancestry, living by indigenous values and how the Western Worldview is hurting us.   Randy also shares about his newest book, Journey to Eloheh: How Indigenous Values Lead Us to Harmony and Well-Being. Get yours here: https://shorturl.at/CIboc   Learn more about Randy's work at https://www.eloheh.org/   Continue the conversation at: https://www.patreon.com/HowPeopleGrow

It's hard to talk to people who see things different. In this episode, David Achata & Tyler Rogers show how to create a safe space for open communication and collaboration by offering reassurances to build trust and a willingness to participate in learning. Learn skills to negotiate a win-win solution that might meet diverse needs and by doing this we learn to build a foundation for long-term collaborations. Continue the conversation at: https://www.patreon.com/HowPeopleGrow

It's hard to demonstrate genuine respect and validation. In this episode, David Achata & Tyler Rogers show what respectful communication looks like when someone else has an experience that you just can't understand. David gets personal by sharing some of his mixed-heritage story. Tyler demonstrates how to value someone's experience in a way that builds trust.   Join the conversation at: https://www.patreon.com/HowPeopleGrow

Want to understand opposing viewpoints without agreeing? In this episode, David Achata & Tyler Rogers talk about how to ask good questions to build bridges. They also touch on exploring the root causes of our resistance to understanding others and how to use empathy for connection, not necessarily agreement. Join the conversation at: https://www.patreon.com/HowPeopleGrow

Understanding that we all have biased perspectives and personal filters is essential to constructive conversations. Move beyond "right vs. wrong" to understand the "why" behind beliefs. David Achata, PCC & Dr. Tyler Rogers explore healthy ways to challenge someone's thinking.   Join the conversation at https://www.patreon.com/HowPeopleGrow

Avoid the trap of being too decisive. Growth thrives by learning diverse perspectives. David Achata, PCC & Dr. Tyler Rogers explore how decisiveness can lead to stagnation. Learn to restore dignity in communication through active listening that fosters learning and integration. Join the conversation at https://www.patreon.com/HowPeopleGrow  

In Season 1, we'll explore what it looks like to learn to get outside of our wordview. In this season introduction, David shares why he started this podcast and his hopes for it.   Join the patreon conversation at -    https://www.patreon.com/HowPeopleGrow