Integrity and Joy

Send us Fan MailThe season 1 finale didn’t go as planned — because life didn’t go as planned.In this deeply personal episode, I share what happened when an unexpected and serious illness forced me to stop, surrender control, and put my own coaching and mindfulness practices to the test.I open up about my three months of struggle, the weeks in the hospital, the wake-up calls about health and priorities, and the lessons I’m taking forward — about presence, compassion, letting go, and the power of asking for help.If you’ve ever faced a setback that left you feeling powerless, or needed a reminder to care for yourself the way you care for others, this episode is for you.Thank you for being part of Season 1. Your listening, your support, and your presence have meant the world. I can’t wait to continue the journey with you in Season 2.💬 Let’s stay connected: www.integrityandjoy.com📱 Instagram & TikTok: @integrityandjoyThemes: impermanence/everything is temporary; surrendering; priorities; healthcare; mindfulness; meditationSupport the showPlease rate and review this episode and let us know what topics or questions you'd like us to address in future episodes.Follow us on:InstagramTikTokYouTubeVisit us at: www.integrityandjoy.com

Send us Fan MailEpisode 19 or Integrity and Joy:Dr. Paul R. Williams has spent his career navigating the world’s most fragile moments. A lawyer, negotiator, and professor, he’s been a quiet force behind peace deals, post-conflict constitutions, and the pursuit of justice after war. In this episode, we dive into what drives him and how the spirit of entrepreneurship and service inspired his unique career path. We also discuss the central importance of integrity, developing critical thinkings skills, and figuring out what your "Wow!" is.Paul's story itself is inspirational and his work has been so impactful. But it may be the conversation we have toward the end of the podcast — about the future of education, the impact of AI, building our personal realities, and building on your strengths — may be the best part!Dr. Williams is a professor of Law and International Relations at American University where he teaches in the School of International Service and at the Washington College of Law. Dr. Williams is also the co-founder of the Public International Law & Policy Group (PILPG), a pro bono law firm providing legal assistance to states and governments involved in peace negotiations, post-conflict constitution drafting, and the prosecution of war criminals.Dr. Williams was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Support the showPlease rate and review this episode and let us know what topics or questions you'd like us to address in future episodes.Follow us on:InstagramTikTokYouTubeVisit us at: www.integrityandjoy.com

Send us Fan MailA former student of mine, Erica Lazarus, has been working with me on the Integrity and Joy social media presence since last fall. She's a pretty unique and special person — social worker, yogi, powerful spirit — and we talked a bit about how courage was a focal point for her while she was in the midst of a healing journey in Hawaii. Our discussion inspired episode 8 of this podcast, which dealt with courage.At the time, we recorded one of our conversations in case we wanted to share it more broadly. Given everything that is happening these days, this felt like the right time to share a conversation about courage.Support the showPlease rate and review this episode and let us know what topics or questions you'd like us to address in future episodes.Follow us on:InstagramTikTokYouTubeVisit us at: www.integrityandjoy.com

Send us Fan MailEpisode 18 of Integrity and Joy:Transformation and transitions rarely happen all at once. They unfold in phases—something ends, there’s a disorienting in-between, and then, something new begins. In this episode, Transformation in Three Acts: Integrity Through Every Phase, we explore the emotional terrain of change and why it often feels harder than we expect. You’ll learn how to honor what’s ending, navigate the uncertainty of the limbo, and step into new beginnings with intention. With mindset shifts and a healthy dose of compassion and mindfulness, this episode is your invitation to move through change not just with resilience, but with joy and authenticity.Let us know if you're gong through a significant transition or want to create a life transformation personally and/or professionally — text us or DM or tag us on social media: @integrityandjoy. Visit www.integrityandjoy.com for information on how life coaching can help you transform your life.Support the showPlease rate and review this episode and let us know what topics or questions you'd like us to address in future episodes.Follow us on:InstagramTikTokYouTubeVisit us at: www.integrityandjoy.com

Send us Fan MailIntegrity and Joy — Episode 17:In this soulful and inspiring conversation, Steve reconnects with his former student — the dynamic Jillian Hervey, best known as the front woman of the genre-blending duo LION BABE. Jillian opens up about her creative journey, growing up as the daughter of Vanessa Williams, forging her own artistic identity, and what it’s been like to become a mother herself.Together, they explore:• How LION BABE came to life• The evolution of Jillian’s voice, style, and purpose• The beauty and complexity of legacy• What artistry and motherhood are teaching her nowWhether you’re a fan of music, creative reinvention, or bold storytelling, this episode will leave you energized and inspired.👉 Share this with a friend who loves LION BABE, soulful music, or stories of women coming into their power.Jillian Hervey is an American singer, songwriter, dancer and performer, best known as the lead vocalist of the eclectic music duo LION BABE. She has inherited a rich artistic legacy that she has seamlessly blended with her unique style and vision.Jillian, alongside producer Lucas Goodman (also known as Astro Raw), formed LION BABE in 2012. The duo quickly gained attention with their debut single "Treat Me Like Fire," which showcased their distinctive sound—a fusion of R&B, soul, funk, and dance music. Jillian's powerful and soulful voice, combined with her striking stage presence and fashion-forward style, has made her a captivating figure in the music industry and art world.LION BABE released their debut album "Begin" in 2016, featuring collaborations with renowned artists such as Pharrell Williams and Childish Gambino. The album received critical acclaim for its innovative sound and production, solidifying the duo's place in contemporary music. They followed up with "Cosmic Wind" in 2019, an album that further explored themes of empowerment, love, and self-discovery. Beyond her work with LION BABE, Jillian is known for her advocacy of female empowerment and body positivity. She often uses her platform to celebrate diversity and promote self-love. Her music and public persona are imbued with messages of strength and confidence, resonating deeply with her fans.Jillian Hervey continues to evolve as an artist, pushing the boundaries of genre and expression. Her influence extends beyond music into fashion and art, where she is celebrated for her bold and dynamic aesthetic. Through LION BABE, Jillian Hervey remains a powerful voice and a trailblazing force in the world of contemporary music.Support the showPlease rate and review this episode and let us know what topics or questions you'd like us to address in future episodes.Follow us on:InstagramTikTokYouTubeVisit us at: www.integrityandjoy.com

Send us Fan MailEpisode 17 of Integrity and Joy:We’ve all been there—those moments when your heart races, your palms get sweaty, and you’re bracing yourself for a conversation that feels impossibly awkward or confrontational. Whether it’s addressing a conflict at work, setting boundaries in a relationship, or giving (and receiving!) feedback, difficult conversations can feel like walking through a minefield. But what if they didn’t have to?In this episode, we’re diving into how to handle tough conversations with integrity and composure—without letting emotions hijack the moment. And you can actually strengthen the relationship and build trust! You’ll learn:✅ The mindset shift that turns conflict into a shared problem to solve together✅ How to keep your cool and channel your empathy and compassion✅ The secret to delivering feedback that’s honest and more likely to have a positive impact✅ Why acknowledging awkwardness is actually a good thing—and how to push through it✅ How to respond (not react!) when you’re on the receiving end of feedbackDifficult conversations don’t have to be dreaded—they can be the doorway to deeper relationships, better leadership, and personal growth. Tune in and let’s tackle them together.🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward more confident, clear, and constructive communication!Support the showPlease rate and review this episode and let us know what topics or questions you'd like us to address in future episodes.Follow us on:InstagramTikTokYouTubeVisit us at: www.integrityandjoy.com

Send us Fan MailIntegrity and Joy — Episode 15: In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode of Integrity and Joy, host Steve Walker reconnects with a former student, Meharban Singh Sobti, whose journey from a challenging childhood to working at SpaceX is nothing short of extraordinary.Meharban shares candid reflections on navigating identity as a Sikh American, enduring childhood bullying, and wrestling with the weight of familial expectations. He opens up about his early academic struggles, his unexpected love for physics, and the path that led him to one of the most revolutionary aerospace companies in the world.From being underestimated and facing discrimination to becoming a leader in a high-stakes environment, Meharban's story is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the power of choosing one’s own path. Along the way, we explore the tension between innovation and ethics, the evolving role of private space exploration, and what it truly means to find purpose in our work.This is an episode about breaking barriers—personal, professional, and societal—and embracing the unknown with integrity and courage.Support the showPlease rate and review this episode and let us know what topics or questions you'd like us to address in future episodes.Follow us on:InstagramTikTokYouTubeVisit us at: www.integrityandjoy.com

Send us Fan MailIntegrity and Joy — Episode 14: Mindfulness can be a life changing practice. While mindfulness — including meditation — has become tremendously popular in recent years, it is often misunderstood and many people deny themselves the benefits of a mindfulness practice because of the myths and confusion surrounding it.In this episode, Steve shares his own experience with mindfulness and meditation, discusses the benefits of mindfulness, helps debunk the myths, and offers concrete suggestions on how to develop your own mindfulness practice.In this episode, Steve mentions the book Altered Traits, by Daniel Goleman and Richard J. Davidson, which reviews the extensive research on meditation and mindfulness and their impact on the brain and human behavior. Support the showPlease rate and review this episode and let us know what topics or questions you'd like us to address in future episodes.Follow us on:InstagramTikTokYouTubeVisit us at: www.integrityandjoy.com

Send us Fan MailIntegrity and Joy — Episode 13: Dr. Jared Weintraub is a former student of mine and an Organizational Psychologist who explores the practical applications of generative AI, workplace nudges, mindfulness, and Flow Theory to help people and organizations flourish. Jared is a researcher, People Analytics Professional, coach, Founder of the Flow Group LLC, and Adjunct Professor at New York University, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate-level Industrial-Organizational Psychology courses.In this episode, Jared and I discuss his passion for music and how he initially pursued that path — including an appearance on national TV! — before pivoting to organization psychology. He shares how he resisted the expectations of society and his childhood community to forge his own path.We also discuss:✅ Defining success on your own terms✅ How preparation and luck go hand in hand when creating opportunities✅ The power of daily nudges—like SMART goals—to build focus and flow✅ Flow metacognition: why believing you can control flow helps you achieve it more often✅ The role of grit and feedback in sustaining focus, growth, and high performance✅ How mindfulness isn’t a one-size-fits-all practice (and how to find your way in)✅ The role of being a moral compass for our kids and how we can help kids develop empathy, persistence, and a growth mindset by leading by example.The fascinating discussion of flow metacognition and how it can unlock your flow state more easily is toward the end — don't miss it!This episode is for anyone who wants to be more intentional, better achieve a state of flow, navigate career transitions, or create a life aligned with both integrity and joy.🎧 Ready to step into more clarity, focus, and fulfillment? Listen now and don’t forget to follow, share, and leave a review—it helps more people like you find these conversations!Support the showPlease rate and review this episode and let us know what topics or questions you'd like us to address in future episodes.Follow us on:InstagramTikTokYouTubeVisit us at: www.integrityandjoy.com

Send us Fan MailIntegrity and Joy — Episode 12: Many of us feel stuck or struggle to find our "purpose." But we create our purpose and meaning in life and there are concrete ways we can do exactly that, personally and professionally.Whether you're starting out in life or somewhere in the middle or are farther along on your journey, this podcast is for you! Get unstuck and take some concrete steps to make sure you are experiencing real meaning and purpose — and some joy and love — along the way.Support the showPlease rate and review this episode and let us know what topics or questions you'd like us to address in future episodes.Follow us on:InstagramTikTokYouTubeVisit us at: www.integrityandjoy.com

Send us Fan MailIntegrity and Joy — Episode 11: Helaine Knapp is incredibly impressive and inspirational! Founder and CEO of CityRow and author of Making Waves, Helaine is a successful entrepreneur and consultant whose story will captivate and inspire.Helaine is a scrappy and successful founder and CEO, from startup to Series A (and beyond), who advises founders and consults with businesses to see them through the turbulent waters of growing a company, navigating side-by-side with them from the beginning to pivots to exiting.  She also just published her first book, an inspirational memoir called Making Waves, and speaks on all things business and life, in front of audiences large and small.Helaine has been featured on the Today Show and in Forbes, Yahoo Finance, and Harper's Bizarre, among other publications. Support the showPlease rate and review this episode and let us know what topics or questions you'd like us to address in future episodes.Follow us on:InstagramTikTokYouTubeVisit us at: www.integrityandjoy.com

Send us Fan MailIntegrity and Joy — Episode 10: We live in uncertain times. How can integrity help us navigate these uncertain times and restore the integrity of the core institutions that we need for a functioning democracy and free society?Support the showPlease rate and review this episode and let us know what topics or questions you'd like us to address in future episodes.Follow us on:InstagramTikTokYouTubeVisit us at: www.integrityandjoy.com

Send us Fan MailIntegrity and Joy — Episode 9: Education will be a recurring theme in this podcast because it is so central to our own development and to our society as a whole. I was fortunate to teach in and, eventually, run an innovative lab school, but most students go through schools that are not preparing them adequately for the world we live in, never mind the world they will live in five or ten years from now.I wanted to start this ongoing conversation about the future of education by speaking with one of the leading thinkers on education today: Will Richardson.A former public school educator of 22 years, Will has spent the last 18 years developing an international reputation as a leading thinker and writer about the intersection of social online learning networks, education, and systemic change. Most recently, Will is a co-founder of The Big Questions Institute which was created to help educators use "fearless inquiry" to make sense of this complex moment and an uncertain future. In 2024, he authored a "manifesto" titled "Confronting Education in a Time of Complexity, Chaos, and Collapse" aimed at provoking serious conversations about the future of schools. Download a copy of his manifesto here: https://futureserious.school/manifestoedu/In 2017, Will was named one of 100 global "Changemakers in Education" by the Finnish site HundrED, and was named one of the Top 5 "Edupreneurs to Follow" by Forbes. He has given keynote speeches, led breakout sessions, and provided coaching services in over 30 countries on 6 continents. (Come on Antarctica!) He has also authored six books that have sold over 200,000 copies worldwide, and given TEDx Talks in New York, Melbourne, and most recently Vancouver. In addition to his focus and expertise on classroom pedagogies, learning theory, and emerging technologies and trends, his current interests include the use of Design Fiction, Speculative Design, and Regenerative Design to help schools and districts envision potential futures. Will has two adult children, Tess and Tucker, and lives in rural New Jersey with his wife Wendy.Support the showPlease rate and review this episode and let us know what topics or questions you'd like us to address in future episodes.Follow us on:InstagramTikTokYouTubeVisit us at: www.integrityandjoy.com

Send us Fan MailIntegrity and Joy — Episode 8: We often think of courage as primarily being something heroes, first responders, and others facing physical danger have. But we all have some capacity for courage and need courage of different kinds throughout our lives.In this episode, I will explore some of the ways in which we need courage, how to find and create it within ourselves, and how to foster it in our kids.Courage will be a recurring theme in this podcast. Look out for bonus episodes in which I will discuss courage with a variety of guests.Support the showPlease rate and review this episode and let us know what topics or questions you'd like us to address in future episodes.Follow us on:InstagramTikTokYouTubeVisit us at: www.integrityandjoy.com

Send us Fan MailIntegrity and Joy — Episode 8: Scott Zumwalt was impressive as a 10th grader in my European history class, foreshadowing his tremendous success as a digital marketing innovator on presidential and senate campaigns, in the LGBTQ rights movement, and for Fortune 500 corporations. He's impressive, thoughtful, and incredibly humble.We talk about Scott's work in politics, the evolution of his ground-breaking career, the impact of AI, and his own personal journey and how coming out affected his personal and professional lives. It's an inspirational story on many levels.Scott Zumwalt is a Managing Director at Bully Pulpit International, with over 15 years of experience in digital strategy and marketing for Fortune 500 corporations, progressive political campaigns, and nonprofits. Scott managed BPI’s work on four winning U.S. Senate races and two winning statewide ballot initiatives. In 2017, Scott was on the American Association of Political Consultants' "40 under 40" list.As a leading digital innovator in the LGBTQ rights movement, Scott  helped launch and grow the award winning It Gets Better Project, has consulted for the Human Rights Campaign, and has served on the campaign board of the Victory Fund, which helps elect openly LGBTQ people.Scott was  New Media Director for Kay Hagan’s successful U.S. Senate campaign in North Carolina and was a digital aide on Hillary Clinton’s first presidential campaign.Scott has an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BA from Georgetown University.Support the showPlease rate and review this episode and let us know what topics or questions you'd like us to address in future episodes.Follow us on:InstagramTikTokYouTubeVisit us at: www.integrityandjoy.com

Send us Fan MailIntegrity and Joy — Episode 6: The quality and health of our relationships are huge factors in our ability to live a good life, to create and find joy and happiness and meaning in our lives. To experience love.Here are five keys to having healthy, meaningful relationships. They are applicable to romantic relationships as well as relationships with family members, friends and colleagues.Which of these do you do well? Which do you struggle with? Which do you want to hear more about in future episodes? Send us a text or DM, leave a comment here or on socials @integrityandjoy.Support the showPlease rate and review this episode and let us know what topics or questions you'd like us to address in future episodes.Follow us on:InstagramTikTokYouTubeVisit us at: www.integrityandjoy.com

Send us Fan MailIn this Bonus Episode related to Episode 4, I discuss my own struggles with my inner voice, including imposter syndrome and fear of abandonment and rejection.Support the showPlease rate and review this episode and let us know what topics or questions you'd like us to address in future episodes.Follow us on:InstagramTikTokYouTubeVisit us at: www.integrityandjoy.com

Send us Fan MailIntegrity and Joy — Episode 5: Navigating your 20s can be challenging — so why not throw in a five-month thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail?!Do you like stories of adventures and big life lessons? Are you or is someone you know in your/their 20s? Have you ever wondered what it's like to hike the Appalachian Trail? If any of those are true, this episode is for you!Adam Bayer and Ben Sackler are former students of mine whose stories and friendship are guaranteed to entertain and inspire. We discuss powerful lessons everyone will find helpful about saying "yes" more often, living with intentionality, friendship and more. They each share their stories of how they are navigating their 20s. Earlier this year, they thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail together, and the adventure provided incredible life lessons we explore, as well. (The Appalachian Trail story starts at 52:37)Adam Bayer is a 26-year-old kid from Westchester County, NY. After 4 years in management consulting, he is now pursuing an MBA at NYU Stern with the goal of pivoting into the tech, entertainment, and/or media industries. If you know anyone hiring, message him on LinkedIn! He likes to run marathons, sing little songs, and get creative in the kitchen (although, candidly, most people call his culinary innovations "gross").Ben Sackler is a 26-year-old goofball from Chappaqua, NY. After spending 3+ years at The Climate Reality Project, a climate nonprofit founded and chaired by former Vice President Al Gore, Ben thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, a 2,200-mile footpath spanning from Georgia to Maine (alongside his childhood friend Adam). Ben is an avid runner, amateur photographer, and passionate shower singer. Support the showPlease rate and review this episode and let us know what topics or questions you'd like us to address in future episodes.Follow us on:InstagramTikTokYouTubeVisit us at: www.integrityandjoy.com

Send us Fan MailIn episode 4 of Integrity and Joy, we talk about our inner voice — is it your biggest cheerleader or, like for many of us, your harshest critic? We’ll explore why we have such a negative inner voice, how paradigms and mindsets — which can become limiting beliefs — often define that inner critic and limit our possibilities, and what are some concrete steps you can take to quiet your inner critic and adopt new mindsets and paradigms that will unlock the life you want to be living.Support the showPlease rate and review this episode and let us know what topics or questions you'd like us to address in future episodes.Follow us on:InstagramTikTokYouTubeVisit us at: www.integrityandjoy.com

Send us Fan MailMy guest on episode 3 of Integrity and Joy is Jamie Arkin, a New Yorker and former student of mine turned public health and development consultant based in Cape Town, South Africa.Jamie  grew up in New York and knew there was more in the world than that which she was raised in. With a plan from a young age to live around the world, Jamie did just that through taking every opportunity she had to put that goal first, through the ups and downs. Through regular self reflection, Jamie has built a life by design where she gets to make significant positive impact in her career in public health and development while trying to be open to redefining what success and joy look like.This conversation is a fascinating story full of how one woman has created and manifested an incredible life for herself, full of meaning and adventure. It is sure to inspire you and is full of wisdom throughout. You'll hear about Jamie's vision for her life, key decisions that changed her and the trajectory of her journey, and the lessons she has learned along the way.I think everyone will enjoy this episode, but if you know someone in their teens, 20s or 30s who is trying to find their path, please share it with them!Support the showPlease rate and review this episode and let us know what topics or questions you'd like us to address in future episodes.Follow us on:InstagramTikTokYouTubeVisit us at: www.integrityandjoy.com

Send us Fan MailIntegrity and Joy — Episode 2: How do we live a good life? Living a good life can be challenging and even a bit of a mystery. Managing our careers, relationships, finances and more can be confusing and overwhelming at times. We can even feel like we are the only ones without all the answers, but virtually everyone else is in the same boat, figuring it out as they go.In this episode, Steve begins to explore what it means to live a good life, setting the stage for the rest of this podcast...Support the showPlease rate and review this episode and let us know what topics or questions you'd like us to address in future episodes.Follow us on:InstagramTikTokYouTubeVisit us at: www.integrityandjoy.com

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the first episode of Integrity and Joy!Meet our host, Steve Walker — certified professional life coach, meditation teacher and former diplomat, activist and educator. After introducing the podcast, Steve explores why integrity is so important in living a good life and for our society, especially right now.Support the showPlease rate and review this episode and let us know what topics or questions you'd like us to address in future episodes.Follow us on:InstagramTikTokYouTubeVisit us at: www.integrityandjoy.com

Send us Fan MailThis is a brief teaser for the upcoming Integrity and Joy podcast with Steve Walker — life coach and meditation teacher, former diplomat, activist and educator.Support the showPlease rate and review this episode and let us know what topics or questions you'd like us to address in future episodes.Follow us on:InstagramTikTokYouTubeVisit us at: www.integrityandjoy.com