Return to Moore

For most of my life, I thought authenticity was something you arrived at—a milestone to be reached once you’d figured things out. I’ve since learned it’s a daily practice, shaped by the choices I make and the company I keep. In this episode of Return to Moore, I sit down with my longtime friend William Whitfield, whose journey from Chicago to Washington, D.C. has been a testament to making intentional decisions and staying true to what matters.As we talk, William and I revisit the moments that have shaped us—from the music that filled our childhood homes to the challenges and changes that come with adulthood. Our conversation explores what it really takes to show up for ourselves and others, how we build lasting connections, and why we sometimes have to let go of old definitions of success.You’ll hear how routines, honest reflection, and the willingness to pivot can help us stay grounded—even when life feels uncertain. If you’ve ever found yourself drifting or questioning your next step, this episode offers a straightforward look at what it means to live with purpose, one choice at a time.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction00:06 – "Friendship and Faith with William"03:41 – R&B Go-To Albums List06:24 – Mary J. Blige: A Defining Moment09:48 – Navigating Emotions and Daily Struggles12:45 – "Discipline for Lifelong Growth"18:53 – "Friendship Growth Through Reflection"20:03 – Authentic Living Through Relationships24:10 – "Reflections on Friendship and Authenticity"29:23 – "Redefining Success and Adaptability"32:11 – "Courage to Pivot and Adapt"34:25 – "Lessons on Relationships and Homeownership"38:06 – Living Authentically: Key Practices40:46 – "Returning to Your True Self"41:26 - OutroQuotes:"Authenticity isn't something you arrive at—it's something you practice every day. One honest decision at a time changes everything."- Jonathan Moore"Start with one point of discipline and let it grow; give yourself the space to evolve, to pivot, and to be better than you were yesterday. That’s how you find your true self, again and again."- William WhitfieldKey Takeaways:Authenticity Is a Daily PracticeComing Home to YourselfChildhood Threads Shape Our PresentStart Small, Build DisciplineFriendships and Relationships: Evolving with IntentionPermission to PivotRooted in Gratitude and JoyLaughter and Lightness MatterConnect with the Host, Jonathan Moore:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonathan-moore/Website: https://returntomoore.com/Produced by Heartcast Media:http://www.heartcastmedia.com

I met Michael and Brittany Hughes years ago, and watching their relationship up close has always been a reminder that lasting love is built on choices, not momentum. They first met as college students at Arizona State University while working for the same organization. What began as a workplace friendship grew steadily, shaped by time, conversation, and trust. They dated for six years before marrying in 2011, and last November marked 20 years together.Today, they’re raising three girls in Chandler, Arizona: two daughters (13 and 10) and a 16-year-old bonus daughter they’ve had legal guardianship of for five years. Life is busy, but they make space for what keeps them connected—weekly dates, family trips, movie nights (especially thrillers), new restaurants, and cooking at home.They’re both educators now, teaching at the same high school in Phoenix. Michael is in his 18th year of teaching and holds a Master’s in Education in Integrated Curriculum. Brittany spent 15 years in post-secondary finance, rising to a Director role, before changing careers five years ago; she’s now in her sixth year teaching.In Episode 7 “Relationships that Last: Romantic Edition,” I sit down with them to talk about what it really takes to build a relationship that lasts—moving at a pace that fits, communicating with intention, handling outside pressure, navigating conflict, and staying connected as life changes.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction00:06 - "Phenomenal Teacher and Fearless Advocate"03:35 - Admiration for Two Wonderful Friends09:23 - Taking Time to Build Connection12:54 - "Unchanged Traits in Relationships"14:41 - Boomerang Emotions and Grief17:52 - Balancing Careers and Courtship21:44 - "Quieting Relationship Pressure"25:29 - "Navigating Love and Relationship Pressure"27:51 - "Thinking in Big Bets Overview"31:47 - Evolving and Navigating Relationship Conflicts34:42 - "Navigating Conflict and Self-Awareness"39:38 - "Conflict Conversations in Courtship"41:19 - Navigating Evolving Relationships Together45:36 - "Relationships: Build a Strong Foundation"46:45 - OutroQuotes:Jonathan Moore:“Love isn’t something that just happens to us. It’s something we actively cultivate. When love meets grace, vulnerability, and communication, it has the power to last.”Michael Hughes:“You absolutely have to know yourself, be comfortable with yourself, like the person you see in the mirror. If you want a lasting relationship, remember that it takes time–and you have to put that time in.”Brittany Hughes:“You have to like them as a person as they are right then and not who they were or who they could be, because that’s who you’re going to get— that person right now. Communicate, grow together, and continue how you started.”Key Takeaways:Start with CommunicationMove at Your Own PaceKnow Yourself Before You Love AnotherHandle Conflict with Compassion and PatienceKeep Growing TogetherPrioritize Connection, Every DayConnect with the Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonathan-moore/Website:https://returntomoore.com/Produced by Heartcast Media:http://www.heartcastmedia.com

Welcome to "Return to Moore." I’m Jonathan Moore, and in today's episode, I’m sharing a true story about friendship—how it’s tested, how it changes, and what it takes to last. You’ll hear about Christina and Trinity, two friends whose bond was shaped by loyalty and conflict, from high school all the way to a wedding day that pushed them apart for years.To unpack what really makes friendships endure, I’m joined by Dr. Ashley Piwowarski, a licensed psychologist and a longtime friend of mine. Together, we explore the real dynamics behind lasting relationships—how early life patterns influence our connections, why some friendships survive challenges while others fade, and what we can do to repair trust when things get hard.We discuss the concept of "goodness of fit," how conflict often goes unspoken, and practical ways to maintain healthy boundaries. You’ll come away with a clearer view of what helps friendships grow, how to navigate tension, and why keeping things light matters as much as being intentional. This is an honest look at the work—and the rewards—of real friendship.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction00:06 – High School Friendship Tale03:41 – "Maid of Honor Dilemma"06:52 – "Heartfelt Wedding Toast Highlights"10:09 – "Goodness of Fit in Relationships"14:22 – Attachment Styles Shape Relationships17:27 – Adapting to Meet Relationship Needs20:20 – Anxious Attachment Style Overview25:46 – Understanding Attachment Styles30:32 – "Understanding and Resolving Repressed Conflict"33:43 – Reflecting to Communicate Needs37:49 – "Keys to Resolving Conflict"40:22 – Repairing and Strengthening Friendships42:31 – Setting Boundaries and Problem Solving48:27 – "Temporary Connections, Lasting Friendships"49:59 – "Return to More Podcast"50:28 – OutroQuotes:"Friendship grounds us in who we are, even when life is messy. When you invest in what matters, you build relationships that help you grow."- Jonathan Moore"Our connections are shaped by our stories, and with intention and self-reflection, we can always deepen them."- Dr. Ashley piwowarskiKey Takeaways:Friendships Aren’t AccidentalGoodness of Fit MattersAttachment Styles Shape UsConflict Isn’t Always LoudRepair Begins with Self-ReflectionCommunication Is a Tool for HealingBoundaries and Grace Are EssentialThe Joy of FriendshipRelationships Reflect Our History, But We’re Not Bound by ItCarry Forward CommunityConnect with Dr. Ashley piwowarskiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alkp384LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-kuhl-piwowarski-05683888/Connect with the Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonathan-moore/Website: https://returntomoore.com/Produced by Heartcast Media:http://www.heartcastmedia.com

No one satisfying career was built alone. Somewhere along the way, someone said the right thing at the right time, or pulled you aside before you made a mistake you couldn't undo.For me, that someone was Dr. Ann Hart.Our paths first crossed through a character education grant. I was a principal in South Phoenix. She was in leadership at the State Department of Education. What started as a campus visit turned into a conversation, and that conversation turned into a mentorship that would carry me through one of the most challenging transitions of my career.In this episode of Return to Moore, "Leadership Matters: The Power of Mentorship," Dr. Hart and I sit down to trace the full arc of that relationship—from the early moments of sizing each other up to the texts, phone calls, and honest conversations that followed. We talk about what it means to mentor without a safety net, as Dr. Hart did for most of her career. We talk about why mentees disappear after getting advice, and what happens when they do. And we get specific: what to wear, what to read, how to take feedback, and when to leave.If you've ever wondered what separates people who grow from people who stall, this conversation lays it out plainly—through two people who lived it.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction00:06 – Mentor's Visit and Observations05:55 – Leadership Transition and Mentorship09:43 – Navigating Workplace Perceptions and Bias11:02 – Mentorship and Career Reflections15:02 – Mentorship and Self-Guided Learning17:37 – Insights from Mentorship Dynamics21:01 – Mentorship as a Cheat Code24:33 – Mentorship Requires Constructive Feedback30:27 – Key Tips for Effective Mentorship33:28 – Mentorship: Showing Up and Empowering35:01 – Workplace Identity and Accomplishments37:59 – Mentorship: Growth Through Connection38:38 – OutroQuotes:Jonathan Moore:"Growth is never done in isolation. It's always accelerated when you have people in your corner who believe in you."Dr. Ann Hart:"Share your successes, but also your challenges—because that's what helps you achieve your success."Key Takeaways:Mentorship Is a Game ChangerActive Mentorship Creates ImpactFeedback and Follow-Up: The Mentee’s PlaybookCharacter Counts Above AllSelf-Mentorship Builds ResilienceCelebrate the JourneyConnect with Ann HartWebsite: http://hartofeducation.com/ Connect with the Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonathan-moore/Website:https://returntomoore.com/Produced by Heartcast Media: http://www.heartcastmedia.com

Host Jonathan Moore and Dr. Rick Piwowarski, an education leader with 20 years of experience, discusses healing from workplace trauma. They explore how professional trauma affects identity, how to recognize signs, and how to heal. Dr. Piwowarski shares insights from his leadership in education, finance, and community service.KEY TOPICSUnderstanding TraumaRecognizing SignsThe Human ElementFour-Step HealingLeadership & TraumaSpiritual DimensionTIMESTAMPED CHAPTERS00:00:00 - Welcome00:01:30 - Jonathan's Story00:08:45 - Introducing Dr. Rick Piwowarski00:12:20 - Defining Workplace Trauma00:19:56 - Signs of Trauma00:26:33 - People vs. Institutions00:33:18 - Personalities & Dynamics00:42:15 - Protection Mechanism00:51:30 - Four-Step Healing Framework01:01:12 - Know Your Why01:08:45 - Setting BoundariesGUEST INFORMATIONDr. Rick Piwowarski Education Leader, Father, Husband, and Friend - 20 years in education, including 8 years as a teacher and 12 years in leadership roles. Rick brings expertise in education leadership, finance, community service, and philanthropy.LinkedIn Profile LinkInstagram Profile LinkX (Twitter) Profile LinkWhy This Conversation Matters"You have to recognize too, a lot of these attacks about you personally—it's not you. They don't know you. They have a perception of you, they have an idea of you, but there's no way they've ever gotten to know who you are."- Dr. Rick PiwowarskiUniversal ExperienceLeadership VulnerabilityGenerational ImpactHope for HealingThis episode provides a roadmap for healing from workplace trauma, emphasizing that while environments aren't fully controllable, our response and healing are within our power.Steps You Can Take TodayIdentify Your WhyBuild Your Core GroupName What's TriggeredSet Clear BoundariesSeparate Professional from PersonalSeek Professional SupportRESOURCES & LINKSOfficial Organizations/WebsitesReturn to More Podcast WebsiteLoyola University ChicagoSimon Sinek - Start With Why ResourcesBrené Brown - Leadership and Boundaries ResourcesWorkplace Mental Health ResourcesFollow on Social MediaJonathan Moore (LinkedIn)Dr. Rick Piwowarski (LinkedIn)Return to More Podcast (Instagram)#ReturnToMore#WorkplaceHealingHealing Is Possible—And You Have More Power Than You ThinkHealing from workplace trauma is possible. As Dr. Piwowarski says, "God equips the called"—but we must do the work. Trauma's power stems from unresolved triggers. By knowing your why, building support, identifying triggers, and setting boundaries, you can heal and emerge stronger.Remember: People's opinions of you are none of your business. Focus on who you are, why you're here, and your calling. The rest is noise.Share this episode with someone struggling with workplace trauma. Subscribe to Return to More for more conversations about healing, growth, and returning to your essence.Share This Episode | Subscribe to Return to More | Visit returntomore.comThank you for listening. Share this information. Do the internal work. Remember, healing is your birthright.

I've spent most of my career trying to be the standard bearer—the person who sets the tone for excellence, professionalism, and getting things done right. Then I became a manager. And two of my direct reports had applied for my job.They didn't tell me at first. I found out later, after months of subtle resistance. They were brilliant and delivered excellent work. But they had no interest in letting me lead them. They had their own rhythm, their own systems, and their own ideas about who should be in charge. I was the title. They were the influence.That experience broke open something I hadn't fully understood: leadership isn't just about competence or good intentions. It's about navigating people—people who don't always want what you want, who define "good work" differently than you do, and who may never respect your authority no matter how much you earn it.In this episode of Return to Moore, I sit down with Jessica Todtman, a friend and one of the most capable executives I've ever worked with. We talk about what it really means to navigate friction at work—the messy, real version. If you've ever felt stuck between doing your job well and dealing with people who make that nearly impossible, this conversation is for you.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction00:06 - "Navigating Difficult Workplace Dynamics"05:38 - "Connecting Through Leadership Retreats"07:09 - "Jessica: A Standard of Excellence"11:16 - "Understanding Resistance to Change"13:37 - "Workplace Challenges and Introspection"17:33 - "True Leadership vs. Titles"20:25 - Leadership Struggles with Team Dynamics23:52 - "Friction Doesn't Equal Negativity"28:40 - "Systems Thinker with Practical Limits"33:16 - "Clear Meeting Goals Matter"34:30 - "Meeting Purpose and Facilitation Essentials"39:55 - "Governance: New York vs. Nevada"43:15 - "Work Culture Challenges in Nevada"46:15 - Understanding Role in Organizations50:17 - "Leadership, Support, and Perspective"54:20 - Navigating Difficult Colleagues Insights55:47 - "Shark Tank's Unfair Deals"57:04 - OutroQuotes:"At some point, you've been someone's difficult colleague. Growth starts when you're willing to see that."- Jessica Todtman"Professional excellence means honoring the work and moving it forward—even when the people around you make it hard."- Jonathan MooreKey Takeaways:Introspection is Your Secret WeaponEmbrace Friction—It’s Not Always NegativeSystems Make or Break CollaborationProfessionalism Means Respecting the Position, Not Just the PersonSafe Spaces Matter—But So Do BoundariesKnow Your ‘Why’ and Communicate It ClearlyDon’t Ask Questions You Don’t Want AnsweredAbove All, Stay True to Professional ValuesConnect with Jessica Todtman:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicatodtman/Connect with the Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonathan-moore/Website:https://returntomoore.com/Produced by Heartcast Mediahttp://www.heartcastmedia.com

Welcome back to Return to Moore. I was thirteen when my Aunt Madeline received her terminal diagnosis. Over the next year and a half, as my mother became her caregiver, I found myself unexpectedly close to an aunt I'd never really known. Thirty years later, I still think about what our relationship could have been.In "Grief as a Gateway," I sit down with Oz Escobel, clinical director and psychotherapist of Awakening LLC, to examine grief beyond death. We explore how loss shows up in transitions—moving cities, ending relationships, leaving behind identities we once held.Oz lost his father at six in Guatemala and learned emotional restraint as survival. After immigrating to the United States, he navigated grief, identity, and belonging as a gay man in a new culture. His path into therapy came through life itself and a partner who encouraged him to seek support. Sitting in the client's chair showed him the power of being seen.Today, Oz supports individuals and couples navigating identity, intimacy, and relational wounds. He integrates Emotion-Focused Therapy, Gottman Method, and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. His work is grounded in the belief that healing expands capacity rather than erases parts of the self.This episode offers a different framework: grief as evolution, not failure.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction00:06 - "Aunt Madeline's Vibrant Gatherings"05:41 - "Childhood Eavesdropping and Family Grief"11:25 - "Grieving What Could Have Been"13:28 - "Grief: A Journey, Not Destination"17:33 - Understanding Grief and Internal Loss21:20 - "Nervous System and Grief"24:29 - Expanding Grief Beyond Death29:41 - "Reflections on Relocation Challenges"30:32 - "Processing Transitions and Identity"33:55 - "Understanding and Embracing Grief"40:05 - "Lessons from Feelings and Grief"43:31 - "Unprocessed Emotions and Grief"48:05 - "Navigating Grief Through the Body"51:42 - "Grief: Feel, Evolve, Suspend Judgment"53:57 - "Sharing Stories, Processing Grief"56:19 - "Grief, Podcasts, and Connection"56:45 - OutroQuotes:"Grief isn't something to fix—it's something to feel. In feeling it, we discover who we are."- Jonathan Moore"Grief is not a sign of failure—it's a sign that something mattered. Approach it with curiosity and compassion, and it will transform you."- Oz EscobelKey Takeaways:Grief Is More Than Loss—It’s GrowthYour Body Remembers—Listen InwardGrief is Nonlinear—And That’s OkayCelebrate the Power of ReflectionVulnerability ConnectsGrief Evolves, and So Do WeSupport, Not SolutionConnect with Oz EscobelInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/awakeningllc_Website:https://www.awakeningllctherapy.com/Connect with the Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonathan-moore/Website:https://returntomoore.com/Produced by Heartcast Mediahttp://www.heartcastmedia.com

I thought moving to my dream city would change everything. New place, new opportunities, new life—it all seemed like the answer I'd been searching for. But when I arrived, something unexpected happened. Instead of feeling energized and unstoppable, I found myself exhausted, overwhelmed, and questioning everything I thought I knew about success and fulfillment.That moment of reckoning became the catalyst for this podcast. I'm Jonathan Moore, and this is the very first episode of "Return to Moore"—a conversation about the journey back to yourself, to the parts of you that already hold peace, love, joy, and purpose. Because what I discovered in that season of disillusionment is that what I was really searching for wasn't out there at all. It was already within me. I just had to find my way back.In this episode, I'm walking you through how I structure each conversation so you know what to expect and can jump to the parts that resonate most with you. I'll share my own story of awakening—how I moved from chasing external validation to grounding myself in who I really am. Then I'll break down five practical ways you can begin your own return: setting boundaries, forgiving yourself and others, embracing evolution, opening yourself to love, and leaning into grief.I'll also give you reflection questions to sit with, a story that'll make you laugh (involving the D.C. Metro and my terrible sense of direction), and some takeaways you can carry with you long after this episode ends. Whether you're listening on your commute, during a quiet moment at home, or while you're trying to make sense of your own season of transition, I hope you'll find something here that speaks to you.This is where it begins. Welcome to "Return to Moore."Chapters:00:00 - Introduction00:06 - "Return to More: Laughter & Reflection"06:02 - "Returning to Yourself"08:52 - "Forgive Yourself and Others"13:32 - "Embracing Change and Evolution"16:21 - "Understanding Love Languages"19:04 - "Mom's Generosity and Love"21:37 - The Many Dimensions of Grief26:50 - "Carrying and Redefining the Past"27:53 - "Self-Reflection and Compassion"31:08 - "Lost on the Green Line"32:48 - OutroQuotes:"What we're really searching for is already within us. That's what this show is all about." — Dr. Jonathan Moore"Returning to yourself means refusing to abandon your needs to meet someone else’s expectations." — Dr. Jonathan Moore"Forgiveness is one of the hardest things to practice, but it’s also one of the most liberating." — Dr. Jonathan MooreKey Takeaways:Returning to Your Truest SelfHonoring Your Identity’s Many FacetsEmbracing Boundaries as Self-LoveThe Power of ForgivenessPermission to EvolveReceiving and Giving Love FreelyLeaning Into Grief With CompassionReflect, Laugh, and Keep LivingConnect with the Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonathan-moore/Website: https://returntomoore.com/Powered by:http://heartcastmedia.com