Trail Talks

What if the difference between where you are and where you want to be comes down to a few simple principles?In this episode of Trail Talks, Kelly and Ericka dive into their favorite lessons from John Maxwell’s The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. Rather than covering all 15 laws, they each share the five that have had the biggest impact on their lives, leadership, and personal development journey. Maxwell’s framework emphasizes intentional growth through principles such as Environment, Reflection, Expansion, Contribution, Consistency, Pain, and Trade-Offs.  You’ll hear:Kelly’s Top 5 Laws of Growth and why they resonate with his journeyEricka’s Top 5 Laws and the lessons she’s learned from applying themHow environment shapes success more than willpowerWhy reflection is one of the most overlooked growth toolsThe sacrifices required to reach your potentialThe connection between personal growth and serving othersA fun 90s-themed “This or That” detourWhether you’re a leader, coach, parent, or someone simply trying to become a better version of yourself, this episode will challenge you to think differently about growth—and remind you that growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens on purpose.  Trail Tip: Growth is not an event. It’s a daily choice

This week on Trail Talks, Kelly and Terra are talking about what actually makes teams work.Using Google’s Project Aristotle as the foundation, they walk through the five key factors of high-performing teams: psychological safety, dependability, structure and clarity, meaning, and impact. 🧭This conversation is for leaders and team members alike, because culture is not just carried by the person in charge. Everyone contributes to whether a team feels safe, clear, meaningful, and productive.And of course, the episode would not be complete without a detour. This week’s stop? Movie theater etiquette, sneaking 🍫candy, 🍿popcorn butter strategy, assigned seats, and the great subtitle debate. A practical leadership conversation with a little theater-lobby chaos on the side.

In this episode of Trail Talks, Kelly sits down with Jason Ham, Air Force Chief Exercise Physiologist and longtime human performance expert, for a conversation that goes way beyond push-ups, run times, and checking the fitness box. 🏃‍♀️💪They talk about the difference between a culture of testing and a culture of fitness, what really gets in the way of our health, why sleep matters more than we want to admit, and how small habits quietly shape the way we show up every day. 🧠🌙And because it is Trail Talks, there is also a Memorial Day detour involving celebrity BBQ teams, backyard games, and just enough chaos to make you question who should ever be trusted near the grill. 🔥🍔🇺🇸Listen now to Episode 25. 

🌀 What happens when a team talks about the same problem over and over… but nothing actually changes?In this episode of Trail Talks 🎙️, Kelly officially welcomes Vanessa Valdez as co-host as they unpack why teams, workplaces, and even friendships can get stuck in the same cycles.Through leadership stories 💡, Ted Lasso references ⚽, practical conversation, and a hilarious detour into airplane etiquette ✈️😂, this episode explores what creates movement inside a team — and what quietly keeps people spinning in circles.Because sometimes the biggest leadership challenge is not identifying the problem…It’s helping people move forward. 🌲

In this episode of Trail Talks, Kelly and Terra are joined by counselor Jill Defayette for a powerful conversation on leadership addiction. 🎯What happens when your title becomes your identity? When work replaces purpose? When control feels safer than connection?Together, they unpack the psychology behind workaholism, toxic leadership, identity loss, burnout, and why some leaders struggle to step away. They also share practical tools to help leaders build healthier identities beyond the role. 🌱Topics include:🔹 Leadership addiction explained🔹 Workaholism vs purpose-driven work🔹 Toxic leadership patterns🔹 Identity outside your job title🔹 Why control becomes addictive🔹 Tools for healthier leadership🎧 If you’ve ever tied your worth to productivity, this one is for you. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as professional counseling, medical, or legal advice.

After a heavy conversation on toxic leadership and silent bullying, this episode brings it back to what actually matters.Because here’s the truth: Leadership isn’t complicated… it’s uncomfortable. And too often, we avoid the very things that make leadership effective.In this episode of Trail Talks, we break down: The 5 basics of leadership: clarity, consistency, communication, ownership, and care  The 3 essentials of followership: ownership without authority, courage, and contribution  A simple self-check to help you evaluate how you’re showing up—no matter your role This isn’t theory. This is what people actually feel when leadership is done right—and what breaks when it’s not.If you’ve ever felt frustrated by leadership (yours or someone else’s), this episode is your reset.Because if it’s not: Clear  Consistent  Communicated  Owned  And grounded in care …it’s not leadership.🎧 Press play and get back to the basics.

In this episode of Trail Talks, Kelly and Terra are joined by Sue and Heather for a real conversation about a form of workplace toxicity that often goes unrecognized—silent bullying.This isn’t about obvious conflict or explosive leaders. It’s about the behaviors that happen quietly: Avoiding hard conversations  Withholding feedback  Excluding people from information or opportunities  Creating environments where people feel unseen, unsupported, or unsure where they stand And the impact? It’s real. It affects trust, performance, confidence—and ultimately, people.Together, they unpack: What silent bullying actually looks like in leadership spaces  Why it often goes unaddressed  The subtle behaviors that signal something deeper is off  And what leaders—and teammates—can do to change it This conversation is honest, at times uncomfortable, and necessary.Because leadership isn’t just about what you say. It’s also about what you don’t say—and the space that silence creates.Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are our own and do not reflect those of the Department of War or the United States Air Force.

Not all harm in leadership comes from what’s said.Sometimes… it’s what isn’t said.In this solo episode, I talk about a form of leadership that often goes unnoticed—silence that breaks trust. The moments where leaders stay quiet when something needs to be addressed. When people are treated poorly, when tension is obvious, when something feels off… and nothing is said.I share why this weighs so heavy on me—because people come to me for support. And when they do, it’s not small stuff. It’s the kind of things that keep you up at night… watching people carry things they shouldn’t have to carry alone.We’ll get into:Why silence can feel like approvalHow avoidance erodes trust over timeThe emotional weight leaders carry (and don’t always talk about)The difference between being emotionally comfortable vs. emotionally steadyAnd what it actually looks like to show up when it mattersThis isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present. Aware. Willing.Because leadership isn’t just about what you say… It’s about what you’re willing to say when it counts.

Most people think change comes down to discipline.Trying harder. Being more consistent. Having more willpower.But what if that’s not the real problem?In this episode, we explore a powerful leadership and personal growth truth inspired by John Maxwell’s Law of Environment:Your environment shapes your behavior more than your willpower does.We break down the four environments influencing your life every day—physical, social, digital, and emotional—and how each one is quietly shaping your habits, mindset, and identity.You’ll learn:Why nearly half of our daily behavior is driven by habit, not decisionHow social contagion spreads behaviors, attitudes, and cultureThe hidden impact of your digital environment on focus and mental healthHow leaders shape culture by designing environments—not controlling peopleWe also share real-world examples from psychology, leadership, and military experience to show how environments can either support growth or quietly sabotage it.And most importantly, we give you simple, practical ways to start changing your environment this week—so growth becomes easier, not harder.Because sometimes the problem isn’t your discipline…It’s your environment.

What does it actually mean to love yourself — and why do so many of us struggle with it?Together we break down three common lies about self-love that quietly shape how we think about our worth, our relationships, and our identity. Then we share three powerful truths grounded in psychology and neuroscience that can help you build a more stable sense of self.Along the way we explore research from experts like Kristin Neff, Brené Brown, and James Clear and discuss how self-worth, attachment, and the nervous system influence the way we experience love.You’ll also walk away with practical tools you can start using immediately to build healthier self-talk, emotional regulation, and identity-based habits.In this episode we discuss: ✨ Why self-worth often becomes tied to performance and approval 🧠 How rejection affects the brain and nervous system 💛 The difference between self-compassion and self-esteem 🛠 Practical tools to build a healthier relationship with yourselfSelf-love isn’t about perfection.It’s about learning to treat yourself with the same compassion, clarity, and respect you offer to others.

Love isn’t supposed to be effortless 24/7… it’s supposed to be sustainable 💛 In Episode 15 of Trail Talks, we unpack boundaries in romantic relationships and why they’re not walls, ultimatums, or control… they’re clarity.We break down the Top 5 Truths About Boundaries, explore how attachment styles + nervous system states(fight/flight vs shutdown) shape conflict, and share practical tools like “When X happens, I feel Y, so I will Z.”Plus: a hilarious “Red Flag, Green Flag” detour that gets way too real 😅🚩✅🎧 Tune in for honest conversation, practical language, and the kind of self-trust that actually changes relationships.

Trail Talks Episode 14 🎙️🌿 is a powerful conversation about love 💘, healing 🩹, faith 🙏🏾, and choosing growth 🌱 after heartbreak 💔Kelly Kruger 🎤 and Terra Stinnett 🌟 sit down with Gregg & Shakela Matthews 💑—founders of Always Love and Lead ❤️➡️👣 and Divinely Restored 🙏🏾✨—to talk relationships 💍, emotional intelligence 🧠, communication 🗣️, and rebuilding after divorce 💔➡️💖From a high school connection 🏫💞 to life pulling them in different directions 🌪️⏳, Gregg and Shakela share how healing, maturity, and faith ultimately brought them back together 24 years later 💍✨This episode offers hope 🕯️, perspective 👀, and real-life insight for anyone wondering if healthy love is still possible 💛

Episode 13 | Part 3: Identity, Transition & Emotional IntelligenceIn this final part of Episode 13, we explore what it really means to lead when the uniform comes off—and when titles no longer define us.Retired Command Chief Ericka Kelly shares powerful insights on:Preparing for life beyond rank and rolesThe emotional reality of transitionBuilding a coaching or leadership business with intentionWhy emotional intelligence is the most in-demand leadership skill todayThis conversation is for leaders, veterans, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating change while trying to stay grounded in who they truly are.🎙️ Awareness is powerful—but support is transformational.

In Part 2 of Episode 13, we continue our powerful conversation with Ericka Kelly, diving into emotional intelligence, identity, and leadership through a deeply human lens.We unpack why emotions aren’t facts—but important data, how subconscious programming shapes our reactions, and why great leadership starts with understanding yourself first. Erica shares lessons on mentorship, resilience, psychological safety, and what happens when leaders truly make space for people to feel seen.We also take a fun detour to get to know Erica beyond leadership—talking personality styles, parenting, guilty pleasures, favorite books, and the importance of rest and reflection.✨ Awareness is powerful—but support is transformational.

In Part One of Episode 13 of Trail Talks, we welcome Erica Kelly for a deeply moving conversation on persistence, survival, and purpose.Erica shares her journey from surviving severe childhood trauma and poverty in Guatemala, immigrating to the United States, and eventually rising to become the 17th Command Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Reserve Command. This episode explores what persistence looks like when it’s not motivational—but necessary.We talk about:• Staying down when life hits too hard• The courage to tell your story• Leadership shaped by lived experience• Why healing doesn’t always look like “bouncing back”This episode is raw, honest, and powerful—and a reminder that awareness is powerful, but support is transformational.

🎙️ Episode 12: The F Word — FeelingsWhat if the reason you feel stuck isn’t a lack of discipline… but the way you’ve been taught to treat your feelings?In Episode 12 of Trail Talks, we’re talking about the real F word — feelings. 🧠💛The emotions we were never taught how to name, process, or trust — and how they quietly influence our goals, decisions, relationships, and leadership.In this episode, we explore:✨ Why feelings often feel like facts✨ How emotional intelligence shapes consistency and discipline✨ The difference between feeling through emotions vs. around them✨ Why motivation is unreliable — and standards matter more✨ Practical tools to name, process, and manage emotions without suppressing themFeelings are real. They’re valid. But they don’t have to be in charge.This conversation connects emotional intelligence, cognitive behavioral tools, and real-life examples to help you stop waiting for the “right” feeling — and start showing up with intention, even when it’s uncomfortable.🎧 Whether you’re navigating goals, leadership, relationships, or personal growth, this episode will help you build awareness, consistency, and trust in yourself.Awareness is powerful. Support is transformational.

We all say it: “I just don’t have enough time.” But what if time isn’t actually the problem?In this episode of Trail Talks, we dive into our relationship with time — why it feels scarce, why we feel behind, and why productivity hacks alone don’t work. We explore the neuroscience behind time perception, how our brain processes urgency and focus, and why managing your mind matters more than managing your calendar.We talk about:Why you can’t “create” more time — and what actually helps insteadHow your brain experiences time pressure and overwhelmThe difference between being busy and being intentionalWhy clarity beats hustle every timePractical mindset shifts to stop feeling rushed and start feeling groundedThis episode isn’t about doing more — it’s about thinking differently so you can lead, live, and show up with purpose.🎧 If time feels like it’s always slipping through your fingers, this one’s for you.

We love setting goals… but no one talks about what happens after you decide to change something.In this solo episode of Trail Talks, Kelly breaks down The Gritty Eight — the real parts of the goal journey most people aren’t prepared for: the joy, setbacks, the messy middle, triumphs, momentum shifts, how to stay the course, and who you become along the way.Grounded in neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and grit, this episode helps you understand why the journey feels the way it does — and gives you practical tools to keep going when motivation fades.Plus, a fun detour into pop culture with Kelly’s Top 8 entertainment moments of the year, because growth doesn’t have to be heavy all the time.🌿 The goal may get you started — but the journey is what changes you.

In this episode, Kelly and Terra explore why goals aren’t just a New Year ritual — they’re the compass that keeps us from drifting through our days, our careers, and our lives. 🧭We break down the neuroscience behind goal setting 🧠, why the brain needs direction, and what actually happens when we don’t choose a path.You’ll learn how goals create clarity ✨, momentum 🚀, and purpose — and how reflecting on the past year can help you set more aligned, meaningful goals for the future.Real talk, real science, and a few detours along the way. 🌿Let’s move from drifting to deciding.

In this week’s Trail Talks episode, we unwrap something almost all of us carry around during the holidays: the Holiday Manual — that invisible rulebook we expect other people to follow… even though we never actually tell them.We dive into: 🧠 Why our brains create expectations in the first place 💬 How unspoken “manuals” shape our relationships and stress ✨ When expectations cross the line into disrespect — and why the Golden Rule always wins 📘 The difference between healthy standards and secret demands 🌟 Five simple tools to ditch the manual and enjoy the season with more connectionThen for the detour: my cousin Jill joins us with the hilarious story of the year her kids opened every single Christmas present without her 🤣🎁 — and we wrap things up by tier-ranking holiday movies.Whether you love the holidays, dread them, or sit somewhere in between, this episode brings perspective, laughter, and the freedom to rewrite your own manual.

In this heart-centered (and surprisingly fun) episode of Trail Talks, Kelly and Terra slow things down and explore what the holidays are really about: presence, connection, and the moments our brains actually remember.We break down the neuroscience behind why gifts give us a quick dopamine spike, but presence creates deep, lasting emotional memories through oxytocin — the bonding hormone.We also talk about why the holidays can feel stressful or heavy for some people, how old memories stored in the hippocampus can resurface this time of year, and why none of that means anything is “wrong” with you. Most importantly, we share how you can rewrite your holiday experience, create new emotional patterns, and build traditions that feel safe, joyful, and meaningful.And because we always take a detour… you better believe we brought the fun: 🎄 Holiday Hot Takes 🎁 Christmas “This or That”This episode is real, uplifting, science-backed, and full of laughter — the perfect reminder that presence truly is the greatest gift.If today’s conversation helped you, made you laugh, or gave you something to think about, please share it with a friend and leave us a review. Learn more about coaching with Kelly at kellymichelecoaching.com.

In this episode of Trail Talks, we’re diving deep into one of the most powerful — and most misunderstood — leadership tools: gratitude. Not the Instagram version, not the polite “thanks,” but the kind of gratitude that rewires the brain, strengthens culture, builds trust, and transforms teams.Kelly and special guests CMSgt Courtney Strickler and SMSgt Jenny Sanchez break down the real science behind gratitude — dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and why your amygdala literally calms down when you feel appreciated. We explore Stoicism, Seneca, Carl Jung, identity, impact, and what it truly means to lead with presence and purpose.And because it’s Coffee & Camo, we take a detour into full Thanksgiving chaos — favorite foods, wild family stories, military holiday memories, and the gratitude moments that shaped us.We also give a huge shoutout to friends Jen, Julie, Ashley and Michelle, to the Coven (you know who you are) and Jenny's son Logan. We also gave a shoutout to our producer, Vanessa, who makes this show possible. And we missed you Terra! You’ll walk away with:A deeper understanding of gratitude as a leadership disciplineHow gratitude activates the brain for creativity, trust, and resiliencePractical tools you can use tomorrow to elevate your teamA whole lot of laughter and holiday warmthWhether you’re leading Airmen, leading a team, or leading yourself — this episode gives you the mindset and tools to make gratitude a daily leadership practice.Grab your coffee. Grab your camo. And settle in — Part 3 starts now.Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of War, or the U.S. Government.

Change. The word everyone avoids… until it shows up on your doorstep, your desk, or your deployment roster.In this second installment of our Coffee & Camouflage series, Kelly and Terra sit back down with Chief Courtney Strickler for a raw, real, and unexpectedly funny conversation about leading through change — the messy kind, the personal kind, and the kind that hits before your coffee even cools.Together, we explore: • Why the brain resists change (hello, amygdala 👋) • How leaders can create calm in chaos • What healthy change looks like at work and at home • Our biggest personal transformations • And a hilarious detour into smartphones, AI, and “how did we survive dial-up?”This episode blends neuroscience, leadership wisdom, and misfit humor for a grounded, relatable take on navigating the C-word.Whether you’re leading Airmen, leading a team, or just leading yourself through a new season of life, this one will leave you laughing, reflecting, and remembering that change doesn’t have to break you — it can build you.Grab your mug and hit play. ☕

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of War, Department of the Air Force, or any other agency of the U.S. government.Grab your mug and pull up a chair — this episode kicks off our Coffee & Camouflage series, where leaders get honest about what it means to serve, lead, and grow through the chaos.In Part I, Kelly and Terra sit down with Courtney Strickler for a candid conversation about authenticity in leadership, vulnerability behind the rank, and the lessons learned from both life and service. Between the laughter, the stories, and a few spilled coffees, they unpack how staying human is the key to leading with strength.Whether you’re in uniform, leading a team, or just trying to lead yourself through change, this episode will leave you inspired, grounded, and reminded that leadership isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection.🎧 Tune in for: • Real talk on leadership and life in uniform • Why authenticity still wins — even in tough environments • Lessons from the “mother of misfits” "catwoman" and the “powerhouse Chief” • A few laughs, a few truths, and plenty of caffeine

What if the biggest ghost in your life isn’t from your past — but from your own mind?In this Halloween-inspired episode, Kelly and Terra dive into how limiting beliefs are formed and what they sound like. They unpack how our senses and memories shape the stories we tell ourselves — and how to rewrite them.You’ll learn: ✨ Why our safety sometimes depends on order — and how that becomes a belief ✨ How indulgent emotions keep us stuck in inaction ✨ Tools to spot, catch, and change your thought patterns ✨ Insights from The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks ✨ A self-coaching exercise to reframe fear into freedomIf you’ve ever felt haunted by your past or trapped by old patterns, this one’s for you.🩶 Trail Talks is where personal growth meets real conversation — with humor, honesty, and a few detours along the way.

Trailblazing Growth Through Self-Awareness with Kelly Kruger and Terra Stinnett.In the inaugural episode of Trail Talks, host Kelly Kruger, founder of Kelly Michelle Coaching, is joined by her friend and leadership trainer Terra Stinnett, the founder of Leading People, LLC. The episode delves into their personal journeys of self-improvement, emphasizing pivotal 'mirror moments' that inspired their purpose-driven coaching careers. They discuss key influences like Mel Robbins, Jim Kwik, and Brooke Castillo and share practical tools for self-awareness, such as self-assessments, vision boards, and personality assessments. The episode also includes detours into topics like Taylor Swift’s new album, Diane Keaton’s legacy, and favorite sports teams. The discussion highlights the importance of overcoming fears and embracing discomfort for personal growth.00:00 Welcome to Trail Talks: Meet Your Hosts01:22 Dedication to Fellow Misfits02:02 Kelly's Journey to Coaching03:12 Influential Figures and Inspirations06:42 The Turning Point: Overcoming Adversity12:02 Tara's Story: Finding Purpose During COVID14:06 Personality Assessments and Self-Discovery14:46 A Fun Detour: Taylor Swift's New Album15:41 Introduction to Sport and Taylor Swift's NFL Parallels16:13 Taylor Swift Songs and NFL Teams17:18 Kansas City Chiefs and Travis Kelsey Connection19:11 Diane Keaton Tribute21:50 Self-Awareness and Personal Growth Tools25:18 Personality Assessments and Their Impact28:24 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics