PerfectWhelm with Eric Slivoskey: The Podcast That Helps Enhance Your Life

In the beginning of Part 2 of my chat with Tom Attig, an author, teacher, speaker, philosopher, and renowned scholar, we continue our discussion on the process of relearning how to live in this life after we've lost someone close to us.We then discuss how the act of loving someone continues on even after the loss of that person. Tom shares about how spiritual expression and  religious belief systems may sometimes influence the response of mourners and also those who are church leaders. Tom also talks about how grievers are often surprisingly well prepared to do the learning that grieving involves and the role that philosophy can play in supporting grievers and caregivers. We also chat about how our emotions teach us about our deepest needs & how we can begin to process or understand grieving as part of a healing process. Connecting with Tom's Work:THOMAS ATTIG holds BA and PhD degrees from Northwestern University and Washington University in St.Louis. At Bowling Green State University, while Chair, he and his colleagues established the world's first PhD Program in Applied Philosophy. A Fellow of the International Work Group on Death, Dying, and Bereavement, he has received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Death Education from the International Network on Personal Meaning, Death Educator and Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Association for Death Education and Counseling, and the Robert Fulton Founder's Award from the Center for Death Education and Bioethics at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse.Tom recently released his new collection, SEEKING WISDOM IN DEATH'S SHADOWS: Collected Writings on How We Grieve [Oxford University Press | December 19, 2025]. It distills a lifetime of listening, reflection, and teaching into understanding and guidance for mourners, caregivers, and counselors.This is an excellent resource if you want to get a very thoughtful approach to death education and lots of helpful reflections centered on loss and the grieving process. I highly recommend it. If you'd like to get a copy of the book at a 30% discount, then I encourage you to click on the Oxford University Press link, which are listed in my written show notes for this episode.Oxford University Press currently offers 30% off the book:https://global.oup.com/academic/product/seeking-wisdom-in-deaths-shadows-9780197776094?promocode=aufly30More information about Tom and his writings and work can be found here.https://griefsheart.com/PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services.Email: [email protected] hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In the beginning of my chat with Tom Attig, an author, teacher, speaker, philosopher, and renowned scholar… we discuss what influenced Tom to get into studying and researching death, dying, and grief. Tom describes what shaped him as a teacher and philosopher. We talk about how grieving the loss of a loved one can take our breath away. We share about the unfortunate reality that grieving is often met with an underestimation of sorrow. While loss can be extremely devastating in someone’s life, our culture often minimizes how life altering, powerful, and painful losing someone can be. Sometimes there may be an impatience with those who are grieving and the rest of the world may seem to not want to be bothered too much about what is bothering us a lot. The use of common cliches in response to a death and/or the resultant grief is something that is generally unhelpful to the one suffering the loss. Tom and I talk about how philosophy has been influential and impactful in supporting grievers. Tom elaborates as well on the idea of loving someone who was alive and then how we continue to love on the person after that individual has died. We finish up part 1 of this 2 part interview by reflecting on the process of relearning how to live in this life after we’ve lost someone close to us. Connecting with Tom’s Work:THOMAS ATTIG holds BA and PhD degrees from Northwestern University and Washington University in St. Louis. At Bowling Green State University, while Chair, he and his colleagues established the world’s first PhD Program in Applied Philosophy.  A Fellow of the International Work Group on Death, Dying, and Bereavement, he has received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Death Education from the International Network on Personal Meaning, Death Educator and Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Association for Death Education and Counseling, and the Robert Fulton Founder’s Award from the Center for Death Education and Bioethics at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse.Tom recently released his new collection, SEEKING WISDOM IN DEATH’S SHADOWS: Collected Writings on How We Grieve [Oxford University Press | December 19, 2025]. It distills a lifetime of listening, reflection, and teaching into understanding and guidance for mourners, caregivers, and counselors.This is an excellent resource if you want to get a very thoughtful approach to death education and lots of helpful reflections centered on loss and the grieving process. I highly recommend it. If you’d like to get a copy of the book at a 30% discount, then I encourage you to click on the Oxford University Press link, which are listed in my written show notes for this episode. Oxford University Press currently offers 30% off the book:https://global.oup.com/academic/product/seeking-wisdom-in-deaths-shadows-9780197776094?promocode=aufly30More information about Tom and his writings and work can be found here.https://griefsheart.com/PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services.Email: [email protected] hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

To begin the conversation, I chat with Maryia about her passion for adventure and traveling. Maryia has traveled extensively internationally, and she enjoys exploring new places. We discuss the importance of putting oneself out there and learning new things. The benefits of facing our fears and overcoming our feelings of being self-conscious can really be realized with activities like dance and travel. We talk about her travel design business, and her experiences with the healing components of aromatherapy. Working with essential oils has had a significant positive impact on Maryia and she credits them with helping her improve both her physical and mental wellbeing. Maryia’s Programs and Projects of Interest:In regards to her language teaching, Maryia is interested in collaboration with native speakers for her online speakers. As a travel designer, Maryia is experienced and well-equipped to organize a trip for you and take care of all the planning, activities , and logistics. She has routes in Asia in places like Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia that she can handle along with destinations in Europe like Porto, Madeira, Lisbon, and many more. Maryia is also happy to share her knowledge of aromatherapy and how to select oils and offer insight about which products can have a positive effect on both mental and physical wellbeing. Connecting With Maryia:Instagram - bandarchyk.maria, https://www.instagram.com/bandarchyk.maria?igsh=MTRvNWZlMHNyZ2RyZw%3D%3D&utm_source=qrFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/1CUzkv6nAJ/?mibextid=wwXIfrTelegram - @maria_eltengPerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services.Email: [email protected] hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

To begin the conversation, I chat with Maryia about her early life growing up in Belarus and creative influences that impacted her along the way.We then discussed Maryia’s love of dance and how the artistry, movements, and music itself has been the source of joy, mental and physical wellness, personal growth, and many social connections in her life. Specifically, Maryia shares about her experiences with Kizomba, a popular partner dance and music genre that originated in Angola in the early 1980’s.Make sure you also tune in to Part 2 of our conversation that will be released next week where Maryia will talk more about her foreign travel experiences and how exploring abroad has contributed to her personal growth and development. She also will chat about her travel design business, and her experiences with the healing components of aromatherapy. Maryia’s Programs and Projects of Interest:In regards to her language teaching, Maryia is interested in collaboration with native speakers for her online speakers. As a travel designer, Maryia is experienced and well-equipped to organize a trip for you and take care of all the planning, activities , and logistics. She has routes in Asia in places like Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia that she can handle along with destinations in Europe like Porto, Madeira, Lisbon, and many more. Maryia is also happy to share her knowledge of aromatherapy and how to select oils and offer insight about which products can have a positive effect on both mental and physical wellbeing. Connecting With Maryia:Instagram - bandarchyk.maria, https://www.instagram.com/bandarchyk.maria?igsh=MTRvNWZlMHNyZ2RyZw%3D%3D&utm_source=qrFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/1CUzkv6nAJ/?mibextid=wwXIfrTelegram - @maria_eltengPerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services.Email: [email protected] hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In this episode of PerfectWhelm Podcast, I discuss five insights that are more real to me now at 55 than they were in my earlier years of life.First, I talk about the significance of seasons in our lives before pivoting into a reflection about the importance of health and wellbeing.The third idea I share is about how our lives can sometimes feel like they are shrinking as we age and then I discuss the importance of giving ourselves the permission to try new things and fail on the regular.Lastly, I chat about the concept of aiming to live life with intention and clarity rather than prioritizing the more talked about patterns of chasing motivation and happiness.In all of the principles I discuss, I offer some reflective elements like personal experiences, ways to pivot, and potential impacts that these changes and shifts in mindset and perspective can bring.PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching services and programs.Email: [email protected] hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In this episode of PerfectWhelm Podcast I talk about how we as a family arrived at a decision to incorporate some solo international trips with each of our children.I discuss the decision our family made to make certain sacrifices while viewing the investments through the lens of family retirement and the lifelong impacts of these adventures. I share about the core values of empathy, compassion, open mindedness, curiosity, and courage that we aimed to develop through these individual journeys. There is an opportunity to allow each of the kids to experience the world as a classroom and learn about each nations culture, politics, art, history, religions, etc… I do share about each of the kids’ trips and the impacts… including the excursion that is being planned for down the road with our youngest daughter.  The specific itinerary and destinations for that particular journey haven’t yet been fully decided on. Stay tuned to find out where we are heading as it will be mentioned on a future episode of the podcast. No passport required for tuning in to the show! PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services.Email: [email protected] hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In this episode, I discuss various roles and creative challenges I’ve encountered as a sports coach, writer, stand-up comedian, and personal development coach and the general chronology of my creative process. I discuss how creative pursuits require persistence and the idea that this kind of work is a numbers game.I talk about important principles for the creator like aiming to be prolific, producing volume, moving with speed, not overthinking, and often being willing to take chances and put prudence in the ground.I also share regarding some of the self-sabotage hurdles of creative work that so often present themselves during the building process. These include things like focusing too much on the how, rather than the why and the what. I discuss other dream killers too like procrastination, rationalization, self-loathing, perfectionism, fear of both failure and success, and self-comparison. The land of richness for the creator is living in wander and tapping into the subconscious mind where rivers of imagination, intuition, and possibility flow without the limits of resistance that so typically show up in conscious thought. I close by touching on the importance for creators to stay away from judging results, especially in the early going… and instead pay more attention to your follow through and the consistency of showing up for yourself and others even when you don’t feel like it. PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services.Email: [email protected] hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In this episode, I talk about how trauma can stem from a single event or a series of events. Trauma can be channeled through adverse childhood experiences is sometimes imposed on individuals and at other times it may be culturally reinforced, learned from our parents and other personal influences in our lives or even inherited. In terms of the inheritance of trauma, I break down the concept of epigenetics and how trauma can be passed down from previous generations and essentially leave chemical tags on our DNA.I discuss the negative impacts of cortisol on the mind and body and how it can be so destructive to our mental and physical wellbeing.Next, I share about the hopeful progress that has been made with identifying and developing somatic therapies that get to the root basis of the trauma that dwells in the deep brain. These therapies are scientifically tested and showing tremendous efficacy as viable treatment options for those suffering from debilitating trauma. Specifically, I offer some insights into EMDR, brainspotting, somatic experiencing/sensorimotor psychotherapy, and internal family systems therapy. These modalities are often used in conjunction with one another. To close out the episode, I discuss various ways that we can help and support anyone living with and suffering from trauma as a result of adverse childhood experiences. PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services.Email: [email protected] hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In this episode, I discuss the concept of ACE’s… which are known as Adverse Childhood Experiences. These are essentially traumatic events that can have negative lasting effects on health and well-being and lead to much higher incidences of mental health issues, substance abuse, cancer, heart disease, and obesity in adulthood.Various types of abuse including emotional, physical, sexual, religious, are commonly associated with ACE’s. Emotional and physical neglect can also lead to Adverse Childhood Experiences.When an ACE produces trauma in the body, it leads to a dysregulated nervous system, and a sense of a loss of control. The trauma stays trapped in the deep brain and it travels with us through time. In fact, those who suffer from ACE’s have much higher rates of major depression as well as anxiety disorders.I discuss many of the different kinds of events like grief, domestic violence, medical trauma, difficult divorce situations, and the mental illness of a parent… and how those events are often equated with ACE’s.Then, I also share how extreme trauma impacts three areas of the brain including the pre-frontal cortex, the hippocampus, and the amygdala.Finally, I share information on how ACE’s and an individual’s body held trauma leads to negative physiological responses and harmful conditions. I also mention many of the common triggers of trauma. PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:-            Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. -            Email: [email protected] -            I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In this weeks episode, I go to the well and share one of my favorite systems for engaging with clients in a group coaching environment.These questions are powerful, open-ended, and help to bring more clarity, discovery, and actionable items onto the table. The first time I was coached in a group setting with these kinds of questions, I felt so energized, inspired, and overwhelmed…but in a positive, motivating, and PERFECTWHELM kind of way!PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources- Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. - Email:  [email protected] I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it. 

In part 2 of this discussion, my co-host Isabel Grueneich and I focus in on some ideas and practices that we believe may be helpful for staying anchored during these challenging times of uncertainty in our world, including all of the divisiveness and intense political polarization. PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources- Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. - Email:  [email protected] I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In this conversation, my co-host Isabel Grueneich and I discuss the mess we’re all in. We talk about the contributing factors and realities that reinforce these perilous times including negative newsfeeds, a challenging economic conditions, widespread scams, fast moving news cycles, the influences of social media, and the challenges of living in a divided and polarized society. We discuss the importance of identifying strategies and ideas for building community, strengthening our personal resilience, and safeguarding our mental health. Towards the end of part 1 of this 2 part series, we dive into the first part of the helpful ideas that we believe will add some important insights and great value for staying anchored during these unsteady and oftentimes highly stressful environments. During these 2 conversations, we will share a dozen examples of life giving practices, so there is something for everyone. PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:-Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services.-Email: [email protected] hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In this episode, I share about how my comedy journey got started and the crazy circumstances surrounding my first big stage open mic at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood, California. I talk openly how comedy has taught me that I can do challenging things in my life. Comedy has brought great joy into my world. It has been  cathartic, and it has offered me the gift of connection with myself and those that I’ve been able to engage and share laughs with. I speak about the nerves I experience on stage, the fears, the self-consciousness, and the mostly negative inner monologue that I encounter every single time I perform.I close out the conversation by talking about how I benefit from doing stand-up and the impact it has on me. It offers me a channel to amuse myself, and I get tremendous satisfaction from seeing others smile and enjoy themselves, laugh, and be able to forget about life for awhile.PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources: -Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. -Email: [email protected] -I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In this episode, my co-host Isabel Grueneich and I continue the second part of our conversation on Toxic Masculinity.  We pick up with our look at how culture, mass media, and established norms impact the way that men interact and show up in their environments, communities, and the larger society.PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:-Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. -Email: [email protected] -I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

- In this episode, I’m joined by co-host Isabel Grueneich, a social activist and graduate student in the mental health counseling field. We go beyond the surface and ask the challenging questions about the topic of Toxic Masculinity.- We attempt to define the term, and also dive deep into how culture, mass media, and established norms impact the way that men interact and show up in their environments, communities, and the larger society. - Towards the end of this conversation, we begin to explore the biological context of toxic masculinity and how physiological factors may influence and shape male behavior. - I also share a personal story from my basic training days in the U.S. Army, and how my experiences with combat training were shaped by my male leaders and the different ways that indoctrination, peer pressure, and justification for violent behavior was reinforced during my weapons exercises. PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:-Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services.-Email: [email protected] hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

- In this shorter form episode, I discuss the impact of shame on our lives and how we can identify and confront it.- During this conversation, I make distinctions between guilt, shame, and conviction.- I also share about the reality of this life being that many of us will experience shame on the regular. One of the key components to dealing with this obstacle is to focus on the building and development of shame resilience. PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources: -Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. -Email: [email protected] -I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it. 

In this episode, I go back to the roots of the podcast which is built on the 4 cornerstones of Information, Instruction, Inspiration, and Implementation and talk about some ideas and concepts that have been more relevant for me this year. As we move towards the end of another year, I share 10 reflections that are centered on personal growth and development and building a better life that aligns with who we are and what we are aiming to become. Below are the 10 principles that I discuss. Tune in to get the deeper dive and the more detailed and in depth insights.  6 issues that can often limit us include self-limiting beliefs, our thoughts about our pasts, how we process our physical and emotional pain, fear, regret, and shameOur lives are always under construction Be careful to not run in place where we often mistake movement for momentum and progress People will judge you no matter what you do, so do the thing that is most true to yourself and who you choose to become We pay attention to what we pay forHaving a great coach or mentor in your life to walk beside you is an effective way to accelerate your own growth and Hotwire the progress you desire towards your goals and the changes that you seekTake chances, bet on yourself and sometimes prudence just needs to be put asideQuitting is often better for you than settling or coping and if you find yourself stuck in a cul-de-sac… get off itIf you desire success in a particular venture or project, then consider doubling your rate of failure as you pursue that objective Identify your what, fuel it with your hard and compelling why, and your how will likely appearAt the end of today’s episode, I pose a challenging question about your current self and how your mindset and decisions today will impact your future self.  PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources: Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. Email: [email protected] I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In part 2 of my discussion with Jerald Simon, we discuss key values and the impact of developing a positive and growth oriented mindset. Jerald also shares more about his books including his recent release “How To Experience More Peace and Positivity in Life”- the 30 Day Challenge.More about Jerald's Work:Jerald Simon is the founder of Music Motivation® and focuses on helping piano students and piano teachers learn music theory, improvisation, and composition. He refers to these areas as: Theory Therapy™, Innovative Improvisation™, and Creative Composition™. Simon is an author and composer and has written 30 music books featuring almost 300 original compositions, 15 albums (you can listen to Jerald's music on Pandora, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, and all online music stations). Jerald's books and CDs are also available from Amazon, Wal-Mart.com, Barnes and Noble and all major retail outlets. He has published three motivational poetry books featuring over 400 original poemsHow To Connect With Jerald:- You can find out more about Jerald's work and connect with him in the following places (musicmotivation.com)Jerald is the creator of the Cool Songs Series(musicmotivation.com/coolsongs), and the Essential Piano Exercises Course (essentialpianoexercises.com).He teaches weekly online group piano lessons to students all over the world (essentialpianolessons.com) and also teaches some students privately in his home studio.Jerald has a YouTube channel (youtube.com/jeraldsimon and he loves learning everything he can and to help himself and others to do their best and live their best lives. You can visit his Amazon storefront page to see which products he personally recommends (amazon.com/shop/jeraldsimon-This includes his books and albums and other useful products musicians need to succeed).Listen to Jerald's music on all streaming sites and his podcast, Music, Motivation, and More - The Positivity Podcast with Jerald Simon on all podcast platforms.PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources: Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. Email: [email protected] I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In part one of this interview, Jerald and I chat about the ideas of mission and purpose and how it so profoundly impacts us as individuals and others too. We discuss the importance of challenging ourselves and aiming to be well-rounded by trying various activities like sports, dance, drawing, singing, and reading.We talk about the impact that music has played in Jerald’s life, his interest in speaking, teaching, and writing about self-improvement, and also how the subjects of music and motivation connect and intersect throughout his work. More about Jerald’s Work:Jerald Simon is the founder of Music Motivation® and focuses on helping piano students and piano teachers learn music theory, improvisation, and composition. He refers to these areas as: Theory Therapy™, Innovative Improvisation™, and Creative Composition™. Simon is an author and composer and has written 30 music books featuring almost 300 original compositions, 15 albums (you can listen to Jerald’s music on Pandora, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, and all online music stations). Jerald’s books and CDs are also available from Amazon, Wal-Mart.com, Barnes and Noble and all major retail outlets. He has published three motivational poetry books featuring over 400 original poemsHow To Connect With Jerald:- You can find out more about Jerald’s work and connect with him in the following places.(musicmotivation.com)Jerald is the creator of the Cool Songs Series (musicmotivation.com/coolsongs), and the Essential Piano Exercises Course (essentialpianoexercises.com). He teaches weekly online group piano lessons to students all over the world (essentialpianolessons.com) and also teaches some students privately in his home studio.Jerald has a YouTube channel (youtube.com/jeraldsimon) and he loves learning everything he can and to help himself  and others to do their best and live their best lives. You can visit his Amazon storefront page to see which products he personally recommends (amazon.com/shop/jeraldsimon - This includes his books and albums and other useful products musicians need to succeed).Listen to Jerald’s music on all streaming sites and his podcast, Music, Motivation, and More – The Positivity Podcast with Jerald Simon on all podcast platforms.PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:-Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services.-Email: [email protected] hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In this special holiday chat and landmark 50th episode of PerfectWhelm Podcast, I talk about the gratitude I have for getting to be a parent in this life.I share 6 parenting ideals/philosophies that Estalita and I have practiced in raising our three children. Some of these will likely come across as being nonconventional or counterintuitive, so that lines up just fine with many of the nontraditional paths that we have taken.Some of the key philosophies that I explore include the impact of empowering the kids to be decision makers, teaching values,  focusing on how to think critically rather than what to believe.  I also include the importance of emphasizing personal responsibility,  and finding humor and joy in everyday life. Also, I talk about the importance of building a healthy perspective around the idea of failure.The last two principles I discuss include the idea of fostering a sense of wonder or curiosity about the world as well as encouraging the practice of wandering... which includes exploring, traveling, and roaming about this amazing planet. PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources: - Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. - Email: [email protected] - I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In this episode, I discuss the idea of Slow Travel. Slow travel is resisting the urge to do or see everything in a single trip or short window of time.When we learn to travel at a slower pace … it allows for more meaningful experiences and serendipitous moments.Slow travel to me is eating in the local restaurants, shopping in the markets, walking in the non touristy parts of town, striking up conversations with locals to learn about local history, traditions, culture, everyday life, utilizing the public transportation, and staying put for a little while. I talk about the influence and impact that world adventurer and travel writer Rolf Potts has had on me. I discuss some of the key points that Rolf highlights in his book “Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel”Four ideas that I talk about include: - Embracing uncertainty and spontaneity over uncompromising itineraries- Slowing down to savor moments rather than rushing- Finding a more intentional way to live by focusing on experiences over possessions. - Living with an awareness of mortality to make the most of the time that we have I also share about the practicalities of being time rich, the consideration of living in cheaper areas so you will have more financial resources to travel, and the benefits of traveling light.PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources: -Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. -Email: [email protected] -I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

I think you will gain more than just extra bling in your wallet from this travel episode full of money saving tips.I talk about the idea of adopting an “everything is negotiable” mindset while out on the road. I discuss a community hospitality exchange called Couchsurfing that will allow you to connect with other travelers and stay for free on couches or spare bedrooms of service hosts who share your passion for adventure and travel.I share how I conserve funds when it comes to my food budget during my travels including grocery shopping, finding hearty hotel breakfasts, and searching for meal deals.I talk about a money saving fuel app I use that puts cash or gift cards back into my pocket, and I finish off the conversation with 3 strategies I use to avoid having to pay for checked bags and/or carry on luggage. PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:-Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services.-Email: [email protected] hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In this, my third installment of Camino adventure episodes, I share my thoughts on why I met so few people Americans who were in my age group who were walking this trail. I discuss the three main components of the Camino, which include the bag, the trail, and the pilgrims. I finish things up today with a story about my unexpected encounter with a total stranger in Pamplona and how that event impacted the whole Camino experience for me. PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:-Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services.-Email: [email protected] hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it. 

In this episode, I give specifics on budget items for my Camino including things like meals and accommodations. I also share openly about the toll that this pilgrimage had on my body and some of the physical pain I had to push through. I also discuss how I spent my time on the trail every day and offer I some insight and reflections about many of the things I learned from this adventure. Podcast Links & Resources:-Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services.- Email: [email protected] hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In this episode, I offer a brief history of the Camino, a 776.2 kilometer storied path that runs through a small part of France and stretches across most of Spain. The Camino is often referred to as “The Way of Saint James” There is some anecdotal testimony that James (an apostle of Jesus & the brother of the apostle John) spent a brief period of his life traveling through Spain and ministering to people shortly after the time that Christ dwelled on earth.  James is said to have preached the Gospel along "The Way" before returning to Jerusalem where he was ultimately martyred for the cause of Christ.  His body was said to be laid to rest in Santiago de Compostela… the capital of northwest Spain’s Galicia region and the end point for most people who tackle the adventure of completing a Camino pilgrimage. I also discuss some of the main reasons and motivating factors that influenced me to spend nearly a month walking 40,000-50,000 steps every single day. The idea of a great challenge, and experiencing such a grand adventure stand out, but you will want to tune in to hear me share my other compelling whys for participating in a Camino journey. PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources: -Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. -Email: [email protected] -I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In this episode, I share my perspective about the importance of obtaining travel insurance before venturing overseas. I have been impacted by my own personal illnesses and also family medical emergencies while overseas. I talk about a few specific incidents where I did have insurance coverage and situations where I did not, and the mayhem that it caused. The only thing worse than a claim is not having insurance when you need it. My specific travel insurance stories are based on real life experiences I’ve had in Finland, England, India, and Belgium. PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources: -Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. -Email: [email protected] -I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

Come along for the ride as I share about my research that labeled excessive travel a psychiatric disorder from the mid 1800’s until the early 2000’s. This condition is called Dromomania, and I’m here to talk more about it. I also talk about my friend Cathy Heller’s perspective concerning how choosing to get off the work centered hamster wheel can be so life altering. I agree with Cathy’s observations that we so often buy into the lie that life is about work-work-work, that our worth is measured in productivity, and we are misguided by the belief that school and set schedules and constant motion are what prepare us for "real life." But in the process, we throw away the most magical years-the ones right here, right now.Life should not be about waiting until the weekend, not about waiting until we retire, until it’s summertime, or waiting until that 3 day weekend arrives to finally live.PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources: -Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services -Email: [email protected] -I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In this episode, I talk about the power we have to change our zip code and how spending time in places different from where we’re used to can spark creativity, help us move beyond the expectations of others, and plug into a fresh perspective. I share 3 short stories about getting chased by different animals while hiking in the countryside. The first story involves my dog and I being pursued by a bull elk in Big Sky Country. In the second account, I talk about the time I encountered an angry German shepherd while hiking the Camino de Santiago trail in Spain. In the last story, I have to sprint away from an angry ewe who was likely lambing and didn’t appreciate me walking in her corner of the wilds of Iceland. This was the most unusual encounter ever, and the eerie quietness of my final stare down with this beast is best described as the Silence of the Lambs. I like to think that my skilled rock throwing and wild nature vocalizations made this animal come to stop short of attack after her aggressive bluff charge. PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources: -Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. -Email: [email protected] -I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In this episode, I talk about my very real fear of flying, and how I literally couldn’t bring myself to travel by plane for a couple of years following the September 11th terrorist attacks. I also talk about the ways I got around air travel and then how Greyhound Bus Lines convinced me to give the skies another try! Stepping into my stand-up comedy alter ego, I then pontificate about how personal parachutes would make better seat accessories than personal flotation devices. I also ask the hard question about why we aren’t constructing airplanes out of the same material that black boxes are made from?? After all, we all know these black boxes are designed to survive the worst kinds of mayhem and they seemingly could endure the Apocalypse!Next, I share a brief story about being on a commercial jet that was struck by lightning and what that felt like.I close out the episode by talking about the time we flew over Montego Bay on our final approach to Jamaica and one of our two engines caught fire. That ended up being 15-20 minutes of blaring fire alarms and all kinds of anxiety and uncertainty as we watched the flight attendants run about the cabin! Wanna Get Away??!! Have no fear. Flying is still statistically the safest form of transportation! PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources: -Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. -Email: [email protected] -I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In this episode, I share more about the values and reasons why I explore so often and travel so much. I talk about the resistance, negative feedback, and pushback I have often received from friends, family, teachers, and colleagues regarding my travel habits.I delve into the idea that travel is not running away from something. In my life, it represents running towards something that is very life giving, liberating, fun, challenging, and joyful.I briefly discuss why it is so important that we don’t allow others to choose our life scripts for us.Later in the conversation, I talk about how travel and adventures have often not gone as planned for me and my travel companions. In fact, on several occasions things have completely gone off the rails.I believe you will enjoy my 3 water- based misadventures.-            The first one is an Outer banks North Carolina fishing story about the one that nearly got away. I’m not referring to fish, but rather an epic battle between a fishing rod and a pelican.-            In the second tale, I talk about a near rafting disaster in the Czech Republic with family and friends that ultimately ended well. -            The last story is another rafting misadventure (do you see a pattern here?) where I unsuccessfully play rafting guide on the mighty Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania. The final score of this story was River 1 and Eric zero.I close things out with an inspirational travel quote that has inspired my kids to answer their own desires and quests to see this vast and beautiful planet.PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:-            Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services.-            Email: [email protected] -            I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In this episode, I kick things off talking about my reasons for loving the open road and how my interest in travel has impacted and improved my life. I share about the goodness that exploring and traveling can offer like fun, adventure, freedom, more empathy and understanding about ourselves and others, and personal growth too…because getting out of our comfort zones is seemingly always a positive thing. I discuss my earliest travel experiences and memories and one misadventure at the age of four that turned out to be a bit thorny! I also reflect on a profound experience I had sitting in a beautiful hot spring in Yellowstone Park on a random weekday in April at the age of 19, while on a 7 week cross country trip with a close friend. I share how simple moments like this captivated me and made me realize I wanted as much travel and exploration as time and resources would allow. Come join us on this travel adventure series. We are only just getting started and you don’t even need your passport! PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources: -Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. -Email: [email protected] -I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

If there ever was an episode where I put awkward honesty and uncomfortable truths out front, this is it!  In this solo episode, I have a very honest and vulnerable conversation with God as I reflect on some very raw thoughts, feelings, and reflections related to recent tragedies involving young Christ followers. More specifically, this podcast is my personal letter of mourning and lament concerning the kids who died in the central Texas floods and the children who were both injured and killed in the school/church shooting at the Catholic school in Minnesota. I explore the ideas of sorrow, mourning, and grief, and I lament the fact that Yahweh is so often invisible when we need God the most. The silence, divine hiddenness, and broken promises of the Christian Biblical God are tough realities to reconcile with a deity who is so often said to be trustworthy, faithful, and deserving of our worship and praise. He is characterized as being “good all the time” by his followers. Is this god always good? Is this god always loving? Is this god always just? The evidence and the Biblical texts and the history and clear accounts of what this God repeatedly commands, condones, and commits is most often anything but loving, forgiving, merciful, compassionate, or just. On the contrary, he consistently plays favorites and shows himself to be harsh, cruel, petty, vengeful, jealous, misogynistic, and violent. This reflective episode is deeply personal, and I’m sure it will be very upsetting for some listeners. I don’t hold back here. I bring a heavy dose of questions, doubts, scars, anger, curiosity, and sorrow to the table. I am lamenting to a deity who so often seems to be distracted, distant, and indifferent. I decided to ask him why and how he can be so callous, aloof, and asleep at the wheel… especially when his kids are in peril and praying/pleading for his love and protection. I don’t want to give too much of this episode away. If you are interested in matters of faith, I encourage you to give it a listen. PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources: -Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. -Email: [email protected] -I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

Eevi Niemela is an internationally accredited empowerment and mindset coach who helps people build their magnetic selves and an online presence so that they can create real freedom and become the actual owners of their own lives through an online business that they’re building. From rock bottom to red carpets, Eevi has built a life and an online business that is garnering attention around the globe, while also allowing her to be location independent.In part 2 of our conversation, Eevi talks about the power of developing consistent habits that are in alignment with our values. Eevi is a master at asking powerful questions and helping to impact her clients personal growth by emphasizing the importance of cultivating positive energy and a healthy mindset. She emphasizes the idea that messaging matters, and her personal transformation and successful coaching business is a clear example of how to stand out, how to be different, and how to find your unique voice.Want to Connect with Eevi and learn more about her business and background, her 1:1 coaching offerings or her incredible group coaching program “The Magnetic Method”,  then you can connect with her at the following links.https://www.instagram.com/eevimaariaMore about “The Magnetic Method” Group Coaching Program:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DK-H36FIETG/?igsh=djV2dngyYzkwZXFxFind Eevi on other Social Media sites like TikTok, Facebook, & LinkedIn using the name  @eevimaaria PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:-          Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services -          Email: [email protected] -          When you follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it, it really helps me gain more traction and reach more people with this project. Thanks again for listening and all of your support.

Eevi Niemela is an Internationally Accredited Empowerment & Mindset Coach. She specializes in self-empowerment and helping people build a magnetic sense of self and an online presence, so they can create real freedom and become the actual owners of their own life through an online business they’re building. Along with the importance of focusing on a healthy mindset, much of Eevi’s work is centered on managing our energy levels and showing up for ourselves in the best possible ways.Eevi has 11 years of academic study in Psychology and also a background in adult education.  She has made it from the rock bottom to building a life where she has the perspective of being at peace with who she has become. The rock bottom has evolved into a transformation in her life that now consists of red carpets, opportunities, collaborations, magazine features, and locational freedom in her online business. In her business, Eevi provides 1:1 coaching support, and she also offers her clients the opportunity to benefit from group coaching. Her Magnetic Method coaching program is a 12-week transformational program for coaches and personal brand-driven entrepreneurs that focuses on mindset, messaging, and effective tools for driving transformational business growth. This program is also aimed at helping those who desire to learn more in the areas of social media skills and manifestation.Here are links that offer more information on the work that Eevi does. https://www.instagram.com/p/DLxmPvhMFxz/?igsh=MW5mZjFvNHQzMjUzeA==https://www.instagram.com/p/DK-H36FIETG/?igsh=djV2dngyYzkwZXFxYou can find out more about Eevi and her work on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn by searching for her under the name of:  @eevimaariaToday’s Episode:In this part 1 of my conversation with Eevi, we discuss her early life growing up in Finland and her training in the fields of adult education and Psychology. She shares about the struggles she faced in her teens and early adulthood with self-doubts, low self-esteem, and intense bouts of overwhelm.Eevi also talks about how she began to become aware of the coaching field and how powerful and transformational it can be to be to receive coaching from a trained and qualified coach. We also get into the topics of building a healthy mindset and how this relates to the energy we show up with in our lives. Eevi talks about the idea of manifestation and the importance of studying and better understanding the mind/brain. She elaborates on some personal growth strategies including daily gratitude exercises and writing, which she has used to set the tone for her daily activities and help her develop positive habits that relate to a healthy and supportive mindset. PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:-        Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. -        Email: [email protected]         I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

Cherith Fluker is an author, freelance writer, and educator based in Alabama. She has a passion for self-care and sightseeing. She is the creator of WhatCherithinks, a lifestyle and travel blog that encourages people to explore boldly, prioritize their well-being, and embrace new experiences. Her work has been featured in publications like Food, Wine, & Travel Magazine, Hallmark Mahogany, LakeLife 24/7, and Bham Family Magazine. She has partnered with several tourism boards across the country to help tell their stories.With a background in education, Cherith currently leads a team supporting teachers and school districts in the southeast and mid-atlantic states. Whether she’s writing, coaching, or sightseeing, Cherith is passionate about helping others live more fully—one story, trip, or moment at a time.In the early stages of this episode, Cherith talks about her upbringing in Alabama and some of the specific challenges and struggles that she has faced in her adult life. Cherith explores the subject of grief and how she navigated through the difficulties of losing both of her parents. She discusses her writing and how picking up the pen offered her a way to turn pain points into something very deep, meaningful, and purpose driven. You don’t want to miss the words she shares concerning the advice she would offer her 12 year- old self. Cherith offers wholehearted reflections based on her writing and gives  women some important insights into overcoming fear, anxiety, and those self-doubts  associated with the belief of feeling stuck.Cherith’s new book ‘Secret Birmingham: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure’ is another important feature of our conversation. This book uncovers the hidden stories and overlooked places that make the city unique. The book was just released earlier this month, and you will want to tune in to find out more about this project and how it came to be an incredible guide and resource for historians, travelers, adventurers, and curiosity seekers alike. Connecting with Cherith:Facebook- WhatCherithinksInstagram:  @cherithfluker PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:-          Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services.-          Email: [email protected]          I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In this solo episode, I talk about the milestone of now releasing 34 episodes, and how that journey has taken shape for me. I cover the highlights, the challenges, and how being willing to do B minus work and pushing myself to launch this past April has really been such an important piece of this venture. I briefly discuss how perfectionism can often hold us back, and sometimes “done is better than good.”I also share some updates about what you can expect to hear and experience on PerfectWhelm Podcast over the next few weeks and into the months of autumn. An exciting travel series is right around the corner, so just listen in to find out more details about those particular episodes. The frequency of my weekly podcast releases will also be changing a bit over the next few months, and I will tell you why during the broadcast. It involves college coaching and a long upcoming journey to northern Idaho.Towards the end of this episode, I talk about a few personal reflections that I’d been thinking about as my time with my family in the Turks and Caicos Islands came to a close this past week. I share specifically about the importance of family, the unpredictability of this life… and just some general existential reflections concerning our time on this planet. And finally, I close the episode with some brief thoughts on what I believe is one of the most inspiring words in the English language. PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:-          Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. -          Email: [email protected] -          I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In Part 2 of our conversation, Carrie continues sharing with us about the impact of our personal narratives and the power of storytelling.During this second segment, we also discussed the concept of reflecting on the characters in our lives and their relationships to our stories. This is also an important element when it comes changing the plot and rewriting the narratives.Carrie discusses the importance too of paying attention to themes and motivations in our personal stories. If we are to break the cycles we are in, we must learn to ask questions about the patterned roles that we so often assume and repeat within our family systems.Carrie speaks to the hope and capabilities that we have within us to rewrite our stories and she remarks that our desired self hinges on one element—the story we tell about ourselves and our potential.Owning our stories, building healthy support systems, acknowledging our filters, and revising our perspectives are other key factors in changing the narratives in our lives. When talking about forgiveness, Carrie shares that if we struggle with blanket forgiveness, then we still begin the forgiving process if we are willing to forgive the reasons behind the harm or negative actions committed against us. Towards the end of our conversation, Carrie openly discusses the importance of staying open to the idea that challenges and crises can so often create opportunities for us to grow, learn, and evolve.In closing, I want to add that I believe that Carrie is doing very impactful and life changing work.  The lessons that she shares in her book and interviews are empowering and transformative. I picked Carrie’s book up one evening a few days before our first interview, and I couldn’t put it down. I read it straight through, in one sitting!! It’s not just great storytelling, personal experiences, and knowledge that she shares.  She also offers a lot of tips, strategies, and real-life actionable steps that all of us can follow if we are serious about rewriting our stories.  Connecting With Carrie:To learn more about Carrie’s background, how to purchase her book, and the work and projects that she is involved with, visit her website: carriekcwest.comCarrie is offering PerfectWhelm Podcast listeners a 10% discount code for those of you interested in obtaining her ‘Money Rewritten TM workshop. Just Use the code NB73KT to receive this offer. LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-west-46349764/https://www.linkedin.com/company/story-of-your-life/?viewAsMember=trueFB:https://www.facebook.com/carriekcwest/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571647474405IG @storytellers_acad PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:- Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services- Email: [email protected] I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someoneyou think might benefit from it.

In Part 1 of this 2 part conversation, Carrie shares about the challenges of her early life growing up in Pittsburgh and the impact that being rejected, ignored, and often abandoned as a baby and young child had on the first narratives and stories of her childhood.Carrie shares how storytelling and using her imagination to help get her through dark moments as a child was so instrumental for her in finding some level of comfort and building a resilience within herself that contributed to her very survival.Origin stories contribute to the formation of early beliefs, how we see ourselves, and the roles we take on within our family structures. Carrie sheds light on a narrative in her  early life called the “Popcorn Story.”  You don’t want to miss this riveting chain of events where a key figure enters into Carrie’s story and quite literally saves her life.We discuss the harm of repeated stories and how they can become patterned narratives that instill and perpetuate fear, shame, guilt, and unresolved trauma. Carrie talks about the importance of noticing and becoming aware of the repeating stories, questioning the narratives, and making conscious decisions to challenge all of the self-limiting beliefs that hold us back from living our best lives.At the end of part 1 of this interview, Carrie talks about a very poignant and heart-wrenching event… the unexpected death of her father. She talks about how challenging and life altering this was for her, and how it actually led to several changes and pivots in her life. You will want to listen in for the dramatic words that Carrie’s dad spoke to her just hours before he died.  By the way, she had never heard these words from him until that moment.Connecting With Carrie:To learn more about Carrie’s background, how to purchase her book, and the work and projects that she is involved with, visit her website:  carriekcwest.comCarrie is offering PerfectWhelm Podcast listeners a 10% discount code for those of you interested in obtaining her ‘Money Rewritten TM workshop.  Just Use the code NB73KT to receive this offer. LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-west-46349764/https://www.linkedin.com/company/story-of-your-life/?viewAsMember=true FB: https://www.facebook.com/carriekcwest/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571647474405 IG @storytellers_acad PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:-          Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services-          Email: [email protected]          I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In this episode, I discuss the recent flooding in central Texas and the heartbreaking tragedy that resulted in several people losing their lives.Many of those who perished were children, mostly young girls who were part of Camp Mystic, a cabin full of young campers and counselors who were there to have fun, learn about their faith, and draw closer to God.Setting the stage with some details about my own religious deconstruction and my break away from organized religion over the past 6-7 years, I talk about the realities that the Christian God was divinely hidden or asleep at the wheel during this awful disaster. I raise questions about the broken promises of God, all the unanswered prayers, and how so many Christians must engage in mental gymnastics to cover for and explain the silence and very troubling distant nature of God.I define the term Lament and talk about the fact that there are many examples of regular people, prophets, psalmists, and even Jesus himself…who lamented and communicated their own personal heartache through their questions, doubts, sorrow, and tears.  I deal head on with many of the inconsistencies, errors, repeated contradictions, historical and scientific issues, and inconsistencies of the thousands of different translations and interpretations of the Bible. Through manipulation, control tactics, fear based doctrines like the Rapture and eternal conscious torment in hell… many denominations within the domains of high control religion have gone to great lengths to discourage people from asking questions, raising doubts, and/or expressing sorrow and grief over all the suffering and evil in the world.This episode is raw and many people may find it offensive or too controversial. I point out that difficult conversations must happen, and it starts with being intellectually honest with ourselves about the importance of being free to lament and question God. We are doomed to repeat what we don’t repair.Experiencing anguish and expressing anger and lament is not unfaithfulness or disobedience. Rather, it is a part of being human. Have you made room in your life or within your faith to express lament?This flood and the subsequent deaths of these young and helpless Christian campers shows overwhelming evidence of God’s absence, and it is truly heartbreaking that Jesus/God was absent when those young girls needed him the most. PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources-         Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. -         Email: [email protected] -         I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

Today I break down 4 ideas that I’ve learned during my personal development coaching journey along with one very important story about Focus and Discipline.First, I discuss some thoughts about a component of human personality called the ego and how it can impact our sense of self.Next, I dig in to 7 questions that we might ask ourselves if we are struggling to finish things or if we’re having difficulty with staying on track as we pursue our goals.The third principle I dive into relates to defining what we want and getting clarity around being specific about the change we are seeking.I also share a personal inventory exercise based on writing down 4 categories that include “Things I Want More of”, “Things I Want Less of”, “Things I Want to Stop”, and “Things I Want to Start.” After we set up these categories, we list habits, behaviors, thoughts, feelings, actions, etc… that most accurately fall into one of the four subject domains.I close out the episode with a story about Concentration and Discipline and how the British 8 Man rowing team overcame the Australian team to take home the gold medal in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Listen in to find out what is meant by the slogan “Will it make the boat go faster?” PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources-         Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services.-         Email: [email protected] -         I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

During this podcast, I discuss our recent 3 day trip north to the mountains of Park City, a beautiful alpine town we used to call home.I share about a failure to sell and then a sell too early that cost us 600K in real estate profits… as well as my other poorly timed financial decisions involving Amazon and smaller crypto holdings.I discuss my conviction to not make the same mistakes with Bitcoin while avoiding the temptations to chase profits, to not let emotions get to us during up and down markets, and commit to playing the long game. Admittedly, this is easier said than done. However, HODLing does have it’s benefits!Towards the end of the conversation, I encourage listeners to check out the 3 part-series I recently released called “You Could Learn a Lot From a Finn.” I briefly discuss upcoming shows related to my “Women In The World” series, and also my desire to talk openly about the recent floods in Texas in the next few episodes. I am so heartbroken over this tragedy that continues to unfold, and I believe it is important to help these families who are suffering so much. I plan on doing my part. These things are difficult to talk about, but I believe that we must chat about uncomfortable truths. Everything starts with a conversation. PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources-         Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. -         Email: [email protected] Please follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

Today we talk about the cold water immersion and winter swimming and the physical and mental benefits associated with this very Finnish rite of passage.We chat about the link between sauna culture and cold water immersion.We dive into the benefits of being in cold water for just 30 seconds and how the “happy hormones” and endorphins can become activated, thus creating a powerful hormone storm.Other positives associated with spending time in an icy river, a chilly lake, or a winter dip in the Baltic Sea include improved blood circulation, burning calories, boosting the immune system, speeding up the healing process after surgery, lessening inflammation in the body, and creating an anti-depressive effect. There is also a strong social element related to this practice and many Finnish people participate in cold water swim clubs with friends and strangers alike.I also share my perspectives about how I have experienced Finland as a nation that accepts people for who they are. Finns seem to be very intentional about creating a culture where people experience a sense of equality and even the language is gender neutral.My final talking point centers on Finnish innovation and efficiency. I discuss my experiences at the Helsinki airport, recently chosen as the top airport in the world. I have found most Finnish people to be very focused, hard-working, and exceptional problem solvers. I share a story about a teenage restaurant worker running an entire pizza store on her own, and how focus and efficiency with each task she performed allowed her to keep up with the demands of serving multiple customers in a very busy environment. PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources -         Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. -         Email: [email protected] Please follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In this episode, I share 3 more concepts that I absolutely find unique and fascinating about the Finnish culture and way of life.First, I share how the sauna experience influences and shapes Finnish life. A sauna is the place for cleansing the mind and body and Finland has close to 3.5 million of them… which is noteworthy for a country with only 5.5 million people. I discuss some health benefits of the practice along with a story that relates to my first ever sauna experience in Finland.Next, I talk about the world-renowned Finnish education system and how the foundation for this amazing framework can be found in pre-birth. As a former educator myself, I really appreciate the thoughtful way that Finland approaches learning and the emphasis on free play, fostering independence, the commitment to preparing and training great teachers, emphasizing physical movement during each hour of school instruction, and cultivating a model based on cooperation, responsibility, and trust. You don’t want to miss this deep dive into what the Finns do differently and how it leads to amazing outcomes for their teachers and learners.Lastly, I share about the resilience, fortitude, and courage from a Finnish perspective… also known as Sisu. This concept dates back to the 1500’s and it is more than a mindset or attitude of determination or pushing through. Finns see Sisu as coming from the gut and as a muscle that must be exercised daily. I describe the ways that Finns embody, practice, and build up Sisu in their everyday lives, so they can draw from that lifeforce when things get tough and challenges present themselves. I also shed some light on the ways I have witnessed Finnish people live out Sisu during my interactions with them, including my observations while being with them during an imminent threat of war. PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources-         Schedule a free discovery call with me to find out more about my coaching services and to see how I might be able to help you reach the outcomes you want and create the change you are seeking. -         Email: [email protected] Please follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In this episode, I share about the factors that led me to reach a state of professional burnout in my coaching and teaching job in the winter of 2008-09.Around that time, a tremendous opportunity presented itself to coach professional American football in Finland during the 2009 season, and I discuss the decision-making process my family and I exercised as we faced the challenges that stood in the path of us making this dream a reality.After giving some basic stats about the country, I share about the general characteristics and qualities of Finnish people and the cultural practices and social frameworks that have led to Finland being selected as the “Happiest Country In the World” for eight consecutive years!I share about their unique perspectives and practices relating to their top tier education system, their impressive approach to social justice, gender equality, and human rights… and their exemplary policies and stellar performance in the area of quality of life.You will want to tune in and hear how Finland supports women in leadership, how they support parents with family friendly parental leave policies, how they have become the top ranked country in the world to do business in. The country is ranked as the safest and least corrupt nation in the world… and you will be enlightened to learn about all the ways that the nation addresses the needs of citizens who are struggling or marginalized to some degree. Did you know that Finland is the only European Union member country where rates of homelessness are falling?Finnish people are so focused on getting their daily dose of nature, and I will discuss how this mindset impacts their daily lives.You Could Learn a Lot from a Finn, and I hope you will check out this episode to gain a better understanding of how this Nordic country of only 5.5 million people is helping to positively impact the world!PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources-         Schedule a free discovery call with me to find out more about my coaching services and to see how I might be able to help you attain the outcomes you want and create the change you are seeking. -         Email: [email protected] follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In this episode, I explore Goal orientation and Goal setting from a different angle and a nuanced perspective. Many of these things I learned from my mentor Kris Robertson while I studied for my certification in Personal Performance Coaching at the Coaching Academy in London, England. During this conversation, we go beyond “SMART” Goals frameworks that we so often hear about in mainstream spaces.From a coaching perspective, effective goal setting begins with getting clarity around the idea of “What Does Good Look Like?”Dreams are often mistaken for goals and you might think of goals as falling into 4 different categories.  1.     Practical Goals2.     Having Goals3.     Being Goals4.     Decision GoalsWe dive into the idea of establishing “First Journey Focal Points or Objectives” and the importance of getting early wins and building psychological momentum. Breaking things into smaller bit works. The impact of “Hard Whys” are also emphasized and the idea of asking ourselves intentional questions about the future and possibilities is an instrumental part of this process. When we build a compelling hard why, we essentially connect our brains to our hearts and this is where the fuel and magic lies in regards to goal achievement.Follow along as we talk about the reasons why New Year’s Resolutions so often fall flat and fail.I share about my own struggles with maintaining a healthy weight and how constructing hard whys helped me make great strides in this area of my life journey.Fleshing things out and choosing which area is most important to you in regards to making progress is also significant. Trying to do too much too soon and designing really big goals at the start often leads to overwhelm and defeat before we even get started. Early on, one of the most key obstacles to overcome is inertia. A key takeaway is that we get there a little bit at a time. In closing, I discuss the movie “What About Bob” and how the central message in that film runs parallel to today’s discussion. The movie emphasizes the power and impact of “Baby Steps” in a humorous way, and we can take those words to heart on our path to achieving the goals that we’ve set out in front of us.PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources-         Schedule a free discovery call with me to find out more about my coaching services and to see how I might be able to help you attain the outcomes you want and create the change you are seeking.-         Email: [email protected] follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In this episode, Eva offers more insights and details about the horrors of camp life at Auschwitz. She shares about some chance encounters she had with her father and also her luck in obtaining a job in “Canada”… the location where the stolen belongings like clothing, jewelry, food, and money were taken from the Jews as they were initially processed into the camp.There is also a story where Eva’s mom is selected for the gas chamber after several months in the camp as she has grown thin and weak from the lack of food and terrible living conditions at the camp. Eva puts a plan into effect and scrambles to find her cousin from Prague who might be able to influence the Germans to spare her mother’s life.Eva also discusses the liberation from the Auschwitz by the Russians and the absolute chaos that set on the camp as many of the Jews were forced into “death marches” by the remaining German guards. She loses contact with her father and doesn’t learn of her dad and brother’s fate until several months later.Her experiences on the transports through places like Poland, Russia, Romania, Italy, and France and the isolation and uncertainty she faced while making her way back to Amsterdam is also discussed.When Eva and her mom finally arrive back in Holland in late spring of 1945, they have no money and no place to go. They begin a search for Eva’s brother and father, and when they learn of their fate… Eva becomes severely depressed and considers suicide in the early months of 1946.In the final segment of this conversation, Eva talks about the difficult decision to reclaim her Austrian citizenship and ultimately forgive the Germans for what they did to her, her friends, and her family. It is a hopeful and poignant story in the midst of so much heartache, pain, and suffering. PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources-         Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. -         Email:[email protected] Please follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

Join me in this episode as I take a walk back through one of the greatest horrors of the 20th century, Holocaust. I am joined by a very strong woman who I have called a friend for more than 5 years now. Eva Schloss is the stepsister of Anne Frank, and a survivor of the Auschwitz Birkenau concentration camps during World War 2.In this episode, we begin where Eva is 9 years old and living with her brother and parents in Vienna, Austria. It is the late 1930’s and Hitler is rising in power. There is already a great deal of Anti-Semitism brewing in Europe and it worsens as Hitler initiates war.Eva recalls her best friends turning on her and her brother once the war started and there was harassment, shunning, exclusionary practices, and even physical violence that the family had to endure.Soon they were separated and living in Belgium and then Amsterdam, Holland… which is where Eva met Anne Frank. Anne would later become her stepsister.As the Germans advanced on Holland and heavily bombed Rotterdam, the restrictions and discrimination increased for the Jews and the Schloss family.Deportations started in the early 1940’s and the Nazis began killing children, as was the case in Mauthausen, which Eva mentions in our conversation.The family had to live apart most of the time between 1940 and 1944 and they moved around 6-7 times, hiding in the homes of connections they had and keeping a low profile. In 1944, the family was betrayed shortly after a move by a Dutch nurse who was serving as a double agent.Towards the latter stages of the interview, Eva describes her interrogation at a holding camp, and also the journey to Auschwitz on cattle trucks where there was little room and horrible sanitary conditions.Upon arriving at Auschwitz, she shares about the selection process, the horrible and emotional separation from her brother and father, the harassment and harsh treatment they received at the hands of the SS soldiers, and the conditions of camp life.There are 2 miracles or great strokes of luck that happened to Eva and her mother during their early days at Auschwitz, and you definitely want to tune in to hear her describe this incredible chain of events. PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources-         Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. -         Email: [email protected] Please follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In today’s episode, I speak with professional basketball player Abby Beeman, who currently plays pro hoops in Iceland.  Abby was a dual sport all state athlete during her high school days at Frankfort High School in Ridgeley, West Virginia where she excelled at both basketball and track and field.We discuss Abby’s college playing career at Division 2 Shepherd University  and then later on in her journey when she transferred to Division 1 Marshall University. Abby was a 2 time All-American at Shepherd and helped lead them to the NCAA tournament. While at Marshall, Abby was the named the Sunbelt Conference Player of the Year during the 2023-24 season when she led her team in points, assists, rebounds, steals, and three-pointers.Abby shares some strategies for young women who may sometimes struggle with self-doubts or discouragement, and she talks about how her mindset, perseverance, and strong work ethic have helped her overcome numerous challenges in her life both on and off the court. She also shares a story with us that demonstrates her resilience and ability to bounce back from tough circumstances. We talk about community and how the small West Virginia town that Abby grew up in has really impacted her and shaped the person and athlete that she is today.It is fun to hear about what Abby’s life as a professional athlete is like in Iceland and how she has adjusted to being so far away from home and living in place that has intense weather extremes and unique food options like smoked lamb, fish stew, and fermented shark. Abby is enjoying life in Iceland and making lots of new friends along the way. It was a bonus to hear about her goals moving forward as she grows and evolves as a professional basketball player.Connecting with Abby:Instagram: @beeman_abbyPerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:-         Schedule a free discovery call with me to find out more about my coaching services and to see how I might be able to help you attain the results you want and create the change you are seeking. -         Email: [email protected] Please follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

My guest for this episode is Micah Beachy Gilkeson.  Micah is a storyteller, content creator, and marketing strategist passionate about authentic connection. She is the founder of M Creative Society, a boutique social media and content agency, and the voice behind Postcards from Micah, a lifestyle and travel brand that showcases hidden gems locally and globally. Micah’s work highlights a thoughtful blend of creativity and strategy, helping brands and businesses tell their stories with impact. She is also a co-founder of Raleigh Women in Marketing, a growing professional community focused on connection, education, and mentorship. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina… Micah brings her deep love of art, travel, and community into everything she does. We begin our chat discussing Micah’s lifelong interest in the creative arts and how her study of fine arts in college and a new job led to an intersection with a newly discovered passion for marketing. She shares how being an actress, a storyteller, and writer has informed and influenced the way that she approaches marketing.Micah discusses the importance of authenticity and consistency when building connections and fostering healthy communities. Our conversation also delves into Micah’s writing career where she explores themes of heartache, trauma, individuality, human flourishing, and resilience. Micah wrote and released 2 books in her early 20’s and her zest and talent for writing is easily recognized.We dig deeper into the ideas of curiosity and creativity and how those principles have shaped how she shows up as a marketer, creative artist, and in her everyday life.Micah shares intently on the challenges that we all face, including those who choose the path of becoming an entrepreneur. We speak about those obstacles like fear, self-doubts, and anxiety… and how to cultivate resilience in the midst of personal and professional struggles.Micah was recently named one of the top 30 influencers in the Raleigh area. Her talents as a marketer, creator, and storyteller are growing by the day and her willingness to grow and explore new opportunities is remarkable. Micah has a knack for building and contributing to communities and showing up in a very wholehearted way. Micah’s Programs and Projects:-         Postcards from Micah: Growing a lifestyle and travel platform focused on local gems, global adventures, and vegan-friendly finds.-         M Creative Society: Supporting brands with social media management, content creation, influencer marketing, and brand storytelling.-         Raleigh Women in Marketing: Building a professional community for women in creative industries through networking, education, and mentorship. -         Upcoming Courses: Preparing to launch new online courses focused on social media strategy, branding, and microinfluencing- designed to empower individuals and small businesses to grow with confidence and authenticity.Connecting With Micah:Instagram: @postcardsfrommicahBusiness Instagram: @mcreativesocietyWebsite: mcreativesociety.com PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:-         Schedule a free discovery call with me to find out more about my coaching services and to see how I might be able to help you attain the outcomes you want and create the change you are seeking. -         Email: [email protected] Please follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.

In today’s episode I am joined by Isabel Grueneich, a social advocate and graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Field.Isabel and I discussed some of the larger social issues facing the world today and she shares her perspectives on the disconnect that often exists when our judgment of others overrides our sense of empathy and understanding for how an individual may have gotten from Point A to Point B. She points out the importance of investing the time to listen to people so that we can better understand how they have chosen to survive.We also chat about the role that money plays in politics, how the system gets impacted by greed and power structures. People are put in boxes or separated into groups and the fallout is damaging and unity is compromised.Isabel discusses the importance of questioning systems and how her generation is strong in the areas of seeing their own value, speaking up, and being collective voices for change. She also talks about how she was influenced and empowered to speak due to growing up around strong women and people who encourage critical thinking. Her education also played a big role too.The topic of resilience is talked about and Isabel acknowledges that resilience is a process and we can find it in the of the majority of our lives. It’s not glorious or glamorous and it is actually very hard and challenging to come to terms with sometimes.Towards the end of our chat, Isabel is clear about challenging and encouraging people to become involved in programs that will widen their mental horizons. Specifically, she mentions a program that she participated in that was in Argentina. The program focused on the prevention of domestic violence and it involved sharing ideas and collaboration with various government officials and nonprofits and it was a very impactful experience for her personally. Connecting with Isabel:Instagram: Isabel.grueneichTiktok: Isabel.grueneich4811PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources-         Schedule a free discovery call with me to find out more about my coaching services and to see how I might be able to help you attain the outcomes you want and create the change you are seeking.-         Email: [email protected] follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.