The Work Within

What actually makes someone a healthy leader?You already know it’s not charisma, competence, or how many people you lead.Host John Lin is joined by Paul McMullen, LPC, and Shannon Pugh, Care and Mobilization Pastor at Irving Bible Church, to explore a question many leaders avoid, but eventually have to face:What’s happening inside of you as you lead?As more leaders burn out, fall apart, or slowly lose themselves, this conversation gets underneath the surface of leadership—and into what actually sustains it over time.Through personal stories and practical insight, this episode unpacks what it takes to lead with emotional health, inner alignment, and long-term integrity.In this episode, we discuss:The 3 core traits of healthy leaders: self-awareness, boundaries, and humilityThe hidden systemic pressures that keep leaders stuck and silentWhy competence can mask unhealth—until it can’tPractical ways to start doing the internal work before it’s too lateWhether you lead a church, a team, a business, or a family—if you influence people, this conversation is for you.Because we don’t just need more leaders. We desperately need healthier ones.Chapters00:00 – What Healthy Leadership Looks Like (Pastor Ted’s Story)06:19 – Why Healthy Leadership Matters09:05 - The Harm of Unhealthy Leadership10:28 – What It Feels Like to Work Under a Healthy Leader13:47 - Defining Healthy Leadership14:29 – 3 Core Traits of Healthy Leaders: Self-Awareness, Boundaries, Humility25:48 - Does Competence Matter? 30:05 – Why Leadership Burnout Happens (Systemic + Personal Causes)35:00 - Why Organizations Reward the Wrong Things42:10 – Why Sabbath Is a Leadership Discipline43:53 – The Danger of Isolation in Leadership46:03 – “Leaders Need to Need”HostsJohn Lin: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds FoundationPaul McMullen, LPC: Founder of WellSpring Process Groups, Licensed Professional CounselorShannon Pugh: Care and Mobilization Pastor, Irving Bible Church Resources The Leader’s JourneyThe Emotionally Healthy LeaderPeople FuelHealthy leadership starts with doing your own internal work.🎁 THERAPY DISCOUNT: Mention "The Work Within" for 10% off your first 5 sessions (New, Self-Pay). Call/Text 214-414-0378. ConnectSubscribe & Review: Apple | Spotify | YouTube Follow: Instagram | Facebook Contact: [email protected]

Have you ever said “yes” but really wanted to say “no”? Have you ever seen a boundary “weaponized” against someone? Have you ever wondered what makes for healthy boundaries? Boundaries are tricky and often misunderstood. In this episode of The Work Within, host John Lin sits down with licensed therapists Ly Tran and Laura Harrison to discuss how to adopt boundaries that protect us from resentment and foster healthier connections. In this episode, we explore:Why "clear is kind" and how lack of clarity breeds resentment.Can boundaries ever be too rigid?The difference between hurting someone’s feelings and harming them.How to pivot from a "parental" or "childlike" posture into a healthy adult voice.The biblical paradox of Galatians 5: How our freedom in Christ is perfected through the boundary of love.Whether you’re dealing with a solicitor at your door, a chronically late friend, or a complex family dynamic, this conversation provides the practical scripts and theological grounding you need to stop "quiet quitting" your relationships and start showing up with integrity.Chapters00:00 – "No" is a Complete Sentence: The Struggle with Boundaries02:17 – Real Talk: When Therapists Break Their Own Boundaries05:40 – Defining the Line: Where "Me" Ends and "You" Begins09:13 – Are Boundaries Selfish? Debunking Common Misconceptions11:51 – The "Weaponization" of Boundaries vs. True Connection12:39 – The Rubber Band Effect: Overcompensating After Years of "Yes"18:15 – Re-educating Others: Moving from Over-functioning to Collaboration25:35 – Live Roleplay: How to Handle the "Chronically Late" Friend33:55 – The High Cost of Silence: Resentment, Rupture, and "Quiet Quitting"39:01 – Theology of Limits: Freedom, Constraint, and Galatians 5HostsJohn Lin: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds FoundationLaura Harrison, LPC-S: Executive Director, WELD Group, Licensed Professional CounselorDr. Ly Tran, LPC-S: Founder and Lead Executive Director of The WELD Group, Licensed Professional CounselorResources 🎁 THERAPY DISCOUNT: Mention "The Work Within" for 10% off your first 5 sessions (New, Self-Pay). Call/Text 214-414-0378. "What does the Bible say about boundaries?"ConnectSubscribe & Review: Apple | Spotify | YouTube Follow: Instagram | Facebook Contact: [email protected] Note: The definition of boundaries mentioned in this episode ("the limit at which I can love both you and myself at the same time") is a paraphrase of the original work by somatic therapist Prentis Hemphill, who famously said: "Boundaries are the distance at which I can love you and me simultaneously."

“That was traumatic.” The word “trauma” gets thrown around a lot these days. But what does it actually mean for our daily lives, our relationships, and our faith? In this episode, host John Lin talks with licensed therapist Paul McMullen and trauma specialist Jenny Wang to unpack the surprising truth: trauma isn’t just the "bad stuff" that happens to us; it’s the disconnection from our authentic selves that follows.  Drawing on the work of Dr. Gabor Maté, Dr. Albert Wong, and Dr. Peter Levine, the team explores the critical distinction between "Big T" and "little t" trauma, explaining why "too little for too long" (emotional neglect or bullying) can be just as impactful as a single painful event. They discuss: Why your nervous system might be stuck in "fight, flight, or freeze" even if you haven’t experienced a major catastrophe.Why presence is critical to healing. Why we often wait until our 40s to do the deep work, and how to start earlier.How Jesus models "being with" rather than just "fixing."How churches can be trauma-informed.Whether you're navigating your own healing journey or looking to better support loved ones, this conversation offers an insightful roadmap back to your authentic self.Chapters[00:00] Redefining Trauma: Beyond the Buzzwords [05:31] Gabor Maté & The Essence of Disconnection [07:04] Trauma and the Imago Dei: Restoring Your Authentic Self [11:22] Is Trauma Part of Everyone’s Story? [12:41] The Empathic Witness: Why Healing Happens in Relationship [15:17] Big ‘T’ vs. Little ‘t’ Trauma: Too Fast vs. Too Long [18:27] The Comparison Trap: Why Your Wounds Matter [20:36] "Deal With Your Trauma or It Will Deal With You" [23:51] Why We Avoid the Past (And How It Shows Up in Parenting) [27:11] The Midlife Pivot: Why We Wait Until Our 40s to Heal [30:55] Jesus as Trauma-Informed: A New Perspective on the Gospel [38:04] Receiving Before Giving: The Importance of Doing Your Own Work HostsJohn Lin: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds FoundationPaul McMullen, LPC: Founder of WellSpring Process Groups, Licensed Professional Counselor Jenny Wang, LPC-S: Clinical Director of Lifeologie Frisco, Licensed Professional Counselor, Trauma SpecialistResources 🎁 THERAPY DISCOUNT: Mention "The Work Within" for 10% off your first 5 sessions (New, Self-Pay). Call/Text 214-414-0378. Companion Article: "Understanding Trauma"ConnectSubscribe & Review: Apple | Spotify | YouTube Follow: Instagram | Facebook Contact: [email protected]

Ever feel like you’re on the losing side of the battle for your mind? René Descartes famously said, "I think, therefore I am," but what happens when intrusive thoughts start robbing us of joy and peace? What do we do when we can’t stop ruminating about a “what-if” or a past wound?In this episode of The Work Within, host John Lin is joined by therapists Laura Harrison and Paul McMullen to unpack the complex relationship we have with our inner monologue. We explore why our brains produce intrusive thoughts, how to stop ruminating on past hurts, and why typical spiritual advice can sometimes backfire. This conversation offers a compassionate, clinically-informed way to live out 2 Corinthians 10:5 for anyone feeling defeated by their thought life.Key TakeawaysThe Power of Externalizing: Learn why naming a thought is the first step to diffusing its power.Curiosity Over Condemnation: How the "Toddler Brain" approach leads to faster healing than self-shame.Relational Regulation: Why we need a "safe person" to help talk down our nervous system.Scripture📖 2 Cor 10:5 – Taking every thought captive📖 Phil 4:8 – Meditating on whatever is true and nobeChapters00:00 | The Traffic Jam of the Mind01:50 | 6,200 Thoughts: The Science of Your Thoughts03:45 | When Thoughts Become Intrusive05:15 | The Protective Brain: Why We Ruminate08:05 | You Are Not Your Thoughts: Creating Distance11:35 | Rent-Free: Giving Away Your Power to Past Hurts14:45 | From Slaying to Staying: A Personal Story of Grades & Grace18:40 | The Vulnerability Balm: Why Connection Heals21:50 | Please Stop Fixing Me: How to Actually Support a Loved One25:25 | Soothing the Toddler Brain28:10 | Re-envisioning "Taking Every Thought Captive"32:10 | Ducks on a Pond: Choosing What to Believe36:30 | The Filter: Is it True, Untrue, or Unsure?40:30 | Final Practices for a Tranquil MindHostsJohn Lin: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds FoundationLaura Harrison, LPC-S: Executive Director, WELD Group, trauma specialistPaul McMullen, LPC: Founder of WellSpring Process Groups Resources 🎁 THERAPY DISCOUNT: Mention "The Work Within" for 10% off your first 5 sessions (New, Self-Pay). Call/Text 214-414-0378. 📄 FREE DOWNLOAD: “The Thought Filter” [Link Here].ConnectSubscribe & Review: Apple | Spotify | YouTube Follow: Instagram | Facebook Contact: [email protected]

When it comes to food and our bodies, we live in extremes: minimizing our bodies (“it doesn’t really matter”) or obsessing over them (“it’s all I think about”). In Episode 12 of The Work Within, John Lin and Dieula Previlon, LPC-S, are joined by Calvin Burns, LPC (Director of Lifeologie Austin) to explore the deeper question beneath our habits: What if our relationship with food and our bodies is less about willpower and more about safety, control, and disconnection?If you’ve ever felt stuck in cycles of emotional eating, body anxiety, and the shame that comes along for the ride, this conversation offers a compassionate, faith-informed path towards greater awareness and health. HOSTS / CO-HOSTSJohn Lin serves as Executive Director of Sweet Deeds Foundation and Director of Partnerships for the Watershed Initiative. Dieula Previlon is a licensed professional counselor supervisor, ordained minister, and founder of ElevateHer International Ministries. Calvin Burns is a licensed professional counselor and Director of Lifeologie Austin. CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to the Complex Relationship with Food05:44 The Importance of Exercise and Its Spiritual Connection08:38 Disconnection from Our Bodies11:35 The Role of Food and Exercise in Coping Mechanisms12:15 Understanding What's Behind the Craving17:35 Distinguishing Between Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders20:31 The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting26:09 Men and their Bodies: Bigorexia28:09 Trauma's Shadow: How Past Hurts Shape Our Eating34:32 Biblical Perspectives on Food and our Bodies38:12 The Need for Body TheologyTHERAPY DISCOUNTMention "The Work Within" to receive 10% discount off the first 5 sessions of therapy. New, Self-Pay Clients Only. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Available for a limited time. Visit www.watershedinitiative.com or call/text 214-414-0378. RESOURCES / REFERENCES1 Corinthians 6:19–20“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit… You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”LISTEN, WATCH, SUBSCRIBELeave us a rating or review and be sure to subscribe! Thank you for supporting us!YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/4z5zfe5cApple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/2s3aenncSpotify - https://tinyurl.com/bczdws7cSOCIALInstagram - www.instagram.com/watershedinitiativeFacebook - www.facebook.com/watersheddallasCONTACTWe’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, comments. Leave a message at www.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithinEmail us at [email protected] 

Talking politics often stirs up strong emotions, which is why conversations with people who hold very different views can quickly become difficult. Many relationships have been strained—or even broken—over political disagreements.In this episode, Laura Harrison, Ly Tran, and John Lin explore how to navigate political conversations from two key perspectives: how to respond when someone says something you find offensive, and how to bring up a sensitive topic with someone who may judge your viewpoint.They discuss the importance of identifying your governing principle, learning to self-regulate during tense conversations, and using curiosity to foster healthier political dialogue.HOSTS / CO-HOSTSJohn Lin serves as Executive Director of Sweet Deeds Foundation and Director of Partnerships for the Watershed Initiative.Laura Harrison is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Clinical Director with Lifeologie.Dr. Ly Tran is a Licensed Professional Counselor and the founder and Lead Executive Director of The WELD Group.CHAPTERS00:00 K-Pop Demon Hunters and Navigating Hot Button Issues03:19 Understanding Emotional Triggers06:12 The Impact of Media Consumption09:01 Conflict in Political Discussions14:53 The Role of Curiosity in Disagreements18:00 Therapeutic Approaches to Conflict20:39 Practical Strategies for Engagement27:56 Leading with Curiosity in Conversations28:57 Relationship Over Outcome32:43 The Essence of Compassion in Relationships36:15 Navigating Core Values and Beliefs36:30 Understanding the Complexity of Sin36:58 Self-Regulation Before Engagement39:24 The Importance of Understanding Before Being Understood42:34 When You're Trying to Communicate Your Ideas47:23 Self-Reflection Before Engagement48:26 The Role of the Church in Political DividesTHERAPY DISCOUNTMention "The Work Within" to receive 10% discount off the first 5 sessions of therapy. New, Self-Pay Clients Only.Visit www.watershedinitiative.com or call/text 214-414-0378. RESOURCESDiffusing Political Triggers Workshop - Saturday, April 11 at 10 AM CT, Online LISTEN, WATCH, SUBSCRIBELeave us a rating or review and be sure to subscribe! Thank you for supporting us!YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/4z5zfe5cApple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/2s3aenncSpotify - https://tinyurl.com/bczdws7cSOCIALInstagram - www.instagram.com/watershedinitiativeFacebook - www.facebook.com/watersheddallasCONTACTWe’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, comments. Leave a message at www.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithinEmail us at [email protected] 

There’s an epidemic of loneliness, and it’s literally killing us. Loneliness is as harmful to your health as smoking or alcoholism. In this important conversation, John Lin, Laura Harrison, and Ly Tran discuss the urgency of connection and community in fostering wellbeing. They explore the ever-present impact of our devices on relationships, why loneliness hits harder among men, and when practicing vulnerability is worth the risk. The discussion emphasizes practical steps we can take to make the wise investment in relationships for a fulfilling life.HOSTSJohn Lin: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds FoundationLaura Harrison, LPC-S: Executive Director, WELD Group, Licensed Professional CounselorDr. Ly Tran, LPC-S: Founder and Lead Executive Director of The WELD Group, Licensed Professional CounselorCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage02:21 The Importance of Community and Connection05:05 Insights from the Harvard Study on Relationships06:43 Navigating Digital Devices and Relationships09:43 Devices: Impact and Boundaries15:07 The Required Shift in Mindset to Approach Devices Differently18:07 Friendship Recession and the Plight of Men22:32 Why It's So Important to Spread the Emotional Load26:21 Practical Steps for Building Connections31:53 How to practice vulnerability in a way that fosters relationship39:47 The Felt Need for Relationship42:05 Relationship TakeawaysTHERAPY DISCOUNTMention "The Work Within" to receive 10% discount off the first 5 sessions of therapy. New, Self-Pay Clients Only. Visit www.watershedinitiative.com or call/text 214-414-0378. RESOURCESHarvard Study of Adult Development https://www.adultdevelopmentstudy.orgTED Talk: “What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KkKuTCFvzIF3 (Fitness-Faith-Fellowship) https://f3nation.comLISTEN, WATCH, SUBSCRIBEYouTube - https://tinyurl.com/4z5zfe5cApple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/2s3aenncSpotify - https://tinyurl.com/bczdws7cSOCIALInstagram - www.instagram.com/watershedinitiativeFacebook - www.facebook.com/watersheddallasCONTACTLeave a message at www.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithinEmail us at [email protected] 

Spiritual practices needn’t stir up feelings of guilt, boredom, or frustration. Instead, they can truly help us connect with the Living God, enabling us to discover joy and peace in our hectic, demanding lives. But how??? In the first episode of 2026, John Lin and Paul McMullen discuss fresh ways to approach practices that contribute to greater connection and wellbeing. They explore honestly the struggles of maintaining these practices, the underlying beliefs that hinder us, and how our family of origin shapes our view of God. They talk about creativity, the power of gratitude, the role of our bodies in connecting spiritually, and the need to adapt with life's seasons.HOSTS / CO-HOSTSJohn Lin, M.Div: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds FoundationPaul McMullen, LPC-Associate: Founder of WellSpring Process Groups, Licensed Professional Counselor-AssociateTHERAPY DISCOUNTMention "The Work Within" to receive 10% discount off the first 5 sessions of therapy. New, Self-Pay Clients Only.Visit www.watershedinitiative.com or call/text 214-414-0378. CHAPTERS + TIMESTAMPS00:00 New Year, New Beginnings: The Journey to Spiritual Shape02:45 The Struggle with Spiritual Practices: Guilt and Motivation05:38 Understanding Our Beliefs About God and Spirituality08:42 The Role of Family of Origin in Spiritual Practices11:33 Imagining God: Creative Approaches to Prayer14:42 Engaging with God: Texting with Immanuel and Other Practices27:35 The Power of Communal Prayer29:01 Creative Approaches to Gratitude31:17 Flexibility in Spiritual Practices32:57 Adapting Practices to Life Seasons35:09 Integrating God into Daily Life37:43 Expanding the Definition of Spiritual Practices39:32 Breath Prayer and Mindfulness46:38 Connecting Spirituality with Neuroscience50:07 Embracing Curiosity in Spiritual PracticesRESOURCESNow I Become Myself - Ken Shigematsu (https://a.co/d/et4LRK3)Matthew 3:17“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”Psalm 131:2But I have calmed and quieted myself,I am like a weaned child with its mother;like a weaned child I am content.Luke 18:38He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”TUNE INYouTube - https://tinyurl.com/4z5zfe5cApple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/2s3aenncSpotify - https://tinyurl.com/bczdws7cFOLLOW US ON SOCIALInstagram - www.instagram.com/watershedinitiativeFacebook - www.facebook.com/watersheddallasCONTACTMessage us at www.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithinEmail us at [email protected] 

In the final episode of 2025, John Lin talks with therapists, Dieula Previlon and Paul McMullen, about the most common reasons people seek therapy. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by life, disappointed or wounded by relationships, beset by unspoken grief, entangled by addictions, they want you to know that you are not alone and why it’s a good thing you’re not unique! They talk about how to know when vulnerability is appropriate and why those who are in therapy are some of the most courageous people they know. This episode offers compassion, encouragement, and solace for individuals, leaders, and anyone who feels a bit road-worn from this holiday season. Share this with a friend who needs a little encouragement. HOSTSJohn Lin: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds FoundationPaul McMullen, LPC-Associate: Founder of WellSpring Process Groups, Licensed Professional Counselor - AssociateDieula Previlon, LPC-S: Founder of ElevateHer International Ministries, Licensed Professional Counselor and Ordained Minister.  THERAPY DISCOUNTMention "The Work Within" to receive 10% discount off the first 5 sessions of therapy. New, Self-Pay Clients Only. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Available for a limited time. Visit www.watershedinitiative.com or call/text 214-414-0378. CHAPTERS + TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to Mental Health Conversations03:20 The Struggle of Saying 'I'm Okay'06:08 Navigating Vulnerability and Authenticity09:16 The Impact of the Holiday Season on Mental Health12:20 Understanding Therapy and Its Stigma14:45 Common Themes in Therapy: Relationships and Grief17:41 The Courage to Face Reality19:57 Exploring Grief in Everyday Life23:04 Coping Mechanisms and Their Effects25:42 It Takes Courage to Face Your Stuff26:34 Grief Is Everywhere28:45 Encouragement for Listeners31:46 Nothing New Under the Sun39:52 Words for LeadersSCRIPTUREEcclesiastes 1:9 “What has been will be again,what has been done will be done again;there is nothing new under the sun.”1 Corinthians 10:13“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”LISTEN, WATCH, SUBSCRIBEYouTube - https://tinyurl.com/4z5zfe5cApple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/2s3aenncSpotify - https://tinyurl.com/bczdws7cCONNECTwww.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithinEmail us at [email protected] Instagram - www.instagram.com/watershedinitiativeFacebook - www.facebook.com/watersheddallas

A lot of folks wax eloquently about love, but actually loving people is really hard. The Apostle Paul asserted that “the greatest of these is love” yet how many of us would say that we are great - or even good - at loving others? Laura Harrison, Ly Tran, and John Lin have a far-reaching conversation about how we can become more loving persons. Going beyond do's and don'ts, they look at the impact of our family of origins on how we love and how to go about “un-blending”, practices that open us to new experiences of God’s love, the surprising person we need to love first, and the practical 5:1 ratio. At Watershed Initiative, we long to see the church flourish in its ability to love. Let us be people who learn about love and practice it! HOSTSJohn Lin: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds FoundationLaura Harrison, LPC-S: Executive Director, WELD Group, Licensed Professional CounselorDr. Ly Tran, LPC-S: Founder and Lead Executive Director of The WELD Group, Licensed Professional CounselorTHERAPY DISCOUNTMention "The Work Within" to receive 10% discount off the first 5 sessions of therapy. New, Self-Pay Clients Only. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Available for a limited time. Visit www.watershedinitiative.com or call/text 214-414-0378. CHAPTERS + TIMESTAMPS00:00 The Riddle of Love01:42 The Complexity of Love During Holidays04:27 Understanding Love Through Mental Health07:38 The Discipline of Love08:47 The Gap Between Belief and Practice of Love12:07 Navigating Accountability and Love16:41 Experiencing God's Love20:47 Practices to Receive Love26:59 Unblending Parental Figures and Love31:16 The Journey to Compassionate Love35:43 Understanding Love Through Self-Relationship41:09 The Balance of Giving and Receiving in Relationships49:35 Leadership and the Practice of LoveRESOURCESNow I Become Myself - Ken ShigematsuGalatians 5:14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”John 13:34-35“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”1 John 4:8Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.LISTEN, WATCH, SUBSCRIBEYouTube - https://tinyurl.com/4z5zfe5cApple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/2s3aenncSpotify - https://tinyurl.com/bczdws7cCONTACTwww.watershedinitiative.com/[email protected] Instagram - www.instagram.com/watershedinitiativeFacebook - www.facebook.com/watersheddallas

Bad days happen. But that's never an excuse for bad behavior. In this episode of the Work Within, Ly Tran, Laura Harrison, and John Lin talk about the typical ways we cope with stressful days and how to learn healthier ways of navigating crappy circumstances and the negative emotions that come for the ride. This practical episode explores how to access hard feelings without letting them overwhelm you, ways to go from dysregulated to regulated, the power of the pause in transitions throughout the day, and the practices Jesus developed that enabled him to navigate the worst of days. Listen to this episode to develop a workable emotional hygiene routine and prevent yourself from becoming emotionally stinky! HOSTSJohn Lin: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds FoundationLaura Harrison, LPC-S: Executive Director, WELD Group, Licensed Professional CounselorDr. Ly Tran, LPC-S: Founder and Lead Executive Director of The WELD Group, Licensed Professional CounselorTHERAPY DISCOUNTMention "The Work Within" to receive 10% discount off the first 5 sessions of therapy. New, Self-Pay Clients Only. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Available for a limited time. Visit www.watershedinitiative.com or call/text 214-414-0378. CHAPTERS + TIMESTAMPS00:00 Navigating Bad Days: Personal Responses03:05 Understanding Bad Behavior: When Bad Days Escalate06:19 The Role of Emotions: Coping with Discomfort09:11 Exploring the Feelings Wheel: Understanding Emotions12:21 The Complexity of Emotions: From Anger to Reflection15:17 Regulating Emotions: The Path to Repair21:12 Understanding Emotions and Regulation25:39 Identifying and Addressing Emotional Triggers30:54 The Importance of Reflection and Pause35:37 Building Healthy Emotional Practices40:24 Leadership and Emotional HygieneRESOURCESHow We Feel App - https://howwefeel.org/Feelings Wheel - https://feelingswheel.com/LISTEN, WATCH, SUBSCRIBELeave us a rating or review and be sure to subscribe! Thank you for supporting us!YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/4z5zfe5cApple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/2s3aenncSpotify - https://tinyurl.com/bczdws7cCONTACTWe’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, comments. Leave a message at www.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithinEmail us at [email protected] 

Is your life over-scheduled, overworked, overtired? What is driving that and more importantly, what does it take to shift into a different gear? In this episode of the Work Within, Dieula, Paul, and John discuss the aspects of our life in motion. Are we just hustling or are we living in chronic overdrive? They dive deep into the aspects of what causes an overdriven life, if we are running our lives or if our lives are running us, and how to tell if this is just a season or an unsustainable standard. You’ll gain fresh insight to help you discover a more sustainable pace for your life.HOSTSJohn Lin: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds FoundationDieula Previlon, LPC-S: Founder of ElevateHer International Ministries, Licensed Professional Counselor and Ordained MinisterPaul McMullen, LPC-Associate: Founder of WellSpring Process Groups, Licensed Professional Counselor-AssociateTHERAPY DISCOUNTMention "The Work Within" to receive 10% discount off the first 5 sessions of therapy. New, Self-Pay Clients Only. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Available for a limited time. Visit www.watershedinitiative.com or call/text 214-414-0378. CHAPTERS + TIMESTAMPS00:00 Living in Overdrive: An Introduction03:05 The Importance of Awareness06:08 The Cultural Urgency and Its Impact09:13 Identifying Patterns of Overdrive11:51 Fear and Urgency: The Driving Forces14:48 Challenging Beliefs About Limitations17:40 The Pursuit of More: A Double-Edged Sword20:25 Interrogating Our Lives: Finding Meaning23:05 Conclusion: Seeking a Sustainable Pace23:59 Understanding the Drive Behind Our Actions25:21 Distinguishing Life's Seasons: Hustle vs. Overdrive28:51 The Dangers of Autopilot Living30:50 The Invitation to Be Still32:19 Intentional Downshifting for a Balanced Life39:12 Embracing Limitations and Finding RhythmsRESOURCESThe Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron (https://a.co/d/hYAf9AN)Psalm 46:10 - Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted in the nations. I will be exalted in the earth. John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”LINKSLeave us a rating or review and be sure to subscribe! YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/4z5zfe5cApple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/2s3aenncSpotify - https://tinyurl.com/bczdws7cWE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU Leave a comment or message at www.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithinEmail us at [email protected] 

Ever show up to a party, meeting, or conversation, and think to yourself, “I like that version of me that showed up”? Ever show up to a party, meeting, or conversation, and think, “I really don’t like that version of me that showed up”? If you’ve ever felt conflicted and confused about the varying ways you show up in life, welcome to the club! Join John Lin, Laura Harrison, and Paul McMullen as they discuss a therapy model called Internal Family Systems, which helps explain why all of us have different parts of ourselves that show up in our lives. Their conversation delves into new language for understanding self, where these different parts of self come from, and how transforming curiosity and compassion can be in discovering our true self. HOSTSJohn Lin: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds FoundationLaura Harrison, LPC-S: Executive Director, WELD Group, Licensed Professional CounselorPaul McMullen, LPC-Associate: Founder of WellSpring Process Groups, Licensed Professional Counselor - AssociateTHERAPY DISCOUNTMention "The Work Within" to receive 10% discount off the first 5 sessions of therapy. New, Self-Pay Clients Only. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Available for a limited time. Visit www.watershedinitiative.com or call/text 214-414-0378. CHAPTERS + TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to the Real Self00:54 Personal Experiences and Internal Dynamics03:19 Understanding Internal Family Systems (IFS)08:26 Exploring Parts: Managers, Firefighters, and Exiles16:30 Integrating Past Wounds and True Self17:53 Understanding Our Parts and Coping Mechanisms19:33 The Influence of Family and Culture20:15 Inner Conflict and Self-Perception22:20 The Role of Curiosity in Self-Discovery24:12 Finding Hope in Internal Struggles26:04 Grace and Truth in Self-Reflection28:28 Welcoming Our Parts with Kindness29:55 The Importance of Self-Compassion33:23 Transforming Relationships Through Self-Awareness37:32 Resources for Further ExplorationRESOURCESNo Bad Parts by Dr. Richard Schwartz - https://a.co/d/dKsWZikAll Together You by Jenna Riemersma - https://a.co/d/7bhgwjJTry Softer by Aundi Kolber - https://a.co/d/bOfGtewRomans 7:15-25I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do…What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!CONNECTApple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/2s3aenncSpotify - https://tinyurl.com/bczdws7cYouTube - https://tinyurl.com/4z5zfe5cwww.watershedinitiative.com/[email protected] 

“I enjoy getting into conflict” said no one ever. And yet, conflict is inevitable. In this episode of The Work Within, John Lin, Ly Tran, and Dieula Previlon talk about new ways to think about and engage with conflict that will empower you to show up differently when things get heated in your relationships. If you’re tired of the way conflict is playing out in your life and ready for a change, this conversation will introduce you to the vital 80/20 rule, help you identify thought patterns and underlying emotions driving poor conflict responses, and provide a roadmap for cultivating a more effective posture in conflict. HOSTSJohn Lin: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds FoundationDieula Previlon, LPC-S: Founder of ElevateHer International Ministries, Licensed Professional Counselor and Ordained MinisterDr. Ly Tran, LPC-S: Founder and Lead Executive Director of The WELD Group, Licensed Professional CounselorTHERAPY DISCOUNTFor a limited time, listeners can receive a 10% discount off the first 5 sessions of therapy by mentioning, “The Work Within.” New, Self-Pay Clients Only. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Visit www.watershedinitiative.com or call/text 214-414-0378. CHAPTERS + TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to Conflict and Its Impact01:34 The Not so Pretty Ways to Do Conflict05:10 Leaky, Passive Aggressive Conflict05:58 The Mental Scripts and Emotions Driving Conflict10:16 The Role of Family Dynamics11:44 The 80/20 Rule for Conflict14:39 The Art of Articulating What's Within17:03 How do I know what I'm feeling?20:13 Bottom Up: Understanding Core Emotions in Conflict24:39 Doing the Work for Yourself First26:27 Identifying Thought Patterns in Conflict31:29 To the Extent You Can, Live at Peace with All.33:02 Reframing Conflict as an Opportunity for Growth38:53 The Importance of Internal Work in Conflict ResolutionRESOURCESConflicted by Dr. Ly TranRomans 12:18 - “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”CONTACT [email protected] LINKSLeave us a rating or review and be sure to subscribe! Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/2s3aenncSpotify - https://tinyurl.com/bczdws7cYouTube - https://tinyurl.com/4z5zfe5cWe'd love to hear from you!www.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithin

Yours may be small or giant, piercing or quiet, but we all have one. In the second inaugural episode of The Work Within, hosts John Lin, Laura Harrison, and Paul McMullen confront the inner critic that resides within all of us. They discuss personal experiences with their inner critics, the impact of these negative voices on relationships, and the origins of such critical thoughts. The conversation emphasizes the importance of awareness, kindness, and curiosity in managing the inner critic, ultimately leading to healthier connections with oneself and others. If you’ve ever made a mistake and then beat yourself up for it, you’ll want to listen to this episode. HOSTS John Lin: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds FoundationLaura Harrison, LPC-S: Clinical Director of Lifeologie Richardson, Licensed Professional CounselorPaul McMullen, LPC-A: Founder of WellSpring Process Groups, Licensed Professional Counselor - AssociateCHAPTERS + TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to The Work Within Podcast04:32 The Voice of the Inner Critic 08:30 The Impact of the Inner Critic on Relationships12:32 When Your Inner Critic Goes Public17:42 The Origins of the Inner Critic20:28 Loosening the Inner Critic's Grip24:47 Practicing Kindness and Curiosity29:06 The Role of Relationships in Self-Acceptance32:36 Conclusion and Future ConversationsTHERAPY DISCOUNTFor a limited time, listeners can receive a 10% discount off the first 5 sessions of therapy by mentioning, “The Work Within.” New, Self-Pay Clients Only. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Visit www.watershedinitiative.com or call/text 214-414-0378. CONTACT [email protected] LINKSwww.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithinYouTubeSpotify Apple Podcasts

In this inaugural episode of The Work Within podcast, we tackle a small but mighty four-letter word: PAIN. With compassion and nuance, hosts John Lin, Dieula Previlon, and Ly Tran explore the complex relationship between pain and personal growth. This episode delves into types of pain, various coping mechanisms, the importance of community in healing, the pitfalls of spiritual bypass, and the urgent need to increase our comfort with discomfort. Listeners will come away encouraged to lean into, rather than run from, pain. HOSTSJohn Lin: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds FoundationDieula Previlon, LPC-S: Founder of ElevateHer International Ministries, Licensed Professional Counselor and Ordained Minister. Dr. Ly Tran, LPC-S: Founder and Lead Executive Director of The WELD Group, Licensed Professional CounselorTHERAPY DISCOUNTFor a limited time, listeners can receive a 10% discount off the first 5 sessions of therapy by mentioning, “The Work Within.” New, Self-Pay Clients Only. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Visit www.watershedinitiative.com or call/text 214-414-0378. CHAPTERS + TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to The Work Within Podcast03:14 Understanding Pain and Its Role in Change06:17 The Tension of Pain and Suffering09:41 Pain Will Find You12:06 Responses to Pain: Lean In and Learn from Bison18:24 The Ways We Run from Pain21:11 Using Religiosity to Numb Pain and Spiritual Bypass24:16 "Never Waste Pain. It's too expensive."25:08 The Role of Community in Healing Pain28:23 Not All at Once: the Importance of Timing33:02 Joy and the Pain of Jesus35:28 When the Purpose of Pain Isn't Clear46:23 You Are Not Alone in Your Pain49:06 The Power of Connection in Healing50:23 Finding Your Invincible SummerRESOURCESDoes God See Me? By Dieula Previlon [email protected] LINKSwww.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithinYouTubeSpotify Apple Podcasts