Join host Dana Skaggs and organizational researcher Craig Mattson as they dive into the pressures of the modern workplace. Using powerful metaphors like "the wave" of digital overwhelm and the "life raft" of coping strategies, they explore why remote work often feels confusing and detached. The conversation tackles the big question: "Should I quit if my job feels meaningless?" Craig reveals the four distinct ways people find purpose—from changing the world to simply surviving the day. Ultimately, they argue that in an era of constant change, your greatest skill isn't what you do, but your ability to adapt your perspective and find meaning, even if it feels like you're just a cup of water in an ocean.

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In this episode, Matt O'Neill reveals how to achieve "conscious happiness" even when life feels chaotic. He explains that the common belief of "I'll be happy when..." is a deceptive trap that keeps us constantly striving but never satisfied. Matt reframes negative moods not as personal flaws, but as predictable functions of our "survival brain" that can be overcome. His solution is a set of simple, powerful habits—like gratitude and affirmations—that can be woven into your busiest days without taking extra time. This episode teaches you the skills to stop waiting for perfection and start being happy while life is messy.

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Matt's Website

In this episode, Dana Skaggs is joined by neurodiversity advocate Khushboo Chabria, who shares her journey to empowerment after a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis. Khushboo explains why feeling misunderstood isn't a personal failure but often a sign of a workplace culture that lacks true acceptance. She introduces a powerful mindset shift: replacing judgment with "compassionate curiosity." Learn how to stop trying to “fix” yourself, advocate for your unique needs, and find the environment where you can truly thrive.

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In this episode, Dana is joined by coach Arnold Beekes to talk about his journey from a rigid upbringing rooted in extreme conformity to a life of authenticity. Arnold shares how most of us are "conditioned" from a young age, losing sight of what we truly want and living to meet other people’s expectations. He breaks down why comparison is a trap and introduces the “Art of Unconditioning”—a process for taking back your power. Learn how to stop chasing approval, start owning your uniqueness, and build the self-confidence to live a life that’s truly your own.

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Arnold's Linkedin

In this episode, Brad Chandler shares his journey of overcoming unresolved childhood trauma. Brad reveals how his subconscious belief of "not being enough" led to two divorces, millions in business losses, and struggles with anxiety and addiction. He explains that these negative behaviors were not flaws, but outdated survival mechanisms created by his brain in childhood. His breakthrough came not from traditional therapy, but through memory reconsolidation—a technique that rewrites the faulty neural pathways driving these actions. By accessing the subconscious mind, he was able to heal the root cause of his pain.

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Brad's Linktree

In this episode of Phoenix and Flame, Dana Skaggs welcomes Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier, psychologist, executive coach, and author of The Resilience Plan, to discuss the critical role of mental health and resilience in high-performing professionals. Together, they explore why winging it doesn’t work when it comes to stress, how leaders often overlook their own mental health, and the power of having a personalized, strategic resilience plan. Dr. Pelletier explains how to plan for life’s challenges before they hit and why boundaries, clarity, and mental fitness are key to thriving rather than just surviving. The conversation emphasizes that building resilience is not a sign of weakness; it is essential for long-term success, especially in fast-paced or high-demand environments.

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The Resilience Plan

In this episode of Phoenix and Flame, fitness coach and entrepreneur Petar Krastev shares how he went from arriving in the UK with just 10 Euros in his pocket to building a life grounded in faith, fitness, and entrepreneurship. He opens up about facing homelessness, toxic relationships, and the challenges of supporting a child in his early years—yet still finding the drive to keep moving forward. Petar explains how maintaining a fitness routine gave him strength when everything else was falling apart, and how his faith completely shifted his path, opening unexpected doors in both life and business.

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Petar's Website

In this episode of Phoenix and Flame, host Dana Skaggs welcomes happiness coach and co-founder of Limitless You, Yvonne Trost. Together, they explore the powerful journey of personal transformation. Yvonne shares her own inspiring story of overcoming significant life challenges including a devastating apartment fire, a difficult marriage, and a career change before learning to be herself again.

She introduces a transformative three-step framework, emphasizing the crucial role of self-compassion and curiosity in breaking free from limiting beliefs and fears. The discussion continues into the science of neuroplasticity, the power of the imagination, and the importance of shifting from negative "what if" thinking to a more empowering "why not" approach. Lastly, Yvonne provides listeners with practical tools and resources for self-discovery, offering a clear path to unlock their limitless potential and create a more fulfilling life.

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Yvonne's Website