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In this episode of Shift Out Loud, Tracy Spears sits down with master coach and corporate leader-turned-mentor Mina Brown to explore the powerful, personal, and far-reaching impact of coaching. From boardrooms to virtual training rooms, Mina’s journey is a testament to the deep change that’s possible when we shift from giving answers to asking the right questions.

Together, they unpack what makes coaching so effective—including the science of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), the strategic use of metaphors and humor, and the art of creating safe spaces for real transformation.

Mina shares how our environment shapes our beliefs, how the pandemic revolutionized coaching, and why curiosity, purpose, and values matter more than ever. Whether you’re a leader, a learner, or simply someone who wants to live more intentionally, this episode will leave you thinking differently about the power of conversation.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Coaching is not about answers—it’s about discovery.
• NLP can accelerate learning, growth, and transformation.
• Humor and metaphor help unlock deep insight and emotional resonance.
• Coaching is a partnership grounded in trust and respect.
• Leaders with coaching skills can radically impact culture and connection.
• Beliefs drive our behavior—challenging them drives change.
• Transitioning from corporate to coaching demands vulnerability and mindset shifts.
• The virtual coaching boom is here to stay—and it’s opening new doors.
• Everyone deserves a coach. The ripple effect is real.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Coaching and Personal Journey

02:54 Transitioning from Corporate to Coaching

05:46 The Role of Neuro-Linguistic Programming in Coaching

08:42 Understanding Coaching vs. Consulting

11:47 The Importance of a Coaching Relationship

14:27 The Power of Metaphors and Humor in Coaching

24:57 The Power of Curiosity in Coaching

25:52 Challenging Limiting Beliefs

28:50 Understanding Values and Purpose

31:43 The Impact of Environment on Beliefs

33:48 Navigating Information in the Digital Age

36:26 The Evolution of Coaching During the Pandemic

39:32 The Value of Coaching Beyond Profession

42:24 The Multiplier Effect of Coaching

45:23 Connecting with Mina Brown

Connect with Mina

Website: www.positivecoach.com

Connect with Tracy

Instagram @tracylspears

TikTok @tracyspearsspeaker

Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: www.theleaderlab.com

Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at http://www.tracyspears.com

For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my blog: https://tracyspears.com/blog-2/

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In this inspiring episode, Tracy sits down with Dana Day, a Tulsa-based custom home builder, remodeler, and HGTV alum. With a background in psychology and art, Dana shares how she carved a unique path into the male-dominated construction industry—and how creativity, grit, and heart have shaped both her work and her life.

Dana opens up about her experience as the only woman featured on HGTV’s Build It Forward, the realities of running a remodeling business, and the lessons she’s learned about setting expectations and maintaining accountability. But the conversation goes far deeper than blueprints and budgets. Dana reveals how devastating personal loss, financial setbacks, and moments of reinvention taught her the value of resilience, vulnerability, and the healing power of storytelling.

Together, Tracy and Dana explore how purpose can rise from pain—and how creativity and compassion can build more than just homes.

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience is something you build—like a house—one intentional step at a time.
• Vulnerability isn't weakness—it's a bridge to connection and healing.
• Women can (and do) thrive in male-dominated spaces, especially when they show up authentically.
• Realistic expectations are the foundation of any successful project—professional or personal.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dana Day

02:15 Dana's Journey into Building

05:02 Challenges in the Remodeling Industry

07:58 The HGTV Experience

10:40 Navigating a Male-Dominated Field

13:32 Personal Shifts and Life Challenges

25:05 Overcoming Adversity: A Journey of Resilience

28:57 The Power of Perseverance and Stress Management

35:01 Creative Expression and Future Aspirations

35:53 The Impact of Vulnerability and Sharing Stories

Connect with Dana

www.danabuildanddesign.com

Connect with Tracy

Instagram @tracylspears

TikTok @tracyspearsspeaker

Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: www.theleaderlab.com

Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at http://www.tracyspears.com

For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my blog: https://tracyspears.com/blog-2/

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In this flavorful and fearless episode, Tracy Spears sits down with culinary entrepreneur Makenna Held, the powerhouse behind the Courageous Cooking School and the bold new platform Recipe Kick. Makenna opens up about her extraordinary leap of faith—buying Julia Child’s summer home, La Pitchoune, sight unseen—and the revolutionary path she’s carved in the world of food since.

From embracing recipe-free cooking to redefining the culinary classroom, Makenna shares how creativity, courage, and criticism have shaped her journey. She reveals the magic (and madness) behind running an immersive cooking school in the South of France, the challenges of building a sustainable food business, and the pressure of being tethered to Julia Child’s legacy.

Get ready for a refreshingly honest conversation about what it takes to cook, live, and lead on your own terms.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Makenna bought Julia Child’s home without ever seeing it
• How a movie (The Hundred-Foot Journey) inspired her life-altering move to France
• The philosophy behind her recipe-free approach to cooking
• What it’s like to run a cooking school inside a culinary icon’s home
• The deeper meaning behind The Courageous Cooking School
• How Recipe Kick is shifting the future of food education
• The unexpected impact (and pitfalls) of fame and TV exposure
• Why sustainable business models are essential
• How Makenna is building a legacy of culinary creativity and personal empowerment

00:00 Introduction to Makenna Held and La Pitchoune
02:52 The Journey to France and Buying Julia Child's Home
06:01 Risk-Taking and Culinary Aspirations
08:57 The Courageous Cooking School Experience
11:53 Immersive Culinary Experiences and Cooking Philosophy
14:51 Recipe-Free Cooking and Creativity
17:58 The Evolution of Recipe Kick
20:47 The Cookbook and Culinary Education
29:24 The Spirit of Julia Child
30:43 Sustainable Business Models in Culinary Education
31:51 The Journey to Television Stardom
32:49 Navigating Fame and Criticism
40:03 Future Aspirations and Business Shifts
47:04 Defining Legacy Beyond Julia Child
51:54 Looking Ahead: New Ventures and Opportunities

Connect with Makenna

Instagram
@makennaheld @recipekick.tv @lapeetchfr

https://okay-perfect.com/

See Makenna on Tour: MakennaHeld.com

Connect with Tracy

Instagram @tracylspears

TikTok @tracyspearsspeaker

Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: www.theleaderlab.com

Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at http://www.tracyspears.com

For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my blog: https://tracyspears.com/blog-2/

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In this inspiring episode, Tracy Spears sits down with Dr. Deborah Gist, former superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools, to explore what it means to lead with purpose, courage, and compassion. Dr. Gist shares the story of how her passion for teaching shaped her career and how transformational leadership demands a steadfast commitment to integrity and change.

From navigating public scrutiny to building trust within a divided community, Dr. Gist opens up about the challenges and triumphs of leading a large school district. She emphasizes the importance of being present, listening deeply, and staying anchored in one’s values—even in the most turbulent times.

As she looks to the future, Dr. Gist reflects on the necessity of self-care in sustaining leadership and her growing focus on mentoring the next generation of leaders. This conversation is a powerful reminder that effective leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about how you make people feel.

Key Takeaways:

• Transformational leadership requires courage, vision, and integrity.
• Community trust is earned through transparency and accountability.
• Listening and emotional presence are powerful tools for any leader.
• Self-care is not a luxury—it’s essential for longevity in leadership.
• Leadership is ultimately measured by the positive impact on others.

Highlights

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Deborah Gist

02:50 Dr. Gist's Journey in Education

05:31 Transformational Leadership and Change

09:55 Navigating Challenges in Leadership

12:51 Addressing Allegations and Integrity

17:38 The Importance of Community Trust

21:10 Personal Reflections on Leadership

30:46 Future Aspirations and Self-Care

37:40 Lessons Learned in Leadership

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Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: www.theleaderlab.com

Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at http://www.tracyspears.com

For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: http://www.tracyspears.com/blog

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In this powerful conversation, Tracy interviews Kelley Scott, a seasoned nurse and the Executive Director of Clarehouse, a pioneering social model hospice in Oklahoma. Kelley shares her journey into nursing, the challenges of providing end-of-life care, and the importance of creating meaningful connections with patients and their families. She emphasizes the need for boundaries in caregiving, the sacredness of death, and the necessity of having open conversations about dying to avoid regrets. Through personal anecdotes, Kelley illustrates the profound impact of this type of work and the importance of supporting individuals and families during the dying process. She shares her journey from bedside nursing to founding Clarehouse and creating the Omega Home Network, which supports similar initiatives nationwide. The discussion underscores the significance of community, education, and advocacy in enhancing the experience of dying and caring for loved ones.

Highlights

00:00 Introduction to Kelley Scott and Her Journey

02:25 Early Influences and Nursing Career Beginnings

04:49 Shifts in Nursing Focus and Specialization

10:37 The Importance of Boundaries in Caregiving

12:28 The Sacredness of Death and Dying

16:43 Personal Experiences with Death and Regrets

22:54 The Work of Dying and Conversations Around It

30:19 The Challenge of Timing in End-of-Life Decisions

32:00 Normalizing Conversations About Death

35:07 Transitioning to Hospice Care

39:55 Creating a Home for Dying People

42:18 The Birth of Claire House

47:16 Reinventing Community and Self

50:29 The Omega Home Network

54:48 Education and Advocacy in End-of-Life Care

Guest Bio

Kelley Scott

As Founder and Executive Director of Clarehouse, Oklahoma’s first community home for people who are dying, Kelley’s leadership is informed by her 22-year history with this innovative non-profit and her expertise from the ground up with the model. After 38 years as a nurse, she still cherishes time at the bedside with guests and families. Kelley also serves as the Executive Director of the Omega Home Network, a national membership organization fostering the growth the model. She believes that every community should have a home like Clarehouse and loves to quote Margaret Mead – “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has."

Learn more about Clarehouse.

Learn more about Omega Home Network

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Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: www.theleaderlab.com

Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com

For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog

Connect with me:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears
Instagram: @tracylspears
TikTok: @tracyspearsspeaker

If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential.

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In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Tracy Spears welcomes Mica Chavez, a private chef and passionate advocate for recovery, education, and mentorship. Mica shares her remarkable journey from addiction to transformation, revealing how a single moment of desperation set her on a new path—one rooted in purpose, healing, and the culinary arts.

From cooking for U.S. presidents to teaching the next generation of chefs, Mica’s story is about more than food—it's about nurturing growth, building safe spaces, and empowering others through compassion and community. She opens up about her vision for a future farm where young people can learn life skills, grow fresh food, and rediscover their worth.

Key Takeaways:

• The pivotal moment that sparked Mica’s recovery journey
• Her deep belief in cooking with love and fresh ingredients
• Why mentorship and education are central to her mission
• How gardening became a metaphor for personal growth
• Her dream to create a farm as a refuge for youth

Mica’s honesty, resilience, and passion will leave you inspired to cultivate your own growth—and support others along the way.

🎧 Listen now to hear how Mica Chavez turned struggle into strength—and how she’s planting the seeds for a more compassionate future.

Hightlights

03:36 The Gift of Desperation: A Turning Point
06:50 Rebuilding Life: From Rock Bottom to Recovery
09:51 Education and Mentorship in Culinary Arts
12:50 Transitioning from Teaching to New Opportunities
15:38 Setting Intentions and Spiritual Growth
21:50 Finding Higher Power and Self-Reflection
23:05 Journey from El Paso to Santa Fe
27:09 Transitioning Careers in Culinary Arts
30:11 The Impact of Recovery on Life
35:04 Future Aspirations and Community Support

Connect with Mica
Website: www.micachavez.com

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Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: www.theleaderlab.com

Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at http://www.tracyspears.com

For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: http://www.tracyspears.com/blog

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In this inspiring episode of Shift Out Loud, host Tracy Spears sits down with Jennifer Alton, a trailblazing leader in the medical device industry, to explore the power of imperfection in leadership and life. Jennifer shares her personal journey from a small town to the global stage, including the pivotal moment she delivered a TED Talk about embracing imperfection.

Together, they dive into the damaging effects of perfectionism in the workplace and how the practice of "working in draft" can unlock innovation, growth, and resilience. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of letting teams learn through failure, celebrating small wins, and fostering a culture of curiosity by asking powerful questions instead of offering quick fixes.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into authentic leadership, the role of vulnerability in personal development, and why progress—not perfection—is the real goal. Whether you're leading a team or navigating your own growth journey, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on what it truly means to lead, learn, and shift out loud.

Connect with Jennifer Alton
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-alton/

Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: www.theleaderlab.com

Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com

For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog

Connect with me:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears
Instagram: @tracylspears
TikTok: @tracyspearsspeaker

If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential.

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In this episode of Shift Out Loud, Chef Shannon Smith shares the bold shifts that transformed her life—from growing up on a ranch in Oklahoma to becoming a celebrated chef and culinary educator. She opens up about the pivotal moments that led her from a successful sewing career to discovering her true passion for cooking, inspired by a home economics teacher who sparked her love for food.

Shannon's travels to over 50 countries have shaped her culinary style, deepened her commitment to teaching, and fueled her desire to uplift underserved communities. She reflects on the unexpected turns that led to her cookbook, The Hidden Table, and how creating immersive dining experiences allows her to foster connection and joy.

Through microfinance and skill-building in sewing and cooking, Shannon is empowering women around the world—proving that when we embrace change, we can create an impact far beyond ourselves. Tune in to hear how embracing life's shifts has led her to a life of adventure, purpose, and passion.

Highlights
00:00 Introduction to Chef Shannon Smith
02:08 Growing Up in Oklahoma
05:37 The Shift from Ranch to Education
12:44 The Journey into Home Economics
16:51 Transitioning from Sewing to Cooking
21:59 Exploring Culinary Cultures
25:07 First Cooking Class Experience
27:49 The Unexpected Journey to Writing a Cookbook
28:16 The Shift to Culinary Arts
29:26 Creating Memorable Dining Experiences
32:33 The Power of Connection at the Table
35:22 Teamwork in Culinary Events
37:20 Traveling and Cooking: A Unique Passion
39:24 Future Travel Aspirations
41:12 Reflections on Turning 60
42:59 The Impact of a Cookbook
47:13 Microfinance & Empowering Women

Links
Chef Shannon Smith
https://chefshannon.com/
TikTok: @chefshannonsmith
Instagram: @chefshannonsmith

Order The Hidden Table!

Discover your tactical leadership toolkit:

Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com

For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog

Connect with me:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears
Twitter: @tracylspears
Instagram: @tracylspears
TikTok: @tracyspearsspeaker

If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential.