Executive Coach and Vistage Chair, Elize Giese, emphasizes the importance of self-awareness for success, highlighting how understanding what energizes you and where you add value is foundational. The discussion explores practical steps to develop self-awareness and leverage it for personal and professional growth.

Connect with Elize:

• Email: elize@thechangemakers.co
• LinkedIn: @elizegieze
• Instagram: @elizegieze

Learn more Eddy at: www.eddypaulthomas.com

Discover the transformative power of empathy in both our personal lives and the workplace with the following resources:

• Ok…On Second Thought Life & Leadership Coaching at www.onsecondthoughtstudio.com
• Read the Things I’m Rethinking monthly newsletter.
• Read the Before You React blog for helpful articles on relationships.
• Read the Ok…On Second Thought blog for insightful articles on leadership.

Brought to you by Elevate 1 Consulting.

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.

Music: "Show Your Hand” and “Too Fly“ by Kesta from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

In this conversation, Eddy Paul Thomas and Laura Starr discuss the landscape of free and charitable clinics in Illinois, focusing on their unique roles in providing healthcare to underserved populations. They explore the impact of federal budget cuts on healthcare access, the importance of building trust within communities, and innovative approaches to healthcare delivery. Laura shares her experiences in strengthening these clinics and the challenges they face, emphasizing the need for community engagement and collaboration to ensure that everyone has access to necessary healthcare services. In this conversation, Laura Starr discusses her transition from clinic work to association leadership, emphasizing the importance of community support in healthcare. She shares insights on managing crises, maintaining mental health, and the necessity of empathy in healthcare systems. Laura highlights the need for community-centered solutions and the impact of trauma on patients. She encourages listeners to get involved in community healthcare efforts and stresses the importance of listening to community needs to provide effective healthcare services.

Give to Laura's organization today!: Illinois Association of Free & Charitable Clinics

Learn more Eddy at: www.eddypaulthomas.com

Discover the transformative power of empathy in both our personal lives and the workplace with the following resources:

• Ok…On Second Thought Life & Leadership Coaching at www.onsecondthoughtstudio.com
• Read the Things I’m Rethinking monthly newsletter.
• Read the Before You React blog for helpful articles on relationships.
• Read the Ok…On Second Thought blog for insightful articles on leadership.

Brought to you by Elevate 1 Consulting.

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.

Music: "Show Your Hand” and “Too Fly“ by Kesta from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

Before moving forward, we’re looking back.

In Let’s Start with a Recap, Eddy Paul Thomas revisits some of the most impactful moments from Season 2. These are the conversations that didn’t just resonate in the moment, but stayed, challenged, and continued to shape how we lead, relate, and grow.

Because sometimes you don’t need something new. You need to hear the right thing again.

If you’re new, this is the place to start. If you’ve been listening, this is your moment to reflect.

Press play and step into Season 3 with intention.

Guests This Episode:

• Mona Hennein
• Annie To
• Erin Jones
• Christian Ortiz
• Dr. Shawn Wooden
• Emily Longnecker
• Dave Capozzi

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Learn more Eddy at: www.eddypaulthomas.com

Discover the transformative power of empathy in both our personal lives and the workplace with the following resources:

• Ok…On Second Thought Life & Leadership Coaching at www.onsecondthoughtstudio.com
• Read the Things I’m Rethinking newsletter.
• Read the Before You React blog for helpful articles on relationships.
• Read the Ok…On Second Thought blog for insightful articles on leadership.

Brought to you by Elevate 1 Consulting.

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.

Music: "Show Your Hand,” “Reclaimed, “ and “Vibrant Life" by Kesta from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

In this MicroPod episode, Eddy Paul Thomas discusses the importance of focusing on what we can control, especially in the context of mental health and relationships. He emphasizes the impact of social media on our well-being and offers strategies for managing attention and reducing stress. The conversation also highlights the significance of repairing relationships and choosing connection over independence as we navigate challenges leading into 2026.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Empathy and Control 02:42 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health 05:21 Managing Attention and Reducing Stress 08:15 The Importance of Relationships and Apologies 10:22 Choosing Connection Over Independence

• Learn More about Eddy's Life and Leadership Coaching: www.eddypaulthomas.com
• Give to The Black Missions Museum: www.theblackmissionsmuseum.org
• For consulting inquiries learn more at www.elevate1consulting.com
• Learn more about the Unbroken Place Podcast at: www.eddypaulthomas.com/unbrokenplace

For speaking or workshop inquiries, click here.

For guest inquiries, reach us at hello@eddypaulthomas.com

Discover the transformative power of empathy in both our personal lives and the workplace with the following resources:

• Ok...On Second Thought newsletter on Linkedin.

• Ok...On Second Thought articles.

• Ok...On Second Thought Resources for the Workplace.

Brought to you by Elevate 1 Consulting.

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.

Music: "Blood" by Anthem of Rain, “Holizna” by HoliznaRAPS, “Too Fly” & "Tide Turns" by Kesta, and "Basurera" by Blue Dot Sessions from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

In this conversation, Eddy Thomas and Erin Jones explore the critical distinctions between being an "ally" and an "abolitionist" in the context of social justice. They discuss the importance of community, the role of social media, and the sacrifices required to be an effective advocate. The conversation emphasizes the need for honest discussions about race, the historical context of healthcare and social issues, and the significance of building relationships across differences. Ultimately, they highlight the power of standing up for marginalized communities and the cost of silence in the face of injustice.

Takeaways

• Allyship is about support, while abolitionism requires action.
• Social media can be a tool for both allies and abolitionists.
• Being an abolitionist often involves sacrificing comfort and privilege.
• Community relationships are crucial for effective advocacy.
• Historical context is essential to understanding current issues.

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• Learn More about Eddy's Life and Leadership Coaching: www.eddypaulthomas.com
• Give to The Black Missions Museum: www.theblackmissionsmuseum.org
• For consulting inquiries learn more at www.elevate1consulting.com
• Learn more about the Unbroken Place Podcast at: www.eddypaulthomas.com/unbrokenplace

For speaking or workshop inquiries, click here.

For guest inquiries, reach us at hello@eddypaulthomas.com

Discover the transformative power of empathy in both our personal lives and the workplace with the following resources:

• Ok...On Second Thought newsletter on Linkedin.

• Ok...On Second Thought articles.

• Ok...On Second Thought Resources for the Workplace.

Brought to you by Elevate 1 Consulting.

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.

Music: "Blood" by Anthem of Rain, “Holizna” by HoliznaRAPS, “Too Fly” & "Tide Turns" by Kesta, and "Basurera" by Blue Dot Sessions from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

In this engaging conversation, Mona Hennein shares her unique journey from a science background to becoming a storyteller and producer in media. She discusses the importance of faith in storytelling, the evolution of journalism, and the impact of her documentary 'Unchained' on addressing generational trauma. Mona emphasizes the healing power of storytelling, the significance of shared humanity, and the need for understanding different perspectives. She also highlights the challenges of navigating hard truths while offering hope in her work, particularly in her upcoming project 'Searching for Eternity,' which explores comparative theology.

Takeaways

• Mona transitioned from a science career to storytelling after discovering her passion for writing.
• She emphasizes the importance of faith in storytelling and how it can impact lives.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool for healing trauma and fostering understanding.
• The evolution of journalism has led to a focus on entertainment over balanced reporting.

Connect with Mona:

Email: mona@lifefocus.tv

Website: lifefocusmedia.org

Videos: @LifeFocusTelevision

• Learn More about Eddy's Life and Leadership Coaching: www.eddypaulthomas.com
• Give to The Black Missions Museum: www.theblackmissionsmuseum.org
• Learn more about the Unbroken Place Podcast at: www.eddypaulthomas.com/unbrokenplace

Discover the transformative power of empathy in both our personal lives and the workplace with the following resources:

• • Ok...On Second Thought newsletter on Linkedin.

• • Ok...On Second Thought articles.

• • Ok...On Second Thought Resources for the Workplace.

Brought to you by Elevate 1 Consulting.

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.

Music: "Blood" by Anthem of Rain, “Holizna” by HoliznaRAPS, “Too Fly” & "Tide Turns" by Kesta, and "Basurera" by Blue Dot Sessions from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

In this engaging conversation, journalist Emily Longnecker shares her insights on the importance of empathy in journalism, the formative experiences that shaped her career, and the challenges of reporting on tragedy. She discusses the evolution of news reporting in the digital age, the significance of building trust with sources, and the ethical considerations of storytelling. Emily emphasizes the power of silence in interviews and the courage required to ask tough questions. She offers valuable advice for aspiring journalists, highlighting the need for humility and a commitment to truth.

Takeaways

• Empathy is a core value in journalism.
• Navigating crises in journalism demands quick thinking and emotional resilience.
• The evolution of news reporting has changed with technology.
• Earning the right to tell someone's story is crucial.
• Silence can be a powerful tool in interviews.

Chapters

00:00 The Roots of Empathy in Journalism 02:55 Defining Moments in Reporting 05:53 The Impact of 9/11 on Journalism 08:39 Building Trust in Journalism 11:52 Earning the Right to Tell Stories 14:46 The Role of Social Media in Storytelling 17:45 The Emotional Weight of Reporting 20:39 Crafting Impactful Stories 23:32 Empathy and Humanity in Journalism 34:32 The Power of Community and Storytelling 38:31 The Role of the Journalist: Balancing Voice and Objectivity 44:18 Authenticity in Journalism: Building Trust 52:25 The Importance of Silence in Interviews 56:28 Advice for Future Journalists: Staying Humble and Committed

Connect with Emily Longnecker

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/emily-longnecker/

Facebook: facebook.com/EmilyLongneckerWTHR/

Instagram: @emilywthr

• Learn More about Eddy's Life and Leadership Coaching: www.eddypaulthomas.com
• Give to The Black Missions Museum: www.theblackmissionsmuseum.org
• Learn more about the Unbroken Place Podcast at: www.eddypaulthomas.com/unbrokenplace

Discover the transformative power of empathy in both our personal lives and the workplace with the following resources:

• • Ok...On Second Thought newsletter on Linkedin.

• • Ok...On Second Thought articles.

• • Ok...On Second Thought Resources for the Workplace.

Brought to you by Elevate 1 Consulting.

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.

Music: "Blood" by Anthem of Rain, “Holizna” by HoliznaRAPS, “Too Fly” & "Tide Turns" by Kesta, and "Basurera" by Blue Dot Sessions from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

In this episode, Annie Toe discusses her journey as an actress and educator, emphasizing the importance of empathy in storytelling and teaching. She shares personal experiences that have shaped her understanding of empathy, both in her acting career and in her work with students. The discussion explores the challenges of portraying complex characters, the impact of societal issues like mass shootings on empathy, and the significance of community in fostering personal growth. Annie also offers advice for young actors, highlighting the need for authenticity and connection in their craft.

Takeaways

• Empathy can be expressed through storytelling.
• Personal experiences shape empathy in acting.
• Teaching empathy is crucial for student development.
• Character development requires understanding different perspectives.
• Challenging roles can enhance an actor's capacity for empathy.
• Authenticity in acting is vital for connecting with audiences.
• Building community is essential for personal and professional growth.

Learn more about Annie To: annieto.com

Learn More about Young Storytellers: youngstorytellers.com

• Learn More about Eddy's Life and Leadership Coaching: www.eddypaulthomas.com
• Give to The Black Missions Museum: www.theblackmissionsmuseum.org
• Learn more about the Unbroken Place Podcast at: www.eddypaulthomas.com/unbrokenplace

Discover the transformative power of empathy in both our personal lives and the workplace with the following resources:

• • Ok...On Second Thought newsletter on Linkedin.

• • Ok...On Second Thought articles.

• • Ok...On Second Thought Resources for the Workplace.

Brought to you by Elevate 1 Consulting.

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.

Music: "Blood" by Anthem of Rain, “Holizna” by HoliznaRAPS, “Too Fly” & "Tide Turns" by Kesta, and "Basurera" by Blue Dot Sessions from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.