Life's Essential Ingredients

Jeff Christian and Mike Sestich

Life’s Essential Ingredients is spinoff of C4 Leaders, a California based non-profit. The show is hosted by two best friends who were college roommates at the University of San Francisco – (Jeff with a Mike). The educational and entertaining show will take a deep, yet humorous look at life’s essential ingredients. The hosts will engage in interesting conversation with some of the world’s best leaders, authors, athletes, musicians, chefs, architects, moms, dads, brothers, sisters, comedians, CEOs, coaches, professors, teachers, and many, many, more industries and professions. The goal of the show is to have the guest highlight their life’s essential ingredient, who helped them develop the ingredient, and how the guest can help the listener develop their essential ingredient. read less
EducationEducation

Episodes

Season 4 Episode #4 Ann Garcia is Guiding Parents Down the College Financial Waters!
Mar 12 2024
Season 4 Episode #4 Ann Garcia is Guiding Parents Down the College Financial Waters!
C4 Leaders – the ONLY nonprofit to utilize the pizza making process to create space for our companions to be seen, heard, and loved.   We also write children’s books, host this podcast, and use the most amazing handmade, hand-tossed, sourdough pizza to bring out the best in each other.   Please check out PIZZADAYS.ORG to support our important work. Season 4 Episode #4 Ann Garcia is coming from Portland, OR (inform, inspire, & transform)You can find Ann via her website howtopayforcollege.comAbout our guest: Ann Garcia, aka The College Financial Lady, has helped thousands of families save millions of dollars on college. A fee-only Certified Financial Planner and managing partner of Independent Progressive Advisors, Ann specializes in helping families balance the desire to support their children’s dreams with the reality of funding their own lives. Early in Ann’s career as a financial advisor, she heard the same two questions again and again from her clients. One group asked, “How can we possibly afford to save for college and retirement?” Another group asked, “How can I save for retirement when I’m paying so much on my student loans every month?” In working with families– including her own– to plan for college, Ann has learned that a good college plan is equal parts good parenting and good financial planning. Ann has been featured in the New York Times, US News & World Report, CNN Money and countless other media outlets. Ann, thanks for sharing your financial wisdom with the world, and for guiding people on an important and often overwhelming journey…paying for college.  Ann, welcome to the show!TOTD – “Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable.   When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary.   The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.”                                                                   Fred Rogers                                                                                                                          Build a habit - to create intention - to live your purpose! In this episode:What was life like growing up?What are your life’s essential ingredients?Guiding families with one of their biggest life decisions…when is the right time to start having the conversations…Inflation and tuition increases…difference between net price and 529 plan and your child does not go to college – now what?What do parents need to know about it…Blog is incredible: FAFSA, thinking of transferring,  saving tips, student loans, application process, financial aid, 529 plans, work study jobs, Congrats on becoming an author, HOW TO PAY FOR COLLEGE… highlights…Online course… tell the listeners about the benefits of that course…Balance of saving for college and saving for retirement?Legacy
Season 4 Episode #3 Susan Murphy is the KIND Voice Coach!
Mar 6 2024
Season 4 Episode #3 Susan Murphy is the KIND Voice Coach!
C4 Leaders – the ONLY nonprofit to utilize the pizza making process to create space for our companions to be seen, heard, and loved.   We also write children’s books, host this podcast, and use the most amazing handmade, hand-tossed, sourdough pizza to bring out the best in each other.   Please check out PIZZADAYS.ORG to support our important work. Season 4 Episode #3 Susan Murphy is coming from the Charlotte, North Carolina area (inform, inspire, & transform)You can find via her website susanmurphyvosot.com.  VOSOT voice over sound on tapeAbout our guest:Working with young minds, hearts, and voices is Susan’s passion and life’s work.  Spending more than 40 years on-air, in production, and as a college professor, Susan decided to share her wisdom and created VOSOT – coaching for broadcasters.  Susan guides young broadcasters to find their voice – resulting in personal fulfillment and lifting their careers to new heights.Susan considers it an honor to share what she has learned as a voice actor, traffic reporter, live host, radio personality, and news director. Susan is grateful for the opportunity to help others achieve similar professional success and career satisfaction.Susan, thanks for sharing your many gifts and for helping countless individuals share theirs as well.   Welcome to the show!TOTD – “The credit belongs to the person who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends themself in a worthy cause; who at best, if they win, know the thrill of high achievement, and, if they fail, at least fails daring greatly, so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”                                                                                                                         Theodore Roosevelt In this episode:What was life like growing up?What are your life’s essential ingredients?The difference between your role as mother and your new role as grandmotherThe power of LISTENING…The ART of CONVERSATIONThe process of your teaching methodology4:1 ratio of telling ourselves some things we are doing well…. Our own worst critic…What are the mechanics of speaking (basketball…). What exercises can we do to improve our voice?Tone and Pitch – what are they and how can we improve both of themWhat have you learned through all your years of helping people speak with confidenceSpeaking with authenticityConnecting to the words in which you are speakingProfessor at Hofstra (Long Island, NY), what did you most enjoy during that time of your life.Legacy
Season 4 Episode #2 Darryl Rodgers is Turning Pain into Purpose!
Mar 5 2024
Season 4 Episode #2 Darryl Rodgers is Turning Pain into Purpose!
C4 Leaders – the ONLY nonprofit to utilize the pizza making process to create space for our companions to be seen, heard, and loved.   We also write children’s books, host this podcast, and use the most amazing handmade, hand-tossed, sourdough pizza to bring out the best in each other.   Please check out PIZZADAYS.ORG to support our important work. Season 4 Episode #2 Darryl Rodgers is coming from Cary, North Carolina (inform, inspire, & transform)You can find Darryl via his website thefamilyrecoverycoach.comAbout our guest:  Renewed Hope Family Recovery Coaching was established in 2018 and believes that every parent deserves to see their child grow up and be who they were created to be.Darryl Rodgers is the founder who shares his wisdom as a speaker, author, and family recovery coach. Darryl specializes in working with parents of children struggling with a substance use disorder. Darryl also serves on the state advisory board of NC Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Darryl and his wife, Kim have been married for thirty-one years. They are the proud parents of two boys, Justin and Chase.  Darryl, thanks for sharing your gifts with the world and for having the courage to take your darkest day and use it as a source of light.   Welcome to the show.TOTD – “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”         Helen KellerBuild a habit - to create intention - to live your purpose! In this episode:What was life like growing up?What are your life’s essential ingredients?How vital is COMMUNICATION in the role of parent and child…Building a Relationship of Empowerment with your child…The influence of technology… and the balance of autonomy vs. parental checking in/control…Discover – Grow – Let Go… on your website…Renewed Hope Community – please tell the listeners …A Life Half Lived – A True Story of Love, Addiction, Tragedy, and Hope – book written shortly after Chase’s death… over 40,000 downloads… unfiltered story of your pain…Managing Emotions to create a life that brings you fulfillment Free Masterclass for parents – Decide, Communicate, Create…Online Course for Parents with Addicted Children…The Secret Superpowers of Teenagers - bookThe importance of self-awareness and self-love…3 things to know…30 min masterclass… importance of boundaries…Turning Pain into Purpose…Legacy
Season 4 Episode #1 Dr. Jann Freed is Leaving Positivity Breadcrumbs for Future Generations!
Mar 4 2024
Season 4 Episode #1 Dr. Jann Freed is Leaving Positivity Breadcrumbs for Future Generations!
C4 Leaders – the ONLY nonprofit to utilize the pizza making process to create space for our companions to be seen, heard, and loved.   We also write children’s books, host this podcast, and use the most amazing handmade, hand-tossed, sourdough pizza to bring out the best in each other.   Please check out PIZZADAYS.ORG to support our important work. Season 4 Episode #1 Dr. Jann Freed is coming from Des Moines, Iowa (inform, inspire, & transform)You can find Jann via her website jannfreed.com and via her podcast Becoming a Sage with Dr. Jann FreedAbout our guest: Like a human GPS, Dr. Jann helps organizations and individuals get from where they are today to where they want to be.  Dr. Jann is a leadership development consultant and speaker who helps organizations hire and improve employee engagement, navigate change management, and develop leaders at all ages and stages of their careers. Dr. Jann has a keen interest in helping individuals in the later stages of their careers find meaning and purpose beyond their work and has authored her new book titled, "Breadcrumb Legacy: How Great Leaders Live a Life Worth Remembering."  Dr. Jann’s book serves as a guide to leaving "a trail of meaning throughout your life and career." The book is full of inspirational and practical stories highlighting how to live a life worth remembering. Dr. Jann, thanks for sharing you many gifts with the world and for continuing to leave breadcrumbs of insight, knowledge, and wisdom.   Welcome to the show!TOTD – “Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” ~ Carl Jung.”Build a habit - to create intention - to live your purpose!In this episode:What was life like growing up?What are your life’s essential ingredients?Show me the evidence…know you like to stay on top of the latest and greatest… what have you been learning lately?Live like you are dying…great tedx talk…What got you into coaching, leadership, podcasting…What is engagement and how can business owners/leaders increase it?How important is self awareness?Finding ourselves, our purpose,…Define Ego and how it can run our life?  What is leadership?Humbleness and Curiosity – how can they be the keys to unlock our passions?Actions we can take today to start leaving breadcrumbs for our legacy?Last book or books you recommend?Enhancing the skill of giving and receiving feedback… how do you do that for your clientsLegacy
Season 3 Episode #37 Madeleine Weiss is Getting to GREAT!
Feb 7 2024
Season 3 Episode #37 Madeleine Weiss is Getting to GREAT!
C4 Leaders – the ONLY nonprofit to utilize the pizza making process to create space for our companions to be seen, heard, and loved.   We also write children’s books, host this podcast, and use the most amazing handmade, hand-tossed, sourdough pizza to bring out the best in each other.   Please check out PIZZADAYS.ORG to support our important work. Season 3 Episode #37 Madeleine Weiss is coming from Washington, DC (inform, inspire, & transform)You can find via her website madelaineweiss.comAbout our guest:  Madelaine Claire Weiss is a Harvard trained Licensed Psychotherapist, Mindset Expert, and Board-Certified Executive, Career, & Life Coach who helps people master their minds so they can maintain and enjoy satisfaction and success in all areas of their lives. Madelaine is a co-author of the Handbook of Stressful Transitions Across the Lifespan, and author of “Getting to G.R.E.A.T. a 5-Step Strategy for Work and Life.” Madelaine is a former group mental health practice administrative director, a corporate chief organizational development officer, and associate director of the Anatomical Gift Program at Harvard Medical School. In her role as corporate trainer, Madelaine designs and delivers programs for diverse organizations and has been featured on NBC, Bold TV, & FOX TV.  Madelaine, thanks for sharing your wisdom and many gifts with the world and for being our guest on Life’s Essential Ingredients.  Welcome to the show! TOTD – “As a lotus flower is born in water, grows in water and rises out of water to stand above it unsoiled, so I, born in the world, raised in the world having overcome the world, live unsoiled by the world.”                                                                          BuddhaBuild a habit - to create intention - to live your purpose! In this episode:What was life like growing up?What are your life’s essential ingredients?Life as a process…The Goldilocks Principle – action steps that are designed by the client and where they want to go in their lives… steps are not so big…but not so small that the brain is bored…(needs to be engaged, always moving forward, not too big, not too small, just right)…Great website, blog, and 3 part online course for making decisions… via her websiteWhat is PEAK PERFORMANCE DECISION MAKING?Where do Emotions come in as far as making decisions?Stress and the effect on us…Legacy
Season 3 Episode #36 Limor Bergman Gross is Empowering Women in Tech!
Feb 6 2024
Season 3 Episode #36 Limor Bergman Gross is Empowering Women in Tech!
C4 Leaders – the ONLY nonprofit to utilize the pizza making process to create space for our companions to be seen, heard, and loved.   We also write children’s books, host this podcast, and use the most amazing handmade, hand-tossed, sourdough pizza to bring out the best in each other.   Please check out PIZZADAYS.ORG to support our important work. Season 3 Episode #36 Limor Bergman Gross is coming from Tel Aviv, Israel (inform, inspire, & transform)You can find via her website limorbergman.comAbout our guest: With over 20 years of experience as a software engineer, engineering manager, and Director of engineering, Limor is well-versed in the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field. After spending nine years in the US,  Limor returned to her homeland of Israel with the goal of reigniting her passion to empower women in the tech industry.  Limor wanted to share her voice and created a YouTube channel to discuss the unique challenges women face in tech leadership.  Limor wanted to share her wisdom and offers one on one coaching, providing practical tips to guide women in advancement of their careers. Limor is in her second season as podcast host of From a Woman to a Leader.  Interviewing powerful woman from all over the world…sharing their knowledge and wisdom.Limor, thanks for sharing your many gifts with the world, and for specifically focusing on empowering women.  Welcome to the show!TOTD – ““There is something in every one of you that waits and listens for the sound of genuine in yourself.  It is the only true guide you will ever have.  And if you cannot hear it, you will all of your life spend your days on the ends of strings that someone else pulls.”                                                                                                                    Howard ThurmanBuild a habit - to create intention - to live your purpose!In this episode:What was life like growing up?What are your life’s essential ingredients?The importance of family…LinkedIn…how do you help your clients enhance their messaging on that platform…What got you into coaching, leadership, podcasting…What is leadership?The importance of self-awareness and self-love…Finding fulfillment in life?  How do you define fulfillment?Great coaches and mentors…What do you love about reading?Last book or books you recommend?Values that define you?Legacy
Season 3 Episode #35 Dr. Vic Manzo Jr. is Facilitating Fulfillment!
Feb 5 2024
Season 3 Episode #35 Dr. Vic Manzo Jr. is Facilitating Fulfillment!
C4 Leaders – the ONLY nonprofit to utilize the pizza making process to create space for our companions to be seen, heard, and loved.   We also write children’s books, host this podcast, and use the most amazing handmade, hand-tossed, sourdough pizza to bring out the best in each other.   Please check out PIZZADAYS.ORG to support our important work. Season 3 Episode #35 Dr. Vic Manzo Jr. is coming from Knoxville, Tennessee (inform, inspire, & transform)You can find Dr. Vic at empoweryourreality.com and his podcast themindfulexperiement.com About our guest: Dr. Vic hit his financial peak in the first 5 years of his business but it came with a huge price tag… he was burned out, exhausted, and shockingly, unfulfilled.   Dr. Vic knew he had to change his ways and months and months of studying, researching, experiencing…he decided to follow an approach that related to spiritual truths, ancient wisdom, universal laws, quantum physics, and neuroscience. Focusing on mindset, limiting beliefs, subconscious mind, reframing one’s mindset and much more.​People in his circle noticed something different and wanted to know how he had transformed his life.  Soon Dr. Vic was sharing his wisdom with others and was in the process establishing his coaching and life philosophies.  Dr. Vic currently invests his time as an International Business Success Coach, Certified Pediatric Chiropractor, 3x Author, Podcaster, and Speaker.  Dr. Vic, congrats on an amazing life journey, for finding and sharing your many gifts and for being our guest on Life’s Essential Ingredients.   Welcome to the show!​TOTD – “For what it's worth: it's never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There's no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it.”                                  From Benjamin ButtonIn this episode:What was life like growing up?What are your life’s essential ingredients?Grew up in Chicago… have to talk about PIZZA…What do you love about Knoxville?I know you LOVE PROCESS… share insight you have for helping the listeners learn how to appreciate process….Blog – great insights and tipsLet’s talk about your books:  CONGRATS…Decoding the Matrix, A Walk in the Dark, & Rediscover your GreatnessFinding fulfillment in life?  How do you define fulfillment?Last book or books you recommend?Legacy
Season 3 Episode #34 Iris Grimm Helps People RISE to the Challenge!
Feb 1 2024
Season 3 Episode #34 Iris Grimm Helps People RISE to the Challenge!
C4 Leaders – the ONLY nonprofit to utilize the pizza making process to create space for our companions to be seen, heard, and loved.   We also write children’s books, host this podcast, and use the most amazing handmade, hand-tossed, sourdough pizza to bring out the best in each other.   Please check out PIZZADAYS.ORG to support our important work. Season 3 Episode #34 Iris Grimm is coming from Atlanta, GA (inform, inspire, & transform)You can find Iris via her website irisgrimm.comAbout our guest: Iris grew up in East Germany. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Iris moved to West Germany to attend college where she received a BS degree in Business Management and Communication from the University of Applied Sciences in Mainz. Iris dreamed of living abroad, and in 1995, to took flight to work in Atlanta, Georgia. After five years spent in unfulfilling jobs, Iris launched her journey into professional coaching and has not looked back.For over 22 years, Iris has learned to use a variety of coaching approaches, techniques, and tools. Iris has studied diverse topics – such as -  leadership development, emotional intelligence, emotional competence, neuroscience, advanced communication, personal growth, public presentation skills, mindfulness, happiness – you name it. Iris is an avid learner, not only for her growth and leadership development but for that of the people she serves.Iris, thanks for jumping on that plane back in 1995 and for continuing to challenge yourself to be the best you can be.   Iris, welcome to the show!TOTD – “Our task must be to free ourselves … by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.” – Albert Einstein                                                                                                                   Build a habit - to create intention - to live your purpose!In this episode:What was life like growing up?What are your life’s essential ingredients?I know you like to challenge yourself… talk about the tough mudder experience and then let’s talk about your improv experience…I know you love being out in nature… what do you love and how have you incorporated that space into what you do to help people play to their strengths?What got you into coaching, leadership, podcasting…Love the Tedx talk, congrats.  What was the highlight, how much prep went into getting ready, how good did it feel when you walked on and off the stage?LOVE DOG GONE LEADERSHIP…. What is the gist of that course?Emotional Competence – an 8 session curriculum…what were the highlights of that program?Last book or books you recommend?Legacy
Season 3 Episode #33 Jim Salvucci is Creating a Ripple Effect with Leaders!
Jan 31 2024
Season 3 Episode #33 Jim Salvucci is Creating a Ripple Effect with Leaders!
C4 Leaders – the ONLY nonprofit to utilize the pizza making process to create space for our companions to be seen, heard, and loved.   We also write children’s books, host this podcast, and use the most amazing handmade, hand-tossed, sourdough pizza to bring out the best in each other.   Please check out PIZZADAYS.ORG to support our important work. Season 3 Episode #33 Jim Salvucci is coming from Newburgh, NY (inform, inspire, & transform)You can find Jim via his website guidanceforgreatness.com and On Leading with Greatness (blog/podcast): jimsalvucci.substack.comAbout our guest: Jim's career spans over 30 years, much of which was as a college administrator.  His goal was always to help set higher education and its institutions on a more successful path.  He helped leaders at every level to become their best selves and to cultivate the best in others by refocusing on the organization's mission.After seeing the increased need for this kind of specialized thinking and support in the corporate world, Jim moved into the corporate arena where he offers his experience and commitment to leaders and emerging leaders.Jim, thanks for your years of dedication to all your students and staff and thanks for sharing your many gifts with the world.   Jim, Welcome to the show!TOTD – “The range of what we think and do is limited by what we fail to notice.   And because we fail to notice that we fail to notice, there is little we can do to change; until we notice how failing to notice shapes our thoughts and deeds.”                                                                                                                                   RD LaingIn this episode:I know you are a huge Bob Dylan fan… tell me about how that came about…What are your life’s essential ingredients?What got you into coaching, leadership, podcasting…The power of synchronicity… stress, immune system, oxytocin….Self-awarenessToo much information…how do you help your clients filer what is important and what they can delegate?  Eisenhower MatrixWhy is being flexible and open to change so important?Great coaches and mentors…What do you love about reading?Last book or books you recommend?Values that define you?Decision making – any tips for helping people not waste energy…Enhancing the skill of giving and receiving feedback… how do you do that for your clientsDealing with Burnout Legacy
Season 3 Episode #32 Edward Miskie is Acting Through Life!
Jan 30 2024
Season 3 Episode #32 Edward Miskie is Acting Through Life!
C4 Leaders – the ONLY nonprofit to utilize the pizza making process to create space for our companions to be seen, heard, and loved.   We also write children’s books, host this podcast, and use the most amazing handmade, hand-tossed, sourdough pizza to bring out the best in each other.   Please check out PIZZADAYS.ORG to support our important work. Season 3 Episode #32 Edward Miskie is coming from New York City (inform, inspire, & transform)You can find via his website edwardmiskie.com and Instagram @edwardmiskieAbout our guest:Edward is an actor, author, producer, singer, songwriter, and someone yet to be defined.  Edward is a sole survivor of a rare cancer and tells his life story in his book "Cancer, Musical Theatre, and Other Chronic Illnesses.”Edward’s story is a fantasy, non-fiction, funny-as-cancer-can-be musical theatre fever dream fueled by chemo, alcohol, sex, & heartbreak. Edward navigates his way through the painful realities of being a full-time cancer patient - indecencies, heartbreaks, wins, shenanigans & more. Edward is a creative who is constantly finding new ways to express who he is and to bring humor, love, insight, passion, talent, and inspiration to all.  Edward, thanks for sharing your many gifts and talents and for being our guest on Life’s Essential Ingredients.  Welcome to the show!TOTD – “I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch, which I've got held up for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”                                                                                                              George Bernard ShawBuild a habit - to create intention - to live your purpose!In this episode:What was life like growing up?What are your life’s essential ingredients?Originally from Lebanon?The importance of family…How did you get into acting?Congrats on writing your book, what was the inspiration.  How good did it feel to get the artists proof?What was life like before cancer and what was life like after?   Support allowing yourself to receive it as well as providing it…Talented singer… listened to HUNGRY… enjoyed it!How have the arts shaped who you are today?  Self-doubt…Being where your hands are… the importance of being in the moment Legacy
Season 3 Episode #31 Michelle DeKeyser is Creating a Sense of BELONGING!
Jan 29 2024
Season 3 Episode #31 Michelle DeKeyser is Creating a Sense of BELONGING!
C4 Leaders – the ONLY nonprofit to utilize the pizza making process to create space for our companions to be seen, heard, and loved.   We also write children’s books, host this podcast, and use the most amazing handmade, hand-tossed, sourdough pizza to bring out the best in each other.   Please check out PIZZADAYS.ORG to support our important work. Season 3 Episode #31 Michelle DeKeyser is coming from Franklin, Wisconsin (inform, inspire, & transform)You can find Michelle via her website: connectingmamas.com (great site with an incredible blog…)About our guest: Michelle is a wife and mom of three kids who participated in various mom groups, ran a few, even joined some book clubs, but envisioned something different as she found herself looking around still wondering what did she like to do that didn’t involve the kid’s activities. As she worked to discover her own passions, she realized that there is no one size fits all program, but the true key to figuring out your passion and making your goals happen is finding connection in a supportive environment.  Michelle envisions connecting mamas by building a support system to remove the loneliness and isolation that can be felt in motherhood. She holds a MA in education, spent 8 years in the classroom, and traveled around the world for 13 months before starting her own family and becoming a stay-at-home mom.  Michelle, thanks for dedicating your life to help mother’s and families all over the world and thanks for being our guest on Life’s Essential Ingredients – welcome to the show! TOTD – “To put the world in order we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right.”           ConfuciusBuild a habit - to create intention - to live your purpose! In this episode:What was life like growing up?What are your life’s essential ingredients?What do you love about Wisconsin?The importance of family…Family meals…The importance of self-awareness and self-love…Legacy
Season 3 Episode #38 Kyle Gillette is a BLUE Leader!
Jan 23 2024
Season 3 Episode #38 Kyle Gillette is a BLUE Leader!
C4 Leaders – the ONLY nonprofit to utilize the pizza making process to create space for our companions to be seen, heard, and loved.   We also write children’s books, host this podcast, and use the most amazing handmade, hand-tossed, sourdough pizza to bring out the best in each other.   Please check out PIZZADAYS.ORG to support our important work. Season 3 Episode #38 Kyle Gillette is coming from Lynden, Washington (inform, inspire, & transform) You can find Kyle via his website blueshirtcoaching.com and blueshirtcoaching.com/podcastAbout our guest: Kyle is the founder and CEO of Blue Shirt Coaching. His mission is to help leaders shift their mindsets and habits to become the leaders they are meant to be. After running four different businesses and seeing two of them succeed, Kyle knows what it’s like to have businesses fail and succeed. Kyle has been a small business coach to dozens of companies and ran a men’s mentoring program for three years. He believes that every company should have a culture of accountability and growth with self-aware leaders who empower their teams.  Kyle, thanks for sharing your many gifts with the world and for being our guest on Life’s Essential Ingredients.   Welcome to the show!TOTD –“Life is an exciting business, and most exciting when it is lived for others." - Helen Keller                                                                                                 Build a habit - to create intention - to live your purpose!In this episode:What was life like growing up?What are your life’s essential ingredients?Congrats on your businesses –What is the one thing you would share  (a lesson learned so to say) with a listener who is thinking about starting a new business?What got you into coaching?(I know this is part of your BLUE acronym but this question has to do with your personal development…The importance of self awareness and when did you develop it and how to you help your clients develop it?Please share a success story that just fills your heart with love!What is a blue leader?People who have helped you along your journey…Books you love to read and recommendThe people in your circle and the influence they have in your life… ROLES – finding our way…AccountabilityProcess of growth and development?Tips for developing a specific part of your game?Legacy
Season 3 Episode #30 Katja Schleicher is Guiding People to Discover Their Story.
Jan 23 2024
Season 3 Episode #30 Katja Schleicher is Guiding People to Discover Their Story.
C4 Leaders – the ONLY nonprofit to utilize the pizza making process to create space for our companions to be seen, heard, and loved.   We also write children’s books, host this podcast, and use the most amazing handmade, hand-tossed, sourdough pizza to bring out the best in each other.   Please check out PIZZADAYS.ORG to support our important work. Season 3 Episode #30 Katja Schleicher is coming from The Netherlands You can find via her website katjaschleicher.comAbout our guest: With three languages, two passports and a European heart, Katja travels across borders constantly to bring people and ideas closer through communication. She speaks at conferences about communicative misunderstandings and how to initiate change through communication. Known for her provocative style and her sense of humor on stage she looks deeper into our communication troubles – and is not afraid to talk about them.Katja has degrees in both German and English in Language, Literature, Linguistics, and Psychology.  For more than a decade Katja has passionately crafted her style and has shared her gifts with clients all over the world.  Katja, thanks for helping many people communicate more effectively and thanks for being our guest on Life’s Essential Ingredients.   Welcome to the show! TOTD – “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink… although, you can make it thirsty.”  UnknownIn this episode:What was life like growing up?What are your life’s essential ingredients?What is intercultural communication?The importance of transparency?Flexibility in how you deliver information/meet…having the right format for the right purposeThe importance of reading the room How important is LISTENINGWhat is the process for becoming a speaker?Last book or books you recommend?Enhancing the skill of giving and receiving feedback… how do you do that for your clientsLegacy
Season 3 BONUS Episode James Roberts III is Chasing his Hoop Dream!
Jan 14 2024
Season 3 BONUS Episode James Roberts III is Chasing his Hoop Dream!
C4 Leaders – the ONLY nonprofit to utilize the pizza making process to create space for our companions to be seen, heard, and loved.   We also write children’s books, host this podcast, and use the most amazing handmade, hand-tossed, sourdough pizza to bring out the best in each other.   Please check out PIZZADAYS.ORG to support our important work. Season 3 BONUS Episode James Roberts III is coming from Vacaville, California (inform, inspire, & transform)You can find James via Instagram @jamesr_4lAbout our guest:  James is a student-athlete and senior starting guard on the 13-5 Vacaville Boys Basketball team.  A few words to describe James: hooper, healer, inspirer, bucket filler, hope dealer, influencer, believer, brother, son, friend, communicator, team player, good dancer, dedicated, hard worker, and someone undefined. Words his teammates use to describe James – adaptable, passionate, coachable, versatile. Coach Duane Kaman states, James is a senior guard that is a fearless, blue collar player.  He is dependable, consistent, and coachable.  He leads our defense and provides whatever the team needs on a daily basis while never complaining.  James is a great team player with plenty of skill to play all positions.   We are blessed to have him on the team.James, thanks for sharing your many talents with your family, your team, your teammates, Vacaville High School, and the greater Vacaville community.   Welcome to the show.TOTD – “Humility is not thinking less of yourself.  It’s thinking of yourself less.”  C.S. LewisBuild a habit - to create intention - to live your purpose! In this episode:Getting to Know JamesText from James mother:Take your pick:  Warriors or Lakers, 49ers or Raiders, Giants or A’s.  Hamburger or hot dog, Mexican food or Italian, sweet or savory, and finally… best pizza in Vacaville?What was life like growing up?What are your life’s essential ingredients?Something most people might not know about you?How do you like to spend your free time?Go to when you are hungry?Steven Spielberg calls you and says, James, I want to make a SUPERHERO movie about you and want to know who should be cast in your role, what are your superpowers and what do you stand for?Hero HighlightHardship BasketballYou are on the bus to Reno and the bus breaks down:  who on your team is going to fix it, who on your team is going to cook the food, and who will provide the entertainment?Any pregame ritual?Toughest place to playBest player you ever played againstBiggest difference between James as a soph vs. seniorWhat do you love most about being on a team?What ingredients do you bring to your team?What ingredients could be added to allow your team to play to it’s full potential?What do you need to play to your full potential.What does it feel like running out of the locker room in front of a packed house, when the lights turn off and you hear your name in the starting line up?What actions did you take and do you continue to take to make that happen.What does the Wood vs. Vacaville game mean? What do you most appreciate about Coach Kaman? Future PlansPlans for the future?Dental SchoolCollege Basketball  Advice for a parent or young person listening?Last thing you listened to, read, witnessed … that “took your breath away”, made you really stop and think?Legacy  -  John Alston quote then…When the final buzzer sounds and you realize your hs career is over, what do you want to feel in your heart and what do you want to leave behind.
Season 3 Episode #29 Dr. Kevin Gazzara - The Application of a Lifetime of Leadership!
Jan 9 2024
Season 3 Episode #29 Dr. Kevin Gazzara - The Application of a Lifetime of Leadership!
C4 Leaders – the ONLY nonprofit to utilize the pizza making process to create space for our companions to be seen, heard, and loved.   We also write children’s books, host this podcast, and use the most amazing handmade, hand-tossed, sourdough pizza to bring out the best in each other.   Please check out PIZZADAYS.ORG to support our important work. Season 3 Episode #29 Dr. Kevin Gazzara is coming from Phoenix, Arizona (inform, inspire, & transform)You can find Kevin via his website www.magnaleadership.com, kevin@magnaleadership.com, https://magnaleader.co/GIFTAbout our guest:In 2007, Kevin departed the corporate world with two of his colleagues to start Magna Leadership Solutions - a management and leadership consulting firm.  Kevin has more than 30 years of management, leadership, organizational development, and teaching experience in industries spanning from heavy equipment to high tech.  Kevin is a professor at 6 different universities and is the co-author of The Leader of OZ: Revealing the 101 Secrets of Marvelous Leadership for the 21st Century.  Kevin’s development of the Task Quotient (his dissertation for his PhD), gained him the  “Future HR Leader” award from Human Capital magazine and for the past 20+ years, Kevin and his team have been helping people find their purpose and engage with their work so that they can develop, acquire, and be in a state FLOW.   We will discuss FLOW in greater detail throughout this episode.Kevin, thanks for developing your many gifts and for having the courage to stand tall and share them with the world.   Welcome to the show!TOTD – “A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.”  Lao TzuIn this episode:What was life like growing up?What are your life’s essential ingredients?The new PQ programTask Quotient (TQ)..flow and getting balance to keep motivated and engaged….increases motivation, empowerment, and engagement…Doing vs. Delegating? Am I restricting personal or professional development by me doing it vs. allowing someone else the opportunity to develop?Task Types…assessment tool…raise satisfaction…Developing your leadership passion… engineering people to be there best… was there an inspiration early in your career…The importance of context in application to challenges, layoffs, leadership, learning…Personal Growth and Development.. to bring and add value to your skill set and therefore, your company…Growth Mindset…BECOME IRREPLACEABLE…TODAY IS THE DAY TO THINK WHAT IS NEXT…creativity and innovation…Chat GPT…thoughts and the potential to replacing jobs…. How do we adapt to bring value…Team work and how do you teach it…What is leadership? Legacy
Season 3 Episode #28 Richard Friesen is Sharing a Lifetime of Wisdom!
Dec 26 2023
Season 3 Episode #28 Richard Friesen is Sharing a Lifetime of Wisdom!
C4 Leaders – the ONLY nonprofit to utilize the pizza making process to create space for our companions to be seen, heard, and loved.   We also write children’s books, host this podcast, and use the most amazing handmade, hand-tossed, sourdough pizza to bring out the best in each other.   Please check out PIZZADAYS.ORG to support our important work. Season 3 Episode #28 Richard Friesen is coming from San Jose, California You can find Richard via his website https://conversations.money and https://conversations.money/giftAbout our guest:Richard works with professionals and business leaders who want to increase their personal effectiveness with joy and grace. His neuroscience-based Mind Muscles™ model gives his clients the opportunity to reach their goals with online training, simulations, interactive exercises, group support, and real-time decision processes.Richard has been a broker, floor trader, and built and sold a successful options trading firm and financial software company. He is also the inventor of ten significant trading interface patents. This combined with his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and neuroscience focus, brings a unique framework to business, investing, and career success.Richard is also the author of “A Private Conversation with Money” the book observes the main character “Joe” dealing with conflicts, self-sabotage, and belief systems around money and wealth. Richard, thanks for sharing your countless gifts with the world and for being our guest on Life’s Essential Ingredients.   Welcome to the show. TOTD – ““Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”                                                                                                                       EPICTETUSBuild a habit - to create intention - to live your purpose! In this episode:What was life like growing up?What are your life’s essential ingredients?Congrats on your book…what was the highlight of writing it?  Experience the 10 keys to financial freedom…Decision making – real time decision processes and long-term decision making…let’s explore…Great coaches and mentors…Let’s talk about self-awareness and agency…RAS and visualization…What is Joy and Happiness?Last book or books you recommend?Legacy
Season 3 Episode #27 Dan Clouser - Exploring Life One Mile at a Time!
Dec 12 2023
Season 3 Episode #27 Dan Clouser - Exploring Life One Mile at a Time!
C4 Leaders – the ONLY nonprofit to utilize the pizza making process to create space for our companions to be seen, heard, and loved.   We also write children’s books, host this podcast, and use the most amazing handmade, hand-tossed, sourdough pizza to bring out the best in each other.   Please check out PIZZADAYS.ORG to support our important work. Season 3 Episode #27 is Dan Clouser is coming from Colorado (inform, inspire, & transform)You can find Dan via his website https://danclouser.comAbout our guest: Baseball was one of Dan’s first loves.   He played growing up and when his playing career was over, he needed to find a way to stay involved with the game.  So Dan founded and ran a nonprofit youth sports organization called the BIG Vision Foundation, which for the next 30 years would consume his life.  Dan coached teams, ran tournaments and was in charge of a 130 acre sports complex.  Dan loved every second of that life until he didn’t.  In 2019 Dan had a calling from God and knew he was being called for a different purpose.The calling, according to Dan, sounded crazy, but it was destined to happen… Dan sold most of his material possessions, loaded up his wife dog and hit the road to see what life had instore.Dan thanks for having the courage to take a leap of faith, thanks for spending much of your youth – investing in the lives of young people, and most importantly, for sharing your many gifts with the world.   Dan, welcome to the show. TOTD – “My life is my message.”  Reporter asking Gandhi to describe his work…In this episode:What was life like growing up?What are your life’s essential ingredients?What is life like living in an RV?What do you love about the game of baseball?  Teaching, coaching, leading…The importance of family…speak to how your time with family is different now that you live on the road…Book – The Journey of My Mother’s Son, The Beauty of a Diamond, and Four Paws and Six Wheels Across America – great blog about your journey…congrats and how did you get started in writing?PODCAST – The Journey of My Mother’s Son… Many Little People, Many Little Places The Chance Meeting of People and the GIFTS we receive when we are present to receive them…What is Freedom?Legacy
Season 3 Episode #26 A Prescription for an Energized Life with Dai Manuel!
Nov 28 2023
Season 3 Episode #26 A Prescription for an Energized Life with Dai Manuel!
C4 Leaders – the ONLY nonprofit to utilize the pizza making process to create space for our companions to be seen, heard, and loved.   We also write children’s books, host this podcast, and use the most amazing handmade, hand-tossed, sourdough pizza to bring out the best in each other.   Please check out PIZZADAYS.ORG to support our important work. Season 3 Episode #26 Dai Manuel is coming from Vancouver, British Columbia You can find via his website daimanuel.comAbout our guest: Dai - the ultimate super dad, husband extraordinaire, and all-around life enthusiast! Dai is on a mission to inspire and positively impact one million role models across the globe, encouraging them to lead a FUN-ctionally healthy life through education, community, and a whole lot of encouragement.As an award-winning digital thought leader and author, Dai has mastered the art of leading by example, always staying true to his values of Fitness, Family, Faith, Finances, and FUN. He knows firsthand how challenging it can be to juggle life's responsibilities while prioritizing health and happiness.But don't let his impressive resume fool you - Dai's infectious personality and contagious enthusiasm truly set him apart. He's a sought-after lifestyle mentor, executive performance coach, and keynote speaker who will leave you feeling inspired, motivated, and ready to take on the world.Dai, thanks for sharing your many gifts with the world and for being our guest on Life’s Essential Ingredients – Welcome to the show!TOTD – “Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”                                                                                                                       Brene BrownIn this episode:What was life like growing up?What are your life’s essential ingredients?What do you love about British Columbia?The Moose is Loose.. tell me about that nickname…Pushing your body both mentally and physically beyond what you think is possible… how do you help your clients get into that spaceBlog – lots of great advice… sleep, health profession, love the article on nurses and the 10 tips… funny the last one you mentioned is HUGE – compression socks…use to be called TED HOSE…Tedx – Why Vulnerability is a Human Thing… congrats – great talk and important messageMentorship Mondays…Empathy, Compassion,…one of the hardest things… to go first… sharing what is important in your life…biggest takeaways….I know you love being out in nature… what do you love and how have you incorporated that space into what you do to help people play to their strengths?Congrats on your book – Dai Manuel’s Whole Life Fitness ManifestoLet’s talk about STRESS and the effect it has on the body both physically and mentally…What tips do you offer to your clients to limit their stressFinding fulfillment in life?  How do you define fulfillment?Legacy
Season 3 Episode #25 Nancy Pickard is Bigger, Better, Braver!
Nov 14 2023
Season 3 Episode #25 Nancy Pickard is Bigger, Better, Braver!
C4 Leaders – the ONLY nonprofit to utilize the pizza making process to create space for our companions to be seen, heard, and loved.   We also write children’s books, host this podcast, and use the most amazing handmade, hand-tossed, sourdough pizza to bring out the best in each other.   Please check out PIZZADAYS.ORG to support our important work. Season 3 Episode #25 Nancy Pickard is coming from Aspen, Colorado You can find Nancy via her website nancypickardlifecoach.comAbout our guest:She lives by example. In 2017, she traveled alone in Thailand and Vietnam and undertook her biggest challenge, climbing Kilimanjaro at the age of 61. Coaching others to step out of fear and into bigger versions of themselves is her passion.Nancy Pickard is a Certified Integrative Coach through The Ford Institute for Transformational Training. She is certified as a Breakthrough Shadow Coach, Empowered Parent Coach, Courage Coach, Healing Your Heart Coach, Leadership Coach, Holistic Lifestyle Coach and Bigger Better Braver Coach. She is the author of - Bigger Better Braver: Conquer your fears, Embrace your courage, Transform your life. Nancy, thanks for sharing your gifts with the world, for helping thousands of people find their way, overcome fear, and live Bigger, Better, and Braver!  Welcome to the show.TOTD –“ The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process is its own reward.” Amelia Earhart                                                                                      In this episode:What was life like growing up?What are your life’s essential ingredients?The importance of family!Congrats on becoming an author – what has been the an unexpected result of your books success? What got you into coaching?Please share a success story that just fills your heart with love!Let’s talk about overcoming fear and a fairly recent trip you had on the Hells Canyon trip with your son (great blog post).  What is the balance as we get older with living a life with passion and living a life with balance of risk vs. reward…Process of growth and development?Hells Canyon trip with your son…loved the blogI know you have lived a full life – is there any one part that you felt totally changed the trajectory of it!The voice in our head that doesn’t allow us to be/develop our best self..The key to life – SIMPLICITY…Legacy
Season 3 Episode #22 Guiding Parents & Youth - Author Jessica Speer
Oct 31 2023
Season 3 Episode #22 Guiding Parents & Youth - Author Jessica Speer
C4 Leaders – the ONLY nonprofit to utilize the pizza making process to create space for our companions to be seen, heard, and loved.   We also write children’s books, host this podcast, and use the most amazing handmade, hand-tossed, sourdough pizza to bring out the best in each other.   Please check out PIZZADAYS.ORG to support our important work. Season 3 Episode #22 Jessica Speer is coming from Colorado You can find Jessica via her website jessicaspeer.comAbout our guest: Jessica Speer is the highly acclaimed author of BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)? A Girls Guide to Happy Friendships and Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised. On August 8th – you release The Phone Book as well – congrats! A review from BFF or NRF “This book is an excellent guide to friendship for "tweens." It is super engaging with the quizzes and "fill-in-the-blank" sections; the cute graphics make it really fun and accessible; AND it provides really great info that resonates with tween girls, without ever seeming "preachy." Jessica’s interactive books engage and entertain readers by combining the stories of preteens and teens with fun activities and practical insights. She has a master’s degree in social sciences and explores topics in ways that connect with kids.Jessica, thanks for sharing your gifts with the world and for choosing to guide our youth and families in their quests to develop their best selves.   Welcome to the show!TOTD – "Family should be the place where you can be your most complete self. Where you're accepted and appreciated, seen and valued, even in moments of disagreement. It should be your soft place to fall, the place where you're reminded that no matter what happens to you, in the face of your deepest challenges, you are loved."   Oprah Winfrey                                                                                                          In this episode:What was life like growing up?What are your life’s essential ingredients?The importance of family!Congrats on your work as an author – three books, plans for more…Why children’s books?What can we/parents/teachers do to help children with healthy digital habits?Middle School – Safety Goggles Advised… What did the research tell you?How can we best help youth during that difficult transition?What is the best thing parents can do to support their child?BFF or NRF – what did you learn in writing that book?How do you define friendship?Post Pandemic Friendships… how has the pandemic changed friendships for children?What is the Friendship Pyramid?Was bullying covered in the book?What is I POWER?The YODA WAY?  What is it?Helping youth work through difficult emotions – what tips do you provide?Legacy