Conversations to Connect

Episode 27 - Conversations on Anxiety

"Anything that a human being does experience is, by definition, part of what a human being can experience - and therefore 'normal'." ~ Mark Tyrrell

 

Anxiety is an emotion that we all have but often makes us feel different, abnormal, and very alone.  In this episode we start a conversation on anxiety to better understand the emotion, the brain structure and why anxiety is an important emotion, as well as the diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder.  

 

We will be doing more podcasts on anxiety and would love to hear from you if you have any questions, experiences, or comments you want to share with us!  Feel free to send us a private message on Facebook, Instagram, or through our website www.conversationstoconnect.com

Enjoy!

Gretchen & Kristy

Episode 26 - Success & Perfection

"The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself." ~ Anna Quindlen

 

What is success?  How do we define it?  When do we achieve it and how hard do we push ourselves or avoid it?  How does perfection and our fear of judgment, shame, and blame play into how we view success and achievements? In this episode we have a discussion about success, achievements, perfection, and how all of those impact our lives.

Gretchen & Kristy

Episode 25 - Society's Impact on Appearance

"Society puts so much emphasis on outer appearance, but being confident in yourself and not letting others' opinions affect you is pretty amazing." ~ Brendan Dooling

In our society today there is a huge impact and influence on all of us in relation to our appearance, health, body, and overall wellness.  In this episode we explore some of the societal beliefs that impact all of us as well as addressing how these trigger shame responses in us.  We also share ways that you can start to explore your own beliefs and how they differ from those that are placed upon us from society.

We hope you enjoy!

Gretchen and Kristy

Episode 24 - Intuitive Eating & Relationship with Food

"We're taught ridiculous strategies for fending off cravings.  Everything from eating carrot sticks to tapping on our forehead, but we are never taught skills to competently eat all foods." ~ Rachel Hartley

In this episode we circle back to focus on our relationship with ourselves and how we relate to food.  We discuss the 10 principles of intuitive eating as a guide to developing a healthier relationship with food and your body.  Intuitive eating means giving your body the nutrients and energy along with the pleasure, satisfaction, and care it needs to thrive and be well day in and day out.  It focuses on cultivating trust and respect with your mind and body again.  

We hope you enjoy!

Gretchen & Kristy

Episode 23 - Committed Relationships

"Good relationships don't just happen.  They take time, patience, and two people who truly want to be together."

Healthy relationships will never require you to sacrifice your friends, your dreams, or your dignity.  This week on the podcast we explore committed relationships with our guest, Stephen.  We discuss the importance of open communication, spending time on your relationship, as well as being honest and working to understand each other.  

We hope you enjoy!

Gretchen & Kristy

Episode 22 - A Conversation with Max Strom

"The yoga postures and breath are tools to rebuild and transform ourselves.  The goal is not to tie ourselves in knots - we're already tied in knots.  The aim is to untie the knots in our heart.  The aim is to unite with the ultimate, loving, and peaceful power of the universe." ~ Max Strom

This week we celebrate our 1 year anniversary of the Conversations to Connect podcast with our guest, Max Strom.  Max is a teacher, speaker, author, and the creator of Inner Axis.  Kristy had the opportunity to chat with Max while she was on a retreat with him in Italy this past June.  

Max has written two books, both of which are highly recommended.  His books are "A Life Worth Breathing" and "There is no App for Happiness".  He has an app that you can download called Strategic Breathing, which will guide you through a safe and effective practice of breathing patterns and meditative movement.  If you can breathe, this app will work for you.

You can learn more about Max and Inner Axis through - 

website: www.maxstrom.com
Instagram: @maxstromofficial
Twitter: @MaxStrom2
Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/STROMTEACHINGS 

Episode 21 - Dating & Relationships

"A good relationship is when someone accepts your past, supports your present, and encourages your future."

This week we welcome our guest, Megan, as she joins us in our ongoing conversation about dating and relationships.  In our fear driven culture we feel the need to hide who we are and what we want from others (whether that be from friends, family, or partners) instead of being authentic to ourselves and honest with them.  A healthy relationship is one in which love enriches you, not imprisons you.

Gretchen & Kristy

Episode 20 - Dating & You

"In a relationship, you need somebody who's gonna call you out, not someone who's gonna let everything slide.  You need someone who doesn't want to live without you.  But can.  Not somebody who is dependent, but somebody who is stronger with you.  A relationship is two people, not one."

 

This week our episode focuses on ourselves while in romantic relationships.  Finding a balance between self and others can be difficult but important to cultivate in order to have healthy relationships.  We hope you enjoy!

Gretchen and Kristy

Episode 19 - Society & Sense of Self

"Our society and institutions are built to push men and women into different roles.  We need to change that." ~ Caroline Criado-Perez

The impact that society has on men is vastly different than how it impacts women.  In this episode we welcome Joseph Carringer, from Didge Therapy, to talk with us about his experiences as a man in today's society.  From a history of abuse and trauma to healing through sound therapy he shares his journey of developing his relationship with himself.  

If you would like to check out Joseph's music click on the links below:

http://didgetherapy.com/didgeridoo-music-meditation-releases

http://tablesyndicate.com/

We hope you enjoy.  

Gretchen & Kristy

Episode 18 - Society and Self

"You don't need to fit into society or reform in order to make an impact.  Be you, spread love, raise your vibrations - That's whats important." 

The relationship that we have with ourselves is often greatly impacted by society and societal views.  This week we discuss how information we receive from family, friends, society, and social media play a role in the relationship that we have with ourselves.  

We hope you enjoy!

Gretchen & Kristy