REAL-ATABLE

#160 From Federal to Private Sector — A Conversation with Security and Risk Leader James Weston Nov 14, 2025 01:04:49 In this episode of REAL-ATABLE 2.0, host Teresa Freeman sits down with James Weston, a seasoned Security and Risk Leader who built his career in the federal sector before boldly transitioning into a commercial leadership role. James shares the story behind his decision to make the move, the preparation it took, and what he’s learned since stepping into

#159 HR Expert LaQuenta Jacobs on Accountability and Success Sep 8, 2025 00:21:35 In this episode with LaQuenta —we talk about what accountability is, what it isn’t, and how it connects to success. We’ll explore whether being accountable rests with you, your leaders, or someone else in your life, and reveal why it’s more like a slow dance— than a solo effort. Listen in for a lively conversation and unique insights from our expert Q!

#157 Vivan Dixon, Acquisition Leader on Accountability and Success Aug 18, 2025 00:21:29 In this episode, we hear from expert Vivan Dixon. We hear a unique perspective on accountability and success through the lens of an recruiting executive. Fantastic insight regarding how to stand out as a candidate, the importance articulating YOUR impact and ownership, and we learn why Vivan wants DON’T WAIT printed on a T-shirt! We also hear insightful

#159 Karen Schaefer, Former CIA, Board Advisor and Mentor Jul 2, 2025 00:43:37 In this episode, expert Karen Schaefer returns, and we dive into the powerful connection between accountability and success. As always, Karen breaks things down in a way that’s not only easy to understand but also truly inspiring. You’ll find yourself reflecting, gaining fresh insight, and maybe even making a few mindset shifts. There are plenty of ‘a-h

#158 Lennice Moynihan, LCPC on Accountability and Success May 22, 2025 00:33:43 Expert counselor Lenice Moynihan joins us to explore the powerful connection between accountability and success — in relationships, at work, and within ourselves. Plus, we have a cool moment where I get some real-time therapeutic insight into how I operate. Enjoy the episode!

#157 Living Without Fear- REAL-ATABLE with the Experts-LaQuenta Jacobs Mar 4, 2025 00:23:26 We hear from our HR Expert and executive coach LaQuenta Jacobs. “Q” has a unique gift -she can get to the heart of a matter quickly -this episode is no different. She is open, honest, and transparent and provides real-life stories that are REAL-ATABLE! Key insight from Q! #1 Fear comes from a place you can’t see. #3 You have to ask for what you need, pe

#156 Living Without Fear- REAL-ATABLE with the Experts- Vivian Dixon, Talent Acquisition Feb 18, 2025 00:22:00 Many people in our audience are going through a career shift or unplanned need to pivot. Vivian provides great advice for executives as well as less experienced professionals. Key insights include Knowing yourself, talking with a mentor or friend to gain perspective, being careful about taking the first offer that comes your way, and not underestimatin

#155 Living Without Fear- REAL-ATABLE with the Experts Feb 4, 2025 00:30:15 In this episode we hear from our executive/leadership expert Karen Schaefer. We discuss how fear shows up at different levels both professionally and personally, how fear can be a great motivator, and how it may impact our ability to let go and let others take the reigns. Karen always brings excellent stories to bring these topics to light! Enjoy this e

#154 Living Without Fear- REAL-ATABLE with the Experts Jan 22, 2025 00:23:41 Is Fear Getting in Your Way? Fear—it’s something we all face. Sometimes it’s just a minor annoyance, but other times, it can hold us back from living the life we want. In this episode of REAL-ATABLE with the Experts, we’re diving into what it means to live without fear and how to tackle it head-on. Kicking off this series is Lenice Moynihan, a Licensed

#153 Mike Kurtz of Mike's Hot Honey Jan 7, 2025 00:59:57 Mike and I talk about How Mike’s Hot Honey Went From Pizza Topping to Global Sensation! Discover how passion, trust, and grit turned a simple idea into a must-have condiment loved worldwide!

#152 Tal Eyre: Author of Dad Mode - 25 Ways to Connect with Your Children Dec 10, 2024 00:53:39 Tal and I cover a lot of ground in this interview! For example- should we be friends with our kids, are we authoritative vs authoritarian? And…how did this mission to help other dads come into existence? And we chat about my favorite topic, soft skills! Enjoy this episode!

#151 Expert Conversation: Know Your Worth Series, LaQuenta Jacobs: HR Executive, VP Equity and Inclusion Kimberly Clark Nov 25, 2024 00:22:22 Q’s insight are terrific- we discuss the importance of humility and self-awareness, the importance of feedback, knowing your blinders, and being open to others’ observations and perceptions. This conversation will leave you thinking about your own personal board of directors! As always, great insight and advice that is real and practical! Enjoy this epi

#150 Expert Conversation: Know Your Worth Series, Karen Schafer: Former CIA Operative, Current Strategic Advisor/Mentor Nov 12, 2024 00:39:14 Welcome to REAL-ATABLE 2.0 with the experts! This next series will focus on Knowing Your Worth. In this segment, I speak with Karen Schafer, former CIA operative and current Strategic Advisor, Board Member and Mentor.She discusses, the importance of self awareness, knowing your strengths and weaknesses, and how knowing your worth is tied to working in a

#149 Expert Conversation: Know Your Worth: Lenice Moynihan LCPC Oct 29, 2024 00:24:06 Welcome to REAL-ATABLE 2.0 with the experts! This next series will focus on Knowing Your Worth. In this segment, I speak with Lenice Moynihan, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland. We discuss knowing your worth through a therapeutic lens, including self-esteem, setting boundaries, putting yourself first, and the risks of all-or-nothing

#148 Expert Conversation: Vivian Dixon, Talent Acquisition Leader Oct 15, 2024 00:23:39 KNOW YOUR WORTH SERIES: We discuss common pitfalls, how to handle compensation discussions, handling the Interview and best practices to position yourself for success throughout the job hunting process.

# 147 Karen Schaefer-Strategic Advisor, Board Member, Coach, Mentor Oct 1, 2024 01:03:53 Karen joins us again on REAL-ATABLE. We talk about her career transition post CIA, the current climate in homeland security, how to stand out in the candidate pool, and we learn how to crack the code on the security clearance process. Enjoy this episode! Stay Connected, Coach T

#146 Lenice Moynihan, LCPC Sep 24, 2024 00:57:06 Join me as I sit down with Lenice Moynihan, LCPC Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor of Maryland, to demystify therapy and shed light on what it means to be both a good patient and a good therapist. We’ll dive deep into the body-mind connection and explore how it impacts our overall mental health. Whether you’re curious about therapy or looking to

# 145 -REAL-ATABLE 2.0 Sep 17, 2024 00:02:56 WE ARE BACK!!! REAL-ATABLE 2.0 is New and Improved. In this introductory episode, I share what you can expect to happen on the podcast during the 2024-2025 season! We will have a variety of experts to discuss key themes that span common career challenges, and, don’t worry- we will still have the good ‘ole interviews you are used to, where I talk with un

#144 Lisa Kersey, Executive Director of Freekind Mar 26, 2024 01:07:39 I speak with my friend Lisa from Freekind, an anti human trafficking non profit organization. The mission of Freekind is to prevent human trafficking in southern Virginia, and support survivors on their journey to freedom. You may be surprised at who is impacted by this issue, and how pervasive it is throughout the United States. In addition we learn ab

#143 On the Go with Jim MacLeod Mar 20, 2024 00:16:58 Listen to the interview highlights from our conversation with Jim. You can also check out our YouTube Channel TFA Soft Skills for this and other On the Go Episodes!

#142 Emily Vickers, President iConsult Mar 12, 2024 01:02:24 Today I speak with friend and fellow female entrepreneur Emily Vickers. She is the president and founder of iConsult, a cyber, big data, transformation, and cloud architecture business. After being in operation for 10 years, she has a wealth of knowledge and insight to share. Enjoy this episode!

#141 Tara Carcillo, CEO The Clearing Mar 5, 2024 01:08:22 Today I speak with Tara, CEO of The Clearing, a strategy and change management consulting firm. I am so excited for you to hear her career journey, her advice and her insight. I hope you feel as inspired as I did after our interview. Enjoy this episode!

#140 Matt Stevens, CEO The Honor Foundation and former Navy SEAL Feb 27, 2024 01:03:50 Today I speak with Matt Stevens – CEO of The Honor Foundation. The Honor Foundation is an organization who’s mission is to help special forces transition out of their military life and into their next chapter. Matt is a Naval Academy graduate and Navy SEAL for 26 years. He discusses his own transition into becoming the CEO and how we can all break throu

#139 On the Go Jessica Auville, Creative Director Feb 20, 2024 00:15:01 REAL-ATABLE On the Go episode includes highlights from our interview with Jessica Auville. Want to see it in video form? Check out our TFA Soft Skills YouTube Channel! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave comments. Enjoy this episode!

#138 Rebecca Hayes, Owner Purple Hayes Gallery Feb 13, 2024 01:14:50 Today we dive into the diverse journey of Rebecca Hayes. We met at a paint party and while I’m no artist, she made me feel like one in about two hours! She is a woman of many talents. She has a financial background and owns an art studio, The Purple Hayes Gallery. She has a lot of great insight to share on creativity, loving what you do and the importan

#137 Meg Van Trees, FCPS Teacher and Coach Feb 6, 2024 01:05:00 Coach VT talks about her love of teaching, handling failure, staying true to yourself, and the value of continuing to evolve and move forward. After listening, you will be inspired to harness your strengths, and take on new challenges. We also have a few laughs along the way. Enjoy this episode! In this episode Coach VT talks about the author Jay Shetty

#136 John Daly, Director of Retail & Customer Development, Johnson Brothers Service Distribution of Virginia Jan 30, 2024 00:59:01 John Daly has been in wine distribution business for over 30 years. He discusses how the industry has changed, personal pivots, and critical tips for success. We hear inside scoop on how he negotiated his compensation and benefits package to improve the balance between life and work. Finally, everyone’s question, what are the proper wine pairings with f

#135 On The Go Episode -Deborah Miscoll and Dr. Adam Naylor of Deloitte Jan 23, 2024 00:17:19 Enjoy the highlights from this amazing interview with the incredibly fascinating high performance psychologists at Deloitte!

#134 Marcus Simon, VA State Delegate & Ekko Title McLean Real Estate Practice Jan 17, 2024 01:05:33 Marcus joins us to discuss his path to becoming a member of the House of Delegates. He has a law degree, has served in the military as a prosecuting attorney, been a criminal defense lawyer, and now runs a successful real estate law firm. You don’t want to miss his fascinating adventure to where he is now. Enjoy this episode!

#133 Dr. Timothy Cannon, Oncologist INOVA Cancer Center Jan 9, 2024 00:57:49 Dr. Cannon is Paul’s oncologist, he was our beacon of light and hope during a very challenging time. In addition to discussing our personal story, we get to hear about Dr Cannon’s college basketball journey, and how a mission trip to Taiwan shaped his life which led him to his career in oncology. Enjoy this episode!

Missy and Teresa Wrap Up 2023 Dec 5, 2023 01:08:36 They are back!! Missy and T share highlights and behind the scenes info from the more than 30 interviews in 2023. A HUGE thank you to all of our guests this year, we had a great time hearing your stories and sage advice. Special Notes: Non Profit-Bloom Youth- We equip youth with the mindset, skills, knowledge, mental resources, as well as access to ment

#131 Jim Macleod, Chairman at CoastalSouth Bancshares, Chair MUSC Foundation & Immediate Past Chair University of Tampa Nov 28, 2023 01:02:31 Always great to have a family member on the show! I speak with my cousin Jim. He started his career in the mortgage and banking industry and discusses his successful path toward being a bank president. After “retiring” at 56, he shares how he’s spent the last 20 years doing what he WANTS to do, not what he HAS to do. Fascinating journey, and specific in

#130 On The Go with Marjorie Churchbourne Nov 21, 2023 00:12:52 Our latest On the Go episode. Listen to highlights from my interview with Marjorie. You can also view this episode on our YouTube Channel. Enjoy!

#129 Ken Harvey, Former NFL Player & Author Nov 14, 2023 01:03:56 Redskins superstar Ken Harvey joins us on REAL-ATABLE! We hear about his football career, being a prolific author, and his new podcast “You’re going to know, Commanders Justice”. Ken shares valuable insight on perseverance, how fear played a significant role in his life, and discusses the power of reinventing yourself- it’s never too late! Enjoy this ep

#128 Michael Saad, Communication Professor at Okanagan College & Owner of Course Creators & Peak Presenters Nov 7, 2023 01:02:03 In this episode Teresa and Michael discuss their love of soft skills! They talk about a set back that shook Michael’s confidence, and how he bounced back. We hear about why critical thinking and public speaking are critical for success, and how he risked it all to find his true calling. Enjoy this episode!

#127 Christine Turpin, Performance Dietician, Military Support Oct 31, 2023 00:56:01 Chrissy and I discuss her road to being a performance dietician. She’s worked with D1 athletes and now helps military professionals. Her story of pursuing her dreams is inspiring, and we get a lot of great tips on how we should be eating to enhance our day to day performance and enjoyment. Chrissy is one of the kindest and hardest working people I know-

#126 On The Go with Azah Awasum Oct 24, 2023 00:11:16 Today’s episode is our On The Go feature with Azah. You may remember her from Big Brother Season 23. Now she is a believer, chef and creative. You can view this episode on our new YouTube Channel, TFA Soft Skills.

#125 Anjanette Haynes, Managing Director Deloitte Services Oct 17, 2023 00:50:52 I speak with Anjanette, a friend and colleague for more than 25 years! As 2 HR geeks who happen to have a lot of employer overlap we dish on when she was my supervisor, how and why we both would stand in front of a bus for the other, and how she found her fulfillment after a challenging and difficult period in her career. It’s all in this discussion, pl

#124 Julie Parker, President & CEO of Julie Parker Communications Oct 10, 2023 00:58:57 We are diving deep into the world of communication, crisis response, public relations and journalism. Julie is not just any communications expert, she is currently on the front lines managing public relations and crisis response for police and government. Julie leverages her unique career in broadcast journalism to serve her cross industry clients. We h

#123 Teresa’s Book Launch Oct 3, 2023 00:16:33 The day finally came. Teresa’s book has officially launched and we want to share a bit of the party with our listeners! Enjoy this episode!

#122 Pat Sargent, Veteran, Booz Allen Hamilton, Artist Sep 26, 2023 00:57:04 Teresa speaks with her neighbor and friend Pat. He is retired military, a Booz Allen space expert, university professor, AND artist. He gives specific examples of how to find and create success, and we hear about the mantra he lives by, “you find success by giving yourself options”. What does that mean? Listen in to find out! Also, check out his website

#121 REAL-ATABLE On the Go/ Leslie Durham Sep 19, 2023 00:14:44 Enjoy our first episode of REAL-ATABLE On the Go, where you can enjoy highlights and interesting insight from our industry experts and guests in 15 minutes or less. Enjoy!

#120 Marjorie Churchborne, School Engagement Director, American Heart Association, Part 2 Sep 12, 2023 00:53:30 Ready for Part 2 with Muggie? In this discussion we focus more on her career and the pivots along the way. Her passion for this position is very personal and you will definitely shed a few tears with her as she shares her experience and how she landed this job 10 years ago. Get ready to be inspired! Enjoy this episode!

#119 Marjorie ChurchBourne, School Engagement Director, American Heart Association Sep 5, 2023 00:48:17 Welcome back to season three! Today MISSY does the interviewing! She talks with Teresa and one of her best friends of 40+ years, Marjorie AKA “Muggie”. How has this unique friendship lasted so long? Have they ever taken a break? What are their secret ingredients to a lifelong friendship? Anyone who has spent time with this duo knows this friendship is s

#118 Sam Slevin, RMC pitcher and rising junior Jul 25, 2023 00:44:16 Today we sit down with Sam for year three! What is he doing this summer?...

#117 Sarah Sutton, MS, MCC, NBC-HWC, Truce Inc. Jul 18, 2023 00:56:06 Teresa speaks with Sarah, the founder of her coaching business Truce. She is an Integrative...

#116 Kelly Cure, Co-Founder & Head of Growth, Skillful.ly Jul 11, 2023 01:00:18 Teresa and Kelly sit down and discuss the creation of Skillful.ly, a unique organization at...

#114 Jon Shields, Football Coach Jun 27, 2023 01:01:28 This is an interview you do not to miss! I sit down with Jon to...

#113 Bill McAdams, Actor, Director, Producer & Writer Jun 20, 2023 00:59:31 Bill is an accomplished independent filmmaker with experience across all disciplines within the entertainment industry....

#112 Dr. Wendy Gottlieb, Plastic Surgeon Jun 13, 2023 01:09:56 Dr. Wendy is a plastic surgeon specializing in breast and body reconstruction and augmentation. What...

#111 Amy Babish, Leadership & Relationship Coach Jun 6, 2023 00:54:34 Amy, a licensed psychotherapist for over 20 years forged a new path. She is now...

#110 Pt 2. Mike Yang, VP Systems Planning & Analysis and Tammy Yang, VP Global Delivery Compass Datacenters May 30, 2023 00:36:45 Continue listening to Mike and Tammy as they give their advice regarding careers, parenting and...

#109 Pt 1. Mike Yang, VP Systems Planning and Analysis & Tammy Yang, VP of Global Delivery, Compass Datacenters May 23, 2023 00:33:41 Mike & Tammy are both Naval Academy graduates. Mike was recruited to play tennis, Tammy...

#108 Cheryl Yarbrough, Basketball Trainer and Life Coach May 16, 2023 01:01:35 Cheryl has worked with many athletes who have gone on to play in college and...

#107 Jimmy Sanabria, Director of Student Activities May 9, 2023 01:02:40 Today we talk Jimmy about his 29 year career at Centreville High School. What led...

#106 Elena Agar, Career Coach, Talent Executive, Author, and "The Shift" Podcast Host May 2, 2023 00:50:57 We are excited to kick off the second season of REAL-ATABLE 2023 with Elena Agar!...

#105 Tim Paroulek, Executive Chef Mar 28, 2023 01:06:12 Teresa’s nephew Tim joins her on REAL-ATABLE to discuss his path to being an executive...

#104 Dr. Richard Layfield III, The Centers for Advanced Orthopedics Mar 21, 2023 01:05:31 In this episode, we find out what soft skills are necessary for a career in...

#103 Bryan Case, Liberty Middle School Dean of Students, Mar 14, 2023 00:50:43 Today we find out what soft skills are necessary for a career in music and...

#102 Lieutenant Kevin White, Fairfax County Police Department Mar 7, 2023 01:06:03 Today we learn about what soft skills are necessary for a career in law enforcement....

#101 Paul Freeman, Esophageal Cancer Journey, Part 2 Feb 28, 2023 00:39:23 Paul joins Teresa again to discuss his surgery and treatments of his cancer journey. If...

#100 Paul Freeman, Esophageal Cancer Journey, Part 1 Feb 21, 2023 00:40:57 We are so excited to put out the 100th episode and what a treat! Teresa’s...

#99 Lora Rothe, Managing Director, Deloitte Feb 14, 2023 01:04:49 Lora is the Managing Director at Deloitte and a very dear friend. I’ve been anxious...

#98 Brian Colella, Principal of Financial Centz & Youth Coach Jan 31, 2023 00:50:33 Brian shares the unique way he got his CPA, and how he has navigated his career by using his gift for working with numbers. He has worked at companies big and small, and was able to turn his side hustle into a thriving business. He shares valuable insight from his experience for anyone interested in the different lens you get from working in a variety o

#97 Mereweather Lackey, Director of Summer Programs Madeira School Jan 24, 2023 00:51:06 Mereweather talks about how the experiences she had attending summer camps inspired her career path....

#96 Erinn Flynn, MSW, LCSW Blue Skies Counseling Jan 17, 2023 01:02:08 Erinn is a friend from college. She is a licensed clinical social worker. Since she...

#95 Azäh Awasum, Chef and TV Personality on CBS Big Brother Season 23 Jan 10, 2023 01:07:41 Azäh was the third runner up on Big Brother Season 23. She dishes on the...

#94 Doug Ewell, FCPS Teacher and Retired Coach Jan 3, 2023 01:00:03 Doug is a beloved coach and teacher at Westfield High School. After being told he...

#93 Teresa & Missy 2022 Wrap Up Dec 13, 2022 00:52:34 In today’s episode, Teresa and her producer, Missy, discuss the past year of interesting, exciting,...

#92 Jeff Kinney, American Author and Cartoonist Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series Nov 22, 2022 00:49:50 Get ready! Today we get to talk to Jeff Kinney the creator of Diary of...

#91 Jason Mills, Superintendent HITT Contracting Nov 8, 2022 00:50:51 Jason grew up in a family with exposure to different kinds of trade jobs and...

#90 Dr. Jen Pratt, Pediatric Physician, Children's Minnesota & Make-A-Wish Consultant Oct 25, 2022 00:44:42 Dr. Pratt is a pediatric physician that is caring for children in the very same...

#89 Deborah Miscoll, Chief Mental Health Officer and Dr. Adam Naylor, High Performance Expert Oct 11, 2022 00:48:28 Deborah and Dr. Naylor of Deloitte join me to talk about their cutting-edge mental health...

#88 Jessica Auville, Creative Director Sep 27, 2022 01:00:52 With $400 and a mattress, Jessica made her way to Chicago in search of opportunities...

#87 Sam Slevin, RMC Student & Athlete Sep 14, 2022 00:45:41 Sam joins us again to talk about his freshman year of college, did it live...

#86 Megan & Luke, The Final Year Aug 16, 2022 00:52:57 We have followed Megan and Luke since their freshman year and this year they graduated....

#85 Don Spears ATF Special Agent continued! Jul 26, 2022 00:50:35 Continue listening to Don’s journey. In this episode, we get to hear about when he...

#84 Don Spears, ATF Special Agent Jul 12, 2022 00:47:31 Don works as a fire instruction coordinator for ATF. We discuss his long career history...

#83 Greg Amori, Director of Civilian Agencies Jun 28, 2022 00:54:30 Greg is the director of Civilian Agencies at CrowdStrike. He has been successful in the...

#82 Ethan Zohn, Survivor-Africa, Grassroots Soccer Founder Jun 14, 2022 01:06:39 Ethan is a retired professional soccer player who competed and won in Survivor-Africa. He went...

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