The Self Awareness Journey Podcast
The Self Awareness Journey Podcast is for seekers, whether they are experienced deep thinkers or just beginning to look inward. It speaks to people of all ages and backgrounds, from those stuck in self-sabotaging patterns to those wanting to enhance their lives. The show explores self-awareness and personal growth, offering space for anyone on that journey.
Episodes
Our Final Episode
Thank you so very much everyone! After more than five years, we’ve decided to hang up our mics in pursuit of new art. We love you and miss you already! (You may see us around again soon.) 😊
EP279: Fitting Your Environment
We all expand or shrink to match the environment in which we dwell. But how consciously aware of this are we?
EP278: Summer Reflections
In a world full of hard news and harder realities, let’s reflect back on some of our favorite summer moments!
EP277 - How to Confront Conflict
How to confront conflict - We all have our own relationship with conflict, whether we are starting it, or pulled into it. Does our personality impact how we prepare and move through conflict? Are there ways we can improve our handling of conflict?
EP276 - Does Productivity Equal Progress?
Productivity v Progress: Staying busy is a wonderful way to distract ourselves from what we actually should be working on. But is distraction ever a part of our creation process?
EP275 - Your Children's Rites of Passage
In our country, there are few Rites of Passage children experience, and a myriad of social cues that act like a Rite of Passage. Being involved in these milestones varies depending on which role you play in that child’s life.
EP274 - Boundaries
Creating and keeping personal boundaries is a tough practice. Especially if those boundaries impact important people in our lives. Yet, boundaries can actually improve a relationship rather than make it harder. What are your personal boundaries?
EP273 - Walk and Talk
Have you ever noticed that it’s easier to process important feelings and ideas while you’re moving about and talking, rather than sitting still?
EP272 - Where is AI now?
EP271 - What are we Trying to Control?
EP270 - How do Smells Evoke Memories?
Campfires, fresh laundry, lakes, hot cookies, fresh asphalt, burnt toast. Smells evoke strong memories; what are your deepest smell connections?
EP269 - Stop Saying Sorry
Are you someone that apologizes at the drop of a hat, or are you someone that has a difficult time saying you’re sorry? How do personality traits impact your relationship with apologies?
EP268 - Dealing with Difficult Loved Ones
We all have them. People that can be mean, unpredictable, unpleasant, and just not fun. Yet, they are in our lives to stay. We can’t dump everyone that causes us suffering. How can we better manage these long term relationships?
EP267 - Are You Adaptable?
Measured in a scale, having too much or not enough adaptability can be tough on a person. How do you know when it’s time to dial yours up or down?
EP266 - What the F*ck is up with Swear Words?
Why do we swear? And where did swearing even come from? Is it helpful, or harmful? And why do some swear words stay in our vernacular while others disappear being replaced by new and updated language?
EP265 - Do You Feel Your Age?
It’s true that age IS just a number. However sometimes our mental, emotional and physical bodies DO decide how we experience the world. Either in the moment at hand or from here on out. How do you manage your aging process?
EP264 - High School Stereotypes
EP263 - Fantasizing
Fantasizing is often a healthy escape to mundane or difficult times. Yet it can take some practice to decide how and when to do it. When do you escape to fun thoughts?
EP262 - When to get a Coach
Many people think of coaching as a choice made if things aren’t going well. However, there are many times in life when having a coach can help us reach our goals, faster, and more efficiently. Have you ever used a coach?
EP261 - Planning Makes Melissa Freak Out
Planning is a common activity for many of the things we do in our lives. But it doesn’t mean that everyone likes to plan. Which side of the fence are you on?
EP260 - The Actor Self
From the time we are consciously aware of the people we are around, we learn to behave in a way that helps us fit in. But at some point, that doesn’t feel right or good. How can we tell when it’s time to recalibrate?
EP259 - How to Work with Triggers
We all have things in our lives that set us off, maybe even push us to our worst places. So how can we work with, and ultimately release their hold on us?
EP258 - Being in the Flow
Being in the flow helps you get a lot more done. It can also help you be comfortable doing nothing but feeling good. So, how do you get there?
EP 257 - Creating Consensus
What parts of building consensus should you pay attention to? Is building consensus the same thing as winning?
EP256 - Do Your Stories Help You?
Stories we tell ourselves are often rooted in the need to provide ourselves safety, context and motivation. Yet, sometimes the stories we tell ourselves create blocks or prevent us from growing and changing.
EP255 - Sharpening Your People Skills
Developing our people skills can either feel like a great party or a dreaded dental appointment depending on your natural personality. Yet, people skill enhancement will serve you in many ways throughout your life. The workplace is one of the biggest so let’s explore there first.
EP254 - Choosing how You Remember Things
Memory is a funny thing. At times we use it to make decisions, and sometimes we use it to hold us hostage to ideas we have that aren’t representing our greatest good. Is there ever a time we might consider changing our stories?
EP253 - Setting Your Future Self up for Success
It’s easy to set goals and forget them a day later. It’s easy to know what is best for yourself, but to just worry about it later. But what does it take to set yourself up for the really great stuff that makes your future life easier?
EP252 - Hero Worship
Do you have heroes today? Are they the same ones you had from long ago? How does longevity, maturity, and perspective change your view of who you aspire to be like?
EP251 - Workaholics Unite!
Did you know that perfectionism, difficulty relaxing and compulsive behavior can all be signs of a workaholic tenancy? Disintegrating personal relationships, and intense fear of failure at work can also aid in a feeling of not being able to take a step back. What’s your relationship with work?
EP250 - Episode 250!
Join us for a stroll down memory lane as JJ and Melissa share the story of how the podcast came to be and what some of their favorite parts of being pod hosts are.
EP249 - Being Sick
Are you someone who feels guilty when you are sick? Do you use your sick time at work? Why are we so funny about taking much needed time to feel better?
EP248: Time to Change Your Strategy?
How often do you allow yourself the flexibility to actually change a big decision or direction that you’ve already made? Is it helpful to change our minds sometimes? How do you know when it’s time to keep and time to change?
EP247 - Are you an Under-Feeler?
Too often we feel we can use logic to get away from our emotions and feelings. Is there a balance between over-thinking and under-feeling?
EP246: Being a Better Manager
The business world is wrought with employee changes. Older leaders are retiring, Gen X’ers are a significantly smaller population so can’t cover all of the gaps of retirees. Millennials and 20-somethings are on the scene but without the last few years of training or people interaction due to the pandemic’s push into remote work. How do we think about managing and leading today? And how is it diff
EP245 - Professional Advocacy for Yourself
People often pull back during moments when they can advocate for their own strengths and skills at work. Most feel that they are bragging rather than showcasing what needs to be amplified. This amplification of skill offers growth and benefit not just for self, but for the departments and companies they serve. How do we develop this skill of self advocacy? Listen to our latest discussion on our w
EP244 - Why do We Hold on to Stuff?
People hang on to things for a number of reasons; physical, emotional and mental. Stuff can create both stress and/or security for a person, depending on how you look at it. What is your connection to stuff?
EP243 - Being a Better Listener
Listening is an art, it’s a choice, and it’s a skill. What ways are you currently listening to your people, and how can you get better at it?
EP242 - The Art of Letting Go
EP241 - Reflection Questions for 2024
EP240 - Holiday Traditions, Old and New
What are your favorite traditions that help you jump into the holidays season? What ones are important to continue and what ones are ready to be retired?
EP239 - Aspirational Equipment
What kind of hobby supplies are waiting in your closet? Do you have sports gear calling your name from the garage? What do we buy and collect stuff and then not use it?
EP238 - Side Hustles
Like your hobby enough to start a business? Serial entrepreneur looking for your next buck? Just love to start new things but don’t know if that’s normal? Welcome to the side hustle!
EP237 - The Value of Partnerships
Since our infancy, we reach for another. A sibling, friend, relation, colleague, business partner. While this may come rather naturally for most of us, what do we get out of partnerships and what makes us strive for more?
EP236 - More Responsibility Becomes a Liability
Have you ever found yourself juggling so many responsibilities that you start to wonder if you're truly in control, or if you're just one step away from chaos? Join me on the Self-Awareness Journey podcast as we unravel the intricate dynamics of taking on more responsibility in both our professional and personal lives. Through candid conversations and personal anecdotes, like the time I
EP235 - The Skill of Validation
Could a simple act of validation transform your relationships and emotional well-being? Join us as we uncover the profound impact of this human necessity, inspired by insights from Simon Sinek's podcast. We'll explore why validation is more than just seeking approval; it's a fundamental aspect of our survival and desire to belong. Through intriguing discussions, we delve into how ch
EP234 - Fear Setting vs. Goal Setting
What if fear could be your greatest ally instead of your worst enemy? Join us on this compelling journey into the world of stoicism and fear-setting, inspired by the insightful teachings of Tim Ferriss. We kick off with Ferriss's personal story, a harrowing yet transformative moment when he faced the darkest depths of his psyche and emerged stronger by embracing stoic philosophy. This powerfu
EP233 - Election Day
What if the very principles of democracy and voting you take for granted were put under a magnifying glass? Join us on the Self-Awareness Journey podcast as hosts Melissa Albers and JJ Parker dissect the nuances of American democracy and voter participation. This episode promises to challenge your assumptions about freedom and responsibility, highlighting the unique opportunities and wealth in the
EP232 - Finding your Tribe
Sometimes simply being with someone that similar to you and understands you feels like the coziest of warm blankets. Your tribe may change over your lifetime, but the feeling of belonging stays ever present.
EP231 - Conversation Cards
Conversation Cards - Ever need an icebreaker question for family get togethers? Ever want to ask a provocative question in a team building event? Here are some really fun and unique offerings to add to your next dinner or get together.
EP230 - Being out of My Routine
The small and large routines of life offer support, stability and well sometimes boredom. What’s the line between feeling safe and sorry for our ability to put ourselves on the rails of life?
EP229 - Am I Too Self-Aware?
It seems we can convince ourselves of many things when we are motivated enough to do so. Can I be too self aware? How would I know? Am I thinking about this too much, and if so, is that bad?
EP228 - Emotional Intelligence
EQ which is also called Emotional Intelligence, can be developed at any time in a person’s life. There is a strong and direct relationship between becoming more self aware and the increase of EQ. Hit us up if you’d like your free EQ assessment by dropping a note to melissa@theselfawarenessjourney.com
EP227 - Using Your Social Capital
Most of us have relationships that we can ask for help. Sometimes others ask us to help them along too. How do we build the currency for this give and take? Do we use it for ourself or only on behalf of others?
EP226 - Don't Tell Me What to do!
We seem to have a juxtapose position about which end of the stick we sit in “helping” those around us. Universally we hate when we are told what to do, yet seem to love telling others what to do. Why is that?
EP225 - How Long do You Vacation?
Americans have a complex relationship with vacations and our core beliefs about being away from our jobs. Interestingly, this perspective varies greatly depending on what part of the world you live in, and in some countries is even opposite.
EP224 - What's Your Title?
We all feel comfort with the safety, pride and security of the various titles we use in our lives. Which ones make you the happiest?
EP223 - Resentment
Underlying expectations and beliefs lead to resentment. But how often do we operate with expectations we aren’t even consciously aware of? How do we begin to unwind the resentments we’ve been harboring?
EP222 - Am I Too Independent?
Independence, Dependence, Interdependence. We all have opinions about which is best for us, and often will push against our relationships that are asking us to be different situationally. Can there be such as thing as too independent or too dependent? How can you tell you may too far to one side?
EP221 - What's Your Limit?
When we reach our limits in life, which part of us gives up first? Does the mind push the body, or does the body inform the mind? How do emotions play into all of this.. are they friendly advisors or sirens to warn us?
EP220 - Am I Too Sensitive?
We are all wired with a level of sensitivity in which we pick up ours and other’s energy. Do some have a heightened sense of feeling, and how did they get it? There are huge benefits to developing this internal tool that helps both self and others, and it isn’t as hard as you think.
EP219 - Leadership Development
When personal or professional development is on your radar; what is the most effective method for long term growth? Picking topics, and length of focus, and who you’re with are all important to your success. The more intentional you can be, the more growth you will experience with lasting effect. It is REALLY fun to learn so grab a pen and lean into the ideas offered!
EP218 - A Rant on Device Addiction
Device addiction is through the roof. The Wall Street Journal recently ran a piece on “our epidemic of isolation” (Today 60% of Americans say they are lonely, compared to 46% in 2018.) The Surgeon General wants “warning labels” on social media platforms as they are cited as a major contributor to this problem. Both suggest the solution is more human connection. How addicted are you to YOUR device
EP217 - Mid-Life Marriage
Couplehood has a lifecycle, just like many other significant things in our lives. As we reach middle age, priorities oftentimes shift, and our overall energy wanes. What markers are present to let us know it is negatively affecting our partnership, and what positive focus could we have to prevent it?
EP216 - Why is Summer so Special?
Sunshine, sandals, carefree routines - what’s not to love about summer?
EP 215 - Do You Like Your Doctor?
Do you think you can control if you get sick? Is your doctor your frenemy or your Icon? How much of how we feel is physical versus the story we tell ourselves?
EP214 - How to Change Your Mind
Why do we make it so hard to change our minds about things? We create these crazy beliefs about changing our minds, telling ourselves it’s wrong or that we are weak for doing so. But in that real?
EP213 - The Importance of Sleep with Mary Bodvarsson
Join us with special guest, Mary Bodvarsson as we discussed the importance of sleep.
EP212 - Making Adult Friends
As we age, it can be harder to make friends. Do our relationships reflect changing interests and priorities? Or do we hang on to old connections by way of security and safety?
EP211 - Conversations
Conversations come in many shapes and sizes ranging from small talk to deep thoughts. Some people willingly go deep right away, while others avoid it at all cost. What is your relationship with communication?
EP210 - Reflections of Michael Allosso
Sometimes when you are in active listening mode, you don’t get a chance to absorb all of the valuable information given. This is certainly true with our conversation with Michael, so JJ and Melissa took some time to unpack last week’s discussion.
EP209 - Self Awareness with Michael Allosso
Join us for a fun conversation with our special guest Michael Allosso. Michael is a master communications expert and self-awareness specialist who spends his time on stage, off stage, in boardrooms, team sessions and workshops all around the globe. We love Michael, and know you will too!
EP208 - How Old do you Feel?
While our physical body is an obvious age marker for many of us, the mental and emotional markers of age are markedly different. How much do your thoughts impact your age? Do your emotions amplify your age number or make you feel so much younger? And can we reverse our age with activities?
EP207 - You Get Good at What You Practice
Practicing physical things like exercise, or singing is a choice. What we think about is also a choice, yet we don’t think about what thoughts we are practicing routinely. As we talk about all the time, thoughts become things - so what are you bringing into your world through your practiced thoughts?
EP206 - What are Your Hobbies?
Having a hobby is a wonderful way to divert from the stresses of your life. But hobbies also offer a calming, creative and educational opportunity to stay present and in the moment. How do hobbies show up in your life?
EP205 - Is Trust Declining?
Today’s social media would have us believe that nothing is what it seems. Political stories, online relationships and AI… Is our trust ecosystem starting to crumble?
EP204 - Is Being Busy a Good Trait?
Is being busy a badge of honor for you? Does it mean you are successful and important? Or is being busy simply a marker of procrastination or avoidance?
EP203 - Interactions with Your Spouse/Partner
It’s interesting to learn through friend’s conversations how our couplehood may be similar or different than others. Further, it’s fun to ask our partners if they think the same way we do. What can we learn from these conversations?
EP202 - Rest and Recovery
The restorative value of vacation can be amplified with pre and post decisions to help us truly relax and enjoy the feeling of complete rejuvenation. Enjoy these fun tips for the next time you get to take some time away!
EP201 - Is Your Attention Span Shrinking?
The internet suggests that our overall attention span has been cut in half over the last 20 years. What’s driving this stat, and is it true?
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