#15 - The Evolution of a Personal Trainer's Diet (My Story)

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IN THIS PODCAST EPISODE

Welcome to “The Elements of Being” podcast, where I dissect and explore the minds and habits of psychologists, filmmakers, writers, and industry icons. Essentially, we learn what makes them flip the switch to achieve great feats, goals, and milestones…and a chance to geek out over the psychology behind human behavior.

So, what is this podcast specifically about? I examine the mental and emotional narratives and processes that have steered writers, filmmakers, psychologists, and industry icons down their paths in life. Each episode is also a glimpse into the trends and patterns of human behavior and the underlying influences that navigate us into different directions. Whether we primarily focus on nutrition or the unconscious, guests share insights, thought-provoking lessons, the nuances of creativity, and the elements of being….us.

In today’s episode, I share the evolution of my diet. I often think of the first twenty years of my life as a biased introduction of the world curated by the family, friends, culture, and influences of that period. Despite my passionate connection to psychology today, I never examined my role in that world nor how I interacted with it until later in life. Most importantly, I never examined the self-my self-during such a pivotal span of my development. Although a high school psychology course triggered my interest in mental health, I was more enamored with the study of the underlying influences of OTHER people's human behavior (not my own). I never fully examined my body’s relationship with food either.

Fast forward to the present…my diet system has helped me (as well as my personal training clients) build the most optimal "self" while satisfying the mental, craving "self" at times. While it hasn't been a perfect journey, I couldn't be more thankful for the cues and signals that pointed me in this direction.

To learn more about Michael Moody, check out his book "Redefine Yourself” or say hello on Instagram (@wholeplantpersonaltrainer)!

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PODCAST DISCUSSION

-The lack of physical self-awareness at an early age
-The challenges of trying to attain the ideal self-image
-The depth needed to finally eat with intent
-The internal conflict of choosing a lifestyle outside of the mainstream
-The foundation of a whole food plant-based diet
-The setting of dietary boundaries

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#14 - Living with Intent Featuring Author and Vegan Hot for Food Host Lauren Toyota

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IN THIS PODCAST EPISODE

I’m excited to share today’s episode with you. From YouTube to Twitter to Instagram, Lauren Toyota has hundreds of thousands of combined followers, fans, and subscribers. She seamlessly transitioned from close to 10 years as a television host and producer to an independent, self-made content producer.

Every Wednesday, you can find Lauren sharing gourmet vegan comfort food recipes on the “hot for food” YouTube channel that now boasts nearly 473,000 subscribers and over 36 million channel views since launching in February of 2015. Her debut cookbook, Vegan Comfort Classics: 101 Recipes To Feed Your Face (Ten Speed Press/Penguin Random House) became a best seller and is available now wherever books are sold. Her second cookbook is set for release in February 2021. Among other accolades, Lauren Toyota was also named Canada's Most Influential Vegan by IMPACT magazine in 2017 and one of the Powerhouse Canadian Women Killing it in 2018 by Refinery29. In our interview, we covered everything from the mindset of a host to living with intent.

To learn more about Lauren Toyota, visit https://www.hotforfoodblog.com. You may also subscribe to her “Lauren in Real Life” and “Hot for Food” YouTube channels as well as Instagram (@hotforfood), Facebook (hot for food), and Twitter (@hotforfood). You can find her cookbook, Vegan Comfort Classics: 101 Recipes To Feed Your Face wherever fine books are sold!

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PODCAST DISCUSSION

-The evolution of Lauren’s vegan philosophy, her cookbook, and “Hot for Food” YouTube channel
-Managing personal and professional criticisms
-How Lauren maintains her genuine connection with the art and science of cooking while serving the professional need to produce weekly
-The challenges of managing the line between being genuine and sharing too much of your personal self
-Being mindful of a growing audience without succumbing to the pressures of "It's never big enough”
-Rising above failure
-Checking in with your intuition and living with intent

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#13 - Simply Mindful with Author and Psychotherapist Donald Altman

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IN THIS PODCAST EPISODE

I'd like to introduce today's guest, Donald Altman. He is a psychotherapist, international mindfulness expert, and award-winning author of over 15 books translated worldwide. In addition to being a featured expert in The Mindfulness Movie, Donald is profiled in the Living Spiritual Teachers Project and writes the Practical Mindfulness blog on the Psychology Today website.

Donald's best-selling book The Mindfulness Toolbox was the winner of two national publishing IPBA Ben Franklin awards as best book in both the Psychology and Body-Mind-Spirit categories. Two other books, Clearing Emotional Clutter and The Mindfulness Code, were both chosen as “One of the Best Spiritual Books of the Year” by Spirituality & Practice. Another of Donald’s books, Living Kindness, has been used as a meditation guide for staff and delegates at the United Nations.

For several years, Donald served on the faculty of both Portland State University and Lewis and Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling. He is also Past Vice-President for The Center for Mindful Eating--an international non-profit organization dedicated to sharing concepts about mindful eating.

With a passion for bringing ancient, timeless values and practices into modern life, Donald has taught thousands of health care and business professionals how to apply mindfulness for self-growth in relationships and in the workplace. He worked for several years as a senior mental health therapist at an eating disorder and general psychiatric clinic before founding his own clinic.

To learn more about Donald Altman or to subscribe to the Mindful Living Newsletter, visit www.mindfulpractices.com. You may also visit Donald's facebook page, facebook.com/MndfulPractices (no "i" in Mndfulpractices).

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PODCAST DISCUSSION

-The key practices of basic mindfulness and how to practice it under the constant pressure and force of negative energy
-How to become more compassionate with yourself and lessen self-judgment  
-The beauty of impermanence
-The most common obstacles when opening the mind to a new awareness of the self and the world around us
-The role of conscious intention in our day-to-day lives
-The value of gravity-free awareness and how it differs from the chaotic floating of random thoughts
-The “Power of Pause” and how to integrate it into a sacred space in your home

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#12 - “SHOULD WE EVER RETURN TO A STATE OF NORMALCY?” WITH AUTHOR MICHAEL MOODY

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IN THIS PODCAST EPISODE

In this episode, Michael dissects the idea of a "return to normalcy" as we develop our next social and economic strategies during this crisis as well as the impact of returning to pre-COVID conditions.

To learn more about Michael, check out his book "Redefine Yourself” or say hello on Instagram!

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PODCAST DISCUSSION

-The benefits of the old routine and the stimulation of the new
-The separation of routine from normalcy
-The comfort of habit and the discomfort of the physical, social, and global normalcy we experienced before the pandemic
-The return to patterns of debilitating and inflammatory physical health
-The ways we can leave a sustainable impact on our healthcare system, frontline health workers, and personal health
-The needed change in approach with social and environmental policies as well as leadership from both parties
-The possible long term effects of merely returning to a prior state without adaptation
-The opportunity of a "new normal"

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#11 - LOOKING BEHIND-THE-SCENES WITH HOLLYWOOD LOCATION MANAGER STUART BERBERICH

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IN THIS PODCAST EPISODE

Today is meant for my fellow film geeks. If you have ever watched an incredible scene during your favorite movie and TV show and wondered, "how do they pull that off or how do they get access to a place like that?”, we shed a little light on the process during my interview with Stuart Berberich, a Hollywood Location Manager and Scout. We typically see the movie creation experience from the perspective of actors, actresses, and directors….my interview with Stuart brought a unique behind-the-scenes look and a different perspective into the on-screen entertainment that I admire and enjoy so much.

Most likely, you’ve seen Stuart’s professional contributions if you’ve seen the blockbuster movies Transformers 3 and Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight, as well as the shows, Sense 8 and the Patriot…especially the Patriot on Amazon…season one is brilliantly written and filmed. 

To learn more about Hollywood location manager Stuart Berberich, check out his website or say hello on Instagram!

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PODCAST DISCUSSION

-How COVID-19 affects the present and future of Hollywood
-The true impact of Hollywood on the economy
-The path and day-to-day of a location scout and manager for film and television
-The process of aligning locations with the vision of the writers and director
-The challenges of finding and securing the locations you see on screen
-The evolution of Hollywood films from permanent sets to unique locations
-The current trends in Hollywood
-And much, much more!

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#10 - EAT FOR LIFE, WEIGHT LOSS, AND AN OPTIMAL IMMUNE SYSTEM WITH BEST SELLING AUTHOR DR. FUHRMAN

IN THIS PODCAST EPISODE

In today's episode, I interview Dr. Joel Fuhrman, an internationally recognized expert on nutrition and natural healing as well as an author of seven New York Times bestsellers, including his most recent book, Eat for Life. His other bestsellers include: Eat to Live; Super Immunity; The End of Diabetes; The Eat to Live Cookbook; The End of Dieting; and The End of Heart Disease.

Dr. Fuhrman’s books Eat to Live and The End of Dieting not only have become the pillars of the nutrition world but they have also led to the transformation of millions, including the lives of my clients. I typically gift about 100 copies of his book, The End of Dieting, to my clients, friends, and family each year.

Dr. Fuhrman specializes in preventing and reversing disease through nutritional methods. He is the President of the Nutritional Research Foundation and on the faculty of Northern Arizona University, Health Sciences division. Dr. Fuhrman coined the term “Nutritarian” to describe a nutrient-dense he has shown that it is possible to achieve sustainable weight loss and reverse heart disease, diabetes and many other illnesses using smart nutrition…..and I have witnessed this first hand.

Dr. Fuhrman has received the St. Joseph’s Family Practice Resident’s Teaching Award for his contribution to the education of family practice residents; and a C3 Cardiology Global Health Award for teaching nutritional science to cardiologists. In addition to his medical practice in New Jersey, Dr. Fuhrman also operates the Eat To Live Retreat in San Diego. At this residential facility, people from all over the world come to stay for 4-12 weeks to recover from conditions ranging from cardiovascular disease to autoimmune disease, food addiction, and more.

To learn more about Dr. Joel Fuhrman, check out his nutrition website or say hello on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook!

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PODCAST DISCUSSION

-How we can build immunity against COVID-19 and any future viral threats
-Our allusions of health based on muscle definition and strength
-How we can reverse disease (and, yes, I said reverse)
-The truth about medicine and the fallacy of hope and long term health it provides
-Why you need to know about IGF-1
-The myths about oils
-The role of toxic hunger
-The misconceptions about metabolism and what you should really be striving for
-The myths about the calories in, calories out argument
-The real path to achieving sustainable weight loss and optimal health.
-And much, much more!

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#9 - SITTING WITH OURSELVES DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS (PSYCHOTHERAPIST JILL BAJOREK)

IN THIS PODCAST EPISODE

Today is the new normal for a while, I guess. Amidst the spread of the virus COVID-19, I, like many people across the world, are sheltered in. To think that three weeks ago seems like three years ago….definitely another reality. We are all adapting and find new ways to connect with each other and trying to stay stimulated. Many of our jobs have been threatened, and some have directly been impacted by the illness, including our incredible medical professionals and service workers on the front line. Of course, the fatalities have grown, and more and more families are feeling the infliction of this pandemic.

“How do we deal with this?” is the question we ask ourselves. With the uncertainly of the virus, a vaccine, and the economy, we’re often only left to sit with our uncomfortable thoughts. In my interview with psychotherapist Jill Bajorek, we explore exactly this and much more. She currently practices in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood and works with adult clients experiencing a wide variety of mental health concerns. Jill’s specialties include working with depression, anxiety, adjustment to life events, social fears and exclusion, women’s issues, and LGBTQ+ populations.

To learn more about Jill Bajorek, check out Encircle or say hello on Linkedin, Instagram, or Facebook!

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PODCAST DISCUSSION

-How to no longer float in the clouds and grasp a rope of hope, familiarity, and routine
-The fears behind the hoarding of toilet paper
-How we are handling our mental and emotional selves day-to-day
-The effects of toxic positivity
-Finding our identity again during a time of crisis
-And much, much more!

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#8 - EXAMINING THE ROLE OF THE WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT ON THE SELF WITH CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE LAURA GREEN

IN THIS PODCAST EPISODE

In today's episode, I interviewed the eclectic, Laura Green. She's a Community and Clinical Mental Health Advocate and a Midwest Spirits Specialist for Winebow-a unique combination that gave us our first case study on this podcast. Laura integrates her clinical and academic experiences into her work in beverage by directing her research and professional focus towards spirits education, the mental health and wellness of food & beverage professionals, and the holistic health of the beverage industry. Laura's current research hones in on the relationship of mental health issues (stress, burnout, and substance use) and organizational support in an effort to develop systems of proactive intervention and ongoing support within the hospitality sector.

 In our time together, this former Atlantic signed "I Fight Dragons" keyboardist, unraveled the many underlying influences on our behaviors and the effect of the work environment on our mental health. Not surprising, your industry may be facing some of the same prevailing “behind the scenes” challenges as hospitality professionals.

To learn more about Laura Green’s new projects, check out Healthy Pour or Typsy. You can also say hello on Instagram!

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PODCAST DISCUSSION

-The fears of change in a system with preexisting social norms and rules and the "chicken or the egg" argument in the workplace
-How we continue to put ourselves in the same dysfunctional position over and over
-How to replace our wired coping behaviors
-The process of aligning locations with the vision of the writers and director
-How to recognize the power dynamic in our professional and personal relationships
-And much, much more!

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#7 - DISSECTING THE CREATIVE PROCESS AND OVERCOMING LIFE'S CHALLENGES WITH EXECUTIVE PRODUCER PHIL LERMAN

IN THIS PODCAST EPISODE

Today, you’ll hear my conversation with Phil Lerman, a freelance writer and TV executive producer from the Washington DC area, best known for producing the hit TV program America’s Most Wanted and the PBS show Made in Spain. He’s also the author of “Dadditude,” a laugh-out-loud memoir about the joys of being an older dad, and co-author of nine other books, including “Where Have All The Flowers Gone,” a seminal work on the Woodstock Generation, and John Walsh’s book “No Mercy,” which reached The New York Times paperback bestseller list.

His latest book – “When Truth Is All You Have,” coauthored with Jim McCloskey, who has gotten more than 60 innocent people out of prison and who is considered the “father of the Innocence Movement” -- is due out this summer.

You can learn more about Phil Lerman on http://www.lermanproductions.com/.

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PODCAST DISCUSSION

-The role and creative process of being an executive producer for hit TV shows
-Finding your voice as a writer
-Successfully achieving weight loss and overcoming anxiety
-Facing the challenges of being an older parent
-And much, much more!

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#6 - MICHAEL'S LIST OF INTENTS FOR 2020 (AND HOW HE’LL ACHIEVE EACH)

IN THIS PODCAST EPISODE

Today, we explore the elements of being….me. There is only one chair in this episode and Ill breakdown my 18 intents or resolutions for 2020. It is the list of lists to direct my behaviors and thoughts at the beginning of the new decade. I'll share my philosophical roots and give you a sneak preview into my day-to-day life. In many ways, this is a brief introduction to me and it most likely frames every interview you hear here now and beyond on this podcast.

So who am I? I’ve been a personal trainer and author who has personally helped personal training clients collectively lose over 3,000 lbs and transform their day-to-day approach since 2005!  My first book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness was my first effort into the writing world and I will begin a second book-a treatise on rewriting the systems/processes of your life as well as effectively integrating a "non-negotiable" mindset into goal strategy. Recently I’ve been named on Modern Luxury's "It List", as well as served as the fitness expert on the Biggest Loser/MSN Chicago tour and The Whitney Reynolds Show on PBS. I have also over 18,000 hours of one-on-one personal training experience (and really don’t know where that time has gone).

What else do you need to know about me? I’m intrigued with the mindset behind human behavior just as much as how people achieve what they do. I’m obsessed with efficiency but have spent the last decade bringing more awareness to my life while harnessing my never-ending energy and truly relaxing.

To learn more about Michael Moody, check out his book "Redefine Yourself” or say hello on Instagram!

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PODCAST DISCUSSION

-My efficiency/analytical mindset as I share my master list and breakdown how to achieve it
-How to transform your life with a focus on the minutiae of the day to day life
-My intents to trust my instinct more, increase the amount of sleeping, reading, and writing, change my environment to influence my productivity and joy, optimize my social, physical, and emotional well-being, and a few other nuggets

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#5 - MINDFULLY APPROACHING WEIGHT LOSS WITH DR. ROBYN PASHBY

IN THIS PODCAST EPISODE

Today, you’ll hear my conversation with Dr. Robyn Pashby, a clinical health psychologist in Washington DC and Maryland, who specializes in the cognitive, behavioral and emotional aspects of health behavior change. She is experienced in the use of two evidence-based interventions for eating and weight concerns including Interpersonal Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral. Her clinical specialization is in the psychological treatment of obesity and binge eating disorder.

So why do you need to know Dr. Pashby? She is the co-creator and leader of an online weight management coaching program called Health Gains and has authored or co-authored numerous publications including peer-reviewed scientific articles, book chapters, and blog posts. Dr. Pashby is currently serving as the Vice President of Professional Affairs on the DC Psychological Association Board and was also the Assistant Director and senior psychologist for the National Center for Weight and Wellness (NCWW) located in Washington DC for 7 years.

Dr. Pashby is truly an all-star in the field of psychology and I’m honored that she allowed me to pick her mind. No matter if you’re pursuing a specific weight management goal or another health-related intent, she provided incredible insight into our own psyche and what we need to do for a change.

You can follow Dr. Robyn Pashby on Facebook and Twitter and learn more about her on http://www.dchealthpsychology.com/.

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PODCAST DISCUSSION

-Managing relapses
-Identifying your automatic thoughts
-Examining self-destructive tendencies
-Being honest about your own biases and judgments
-Changing your relationships with people
-And much, much more!

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#4 - CHANGING THE FUTURE OF OUR NEIGHBORHOODS WITH JAHMAL COLE

IN THIS PODCAST EPISODE

Welcome to “The Elements of Being” podcast, where I dissect and explore the minds and habits of filmmakers, writers, and industry icons. Essentially, we learn what makes them flip the switch to achieve great feats, goals, and milestones and a chance to geek out over the psychology behind human behavior.

Today, you’ll hear an inspiring conversation with a champion of social justice, Jahmal Cole. His mission is to build a more interconnected Chicago on the pillars of service and education...and this was without a doubt reflected in our time together.

As the founder and CEO of the city’s fastest-growing social impact organization, “My Block. My Hood. My City.”, Jahmal is the creator of an exposure-based education program for teens and a network of volunteer initiatives that serve Chicago communities year-round. Traveling, youth mentorship, and community organizing are the subjects of Jahmal’s highly acclaimed books and speeches. He has spoken to audiences ranging from high school students to the Mayor of Chicago.

Jahmal is most recently the recipient of the 2019 Champion of Freedom Award from Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the 2018 Chicago Defender Men of Excellence Honoree, and the 2018 Chicago City Council Resolution Award. In 2018, he was also named one of the “20 Most Inspiring Chicagoans” by Streetwise Magazine and a Chicagoan of the Year by Chicago Magazine.

Learn more about Jahmal Cole and the foundation on https://www.formyblock.org/. You can also follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

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PODCAST DISCUSSION

-How to stir community spirit starting with small gestures
-Inspiration from Uber bumper stickers of all places
-The importance of establishing intent
-Removing yourself from the destructive traps of justification
-Taking responsibility for your conditions and environment
-And much, much more!

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#3 - REDEFINING LIFE AFTER LOSS WITH JASON ROSENTHAL

IN THIS PODCAST EPISODE

Today, I interview Jason B. Rosenthal, an author, Foundation Board Chair, public speaker and lawyer. He is also the subject of an article written by his wife, critically acclaimed author Amy Krouse Rosenthal, called “You May Want to Marry My Husband” which went viral and was read by millions of readers worldwide. Amy died of ovarian cancer just 10 days after it appeared in the Modern Love column of the New York Times. 

Since then, Jason reevaluated his life’s work and now speaks publicly and writes about issues related to grief, loss, and resilience. Besides giving a Ted Talk that has garnered 1.8 million views, he wrote the children’s book “Dear Boy” with his daughter Paris. It debuted on the New York Times Bestseller list at #1. Jason’s recent project is a forthcoming memoir that will be published on March 17, 2020.

Learn more about Jason B. Rosenthal and the foundation on https://www.amykrouserosenthalfoundation.org/.

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PODCAST DISCUSSION

-The emotional and mental challenges Jason faced over the last 4 years
-What it takes to write a children’s book
-How to prepare for a Ted Talk
-How a loss can lead you to a transformative path
-How Jason practices mindfulness and meditation
-And much, much more!

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#2 - Brewing a New Life | Entrepreneur John Brand

IN THIS PODCAST EPISODE

Today, I explore how John Brand, a finance guru, left a demanding career in the corporate world after 15 years and started the quickly expanding Open Outcry Brewery in Chicago. Despite his physical and emotional investment, he pivoted his career in ways people only dream of. In this episode, you'll hear about what led to this transition and how John strategically approached it. You'll also get an inside look into how John uses fear of failure to motivate himself, how he methodically approaches life and work, how he defines the business recipe for success and how you can pursue the life you want to. You can also read the article 9 Questions About Transitioning into a New Career After 15 Years from Entrepreneur John Brand.

Learn more about John Brand on http://www.openoutcrybrewing.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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#1 - Seeing Brave | Producer Dana Michelle Cook

IN THIS PODCAST EPISODE

Today, you’ll hear about one woman’s experience searching for her path and how it led to award-winning documentaries. Documentary filmmaker Dana Michelle Cook made a career shift when she realized reality TV wasn’t aligned with her authentic self and purpose. Her first documentary “Girls on the Run” won her an Emmy and her second documentary “The Empowerment Project” found worldwide acclaim as she showcased the careers of ordinary women across the U.S. Dana’s latest effort, “Seeing Brave” takes viewers into the lives of three women who have taken initiative to have an impact and make a change in the lives of others. Most important it reflects her connection to female empowerment and telling the stories of amazing women from around the world.

Learn more about Dana Michelle Cook on http://freeheartcreative.com/, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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PODCAST DISCUSSION

-The narratives of women told on television
-The creation of the documentaries "Girls on the Run," "The Empowerment Project," and "Seeing Brave"
-Our own blindspots in the creative process for film and television
-The nuances of the writing process
-The challenges of sitting with your thoughts
-The morning and evening routines of a filmmaker
-And much, much more!

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