Tracing Inspiration

James Witbrook
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James Witbrook explores the journey from action back to its inspirational roots. This podcast investigates the pivotal moments where ideas transform into reality, examining both external relationships and internal practices that sustain momentum. Through thoughtful conversations, James reveals how inspiration and action form a closed loop of human progress, where one person's pivot creates possibility for others. Join this exploration of purpose and interdependence to discover how your own ideas might find their path from inspiration to meaningful action. wakingupforwork.substack.com

  1. MAR 6

    Resting in Love is Contagious: Really Good News with Phil Gebbengreen

    What does it mean to actually allow love — not just believe in it, but allow myself to receive it? In this conversation, I sit down with Phil Gebbengreen, pastor at Edgcumbe Presbyterian Church in St. Paul and staff with the Enneagram Prison Project, to talk about worthiness, judgment, the prison of our own making, and how resting in love is actually quite contagious. Find more at Waking Up for Work on Substack — no subscription needed, and if you do subscribe, it's all free. I post minimally and try to respect your inbox. Timestamps are not exact, but these'll get ya in the realm of: 08:00 Trusting me — a taboo act 12:00 What if God actually likes you? 16:00 Prison and the pew 24:00 The hardest thing to celebrate: yourself 29:00 Being and doing aren't in a duel 34:00 The tree of judgment 42:00 Strength without vulnerability is just scary 56:00 Timshel: thou mayest 1:10:00 What Lent is actually about 1:13:00 Coming out as a person of love 1:18:00 The angry man question 1:22:00 A less frightening reality Check out church: https://epchurch.org/ Get unstuck: https://chelseawitbrook.com/ Get great tunes: https://iancrawford.bandcamp.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wakingupforwork.substack.com

    1h 20m
  2. #14: Processing: A Radical Workplace Practice

    FEB 24

    #14: Processing: A Radical Workplace Practice

    What happens when we slow down long enough to notice what’s actually happening inside us during the workday? In this conversation, I sit down with creative arts therapist Talia Smigielski to explore the surprising power of two paid hours a month spent in structured reflection. We trace how a small organizational investment in employees can quietly reshape identity, leadership, and self-compassion years later — and how I’m living proof of it. If you’ve ever wondered whether slowing down at work could happen without sacrificing quality or productivity, this conversation is for you. This episode explores: - How processing is different from standard meetings - The cost of unprocessed workplace experience - Why processing is an appropriate, necessary practice - How reflective capacity shapes leadership and culture Processing may not look productive, but it may be one of the most important professional spaces we can cultivate. Timestamps 02:08 – Early patterns of self-silencing and performance 05:14 – Fear-driven achievement in leadership spaces 08:17 – Two paid hours a month: structured reflection 24:14 – Learning to stay present instead of shutting down 35:18 – What drama therapy is and why embodiment matters 36:44 – Trauma-informed care before it had a name 49:47 – The “flash flood” and the longing to become the hush 53:42 – A small workplace investment with lasting impact Want to share a sound byte thanking someone who inspired some of element of your own becoming? tracinginspirationpodcast@gmail.com Music is “Waters”, composed by Twin Cities musician, Ian Crawford Need help getting un-stuck? Chelsea Witbrook is a certified Somatic Enneagram facilitator and best-selling author of “Blessing My Demons.” As a Somatic Enneagram guide and Spiritual Director, she combines social justice awareness with compassionate guidance. Chelsea specializes in helping people who feel stuck by teaching them to establish Grounded Presence, connect with their Inner Observer, and respond to their body’s wisdom. Through her coaching, clients discover inner resources and learn to embrace all parts of themselves with radical compassion, finally releasing patterns that once held them captive: www.chelseawitbrook.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wakingupforwork.substack.com

    1 hr
  3. #13: Living for the Eulogy, Not the Resume

    2025-03-30

    #13: Living for the Eulogy, Not the Resume

    I’m joined by Paul Meunuier, Executive Director of YIPA and founder of The Professional Youth Worker. This was a ton of fun for me and such an honor to get to talk with a wise friend about the contrast between living for a resume versus living for a eulogy. We discussed the journey of finding passion and purpose, the significance of aligning our values with life choices, and the challenges of navigating multiple passions, and I really loved that we even got to chat about the importance of introspection, particularly in the context of masculinity. We end with a real treat– Paul writes his own eulogy live, and man– I’m left even more inspired to live for my own eulogy now. I think you will be, too.  Chapters 01:16 The Journey of Meaningful Living 02:12 The Importance of Relationships 09:32 Building Connections Through Shared Experiences 19:03 Finding Passion and Purpose 22:12 The Intersection of Passion and Mission 24:39 Navigating Multiple Passions 28:08 The Impact of Living for the Eulogy 30:25 Aligning Values with Life Choices 34:50 Learning to Say No to Opportunities 36:38 Exploring Personal Values and Autonomy 39:46 The Impact of Struggles on Personal Development 42:55 Finding Meaning in Life's Challenges 46:56 The Gifts of Aging and Emotional Intelligence 50:29 Navigating Masculinity and Emotional Awareness 54:17 Understanding Emotions and Their Role in Life 01:02:28 Living Eulogies: Reflecting on Life's Legacy Music is “Waters”, composed by Twin Cities musician, Ian Crawford Editing and post-production by me – but I’d love to partner with someone else to do this! Reach out! Want to share a sound byte thanking someone who inspired some of your own movement? tracinginspirationpodcast@gmail.com Need help getting un-stuck?  Chelsea Witbrook is a certified Somatic Enneagram facilitator and best-selling author of "Blessing My Demons." As an Somatic Enneagram guide and Spiritual Director, she combines social justice awareness with compassionate guidance. Chelsea specializes in helping people who feel stuck by teaching them to establish Grounded Presence, connect with their Inner Observer, and respond to their body's wisdom. Through her coaching, clients discover inner resources and learn to embrace all parts of themselves with radical compassion, finally releasing patterns that once held them captive: www.chelseawitbrook.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wakingupforwork.substack.com

    1h 9m
  4. #12: Beyond the Gates: The Quiet Revolution of Compassionate Insiders

    2025-03-25

    #12: Beyond the Gates: The Quiet Revolution of Compassionate Insiders

    In this episode of Tracing Inspiration, I share a personal reflection on moving through the world with courage and heart. From a pivotal moment in my new role, I explore the power of heart-led leadership—especially in times of uncertainty and systemic change. I want to remind you that no matter where you are, you have the power to make choices that honor compassion, justice, and creativity. Through the lens of “courageous gatekeeping,” I reflect on what it means to hold space for others, navigate difficult moments with wisdom, and stay connected to what truly matters. Timestamps: 01:52 – The irony of hosting a podcast about courage while struggling with it 03:50 – A lesson in courageous gatekeeping from my new role 06:09 – Honoring both systemic constraints and human dignity 08:31 – The heart-led leadership of eight courageous women 10:54 – A Chinese proverb on light, harmony, and peace 11:03 – Music is "Wasteland" by Gabe Keller-Flores Editing and post-production by me – but I’d love to partner with someone else to do this! Reach out! tracinginspirationpodcast@gmail.com Need help getting un-stuck?  Chelsea Witbrook is a certified Somatic Enneagram facilitator and best-selling author of "Blessing My Demons." As an Somatic Enneagram guide and Spiritual Director, she combines social justice awareness with compassionate guidance. Chelsea specializes in helping people who feel stuck by teaching them to establish Grounded Presence, connect with their Inner Observer, and respond to their body's wisdom. Through her coaching, clients discover inner resources and learn to embrace all parts of themselves with radical compassion, finally releasing patterns that once held them captive. www.chelseawitbrook.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wakingupforwork.substack.com

    14 min
  5. #11: The Interconnectedness of Food & Justice

    2025-03-19

    #11: The Interconnectedness of Food & Justice

    In this episode, I talk with Colin Anderson, founder of Eureka Compass Vegan Food, who is revolutionizing food justice in the Twin Cities with his powerful message: "WE FEED US!" Now in year #8 of providing FREE community meals and vegan shopping markets, Colin shares his journey and passion for sustainable food systems that support both community members and local farmers. Free vegan meals and shopping markets in St. Paul, MN. Address: 1697 Lafond Avenue, St. Paul, MNCurrent Market Hours: Tuesdays: 11 AM – 8 PM Thursdays: 1–3 PM & 5–8 PM Community Dinners: Available for takeout or dine-in  Instagram: @eureka_compass_vegan_food Venmo: @Chef-Collective-1123  CashApp: $ChefCollective1123Patreon Music is “Waters”, composed by Twin Cities musician, Ian Crawford Editing and post-production by me – but I’d love to partner with someone else to do this! Reach out! tracinginspirationpodcast@gmail.com Need help getting un-stuck?  Chelsea Witbrook is a certified Somatic Enneagram facilitator and best-selling author of "Blessing My Demons." As an Somatic Enneagram guide and Spiritual Director, she combines social justice awareness with compassionate guidance. Chelsea specializes in helping people who feel stuck by teaching them to establish Grounded Presence, connect with their Inner Observer, and respond to their body's wisdom. Through her coaching, clients discover inner resources and learn to embrace all parts of themselves with radical compassion, finally releasing patterns that once held them captive. www.chelseawitbrook.com 00:05 – Redefining Innovation & Community Self-Sufficiency 01:19 – The Reality of Food Insecurity in Minnesota 05:50 – How Colin Started: A Strength-Based Approach to Community 09:36 – Reimagining Food Systems for Equity & Access 12:58 – Why Food? Colin’s Journey & Ethical Awakening 18:56 – Personal Experience with Food Scarcity & Capitalism’s Failures 25:09 – Buddhism & The Interconnectedness of Food & Justice 29:54 – Creating a Non-Transactional Community Food Space 36:40 – Pivotal Life Choices & Regrets that Shaped the Mission 42:06 – Recovery & Sobriety: A Life-Changing Turning Point 47:33 – Living Out Loud & Holding Ourselves Accountable 49:58 – Final Thoughts: Food, Justice, and the Power of Presence This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wakingupforwork.substack.com

    53 min
  6. #10: Justice-Driven Action

    2024-10-24

    #10: Justice-Driven Action

    My friend and former colleague/boss Katy Daniels and discuss her "points of justice" that I steer her outer action in the world and helped me experience a work environment that welcomed all of me, quirky parts included. We touch on resiliency, addiction and recovery, queerness as well as gender in the workplace, influences of early adulthood adversity, and showing up authentically as our full selves on the job. The music from today's show is by Ian Crawford. He's an incredibly creative musician who I've watched play the French horn and the keyboard while also intermixing stand-up comedy. ⁠⁠Check him out!⁠⁠ He's a hilarious, kind, and artistic human worth having between your ears. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wakingupforwork.substack.com

    1 hr
  7. #9: Heart Diving and the Profound Healing of Saying 'Yes'

    2024-05-18

    #9: Heart Diving and the Profound Healing of Saying 'Yes'

    If you're needing a gentle dose of encouragement, I think you might like today's conversation. Themes in today's episode include: Healing happens in community Mental health and subsequent "stuck" loops Saying 'yes' when the heart tugs us forward Journeying in and through the heart Finding wholeness and goodness within Reshaping scary early life relationships with god figures Non-western healing modalities Salim Yorkall is a Chandler is a board-certified (*NCBTMB) bodyworker, healer, and health educator who uses Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Somatic Energy Work, Sufi Healing (a form of spiritual healing), and a variety of other coaching and healing methods to help clients process difficult experiences, build inner resilience, and create greater health and vitality.   Learn more about the healing offerings that Salim provides: Heart Diving: Healing And Awakening The Divinity Within With Chandler Yorkhall Sufi Center, Minnesota Fertile Ground Women's Health and Healing Center, Minneapolis May you, too, be showered in mercy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wakingupforwork.substack.com

    1h 19m
  8. #8: Living with Precision: Make it What You Want It to Be

    2024-02-29

    #8: Living with Precision: Make it What You Want It to Be

    Luke Myers, is a man who lives, acts, and speaks with with great intention. In this episode, Luke and I discuss the impact of Luke's early life experiences with parental loss, ethical dilemmas in choosing the right career track, sobriety, toxic masculinity, gender expression, and sobriety. Here is a run down of what to expect: 3:00 Ethical dilemmas in higher education & career choices 9:00 Influence of early childhood exposure to caregiver death 15:00 Finding control/learning, even in difficult situations 18:00 Sobriety and learning presence 25:00 Recognizing when it's time NOT to conquer a goal 29:00 Can you give your "best" and not be drained? 33:00 Masculinity in the workplace 41:00 Challenging toxic masculine norms around sensitivity 50:00 Disappearing from the world with alcohol 55:00 How much more life can be lived with presence My lovely friend Ian Crawford's composition of "Waters" is heard in the intro and outro. Learn more about Ian ⁠here⁠. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wakingupforwork.substack.com

    1h 1m
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About

James Witbrook explores the journey from action back to its inspirational roots. This podcast investigates the pivotal moments where ideas transform into reality, examining both external relationships and internal practices that sustain momentum. Through thoughtful conversations, James reveals how inspiration and action form a closed loop of human progress, where one person's pivot creates possibility for others. Join this exploration of purpose and interdependence to discover how your own ideas might find their path from inspiration to meaningful action. wakingupforwork.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    James Witbrook
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © James Witbrook
  • Show Website
    Tracing Inspiration