The Executives' Lounge: A Podcast for Leaders That Give a...Ship

Dr. Christine Fonner & Dr. Kristine Medyanik
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Dr. Christine Fonner & Dr. Kristine Medyanik explore what it actually takes to lead people - the good, the bad, and the sh!tty. Blending research, real-world experience, and honest dialogue, each episode dives into the challenges leaders are navigating every day while hilariously reminding us all that we are, indeed, human.

  1. 41. You Can't Outperform an Overloaded Nervous System

    Jun 26

    41. You Can't Outperform an Overloaded Nervous System

    What if the key to becoming a better leader isn't working harder, but learning how to regulate your energy, protect your health, and lead from a place of resilience?In this episode of The Executives' Lounge, I sit down with Dr. Susan Lovelle, former award-winning plastic surgeon, professional ballerina, founder of Balanced Performance, and creator of the Thrive by Design™ framework. After building a highly successful medical career, a series of life-threatening health crises forced Dr. Susan to completely rethink what high performance really means. That journey ultimately led her to help executives and organizations create healthier, more resilient workplaces where people and performance can thrive together.Together, we explore why burnout is not simply an individual problem, why leaders cannot separate organizational performance from human well-being, and how nervous system regulation, energy management, and intentional leadership directly influence communication, decision-making, culture, and long-term success. Expect an honest conversation filled with behavioral science, practical strategies, personal stories, and a refreshing reminder that sustainable leadership begins with taking care of the human behind the title.If you've ever wondered how to build a high-performing team without sacrificing your own health, this conversation is for you.More information on Dr. Susan Lovelle:Website: https://www.balancedperformance.pro/

    26 min
  2. 40. How Well Do We Listen?

    Mar 4

    40. How Well Do We Listen?

    Oscar Trimboli is someone who has redefined what it means to truly listen—not just to others, but to ourselves and what goes unsaid in every conversation. Oscar is the award-winning host of the Deep Listening podcast and author of How to Listen: Discover the Hidden Key to Better Communication. People are actually really bad at actually listening. In fact, within ten minutes of this podcast episode, you’ll start losing focus. By the end, I’ll be lucky if you remember 25% of what was said. Oscar is asking us to really look at how to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and understood. As someone who has researched how toxic leadership erodes women leaders’ sense of safety, belonging, and esteem, Oscar’s message resonates deeply with me. In toxic environments, listening often breaks down or is non existent.. Conversations are navigated for survival. Oscar’s framework shows us that listening itself can be an act of restoration—of dignity, of agency, and of psychological safety.In this episode, we’re diving into how listening can help us reclaim our voices and how we can all become more present, aware, and supportive listeners in every space we occupy. More information on Oscar Trimboli:WebsiteBook: How to Listen Oscar’s Podcast: Deep Listening - Impact beyond words ------------------------------------ Want to work with us? Interested in having us on YOUR show? Get in touch! Follow us and never miss an episode! You can listen to this podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcast, and Spotify. Check out our website for more info.

    33 min
  3. 39. Culture is More Important than Charisma

    06/16/2025

    39. Culture is More Important than Charisma

    What if the answers to today’s leadership crises have been with us all along? In the land, in the breath, and in ancestral wisdom? In this episode of The Executives’ Lounge, I sit down with Philip Carr-Gomm, renowned Druid, author, and spiritual teacher, to explore how ancient practices like Druidry offer a powerful framework for reimagining leadership.We talk about the tension between hierarchy and harmony and the important role of nature and community in sustainable leadership.This conversation is an invitation into the deeper revolution. One that is rooted, relational, and real. From the mountains of Bulgaria to boardrooms in crisis, we unpack what it means to lead with purpose, presence, and deep care.Listen now and join us as we bring the sacred back into leadership.More information on Philip Carr-Gomm:https://philipcarr-gomm.com/Podcast: This Magical Life: https://thismagicallife.podbean.com/Tea with a Druid: https://www.youtube.com/@PhilipCarrGommBook: The Gift of the Night: https://philipcarr-gomm.com/book/the-gift-of-the-night/------------------------------------Work with Christine:https://www.christinefonner.comInterested in having us on YOUR show? Or on YOUR stage? Book us!https://christinefonner.com/contact/Follow me and never miss an episode! You can listen to this podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcast, and Spotify. Check out my website for more info: ⁠www.christinefonner.com/podcast⁠

    29 min
  4. 38. Hypnosis with Sheri: Let the Conscious Take a Rest

    05/26/2025

    38. Hypnosis with Sheri: Let the Conscious Take a Rest

    What if leadership development didn’t start with strategy—but with soul? In this powerful conversation, Christine Fonner and Sheri Fitzner explore how hypnosis can be a transformative tool for leaders seeking clarity, alignment, and a new perspective on embodying true leadership within the self. From ancient wisdom to the modern workplace, this episode kicks off a new series where diving into how subconscious insight, nervous system regulation, and energetic awareness can shift the way we lead.Christine gets PERSONAL in this series with Sheri and shares the vulnerable spaces of her own leadership development, reflection, and understanding. Whether you’re navigating burnout, seeking purpose, or ready to lead from a place of inner and ancient wisdom—you’ll want to be part of this journey.This is the first in a multi-part series on how hypnosis supports leadership, emotional clarity, and deep personal growth. Be sure to follow to not miss a beat!You can listen to this podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcast, and Spotify. Check out my website for more info: ⁠www.christinefonner.com/podcast⁠Work with Sheri:https://heal.me/hypnoforhealingWork with Christine:https://www.christinefonner.comInterested in having us on YOUR show? Or on YOUR stage? Book us!https://christinefonner.com/contact/

    34 min

  5. Season 3 Trailer

    38. Short Clip #3. Hypnosis with Sheri - What Is Your Morning Ritual?

    In this intimate pre-hypnosis session, I sit down with Sheri Fitzner, not just as a podcast guest, but as a collaborator in something bigger. Together, we’re exploring what it means to truly blend mind, body, spirit, past, present, future—and the conscious with the subconscious.  This isn’t just healing work. It’s leadership work. It’s part of my journey to redefine leadership one story at a time—to tear down the walls of the “executive’s lounge” and show the world that embodied wisdom and ancestral knowing belong at the leadership table. As Sheri gently guides me into the sacral space—the house of the feminine—she asks the question that lingers long after the session ends: “What do you want to fill that space with?” This is just a preview of the full episode coming soon—an invitation into radical self-connection, generational healing, and the future of leadership that honors all of who we are.

    3 min

  6. Season 3 Trailer

    38. Short Clip #2. Hypnosis with Sheri - That's What Leadership Is

    In this intimate pre-hypnosis session, I sit down with Sheri Fitzner, not just as a podcast guest, but as a collaborator in something bigger. Together, we’re exploring what it means to truly blend mind, body, spirit, past, present, future—and the conscious with the subconscious.  This isn’t just healing work. It’s leadership work. It’s part of my journey to redefine leadership one story at a time—to tear down the walls of the “executive’s lounge” and show the world that embodied wisdom and ancestral knowing belong at the leadership table. As Sheri gently guides me into the sacral space—the house of the feminine—she asks the question that lingers long after the session ends: “What do you want to fill that space with?” This is just a preview of the full episode coming soon—an invitation into radical self-connection, generational healing, and the future of leadership that honors all of who we are.

    2 min

  7. Season 3 Trailer

    38. Short Clip #1. Hypnosis with Sheri - What Do You Want to Fill That Space With?

    In this intimate pre-hypnosis session, I sit down with Sheri Fitzner, not just as a podcast guest, but as a collaborator in something bigger. Together, we’re exploring what it means to truly blend mind, body, spirit, past, present, future—and the conscious with the subconscious.  This isn’t just healing work. It’s leadership work. It’s part of my journey to redefine leadership one story at a time—to tear down the walls of the “executive’s lounge” and show the world that embodied wisdom and ancestral knowing belong at the leadership table. As Sheri gently guides me into the sacral space—the house of the feminine—she asks the question that lingers long after the session ends: “What do you want to fill that space with?” This is just a preview of the full episode coming soon—an invitation into radical self-connection, generational healing, and the future of leadership that honors all of who we are.

    2 min
  8. 37. Bridging Wellness and Adventure to Lead a More Connected World

    04/16/2025

    37. Bridging Wellness and Adventure to Lead a More Connected World

    Larissa Lopez discovered the transformative power of hands-on energy healing while studying in Argentina, sparking a lifelong passion for healing and travel. Larissa is a Reiki master, spiritual life coach, and intuitive healer, combining her intuitive abilities with compassion and empathy guiding others toward profound healing and balance. Larissa also has a strong passion for travel as a travel advisor and is on a mission to help others travel the world seeking adventure and wellness. Larissa and I get into conversation about redefining leadership, how traveling and healing go together, and ways in which, we as humans, can connect in community, wisdom, and care. More information on Larissa: heal.me/journeyfulinspirations Larissa's Travel Advising Agency: larissalopez.inteletravel.com Larissa's Book Recommendation: The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist Follow me and never miss an episode! You can listen to this podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcast, and Spotify. Check out my website for more info: www.christinefonner.com/podcast

    23 min
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Dr. Christine Fonner & Dr. Kristine Medyanik explore what it actually takes to lead people - the good, the bad, and the sh!tty. Blending research, real-world experience, and honest dialogue, each episode dives into the challenges leaders are navigating every day while hilariously reminding us all that we are, indeed, human.

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