What Makes Us...

Brian Hooks

A podcast exploring in how we develop as people through our experiences and connections between individuals, with groups, and amongst society. Our guests will choose the topic of discussion and share their journey of becoming who they are. Join us as we explore What Makes Us...

  1. DEC 17

    Find Meaning with Sweta Kumari

    Meaning rarely arrives as a neatly wrapped answer—it comes as a signal, a nudge, a question that lingers. In this episode, Brian sits down with Sweta Kumari to trace those signals from the banks of the Ganga to the quiet edges of a golf course, weaving spirituality, neurodiversity, and community into a lived practice of purpose. What begins with early rituals—Havan at home, river baths, gratitude—unfolds into a framework for self-understanding: notice the energy you carry, pay attention to what your environment reflects back, and choose interpretations that help you grow. We explore parenting as a path to meaning, where curiosity leads and learning happens outdoors. Sweta shares how her son’s love for nature—and an unexpected connection with golf—became a gentle teacher in focus, calm, and self-trust. Brian reflects on his Quaker roots, the power of being with community instead of doing for it, and how conversation fuels his sense of purpose. Together, they consider how failure reframes as feedback, how fear points to past wounds, and why letting go creates clarity for action. The dialogue also moves through India’s layered realities: tier one and two cities with greater resources, tier three and four communities with deeper informal support. We look at neurodivergent coaching beyond checklists and medication, toward an instinct-led approach that validates emotion while guiding toward actionable meaning. And yes, golf becomes more than a sport—it’s a quiet lab for presence, breath, and patient adjustments that mirror real growth. If you’ve been searching for purpose, this is your invitation to slow down, ask braver questions, and listen to the places and people that steady you. Subscribe for more thoughtful conversations, share this with a friend who could use a reset, and leave a review so others can find us. Let us know what you think of the episode! Thank You to all of our supporters that have contributed a couple of bucks to keep this show up and running! All proceeds go back into the show to make it better and increase the reach out to the community. If you like what you have heard and to support the show, just click on the link for support! Every dollar helps us bring more stories and inspiration to your ears! Thanks for being amazing! Support the show If you would like to connect to the host (Brian Hooks), please reach out to bchcoaching@gmail.com or check out or website at BCH Coaching - BCH Coaching

    58 min
  2. DEC 3

    Us with Travis Stock

    What shapes us more—the stories we inherit or the choices we make? Brian Hooks and coach Travis Stock dive into a candid exploration of identity, where early attachment, social conditioning, and generational patterns intersect with resilience, transitions, and the hard work of becoming whole. Travis shares his journey from child welfare to coaching, revealing how systems often punish instead of support, and what it takes to move from performance to presence. Together, they unpack nature versus nurture without the clichés, showing how subtle messages about worth and belonging can steer a life as powerfully as major traumas. The conversation highlights transition theory and the delicate balance of challenge and support that fuels growth—reminding us that small interpersonal moments often reshape us more than big milestones. It gets visceral when Travis introduces Equus coaching, where horses mirror congruence—thoughts, feelings, and actions in alignment—and expose the masks we wear to stay safe. That mirror didn’t just inform his work; it transformed his life, catalyzing a coming-out journey and a career pivot rooted in authenticity. Together, Brian and Travis question inherited definitions of success and confront the narrow scripts of masculinity that cut men off from sensitivity, emotion, and community. Instead of glorifying stoicism, they make a case for integrated strength—the kind that welcomes back the parts we exiled to survive. You’ll leave with a richer vocabulary for identity—systems, resources, and somatics—plus practical ideas for right-sizing challenge, building support, and practicing congruence in everyday life. If this conversation sparks something in you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review.  Your voice helps more listeners find these stories—and maybe reclaim a few lost parts of themselves too. Let us know what you think of the episode! Thank You to all of our supporters that have contributed a couple of bucks to keep this show up and running! All proceeds go back into the show to make it better and increase the reach out to the community. If you like what you have heard and to support the show, just click on the link for support! Every dollar helps us bring more stories and inspiration to your ears! Thanks for being amazing! Support the show If you would like to connect to the host (Brian Hooks), please reach out to bchcoaching@gmail.com or check out or website at BCH Coaching - BCH Coaching

    54 min
  3. NOV 19

    Seek Balance with Susannah

    What does balance really feel like when your job follows you down the hallway, into the courtyard, and through the night?  In this episode, we sit down with Susannah Lawrence—runner, tea loyalist, cat lady, and former residence life pro turned higher ed leader—to unpack the messy, honest truth about navigating balance across evolving career seasons. From the charged, always-on pace of living in a residence hall to the quieter (but still draining) demands of academic advising and the restorative shift into research administration, we explore why time without energy isn’t freedom—and how boundaries begin by distinguishing urgency from true emergencies. We dig into the hidden tradeoffs of mission-driven work: the emotional cost of people-pleasing, the burnout of caring more than the person you’re helping, and why financial well-being belongs in every mental health plan. Susannah shares how health moved from background goal to daily priority—managing blood sugar, running for connection and clarity, and building routines that quietly transform tomorrow. We also take on technology’s tug: doom-scrolling that hijacks sleep, two-factor prompts that fracture focus, and the power of news curfews to protect your peace. Inside the workplace, we lean on research showing that friendships fuel resilience and trust makes hard days survivable. The takeaway isn’t a formula—it’s a practice: tune into your signals, adjust as you go, and let your definition of balance evolve with you. 🎧 If this conversation speaks to you, hit follow, share it with someone who’s running on empty, and leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Then ask yourself: what’s one small shift you’ll make today to reclaim your energy? Let us know what you think of the episode! Thank You to all of our supporters that have contributed a couple of bucks to keep this show up and running! All proceeds go back into the show to make it better and increase the reach out to the community. If you like what you have heard and to support the show, just click on the link for support! Every dollar helps us bring more stories and inspiration to your ears! Thanks for being amazing! Support the show If you would like to connect to the host (Brian Hooks), please reach out to bchcoaching@gmail.com or check out or website at BCH Coaching - BCH Coaching

    53 min
  4. NOV 5

    a "Mama" with Sue Ann

    Motherhood doesn’t just add a title—it rewires identity, reshapes priorities, and reorients how we move through the world. In this intimate episode, we sit down with Sue Ann, a longtime friend and former colleague, to explore how stepping into “mama” transformed her career path, her sense of self, and her approach to parenting. From a smooth pregnancy that pivoted at 37 weeks to a breech baby and a planned C-section, Sue Ann shares how fear gave way to acceptance—and how small, intentional choices made a clinical process feel deeply human: a clear drape, the first cry, and skin-to-skin within minutes. We go beyond birth stories to talk about the realities of early feeding. The myth that babies “just know” how to latch collided with triple feeding, sleep deprivation, and lactation consults that changed everything. Sue Ann reflects on what shifted with her second child: less noise, more intuition. She shares why “mama” feels right for this season—anchored in safety, comfort, and closeness—and how she’s crafting a parenting style that protects without overcontrolling. Borrowing a model from student development, Sue Ann imagines parenting as a tandem bike: the child steers, while the adult provides balance, asks questions, and brakes near the cliffs. The goal? Discernment in a world overflowing with information. We also talk lineage and love. Acts of service from her own mother—meals, laundry, quiet presence—taught Sue Ann how caring for the caregiver sustains the whole family. Together, we reflect on modeling values, embracing firsts that become core memories, and the lifelong nature of this role. Whether you’re expecting, a new parent, or simply curious about the inner work of raising humans, this episode offers grounded insights you can use: trust your instincts, curate your village, and adapt as your child grows. If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick rating or review. Your support helps more parents find thoughtful, real stories like this one. Let us know what you think of the episode! Thank You to all of our supporters that have contributed a couple of bucks to keep this show up and running! All proceeds go back into the show to make it better and increase the reach out to the community. If you like what you have heard and to support the show, just click on the link for support! Every dollar helps us bring more stories and inspiration to your ears! Thanks for being amazing! Support the show If you would like to connect to the host (Brian Hooks), please reach out to bchcoaching@gmail.com or check out or website at BCH Coaching - BCH Coaching

    48 min
  5. OCT 22

    a Lighthouse with Shailendra Aswal

    What if support didn’t steer your life—but lit the way forward? In this episode, we sit down with Shailendra Aswal, coach and Chief Navigating Officer at My Life Kompass, to explore the lighthouse as a metaphor for personal growth: a steady beam, an early warning, and a safe harbor to regroup before heading back out to sea. Rather than taking the wheel, we discuss how great coaching fosters clarity and safety—so you can navigate your own waters with confidence. We unpack transformation from both sides of the lantern: how coaches must tend their own light through physical, mental, and spiritual practice, and how clients build self-awareness until it shines reliably, even in rough weather. Expect vivid metaphors and practical tools—anchors as daily habits, storm-sensing as emotional intelligence, and intentional pauses to chart your next course. We also explore why insights often stay locked inside one-on-one sessions—and how a shared harbor can turn private breakthroughs into communal wisdom that helps many boats avoid the same rocks. Zooming out, we ask: how can we balance individual freedom with the strength of community? This episode offers a middle path—sail when you need to, dock when you should. You’ll hear about building safe spaces, using stories as portable lighthouses, and protecting your sense of worth in a world that moves faster than ever. If you’re navigating change, craving connection, or ready to be a lighthouse for someone else, this conversation offers language, practices, and hope you can use today. If it resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s at sea right now, and leave a review to help more people find their harbor. Let us know what you think of the episode! Support the show If you would like to connect to the host (Brian Hooks), please reach out to bchcoaching@gmail.com or check out or website at BCH Coaching - BCH Coaching

    55 min
  6. OCT 8

    Men with TJ Jourian

    What if masculinity isn’t innate—but taught? And what happens when we start to unlearn it? In this episode, we sit down with TJ—a queer, trans, Middle Eastern-Armenian man and recovering academic—to explore how masculinity is shaped by culture, race, faith, and family. From drag king stages to circles of men of color who welcomed him without question, TJ shares how rare affirmations helped him understand his identity. We trace these moments to broader systems: patriarchy as a colonial export, whiteness as the default for “acceptable” masculinity, and media narratives that shame Black culture while excusing white-coded genres. Our conversation spans Vermont, Chicago, and India’s vibrant streets, where trans women offer blessings and male friendships include hand-holding without stigma. We wrestle with anger, pacifism, and fatherhood’s quiet fears. TJ reflects on why rejecting the label “man” once felt safer—and how embracing it became a way to challenge the link between masculinity and violence. We also talk faith: a Quaker lens that centers human light, and an atheist ethic that grounds goodness without divine reward. This isn’t a checklist for being a man—it’s a practice. Affirm without policing. Unlearn whiteness as the norm. Make space for male intimacy beyond sex or aggression. Honor trans wisdom that expands the path for all. If masculinity is taught, it can be retaught—toward care, consent, and connection. 🎧 Subscribe, share with someone who’ll push the conversation, and leave a review with one thing you’re unlearning about manhood. What part of the script would you rewrite? Let us know what you think of the episode! Support the show If you would like to connect to the host (Brian Hooks), please reach out to bchcoaching@gmail.com or check out or website at BCH Coaching - BCH Coaching

    1h 8m
  7. JUL 9

    Curious About Life

    What happens when we approach life with genuine curiosity? How might our lives transform if we questioned not just the world around us, but our own deepest assumptions about who we are? Anupama Giri joins host Brian Hooks for a profound exploration of curiosity as a fundamental life force. Drawing from her childhood in Varanasi (one of the world's most ancient cities) where she witnessed life and death ceremonies happening side by side, she shares how early questions about existence shaped her approach to living fully. "Without curiosity, there is no learning," Anupama observes, revealing how this quality connects to courage, hope, and even our neurological development. The conversation weaves through fascinating territory—from the challenges of learning to swim as an adult to why professional titles often become limitations rather than launchpads for growth. Perhaps most compelling is their discussion about the top regrets of the dying, with the number one regret being not trying rather than failing. In an age where information overload has many taking things at face value rather than questioning deeply, this conversation offers a refreshing counterpoint. Brian and Anupama suggest that curiosity isn't just an intellectual exercise but a practice that opens doors to authenticity and fulfillment. Their exchange culminates in a powerful reimagining of an old adage—perhaps curiosity didn't kill the cat after all, but helped it find the milk. Whether you're feeling stuck in your career, wondering about your purpose beyond professional achievement, or simply seeking to recapture the natural curiosity we all possessed as children, this episode offers gentle guidance and profound insights. As Anupama puts it: "Be curious, and you never know where you will land." Want to connect with Anupama Giri? Check out her LinkedIn page at linkedin.com/in/anupama-giri-a24b1116 Let us know what you think of the episode! Support the show If you would like to connect to the host (Brian Hooks), please reach out to bchcoaching@gmail.com or check out or website at BCH Coaching - BCH Coaching

    41 min
  8. JUN 25

    Stories, Growth, and Connections: The Journey of What Makes Us

    Ten episodes in, and What Makes Us has blossomed into a tapestry of human experiences I never could have imagined when starting this journey. This special reflection episode breaks from our usual format to explore what I've learned from conversations with people who've shaped my life in various ways. The podcast began as a way to reconnect with what I loved most about my years in higher education – witnessing growth through stories. After leaving that world and moving to Bangalore, I missed being part of people's developmental journeys. What Makes Us became my way to continue that work while exploring the fundamental question of how we develop through our connections with others, groups, and society at large. Each conversation has revealed something profound about the human experience. From Dr. Joy Hoffman's perspective-shifting moment about Columbine to the powerful vulnerability shown by my mother discussing her search for purpose through service, these stories create what I call "Brian's web" – a network of shared experiences seen through different lenses. The growth mindset emerges as a consistent thread throughout all episodes, with guests demonstrating how perceiving challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles creates forward momentum in life. What inspires me most is watching people follow their intuition, step outside comfort zones, and embrace their authentic journeys. As we celebrate reaching 500 downloads and set our sights on 1,000, I'm excited to expand this web of connections with new voices and perspectives. The ultimate goal remains empowerment – helping you walk away from each episode feeling positive about where you are while recognizing the potential of where you might go. After all, we're all searching for what makes us who we are, and we learn best by doing it together. Let us know what you think of the episode! Support the show If you would like to connect to the host (Brian Hooks), please reach out to bchcoaching@gmail.com or check out or website at BCH Coaching - BCH Coaching

    23 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

A podcast exploring in how we develop as people through our experiences and connections between individuals, with groups, and amongst society. Our guests will choose the topic of discussion and share their journey of becoming who they are. Join us as we explore What Makes Us...