the ACT OUT podcast

Adam Tomlin

On the ACT OUT podcast, Adam talks to people about their passions and how they relate to our world today. Expect honest conversations, humor, and a little sarcasm as guests share their stories, perspectives, and lessons. We’re here to challenge narratives, celebrate authenticity, inspire listeners to live unapologetically as themselves, and spark a feeling of connection and hope with the audience. Episodes usually feature Adam and one guest in a colorful, conversational setting, with new episodes dropping every Thursday. Adam’s humor, empathy, and insightful sarcasm make each conversation engaging, relatable, and thought-provoking. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: PodMatch | the ACT OUT podcast

  1. 8h ago

    Living a Life by Design Instead of Autopilot

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with psychologist and women’s coach Dr. Wendy O’Connor for a relatable and eye-opening conversation about burnout, fulfillment, motherhood, and the pressure so many women feel to “have it all together.” What starts as a discussion about psychology and coaching quickly becomes a deeper exploration of happiness, identity, and why success on paper doesn’t always translate into feeling fulfilled in real life. Dr. Wendy shares how becoming a mother of three—including twins born just 15 months after her first daughter—completely shifted the way she viewed stress, balance, and personal fulfillment. Despite having a successful career, a loving family, and everything she thought she was “supposed” to want, she found herself asking a question many women quietly struggle with: “Is this really as good as it gets?” That experience ultimately led her into the world of positive psychology and coaching women through burnout, overwhelm, and the feeling of losing themselves while trying to keep up with everyone else’s expectations. Adam and Dr. Wendy dive into the science of happiness, the danger of living life on autopilot, and how many people spend years simply checking boxes instead of intentionally building lives that genuinely excite them. Together, they unpack the mental load women often carry, why burnout can happen even in lives we’re grateful for, and how redefining success can completely change the way we experience everyday life. The conversation also explores intentional living, emotional fulfillment, motherhood, relationships, and why so many people struggle to prioritize themselves without guilt. Dr. Wendy explains how small shifts in mindset, routines, and self-awareness can help people reconnect with joy instead of constantly operating in survival mode. If you’ve ever felt burned out despite doing “all the right things,” struggled to balance ambition with fulfillment, or wondered why success doesn’t always feel satisfying, this episode offers a thoughtful and empowering perspective on creating a life that actually lights you up. Learn more about Dr. Wendy O’Connor: https://www.drwendyoconnor.com/monthly-reflection-goal-setting-worksheet Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    55 min

  2. May 21

    How Real Change Happens Without Force or Shame: The Truth About Trauma Responses

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with trauma therapist Trisha Wolfe for a fascinating and deeply relatable conversation about the brain, childhood trauma, emotional survival strategies, and why so many people intellectualize their feelings instead of actually processing them. What starts as a discussion about brain development quickly turns into an eye-opening look at how our earliest experiences shape the way we think, connect, regulate emotions, and navigate relationships throughout our lives. Trisha breaks down how the brain develops from infancy, explaining how early attachment, emotional connection, and unmet needs create the neural pathways that shape our sense of safety, trust, and self-worth. Adam and Trisha explore how coping mechanisms that once protected us as children—like overthinking, analyzing other people’s behavior, or shutting down emotionally—can later become barriers to vulnerability, healing, and authentic connection. The conversation also dives into trauma responses, nervous system regulation, emotional avoidance, and the difference between understanding emotions intellectually versus actually feeling them. Trisha shares insights from both her professional work as a trauma therapist and her own lived experience as a “recovering intellectualizer,” helping explain why so many people stay stuck in cycles of anxiety, hyper-awareness, people-pleasing, or emotional detachment without realizing where those patterns began. Adam and Trisha also unpack the importance of safe relationships, emotional attunement, and how healing often starts by recognizing the unconscious beliefs we formed as children. Together, they challenge the idea that healing is about “fixing” yourself and instead frame it as learning how to reconnect with your emotions, nervous system, and sense of safety in the world. If you’ve ever wondered why you react the way you do, struggle to fully feel your emotions, or find yourself constantly trying to “logic” your way out of pain, this episode offers a powerful and accessible look at how trauma shapes the brain—and what healing can actually look like. Learn more about Trisha Wolfe here. Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    1h 5m

  3. May 14

    Pregnancy, Politics and Public Perception: The Double Standards Women Face in Politics

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Lisa Vedernikova Khanna for a compelling conversation about politics, identity, motherhood, and what it’s like running for office while pregnant. Lisa shares her journey from growing up in Russia to building a life in the United States, eventually stepping into the political arena and discovering firsthand how difficult it can be to balance public expectations, personal ambition, and family life all at once. Adam and Lisa dive into her campaign experience, including the reactions she received while running for office during pregnancy and the unique challenges women—especially mothers—often face in politics. Lisa opens up about navigating stereotypes, managing public perception, and why pregnancy unexpectedly became one of the biggest talking points of her campaign. Together, they explore the broader cultural expectations placed on women in leadership and how those expectations shape the way candidates are viewed by voters and the media. The conversation also explores Lisa’s perspective as an immigrant from Russia and how her background shaped the way she views politics, opportunity, and civic engagement in America. Adam and Lisa discuss the emotional complexity of adapting to a new culture while still holding onto parts of your identity, as well as the importance of having more nuanced, human conversations around politics instead of reducing people to labels or headlines. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to run for office as a woman, how motherhood impacts political careers, or how cultural identity shapes the way we engage with politics and community, this episode offers an honest and thought-provoking perspective on leadership, resilience, and authenticity. Learn more about Lisa Vedernikova Khanna here. Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    1h 1m

  4. May 7

    Navigating Identity, Culture & Resilience: A Powerful Iranian Immigrant Story

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Zolal Habibi for a powerful and insightful conversation about identity, resilience, and what it means to navigate life between cultures. Zolal shares her personal story of growing up as an Iranian refugee, offering a raw and honest look at the challenges of displacement, cultural expectations, and finding your place in the world. Adam and Zolal dive into the complexities of balancing tradition with individuality—especially as a woman navigating both personal ambition and cultural norms. Zolal opens up about the pressure to meet expectations, the fear that can come with stepping outside of them, and how she’s learned to define success on her own terms. Together, they explore how identity is shaped not just by where you come from, but by the choices you make along the way. The conversation also highlights the strength that comes from adversity, the importance of storytelling, and how sharing lived experiences can create connection and understanding across cultures. Zolal reflects on the moments that shaped her perspective, the lessons she’s carried forward, and why embracing your voice—no matter how uncomfortable it may feel—is one of the most powerful things you can do. If you’ve ever struggled with identity, felt caught between expectations and authenticity, or want to better understand the immigrant experience and the resilience behind it, this episode offers a meaningful and thought-provoking perspective. Learn more about Zolal Habibi: FB: https://www.facebook.com/IranNCR/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashrafi4ever/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ashrafi4everLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zolalhabibiLinks about the Iranian Resistance: National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI): https://www.ncr-iran.org/Maryam Rajavi – 4 Change: https://maryamrajavi4change.com/Iran Freedom: https://iranfreedom.org/Organization of Iranian American Communities (OIAC): https://oiac.org/Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    53 min

  5. Apr 30

    Live Like You’re Dying: A Hospice Chaplain on Death and the Meaning of Life

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, Adam Tomlin sits down with Lee Atherton, a hospice chaplain and end-of-life grief coach, for a deeply meaningful and eye-opening conversation about death, dying, and what it truly means to live a complete life. What begins as a discussion about Lee’s unique career quickly evolves into a powerful exploration of grief, spirituality, and the human experience at life’s most vulnerable moments. Lee shares how she unexpectedly found her calling in hospice care and what it’s like to walk alongside people as they live the final chapter of their lives. From supporting families through grief to helping individuals find peace, forgiveness, and connection before they pass, she offers insight into the emotional, spiritual, and psychological realities of end-of-life care. Adam and Lee also dive into the common fears people face around death, the importance of saying goodbye, and how unresolved relationships can impact both the dying process and the grieving process. Throughout the conversation, Lee breaks down what grief actually looks like—why it doesn’t follow a linear path, how it can resurface years later, and why it’s different for everyone. Adam shares personal stories of loss, adding a raw and relatable layer to the discussion, while Lee offers perspective on how to navigate grief in a healthy, supported way. They also explore powerful moments from Lee’s career, including helping reconnect families, fulfilling final wishes, and witnessing the unexplainable experiences that often happen at the end of life. If you’ve ever wondered what happens at the end of life, how to cope with grief, or what truly matters when everything else fades away, this episode offers a perspective that is both grounding and deeply impactful. Learn more about Lee Atherton: https://www.coachrev.com/ Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    53 min

  6. Apr 23

    Surviving a Traumatic Brain Injury: Mental Health, Healing & Identity

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Nicholas Ruchlewicz, a traumatic brain injury survivor, mental health advocate, and self-proclaimed nerd, for an honest and deeply personal conversation about trauma, healing, and what it means to keep rebuilding yourself after life changes in an instant. What starts as a conversation about Nicholas’s advocacy work quickly becomes a powerful look at survival, vulnerability, and the invisible weight of recovery. Nicholas shares the story of his life-changing motorcycle crash in 2016, including the traumatic brain injury, brain bleed, and long road through physical and cognitive rehabilitation. Adam and Nicholas talk about the emotional toll of recovery, the frightening reality of being alone with your thoughts after trauma, and why men with traumatic brain injuries face such serious mental health risks. Nicholas also opens up about how therapy helped him long before his accident—and why that foundation may have saved his life after it. The conversation also dives into anger as a secondary emotion, the stigma men face around vulnerability, and the ways trauma can intensify underlying struggles like ADHD, emotional regulation, and self-worth. Nicholas explains how he learned to slow down, recognize his triggers, and build new habits through speech therapy, cognitive behavioral work, and daily accountability. Along the way, Adam and Nicholas explore something unexpected but incredibly meaningful: how gaming, music, and community became part of Nicholas’s healing and helped him feel less alone. If you’ve ever wondered what recovery after a traumatic brain injury really looks like, how therapy can reshape the way you handle pain, or why vulnerability is one of the strongest things a person can practice, this episode will stay with you. Learn more about Nicholas Ruchlewicz here. Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    1h 13m

  7. Apr 16

    Mental Health Doesn’t Own You: The Power of Real, Authentic Conversations

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Noah May, host of the Lethal Venom Podcast, for a fun and honest conversation about podcasting, authenticity, and what it looks like to build something meaningful from the ground up. Noah shares how he went from studying journalism at Auburn to becoming a full-time podcaster, even though podcasting was never the original plan. Adam and Noah talk about the reality of running a podcast full-time—the pressure of creating consistently, the reason Noah avoids a rigid posting schedule, and how he’s learned to build Lethal Venom in a way that still feels manageable and real. Noah also explains why his show resonates with so many people: it gives guests permission to be themselves, speak honestly, and show up without having to perform or polish every edge. The conversation also dives into how Noah got started with interviews after joining PodMatch, why that shift changed everything for his show, and how one early episode unexpectedly blew up and helped define the direction of the podcast. Noah reflects on some of the conversations he’s most proud of, including an emotional interview with Adrian Caldwell and a solo episode about his classmates that struck a nerve with listeners. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to grow a podcast, why authenticity matters so much in long-form conversation, or how a passion project can turn into a full-time path, this episode offers a real behind-the-scenes look at building something people genuinely connect with. Learn more about Noah May and the Lethal Venom Podcast here. Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    54 min

  8. Apr 9

    The Joy in Helping Others Through Art: Creativity, Healing & Purpose

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Nancy Dillingham Marks, a glass artist whose work and life have been shaped by creativity, resilience, and a deep connection to craft. What starts as a conversation about glassmaking quickly unfolds into a powerful story about artistic identity, perseverance, and the role creativity plays in shaping a meaningful life. Nancy shares her journey into the world of glass art, explaining what first drew her to the medium and how she developed her skills over time. Adam and Nancy explore the process of glassmaking—from the technical precision it requires to the creative freedom it allows—and how working with such a delicate yet demanding material mirrors the challenges and rewards of personal growth. The conversation also dives into the realities of being a working artist, including the discipline it takes to stay committed, the vulnerability of sharing your work, and the balance between passion and sustainability. Nancy reflects on how creativity evolves over time, why artistic expression is essential at any stage of life, and how pursuing what you love can lead to unexpected opportunities and deeper fulfillment. If you’ve ever been curious about glass art, the creative process, or what it takes to build a life around your passion, this episode offers an inspiring look at how art, resilience, and self-expression come together. Learn more about Nancy and her work at: https://www.glassartscollective.com/ Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    31 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

On the ACT OUT podcast, Adam talks to people about their passions and how they relate to our world today. Expect honest conversations, humor, and a little sarcasm as guests share their stories, perspectives, and lessons. We’re here to challenge narratives, celebrate authenticity, inspire listeners to live unapologetically as themselves, and spark a feeling of connection and hope with the audience. Episodes usually feature Adam and one guest in a colorful, conversational setting, with new episodes dropping every Thursday. Adam’s humor, empathy, and insightful sarcasm make each conversation engaging, relatable, and thought-provoking. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: PodMatch | the ACT OUT podcast

Information

  • Creator
    Adam Tomlin
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 the ACT OUT podcast
  • Show Website
    the ACT OUT podcast