Empathy By Design

integratenetwork

Empathy by Design is a podcast that dives into the heart of what it means to design for our shared humanity. Across the worlds of technology, wellness, and community, we explore how thoughtful, empathetic design can bridge divides, foster connection, and spark meaningful change. Each episode features conversations with innovators, creators, and change-makers who are reimagining the way we approach our world. From building tech that prioritizes people to cultivating wellness practices that truly heal, to shaping communities grounded in inclusivity, we deeply explore the process of designing with intention and care. Whether you’re a designer, a dreamer, or someone who simply believes in creating a more compassionate world, Empathy by Design is an invitation to imagine what’s possible when we lead with empathy.

  1. FEB 15

    When Systems Fail with Clay Gill

    What if feeling “zapped” isn’t a personal failure—but a signal that our systems are misaligned with how we actually function? In this live Empathy by Design conversation, I’m joined by Clay Gill—FLOW-certified coach, AuDHD advocate, and creator of the POWER Assessment™—to explore how energy, capacity, and design intersect for neurodivergent minds. Clay’s work helps people understand what’s fueling their energy and what’s quietly draining it, especially in environments that weren’t built with neurodivergent nervous systems in mind. Rather than pushing motivation or productivity hacks, he focuses on practical, compassionate shifts that work with your wiring. Together, we’ll talk about: Why energy depletion is often a design problem, not a mindset issue How neurodivergent experience offers early feedback about misaligned systems What it looks like to design lives, workflows, and habits around real capacity How small, honest adjustments can restore clarity, agency, and momentum This conversation is for anyone who’s tired of overriding their nervous system just to keep up—and curious about what becomes possible when empathy becomes a design principle, not an afterthought.

    1 hr

  2. JAN 31

    When Leadership Carries Too Much: Designing Systems That Support Humans

    When Leadership Carries Too Much: Designing Systems That Support Humans Join Julie Johnson, host of Empathy by Design, in conversation with Amy Cornforth Long, lawyer and leadership consultant, as they explore how to build sustainable systems in law firms and organizations. This episode dives deep into the hidden cost of ambiguity in leadership, revealing how unclear systems force founders and leaders into constant "always-on" mode. Amy shares practical strategies for removing ambiguity from decision-making, delegation, and accountability systems—helping leaders reclaim their time and build teams they can truly trust. Learn why the most common questions you're asked signal system failures, how to reframe accountability as visibility rather than pressure, and the critical difference between delegation as task handoff versus delegation as infrastructure. Whether you're a law firm owner, founder, or leader in any organization, this conversation offers actionable insights on creating clarity, empowering teams, and designing systems that allow humans to thrive without burning out. Featured Topics: The hidden cost of systematic ambiguity Building delegation systems with authority Reframing accountability as visibility The power of asking "what would you do?" Flexible vs. inflexible processes Why it's okay to say "I don't know" Guest: Amy Cornforth Long, author of The Subtle Art of Leadership Transcript

    26 min

  3. JAN 22

    Orientation, Capacity, Choice

    When motivation stops working, it’s easy to assume something is wrong with us. But what if motivation was never the right starting point? In this episode, Julie Johnson explores why motivation often fails — not because people lack discipline, but because nervous systems need orientation and capacity before choice is possible. Drawing from polyvagal theory, somatic UX, and years of working inside digital health and wellness systems, Julie introduces a different sequence for sustainable change: orientation → capacity → choice. This conversation is for anyone who feels burned out by “trying harder” — and for anyone who designs systems, programs, or tools meant to support human behavior. Nothing to fix. Nothing to force. Just a different place to begin. Show Notes In this episode, we explore: Why motivation is an unreliable starting point for change How nervous systems orient before they engage The difference between effort and capacity Why repetition matters more than intensity How choice emerges when conditions are right A simple framework for sustainable change From a polyvagal lens, lasting change follows a predictable sequence: Orientation Where am I? What’s happening? Is this predictable enough to stay? Capacity Do I have the bandwidth to participate? Can my system stay without bracing or collapsing? Choice What feels possible now — without pressure or threat? When systems skip orientation and capacity, choice feels forced. When conditions are right, change happens quietly. If you’re listening for personal support If motivation has felt unreliable lately, there is nothing wrong with you. Your nervous system may simply be asking for a different starting point. You can explore these ideas through short, predictable practices designed to support orientation and capacity inside the Let’s Integrate app. → Learn more about the app If you build systems for other people If you design apps, wellness programs, learning experiences, or lead teams, this episode names a common design failure — and offers a different way to think about engagement, trust, and retention. Julie teaches this framework more deeply through her Somatic UX work and practitioner-focused learning spaces. → Explore Somatic UX & practitioner resources A gentle closing reflection As you move through your day, notice one thing that already feels predictable — not productive, not impressive, just steady. That steadiness is orientation. That’s where capacity grows. That’s where choice begins.

    17 min

  4. JAN 15

    Trust Is a Behavior

    Join hosts Julie and Katie Kurtz for a deep dive into why trust isn't just a feeling—it's a behavior we can practice and build. In this live edition of Empathy By Design (part of the Signals and Systems newsletter), they explore the neuroscience of trust and how it intersects with trauma-informed leadership.   Katie, creator of the Trust Works certification program, breaks down her TRUST acronym (Trauma-Informed Relational Upskilling and Systems Transformation) and explains why trust must be demonstrated through consistent, predictable actions—not just good intentions. The conversation covers: The neuroscience of trust: How our nervous systems build trust at their own pace through co-regulation and predictable behaviors Trust vs. trustworthiness: Why "Am I trustable?" is a better question than "Am I trustworthy?" DBT and polyvagal theory in practice: Moving from orientation to capacity to choice, and why emotions sometimes need to be overridden by behavior Conflict as opportunity: How to design systems that prepare for—not avoid—conflict and repair Self-trust through relationship: Why we can't develop self-trust in isolation Whether you're leading teams, building products, or navigating relationships, this conversation offers practical frameworks for demonstrating trust through behavior—especially during times of collective stress and uncertainty. Perfect for anyone interested in trauma-informed leadership, nervous system work, human-centered design, and building trustable systems in

    54 min

  5. 12/12/2025

    Softening Our Edges: Co-Regulation and Creative Growth

    This is part of a three-part series on Art as Nervous System Attunement with Dr. Anu French. If you haven’t listened to the previous two podcast episodes yet, we gently recommend starting there — they include a somatic practice that sets the foundation for what we’re exploring here. In this episode of the Empathy by Design Podcast, host we welcome Dr. Annu French, a pediatrician specializing in integrative medicine, to explore the intersection of art, sound, movement, and healing. Together, they discuss how creative practices like painting and music can help regulate the nervous system, foster resilience, and support both individual and communal healing. Check out her Red Bubble Store Dr. French shares insights from her clinical experience, highlighting the importance of co-regulation, the power of spirals and labyrinths, and the role of vibrational medicine in promoting well-being. Listeners are invited to participate in mindful practices and learn how simple acts—like humming or drawing—can create moments of connection, softening, and transformation. The episode closes with a chant, emphasizing the theme of new beginnings and the ongoing journey of healing through empathy and creativity. 00:00 – Introduction to the episode’s theme: healing through art, sound, and movement. 00:47 – Dr. Annu French shares her integrative medicine background and the role of creativity in resilience. 03:55 – How art, music, and safe spaces support nervous system regulation in clinical practice. 07:25 – The importance of spirals, emotional coherence, and personalized healing. 12:10 – Using movement, painting, and sound for self-regulation and co-regulation. 18:45 – The science of sound, humming, and vibrational medicine. 27:00 – Reflections on “softening,” resonance, and community healing. 38:00 – Dr. French’s music, accessible art, and closing chant on new beginnings. To go deeper in nervous system exploration, check out our app

    44 min

  6. 12/05/2025

    Integrative Practice Lab: Art, Somatics and Growth

    Integrative Practice Lab: Art, Somatics & Healing (Part 2) with Dr. Anu French & Julie Johnson Download the Integrate App: https://letsintegrate.live/app Explore Dr. Anu French’s RedBubble Store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/anufrench/shop Episode Summary In this experiential part-two episode of our three-part series with integrative pediatrician and artist Dr. Anu French, we step directly into the intersection of affirmative art, somatic regulation, and tiny-signal practices. Rather than simply talk about the power of art in healing — we practice it. Using Anu’s “I Am” affirmative paintings as a visual anchor, Julie and Anu guide listeners through a layered somatic art experience: entering presence through sound letting the artwork meet your nervous system before your mind scanning the body through color sensing subtle shifts in breath, tone, and tension exploring micro-movements inspired by brushstrokes journaling into resilience, belonging, and self-remembrance This episode mirrors the Spiral Flow sessions inside the Integrate App and gives listeners a full-body taste of how art becomes a portal for reorganizing the nervous system, strengthening resilience, and widening capacity. Listeners are encouraged to: • pull up one of Anu’s paintings • settle into a comfortable posture • allow the artwork and your own body to enter a gentle dialogue This is one of the most immersive sessions we’ve recorded — part workshop, part meditation, part intimate conversation. Transcription

    40 min

  7. 11/27/2025

    From Canvas to Clinic: The Power of Empathy and Art in Healing

    Soft Edges, Strong Roots: Art, Healing, and Nervous-System Leadership with Dr. Anu French In this episode, Julie sits down with artist, pediatrician, and integrative healer Dr. Anu French to explore how creativity becomes medicine, how art regulates the nervous system, and why beauty is a form of repair. Together, they move through the spirals of identity, healing, and leadership — weaving polyvagal wisdom, somatic creativity, and the power of community-based artistry. If you’ve been craving a conversation that feels like color, breath, and belonging…you’ll feel at home here. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 — Opening Soft Landing A gentle arrival and what it means to create from a regulated place. 06:12 — The Moment Art Became Medicine Dr. French shares the turning point that transformed her creative practice into a healing path. 15:45 — Nervous System & Creativity How color, shape, repetition, and ritual support coherence and widening emotional capacity. 23:18 — The Role of Beauty in Trauma-Informed Work Why beauty isn’t indulgent — it’s stabilizing, grounding, and community-building. 31:02 — Spiral Leadership How Dr. French embodies “soft edges, strong roots” in her integrative work. 38:40 — Co-Creation & Community Healing The power of shared space, mutual attunement, and art as relational repair. 44:55 — ✨ Dr. French’s Call to Action Explore her artwork, gifts, and healing-centered creations on Redbubble. 🎨 Call to Action: Explore Dr. Anu French’s Art Let your nervous system land in color, softness, and meaning. Browse Dr. French’s Redbubble store to bring her healing art into your home, workplace, or practice space: ✨https://www.anufrench.com/art#red-bubble-collection Episode Transcript

    36 min

  8. 11/20/2025

    Safe-Enough Spaces for Shadow Work: Jungian Psychology, Tarot, and Transformation

    with Shannon Knight, LCSW Author of Dark Shadow, Golden Shadow & Co-Host of Tarot Diagnosis In a time when so many people are craving deeper, more meaningful transformation, shadow work has re-emerged as a powerful pathway — not as a trend, but as a remembering. A remembering that healing is not just about soothing… it’s about integrating the parts of ourselves we’ve hidden, armored, or outgrown. In this episode, host Julie Johnson sits down with Shannon Knight, psychotherapist, shadow work facilitator, and co-host of The Tarot Diagnosis Podcast. Together, they explore the heart of shadow work through a compassionate, trauma-informed lens. Shannon brings forward wisdom from her new book, Dark Shadow, Golden Shadow, offering a grounded, accessible roadmap for safely exploring the unconscious — especially for those who feel pulled toward deeper self-inquiry but want to move at a pace that honors their nervous system. This conversation moves through: What Shadow Work Really Is (and Isn’t) – The roots of shadow work in Jungian psychology – Why the “golden shadow” is just as important as the dark – How shadow work gets misunderstood — especially on social media Tarot as a Symbolic Mirror – How symbolic tools help us access the subconscious with gentleness – Ways tarot imagery can illuminate emotional patterns, defenses, and desires – Why tarot doesn’t diagnose — it reveals Trauma-Informed Shadow Work – What makes a “safe-enough” container for going deep – The risks of forcing confrontation or bypassing the body – Why curiosity and compassion expand real capacity for change – How to notice when you’re dysregulated or pushing too far Integration, Community & the Slow Spiral of Growth – How to take insights back into your daily life – Why community matters when exploring shadow material – The role of steady, consistent micro-practices Whether you’re brand new to shadow work or have been on the path for years, this episode offers grounded guidance, embodied practices, and an invitation to meet your inner world with softness. Resources Mentioned in This Episode 📚 Shannon’s Book Dark Shadow, Golden Shadow: A Guide to Exploring Your Hidden Self A practical, beautifully written companion for anyone wanting to explore their shadow with safety, gentleness, and psychological depth. Purchase Dark Shadow, Golden Shadow below 📲 Explore Deeper with the Integrate App If you want to bring this work into your daily rhythm, the Integrate App offers a trauma-informed ecosystem designed to support shadow integration: 🌀 Tiny Signals Small, 30-second nervous-system practices to ground, widen, and regulate as you meet deeper material. 🧘‍♀️ Spiral Flows Somatic sequences that help move shadow insights through the body — not just the mind. ✨ Shadow-Informed Reflections Journaling prompts, gentle tarot spreads, and symbolic inquiry practices. 🌱 Integration Pathways Workshops, audio practices, and guided flows that help you metabolize what arises. Shadow work is potent — and having a supportive, nervous-system-aware structure around it keeps you steady and empowered. Download the app and begin your spiral of care: letsintegrate.live/app 🔮 Connect with Shannon Knight – Website: The Tarot Diagnosis – The Tarot Diagnosis Podcast: The Tarot Diagnosis Podcast – Instagram: Follow her IG 🤍 Connect with Julie Johnson + Integrate's Affinity Group – Instagram – Substack – Workshops & Offerings: – The Integrate App: letsintegrate.live/app

    1h 7m
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About

Empathy by Design is a podcast that dives into the heart of what it means to design for our shared humanity. Across the worlds of technology, wellness, and community, we explore how thoughtful, empathetic design can bridge divides, foster connection, and spark meaningful change. Each episode features conversations with innovators, creators, and change-makers who are reimagining the way we approach our world. From building tech that prioritizes people to cultivating wellness practices that truly heal, to shaping communities grounded in inclusivity, we deeply explore the process of designing with intention and care. Whether you’re a designer, a dreamer, or someone who simply believes in creating a more compassionate world, Empathy by Design is an invitation to imagine what’s possible when we lead with empathy.

Information

  • Creator
    integratenetwork
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Empathy By Design