Small Changes Big Shifts

Dr. Michelle Robin

The Small Changes Big Shifts podcast is your weekly dose of wellness encouragement. It's the small changes that stick and ultimately compound to create big shifts in our holistic well-being. Dr. Michelle Robin and her renowned guests will share wisdom, knowledge, real life stories and practical tips to inspire and inform you as you move forward on your journey to a life of wellness.

  1. 1d ago

    Facing the Frontlines: Karla Perez-Solorzano on Transforming Trauma into Empowerment

    Behind every emergency is a story of resilience, sacrifice, and unseen challenges. Karla Perez Solorzano, Executive Director of Healing Heroic Healers, shares her journey from 25 years as a frontline healthcare professional to creating a mission focused on supporting first responders through trauma, burnout, and healing.   Through an honest conversation with Dr. Michelle Robin and Bayleigh Soza, Karla explores the importance of whole-person care, building resilience, and creating communities that support the people who dedicate their lives to caring for others. Her story is a powerful reminder that even heroes need care, compassion, and space to heal.  Key Takeaways:   First responders carry invisible wounds, and prioritizing their mental, emotional, and physical well-being is essential to sustaining the people who care for our communities.   Whole-person healing extends beyond traditional healthcare by addressing emotional resilience, supportive relationships, and access to restorative resources.   Building resilience before adversity strikes creates a stronger foundation to navigate trauma, stress, and life's unexpected challenges.   Offering grace, compassion, and understanding to healthcare professionals acknowledges that caregivers are human and often carry burdens we cannot see.   Communities become healthier when individuals, organizations, and healthcare providers work together to support both those receiving care and those delivering it.    We couldn't highlight incredible stories like this without the support of our sponsor, CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Thank you for helping us promote connection, well-being, and stronger communities. If you're looking for trusted financial wellbeing resources, we invite you to connect with their team and take the next step toward greater financial confidence.  About Karla Perez-Solorzano:  Karla V. Pérez-Solórzano is the founder of Healing Heroic Healers, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting frontline healthcare workers and first responders by giving them direct access to natural and holistic resources that help them refresh, refuel, and rebalance. Inspired by her own experiences with personal loss, caregiving, trauma, and service in healthcare, Karla is passionate about creating opportunities for frontline workers to restore balance, care for themselves, build deeper reservoirs of resilience and well-being, and access the support they need to thrive.  Connect with Karla Perez-Solorzano at:  https://heroichealers.org/ https://www.facebook.com/healingheroichealers/  https://www.instagram.com/healingheroichealers/  https://www.youtube.com/@HealingHeroicHealers/streams  Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at:  https://smallchangesbigshifts.com  hello@smallchangesbigshifts.com  https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts  https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts  https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco  https://www.youtube.com/@smallchangesbigshiftsco    Thanks for listening!  Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.  Leave us an Apple Podcasts review  Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  2. Jul 26

    Finding Purpose Beyond Violence: Danny Ramos' Path to Redemption and Community Impact

    One conversation can change the way you see violence, healing, and hope. Danny Ramos shares his extraordinary journey from gang life and a life sentence to becoming a leader helping create safer communities through compassion, connection, and second chances. Inspired by his mother's unwavering love and belief in him, Danny transformed his life and discovered a purpose far greater than his past.  Now serving with Uncornered, Danny explains why lasting change begins with trust, belonging, and opportunity. This powerful conversation explores breaking cycles of violence, the impact of mentorship and community, and the reminder that no one is beyond hope when someone chooses to believe in them.  Key Takeaways:   Healing begins when someone believes in your potential, even when you cannot see it for yourself.   Violence is often rooted in a lack of love, connection, and purpose, making community an essential part of lasting change.   Real transformation happens through trust, mentorship, and opportunities that empower people to rewrite their story.   Compassion and curiosity can break cycles of violence more effectively than judgment or isolation.   Every person has the power to create meaningful change by choosing empathy, building relationships, and believing that no life is beyond redemption.    We couldn't highlight incredible stories like this without the support of our sponsor, CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Thank you for helping us promote connection, well-being, and stronger communities. If you're looking for trusted financial wellbeing resources, we invite you to connect with their team and take the next step toward greater financial confidence.  About Daniel Armando Ramos:  As External Relations Manager, Danny Ramos bridges the gap between the two distinct groups at Uncornered essential to transforming communities: active gang members and the partners who have the power to invest in them. After being involved in street violence from a young age, Danny went to prison for murder at just 16 years old. Through the 22-year sentence that he served, he discovered firsthand that the ability to be vulnerable about his past and his actions was his true turning point. By embracing this vulnerability, he realized that being a gang leader was not the only leader that he could be. Today, he models this new standard of leadership for Uncornered, leveraging his deeply rooted relationships to help others see that the skills used to lead on the streets can be entirely redirected to peace-building. He believes that lasting public safety begins with investing in people, and that relationships, not programs, are the foundation of meaningful change.   Danny's path to leadership is a powerful testament to personal transformation and unwavering commitment. Born and raised in the Kansas City area, his 22 years of incarceration became the landscape for a profound shift, with the painful loss of his mother and the grounding presence of his faith serving as the ultimate catalysts for his change. During this time, Danny committed himself to higher education, recently graduating from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). He often reflects on a quote that defined his trajectory: "The accomplishment of our goals pales in comparison to the person that we become in pursuit of them." While his initial goal was simply trying to get out of prison, his deep commitment to that pursuit entirely reshaped him, allowing him to emerge as a completely different leader and person. Today, Danny has been with Uncornered for three years and lives in the Kansas City area, where he is a devoted husband to his beautiful wife, Ana, and a proud father to twin boys.  Connect with Danny Ramos at:  https://uncornered.org/  https://www.youtube.com/  https://www.instagram.com/uncorneredus/   Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at:  https://smallchangesbigshifts.com  hello@smallchangesbigshifts.com  https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts  https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts  https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco  https://www.youtube.com/@smallchangesbigshiftsco    Thanks for listening!  Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.  Leave us an Apple Podcasts review  Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  3. Jul 19

    Strength in Unity: Exploring Healing, Wholeness, and the Transformative Power of Community

    Healing begins the moment you choose your own voice over the noise around you. In this opening episode of the Courage to Be Whole series, Dr. Michelle Robin and Bayleigh Soza explore how self-awareness, faith, curiosity, and grace help us reconnect with who we are. They discuss why growth is an ongoing journey and how small, intentional choices lead to lasting transformation.  The conversation also highlights the importance of community in the healing process. From surrounding yourself with trusted people to creating moments of stillness and reflection, this episode offers practical encouragement for anyone seeking greater wholeness. It serves as a meaningful introduction to a series focused on healing ourselves so we can better serve our families, workplaces, and communities.  Key Takeaways:   Healing begins by learning to recognize your own voice and choosing it over the constant noise and expectations of the outside world.   Personal growth requires courage, consistency, and the grace to keep moving forward even when you fall back into old patterns.   A strong community provides the encouragement, accountability, and support needed to stay connected to your purpose and values.   Creating intentional moments of stillness helps you reconnect with your heart, strengthen your inner dialogue, and make decisions with greater clarity.   Small, intentional actions toward wholeness not only transform your own life but also create lasting impact within your family, workplace, and community.    We couldn't highlight incredible stories like this without the support of our sponsor, CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Thank you for helping us promote connection, well-being, and stronger communities. If you're looking for trusted financial wellbeing resources, we invite you to connect with their team and take the next step toward greater financial confidence.  Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at:  https://smallchangesbigshifts.com  hello@smallchangesbigshifts.com  https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts  https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts  https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco  https://www.youtube.com/@smallchangesbigshiftsco    Thanks for listening!  Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.  Leave us an Apple Podcasts review  Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  4. Jul 12

    Defying the Odds: Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace's Inspiring Path to Purpose-Driven Leadership and Service Part 2

    Leadership isn't defined by a title, it's revealed through how we serve, connect, and empower others. In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, we dive into her book Made for This and explore how faith, purpose, courage, and authentic relationships shape meaningful leadership. She shares why investing in people always creates lasting impact and how leading with compassion builds stronger communities.  From mentoring future leaders to navigating uncertainty with confidence, this episode offers practical wisdom for anyone striving to live and lead with intention. Dr. Burns-Wallace reminds us that our greatest legacy isn't what we accomplish. It's the lives we encourage, uplift, and inspire along the way.  Key Takeaways:   Leadership begins with relationships, proving that genuine connection creates stronger teams, deeper trust, and more meaningful results than authority alone.   Leading through uncertainty requires both courage and compassion, allowing us to make difficult decisions while staying grounded in our values.   Everyone has unique gifts and a purpose, and embracing those talents with confidence creates lasting impact in our communities and workplaces.   Mentorship and sponsorship change lives by opening doors, encouraging growth, and helping others recognize potential they may not yet see in themselves.   The greatest legacy isn't measured by titles or achievements, but by the people we've empowered, the lives we've influenced, and the opportunities we've created for others.  Kim Newton Episode: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com/pressing-pause-on-life-to-discover-your-truest-joy-with-kim-newton-season-10-ep-409/  We couldn't highlight incredible stories like this without the support of our sponsor, CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Thank you for helping us promote connection, well-being, and stronger communities. If you're looking for trusted financial wellbeing resources, we invite you to connect with their team and take the next step toward greater financial confidence.  About Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace:  Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace is president and chief executive officer of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a private, nonpartisan foundation that provides access to opportunities that help people achieve financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity – regardless of race, gender, or geography.    Working across the public service, academic, and philanthropic sectors, Dr. Burns-Wallace carries a career commitment to enriching and strengthening equitable economic mobility. With Ewing Kauffman's vision serving as the centerpiece for the Kauffman Foundation, Dr. Burns-Wallace guided a comprehensive community engagement process to solidify the Foundation's enduring bond with Kansas City and renew its focus on college access and completion, workforce and career development, and entrepreneurship.  Prior to joining the Kauffman Foundation, Dr. Burns-Wallace was the secretary of administration and the chief information technology officer for the State of Kansas under Governor Laura Kelly. She was the first African American to hold either cabinet seat in the state's history.  Dr. Burns-Wallace's career in higher education includes serving as vice provost at the University of Kansas, assistant vice provost at the University of Missouri, and assistant dean at Stanford University. She began her career as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State, serving tours in China, South Africa, and in Washington D.C.  Service is a cornerstone of Dr. Burns-Wallace's journey. She was elected to the Stanford University Board of Trustees in 2020, and she has held board roles in numerous local, regional, and national organizations including the College Board and Heart of Missouri United Way. She was recently elected as a life member to the prestigious Council on Foreign Relations.  While her career has taken Dr. Burns-Wallace around the world, she has never been far from the neighborhoods of Kansas City where she was raised and drew inspiration for leading a life of service. Her most important title is mom to her son, Xavier.  Connect with Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace at:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G3W8CGCH?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback  https://www.kauffman.org/   https://www.facebook.com/kauffmanfdn/  https://www.instagram.com/kauffmanfdn/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/kauffman-foundation/  https://www.youtube.com/user/KauffmanFoundation   Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at:  https://smallchangesbigshifts.com  hello@smallchangesbigshifts.com  https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts  https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts  https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco  https://www.youtube.com/@smallchangesbigshiftsco    Thanks for listening!  Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.  Leave us an Apple Podcasts review  Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  5. Jul 5

    Defying the Odds: Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace's Inspiring Path to Purpose-Driven Leadership and Service

    True leadership begins with service, grows through community, and creates opportunities that last for generations. Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace shares how her family's legacy of compassion, the wisdom of her grandmother, and her Kansas City roots shaped her journey from public service to leading the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. She reflects the importance of showing up for others, leading with intention, and remembering that meaningful impact is built through relationships, not titles.  Throughout the conversation, Dr. DeAngela explores how mentorship, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and collaboration can transform communities and expand opportunity for future generations. She also offers a powerful reminder that rest is an essential part of leadership, allowing us to serve others with greater purpose, clarity, and compassion. Her story is an inspiring call to invest in people, strengthen community, and create a legacy that empowers others to thrive.  Key Takeaways:   The strongest leaders are those who show up consistently, invest in others, and lead with compassion.  Strong relationships, collaboration, and shared purpose are the foundation for building thriving communities.   Protecting your time and energy allows you to serve others with greater clarity, purpose, and impact.  Sharing knowledge, opening doors, connecting people, and amplifying others can transform lives just as powerfully as funding.  Creating access to education, entrepreneurship, and economic mobility helps individuals, families, and communities build a stronger future together.    We couldn't highlight incredible stories like this without the support of our sponsor, CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Thank you for helping us promote connection, well-being, and stronger communities. If you're looking for trusted financial wellbeing resources, we invite you to connect with their team and take the next step toward greater financial confidence.  About Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace:  Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace is president and chief executive officer of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a private, nonpartisan foundation that provides access to opportunities that help people achieve financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity – regardless of race, gender, or geography.     Working across the public service, academic, and philanthropic sectors, Dr. Burns-Wallace carries a career commitment to enriching and strengthening equitable economic mobility. With Ewing Kauffman's vision serving as the centerpiece for the Kauffman Foundation, Dr. Burns-Wallace guided a comprehensive community engagement process to solidify the Foundation's enduring bond with Kansas City and renew its focus on college access and completion, workforce and career development, and entrepreneurship.   Prior to joining the Kauffman Foundation, Dr. Burns-Wallace was the secretary of administration and the chief information technology officer for the State of Kansas under Governor Laura Kelly. She was the first African American to hold either cabinet seat in the state's history.   Dr. Burns-Wallace's career in higher education includes serving as vice provost at the University of Kansas, assistant vice provost at the University of Missouri, and assistant dean at Stanford University. She began her career as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State, serving tours in China, South Africa, and in Washington D.C.   Service is a cornerstone of Dr. Burns-Wallace's journey. She was elected to the Stanford University Board of Trustees in 2020, and she has held board roles in numerous local, regional, and national organizations including the College Board and Heart of Missouri United Way. She was recently elected as a life member to the prestigious Council on Foreign Relations.   While her career has taken Dr. Burns-Wallace around the world, she has never been far from the neighborhoods of Kansas City where she was raised and drew inspiration for leading a life of service. Her most important title is mom to her son, Xavier.  Connect with Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace at:  https://www.kauffman.org/   https://www.facebook.com/kauffmanfdn/  https://www.instagram.com/kauffmanfdn/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/kauffman-foundation/  https://www.youtube.com/user/KauffmanFoundation  Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at:  https://smallchangesbigshifts.com  hello@smallchangesbigshifts.com  https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts  https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts  https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco  https://www.youtube.com/@smallchangesbigshiftsco    Thanks for listening!  Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.  Leave us an Apple Podcasts review  Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  6. Jun 28

    The Path to Wellness: Combining Community and Care with Dr. Chris Ehly

    Good health isn't built through quick fixes—it's created through consistent daily choices, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to showing up for yourself. In this thoughtful conversation, Dr. Michelle Robin sits down with longtime friend and family physician Dr. Chris Ehly to explore the evolving landscape of men's health, the importance of preventive care, and why more men are beginning to prioritize both their physical and emotional well-being. Drawing from more than three decades of medical experience, Dr. Ehly shares practical insights on building a strong foundation for lifelong health through movement, whole foods, quality sleep, and regular health screenings.  The conversation also highlights the powerful connection between mental health, community, and overall wellness. Dr. Ehly discusses how stress, loneliness, and emotional struggles often show up differently in men, and why creating safe spaces for honest conversations matters. Together, he and Dr. Robin reflect on the value of leading by example, finding joy in everyday life, and investing in relationships that support long-term well-being.   Key Takeaways:   Lasting wellness comes from small, consistent habits practiced over time.   Prioritizing sleep, movement, and whole foods creates a strong foundation for better health.   Preventive care and regular screenings can help identify health concerns before they become serious.   Meaningful relationships and community are essential components of overall well-being.   Mental health improves when we seek support, practice self-awareness, and stay connected to others.    We couldn't highlight incredible stories like this without the support of our sponsor, CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Thank you for helping us promote connection, well-being, and stronger communities. If you're looking for trusted financial wellbeing resources, we invite you to connect with their team and take the next step toward greater financial confidence.  About Dr. Chris Ehly:  Dr. Chris Ehly is a Midwest boy. He left to go to Stanford University for my undergraduate degree only to return to the University of Kansas for medical school and residency in Family Practice. Practiced medicine for over 30 years in Kansas City. The first 15 years were spent applying what he learned in medical school to manage disease. For the next 15 years, he investigated the ever-changing lifestyle strategies linked to being well, while researching how contemporary interventions can not only prolong life but enhance their well-being. In what he calls his third stage, He'd choosing to practice under a Direct Primary Care model in effort to share everything he continue to learn with you unencumbered by insurance or corporate medicine. Your wellness is a journey and not a destination - He'd love to partner with you on it.  Connect with Dr. Chris Ehly at:  https://www.ehlyprimarycare.com/   Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at:  https://smallchangesbigshifts.com  hello@smallchangesbigshifts.com  https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts  https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts  https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco  https://www.youtube.com/@smallchangesbigshiftsco    Thanks for listening!  Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.  Leave us an Apple Podcasts review  Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  7. Jun 21

    Inspiring Change and Connection: Dr. Eric Phillips Discusses Health, Fatherhood, and Community Dynamics

    The way we care for ourselves today shapes the life we're able to live tomorrow. In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Michelle Robin and Bayleigh Soza sit down with Dr. Eric Phillips, chiropractor, business owner, husband, and father, to explore what it means to pursue health with intention. Dr. Eric shares how fatherhood transformed his perspective on wellness, shifting it from personal goals to creating a life where he can remain present, active, and connected for generations to come. Together, they discuss the power of small, consistent habits, the importance of being where your feet are, the role of community in personal growth, and why true health extends beyond the physical body. Through stories of family, resilience, and lifelong learning, this episode offers a powerful reminder that investing in your well-being isn't selfish—it's one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and those you love.  Key Takeaways:   Your health is not just for you—it impacts how you show up for your family, relationships, and community.   Small, consistent habits often create greater long-term results than chasing the perfect wellness routine.   Being fully present and "where your feet are" helps improve both personal well-being and relationships.   Community, mentorship, and meaningful connections provide support, growth, and accountability throughout life.   Prioritizing preventive wellness today can help create a stronger, healthier, and more capable future.    We couldn't highlight incredible stories like this without the support of our sponsor, CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Thank you for helping us promote connection, well-being, and stronger communities. If you're looking for trusted financial wellbeing resources, we invite you to connect with their team and take the next step toward greater financial confidence.  About Dr. Eric Phillips:  Dr. Eric Phillips is the co-owner of Identity Integrative Health and Everyday Athlete Health Club in Overland Park, Kansas, where he helps individuals and families move better, feel stronger, and pursue long-term health through an integrated approach to chiropractic care, rehab, movement, and wellness.   But more than anything, Eric is a husband and father of two who is deeply passionate about helping people live fully and stay present for the moments that matter most. His work and message center around health not just as a way to avoid pain, but as a foundation for energy, connection, purpose, and longevity.   Through both his clinic and personal platform, Eric speaks openly about fatherhood, balance, mental and physical health, and the importance of building a life you can fully participate in — now and for years to come.  Connect with Dr. Eric Phillips at:  https://identityih.com/    https://www.everydayathletehc.com/    https://www.youtube.com/@identitychiropractic   Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at:  https://smallchangesbigshifts.com  hello@smallchangesbigshifts.com  https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts  https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts  https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco  https://www.youtube.com/@smallchangesbigshiftsco    Thanks for listening!  Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.  Leave us an Apple Podcasts review  Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  8. Jun 14

    Breaking Generational Cycles: Brandon McAnderson on Fatherhood, Partnership, and Legacy

    Power is often found in presence, not perfection—and Brandon McAnderson brings that truth to life in this deeply reflective conversation. From redefining partnership through awareness and intention, to unpacking the inner stories men carry about identity, masculinity, and self-worth, Brandon shares a grounded perspective on what it means to show up fully in relationships, fatherhood, and community. He challenges the idea of "percentage-based love," inviting listeners instead into wholeness, reciprocity without scorekeeping, and intentional space-making for others to thrive.  The conversation expands into a powerful exploration of storytelling—how the narratives we repeat can either reinforce limitation or unlock healing and growth. Brandon speaks candidly about ego protection, generational cycles, and the responsibility of rewriting inherited beliefs so the next generation can experience more freedom, connection, and authenticity. Through lived experience and cultural reflection, he offers a compelling reminder that breaking cycles begins with awareness, and community is often found simply by choosing to show up.  Key Takeaways:   True partnership is about showing up fully, not exchanging percentages of effort or love.   When men detach from external labels, they can reconnect with their deeper sense of self and purpose.   Many internal narratives are rooted in ego protection, not truth, and can be rewritten with awareness.   Growth happens when we consciously choose to shift patterns passed down through family and culture.   Transformation doesn't require perfection—just willingness to show up, participate, and engage.    We couldn't highlight incredible stories like this without the support of our sponsor, CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Thank you for helping us promote connection, well-being, and stronger communities. If you're looking for trusted financial wellbeing resources, we invite you to connect with their team and take the next step toward greater financial confidence.  Healing Circle: https://calendly.com/vvitality/communitycircle?month=2026-06&date=2026-06-24   About Brandon McAnderson:  A native of Lawrence, Kansas, Brandon attended the University of Kansas as a student athlete. Brandon was a team captain of the 2008 Orange Bowl Championship team, and was All Big 12 in 2006 and 2007 at Running back. After signing with the St. Louis Rams out of college and spending a year chasing the NFL dream he became interested in stepping into the sports media land scape. Hosting podcasts, taking weekly radio segments, and doing pre and postgame KU Football analysis for Spectrum. In 2020 he officially joined the Jayhawk Radio network as a sideline analyst. He hosts The Crimson and Blue pregame show and provides in game analysis, and postgame interviews with coaches and players.  Brandon is also active in the Kansas City community participating in multiple philanthropic endeavors aimed at destigmatizing, discussing, and organizing men to come together and grow spiritually to enrich lives and address commonly held, harmful male stigmas.  Connect with Brandon McAnderson at:  https://www.instagram.com/brando_mac/  https://www.threads.com/@brando_mac?xmt=AQG0WMf-l1vOk01AnJ3pn2Lg3-JZhXBiQEL90Wn_MkSfka4   Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at:  https://smallchangesbigshifts.com  hello@smallchangesbigshifts.com  https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts  https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts  https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco  https://www.youtube.com/@smallchangesbigshiftsco    Thanks for listening!  Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.  Leave us an Apple Podcasts review  Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

5
out of 5
147 Ratings

About

The Small Changes Big Shifts podcast is your weekly dose of wellness encouragement. It's the small changes that stick and ultimately compound to create big shifts in our holistic well-being. Dr. Michelle Robin and her renowned guests will share wisdom, knowledge, real life stories and practical tips to inspire and inform you as you move forward on your journey to a life of wellness.

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