Dancing in the Discomfort Zone with Anne Bonney

Anne Bonney
  • 4.8 (25)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Let's face it, life is uncomfortable. Whether it's interacting with other humans (or trying to), going after our goals and improving our lives, or understanding other people's perspectives, preferences and proclivities, being able to face the discomforts in life with courage, compassion, confidence and resilience will make life a lot more enjoyable! So join me as we DANCE IN THE DISCOMFORT ZONE! We'll explore new ideas, learn how to build our confidence, courage and resilience, and laugh a little too, because life is serious enough. We need a little cha cha, and a little ha ha every once in a while! Welcome to the Discomfort Zone with Anne Bonney!

  1. Why You Feel Stuck (And What’s Actually Holding You Back) with Bob Mathers

    5D AGO

    Why You Feel Stuck (And What’s Actually Holding You Back) with Bob Mathers

    What if your life changed overnight… and then quietly went right back to normal? That’s exactly what happened to Bob Mathers, and it forced him to ask a brutally honest question: Am I actually living… or just reacting to fear? In this powerful and refreshingly real conversation, Bob (https://bobmathers.ca/) shares the moment his son’s life-threatening health crisis snapped everything into focus, and the surprising and frightening realization that followed. We dive into what it really takes to break that cycle, from simple daily habits (journaling keeps coming up!) to facing fears head-on (like performing at an open mic sober for the first time.) In this episode we talk about:  Why fear of judgment keeps you stuck (and how to break it)  The wake-up call most people ignore after life-changing moments  How journaling clears mental clutter (even if you think it’s “not your thing”)  Why doing scary things once can change everything  The balance between pushing yourself… and just being present  Bottom line:  You don’t need a life crisis to wake up… but you do need to stop waiting. Want more from Bob? https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmathers/https://www.instagram.com/bob_mathers/https://bobmathers.substack.com/The pod: https://growth-mixtape-podcast-with-bob.cohostpodcasting.com/Bob Mathers is a keynote speaker, customer success coach, and podcast host that helps leaders and organizations get off autopilot, rediscover their creativity and become the rockstars they've always been.  Bob has over 20 years in services and technology leadership and has worked with some of the world’s largest brands.  Then something happened that changed his life forever.  It was a text that read, “It’s a mass on his brain.”  As his son was rushed into surgery, life stopped.  Everything that kept him awake at 3am the night before disappeared.  He realized how much of his life had been weighed down by the fear of failure and judgement that paralyzes all of us into living mediocre lives.  Today, he shares his story and those of his inspiring podcast guests to help people wake up, take action and start living the life they deserve. Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

    35 min
  2. Stop Trying to Be Smooth. It’s Backfiring, with Henna Pryor

    APR 13

    Stop Trying to Be Smooth. It’s Backfiring, with Henna Pryor

    Ever replay an awkward moment in your head… for 3–5 years?  Me too! And according to communication expert Henna Pryor… you might be doing it ALL wrong. In this laugh-out-loud and wildly insightful episode, Henna (hennapryor.com) breaks down why awkwardness isn’t something to avoid.  It’s actually a powerful tool for connection, confidence, and growth. From career pivots to cringey social moments, we dive into how self-awareness, authenticity, and a little willingness to feel uncomfortable can completely change how you show up. We also tackle Henna’s concept of the “signal gap”.  Why what you say isn’t always what people hear, and how closing that gap can make you more believable, trustworthy, and impactful in every room you walk into. In this episode we talk about:  Why awkwardness is actually a social superpower The biggest lie you tell yourself after a weird interaction  How to recover from awkward moments (and look MORE confident because of it)  What the “signal gap” is, and why it’s killing your communication  Simple ways to build confidence in everyday, low-stakes interactions  Why authenticity is the key to trust in a skeptical world Bottom line:   Awkward isn’t the problem. Avoiding it is. Chapters 00:00 Career Pivots and Personal Growth06:15 Understanding Awkwardness in Social Situations18:29 The Signal Gap: Building Trust and BelievabilityWant more from Henna? hennapryor.com @hennapryor on linkedin and IGInc column: https://www.inc.com/author/henna-pryor Linkedin Learning courses: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/instructors/henna-pryor Henna Pryor, CSP is a dynamic Workplace Performance Expert who speaks and writes about performance mindset, interpersonal dynamics, high-impact communication, and embracing bumps in a world that keeps optimizing for smoothness. She is a regular Expert Columnist for Inc. Magazine, 18x award-winning author of Good Awkward, and an in-demand global keynote speaker. Her playful personality and insightful talks blend 2 decades of working with corporate leaders and teams with a fresh, science-based approach to taking more strategic risks and bo

    34 min
  3. AI Is Changing Work. Here’s What Actually Still Matters with Alaina G. Levine

    APR 6

    AI Is Changing Work. Here’s What Actually Still Matters with Alaina G. Levine

    What if the career you’re chasing…isn’t actually yours? In this high-energy episode, I sit down with powerhouse speaker, author, and self-proclaimed “Queen of Nerds,” Alaina G. Levine (www.alainalevine.com), to talk about building what she calls a Unicorn Career...one that’s authentic, meaningful, AND pays the bills (because…yeah.  Dinner) From "humble beginnings" as a billiards champion to helping thousands of professionals ditch the “shoulds” and own who they are, Alaina brings the heat on authenticity, courage, and why playing it safe is costing you more than you think. We dive into:  Why authenticity isn’t fluffy...it’s your competitive advantage  The biggest mistake women make when applying for jobs (and how NOT to do it)  How AI is changing careers, and why your humanity matters more than ever  The 3-part “Unicorn Career” framework to align who you are with what you do  Why your goal isn’t just a career… it’s a Unicorn LifeBottom line? You’re not here to fit in. You’re here to stand out...and get paid for it.  LET'S GO!!! Alaina G. Levine, CSP, is a STEM workforce expert, and she’s spoken 1,000+ times on 5 continents, written 500+ articles in magazines such as Scientific American, and is praised by NASA as “worth her weight in gold.” As a skilled panel moderator, she once stopped a fistfight onstage between the CEO of a billion-dollar global company and a Nobel laureate. And as an undergraduate, Alayna was a championship billiards player and competed in national tournaments under her moniker, Lady Dyn-o-mite. She studied Mathematics, Arabic, and Egyptology in Cairo as a US Department of Defense Boren Fellow. Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

    34 min

  4. MAR 30

    Discomfort Isn’t the Problem. Avoiding It Is.

    What do tough conversations, grief, fear, and habits all have in common? Discomfort. In this month-end wrap-up, I’m pulling together the biggest insights from conversations with a hostage negotiator, a grief coach, a keynote speaker, and a habit expert—and the message is clear: discomfort isn’t the problem… avoiding it is. If you want more resilience, stronger relationships, and habits that actually stick, it starts with getting better at the uncomfortable stuff. Crucial Conversations Book: https://bit.ly/3Q1dDl6Anne's TedX link on seeking discomfort: https://youtu.be/wSL6tVD__po?si=Gdum754IZYvCO3gS Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

    12 min
  5. Stop Starting Over: Build Habits That Last with Habit Freak CHRISTOPH Merrill

    MAR 26

    Stop Starting Over: Build Habits That Last with Habit Freak CHRISTOPH Merrill

    Let’s talk habits… but not the cute, color-coded, “new year new me” kind. I’m joined by CHRISTOPH Merrill (aka the Habit Freak, thought-leader, speaker, author CHRISTOPHmerrill.com ), and this conversation goes way deeper than discipline and checklists. After a life-altering moment that nearly cost him everything, CHRISTOPH discovered a truth most habit advice completely ignores: Habits aren’t built for calm days. They’re built for the hard ones. We talk about what it really takes to build habits that hold up when motivation disappears, your brain turns against you, and life gets messy (because… it will). We dig into:  Why most habits fail the moment pressure hits  How mental health and habit formation are deeply connected  A simple, flexible approach to staying consistent...even on your worst days We also get into radical self-awareness, journaling, decision fatigue, and why doing your best today beats chasing perfection every time. If you’re tired of starting over… this episode will help you build habits that actually last. CHRISTOPH merrill is the creator of Habit Freak and a leadership thought leader who helps people build habits that hold when pressure hits. After a life-altering moment changed everything, he dedicated his work to proving this truth: habits are not built for calm days, they are built for hard ones. His work helps leaders perform when motivation disappears and the stakes are real. Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

    47 min
  6. Build a Better Now: How to Reclaim the Moment in a Distracted World with Greg Bennick

    MAR 16

    Build a Better Now: How to Reclaim the Moment in a Distracted World with Greg Bennick

    Today we’re dancing in the discomfort zone with Greg Bennick (www.gregbennick.com) keynote speaker, author, musician, juggler (yes, actually), and professional reminder that you matter. Greg’s message? If you want a better future, build a better now. We talk about what it really means to embrace discomfort.  Not as something to survive, but as something to lean into. Greg shares how his early days as a performer (and yes, literal juggler) shaped his relationship with fear, uncertainty, and personal freedom. Inspired by Indiana Jones stepping onto the rock bridge (look it up!) Greg challenges us to stop waiting for clarity and start building momentum. We explore: Why your relationship with fear determines your growthHow authenticity cuts through distraction and chaosWhat it takes to build stronger teams where everyone feels like they matterWe also dive into his book Reclaim the Moment: Seven Strategies to Build a Better Now, and how focusing on the present moment isn’t fluffy advice...it’s survival in today’s overloaded, distracted world. If you’ve been waiting for the “right time,” this is your nudge. Chapters 10:42 Establishing a Relationship with Fear14:18 Indiana Jones and Stepping Into the Unknown16:55 From Juggler to Keynote Speaker18:21 Reclaiming the Moment in a Distracted World29:45 Why Everyone Matters on a Team32:10 Building a Better Now (Instead of Waiting for Later)35:34 Authenticity as a Competitive AdvantageGreg Bennick is a team building keynote speaker from Seattle who reminds people that they matter through a keynote that brings teams together called “Build a Better Now". He invites us to focus on taking action to build a better personal and work life by focusing on authenticity amidst a world of distractions. He likes vegan snacks, rare coins, and juggling. Yes, you read that correctly. See more at www.gregbennick.com Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

    33 min
  7. How to Talk About Grief (Without Making It Awkward) with Jennifer Sanfilippo

    MAR 9

    How to Talk About Grief (Without Making It Awkward) with Jennifer Sanfilippo

    Grief. Death. Loss. Deep breath. Stay with me.  (The name of the podcast should have warned you!)  In this episode, I sit down with life transition coach and death doula Jennifer Sanfilippo (www.jennifer-sanfilippo.com) to talk about something we ALL experience… but rarely talk about well. PLOT TWIST: grief isn’t just about death! We explore how unacknowledged losses (like career shifts, identity changes, empty nests, layoffs, divorces and all that) quietly shape our resilience. Because if we don’t learn how to face the small griefs, the big ones hit even harder. We dive into: How to support someone who’s grieving (without saying the wrong thing)Why grief absolutely belongs in workplace conversationsHow open discussions about death and loss actually build resilience and connectionJennifer also shares her powerful journey from the financial industry to becoming a life transition coach after the loss of her husband, and why creating space for grief is one of the bravest things we can do. Yes, we talk about death, and yes, we laugh because grief and joy can coexist.  If you’ve ever felt unsure what to say… avoided the topic… or tried to “stay strong” instead of feeling… this conversation is for you. Chapters 03:08 Understanding Grief and Loss 05:57 The Journey from Finance to Life Coaching 12:03 Building Bridges of Compassion 17:55 Death Cafes: Creating Safe Spaces for Conversation 24:02 Navigating Grief in the Workplace Jennifer Sanfilippo, MBA, is a certified end-of-life doula and executive coach. After her husband Jim died in 2020, she redirected her leadership skills to grief support, facilitating Death Cafés, community forums, and bereavement groups. A mother of two, she lives in Rochester, NY, with three cats and a high-energy dog.   Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

    32 min
  8. What SWAT Hostage Negotiators Know About Tough Conversations (That Leaders Don’t) with Scott Tillema

    MAR 5

    What SWAT Hostage Negotiators Know About Tough Conversations (That Leaders Don’t) with Scott Tillema

    What do hostage negotiations and workplace conflict have in common? More than you think. Former SWAT hostage negotiator Scott Tillema (https://scotttillema.com/) joins me to break down what it really takes to influence emotional people in high-stakes moments...whether you’re outside a barricaded building, delivering some uncomfortable performance feedback or trying to solve a problem with your spouse.   If you’ve got tough conversations in the back of your head that you need to have, this episode is for you! We talk about: Why trying to be “right” can quietly destroy your influenceThe foundation you must build before you try to persuade anyoneHow timing can make or break a difficult conversation (this is HUGE!)What respect actually means...and what it doesn’tHow to separate the person from the behavior without losing your coolBecause the moment it becomes about being right… we’re in trouble. Want more from Scott? https://scotttillema.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tillema/Scott Tillema (TILL'-uh-ma) is a retired SWAT hostage negotiator from the Chicago area. Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, a master’s degree in psychology, and he was trained in negotiation by the FBI and at Harvard University. He is the founder of Negotiation Excellence, LLC and as a global keynote speaker and corporate trainer.  His TEDx talk “The Secrets of Hostage Negotiators” has been viewed over one million times.    Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

    41 min
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4.8
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

Let's face it, life is uncomfortable. Whether it's interacting with other humans (or trying to), going after our goals and improving our lives, or understanding other people's perspectives, preferences and proclivities, being able to face the discomforts in life with courage, compassion, confidence and resilience will make life a lot more enjoyable! So join me as we DANCE IN THE DISCOMFORT ZONE! We'll explore new ideas, learn how to build our confidence, courage and resilience, and laugh a little too, because life is serious enough. We need a little cha cha, and a little ha ha every once in a while! Welcome to the Discomfort Zone with Anne Bonney!

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