Healing Our Politics

Skippy Mesirow
Healing Our Politics

Hello, I’m Skippy Mesirow, host of “Healing Our Politics,” the show that shows you, the heart-centered public servants and political leaders, how to heal our politics by starting with the human in the mirror. Healing Our Politics, “HOP,” is a first-of-its-kind show that provides tools and practices for mental well-being, health, and balance, specifically for public servants so we can do good by feeling good and safe in our jobs. HOP brings together experts, scientists, doctors, thought leaders, healers, and coaches to share their insights in practical, tactical, actionable ways specifically tailored to the public service experience for you to test and implement with yourself and your teams. Episodes feature intimate conversations with global leaders about their self-care practices and personal challenges, providing insights for a more holistic, connected approach to leadership. Whether you're a Mayor, teacher, police officer, or staffer, this podcast will guide you to be the best version of yourself in service to yourself and the world! Sign up for our once-per-month Leader’s Handbook newsletter to receive an actionable toolkit of how-to guides on topics discussed on the podcast that month to test and implement in your life and with your team: https://leadershandbook.substack.com/

Épisodes

  1. -5 J

    Human-Centered Design & Entrepreneurial Strategies for Public Leaders: Testing, Failing Fast, and Maximizing Growth w/ Andrew Hutton

    Welcome to the Healing Our Politics Podcast!    Join Our Community and Receive Free Tools + How to Guides: Join “The Leader’s Handbook” newsletter  ·  Always free ·  Once per month email ·  Curated selection of tools, techniques, and practices discussed on this podcast ·  Delivered in simple to follow how-to-guides ·  To try and test in your life, and teach your teams. JOIN HERE Guest:Andrew Hutton is co-founder of Day One, which supported early-stage founders and their teams in navigating from 0 to 1 by taking a customer-discovery-led approach to go-to-market. Andrew is an industry-leading expert in human and user-centered design principles, a master at customer interview techniques, a teacher, coach, a former illustrious Parsons School of Design professor, and an Elected Leaders Collective board member. This episode is all about transferrable knowledge, learning from another wisdom tradition to set yourself apart in public service - in this case, entrepreneurship and start-up mindset.  About the Episode:  In this episode, we discuss how a pig farm in Uganda took Andrew from West Wing dreams to the mean streets of entrepreneurship. The principles, practices, and strategies of an entrepreneurial mindset and how they can be applied in your public service journey. Human-centered design and design thinking, how you can use small tests to improve professional and personal efficacy and mitigate downside risk to drive public policy innovation. Creating positive constraints to encourage growth and nimbleness to shake your organization out of its rut. How to re-frame “failure,” learn to fail forward, and use setbacks to build resilience and organizational power. How can we work with societal factors and constraints to more effectively measure and plan around risk - professionally and otherwise? How can we speak to citizens differently, using customer discovery techniques to create better policies and bring people together? I hope you enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with my friend, Andrew Hutton. Key Topics Discussed: · [00:01:51] Episode/guest intro · [00:03:20] The value of entrepreneurial mindset  · [00:05:55] West Wing Dreams  · [00:09:47] Building a pig farm in Uganda  · [00:11:51] Throw your hat over the wall · [00:15:30] Raising the bar to do harder things · [00:16:50] The invisible public hand in individual success  · [00:18:49] You CAN fail + survive  · [00:19:58] The fear of failure · [00:21:30] Using failure as a ladder  · [00:22:35] Progress in action  · [00:23:18] Andrew’s framework for challenges  · [00:27:50] Strength and success through vulnerability  · [00:29:20] Skippy failing forward  · [00:31:00] Compressing the learning curve · [00:31:42] Build an entrepreneurial mindset  · [00:32:55] Supercharge your personal growth · [00:35:22] The value of cohort work  · [00:36:50] The experiential approach to life  · [00:39:23] For victory: Chunk down · [00:42:36] Design thinking + strategy · [00:43:32] IDEO · [00:44:10] Human-Centered Design · [00:44:55] TED Human-Centered Design in Affordable Housing  · [00:47:05] Principals of User-Centered Design · [00:51:10] Moving policy forward w/o institutional support · [00:51:50] Leading through trust · [00:55:00] Day One Accelerator  · [01:02:52] ELC Foundation donors · [01:03:30] SPONSOR: ELC  · [01:07:26] The more I know, the more I know I don’t know  · [01:08:00] VC’s + politicians   · [01:08:58] Happiness = reality - expectations  · [01:13:05] The value of entrepreneurial mindset  · [01:13:37] The Tim Ferriss Show · [01:14:28] Performing like a superstar · [01:15:00] Bend your bell curve  · [01:17:04] “Internet literacy”: Busting the bubble  · [01:20:00] The mirage of comparative success  · [01:22:10] Businesses lie  · [01:23:30] Should everyone be civically active?  · [01:25:17] Design thinking in public spaces  · [01:29:22] Carbonated water foundations · [01:31

    1 h 54 min
  2. 24 OCT.

    Suffering to Strength: Ashley Grimmel on Transmuting Pressure into Power, Resilience, and Health

    Welcome to the Healing Our Politics Podcast!    Join Our Community and Receive Free Tools + How to Guides: Join “The Leader’s Handbook” newsletter  ·  Always free ·  Once per month email ·  Curated selection of tools, techniques, and practices discussed on this podcast ·  Delivered in simple to follow how-to-guides ·  To try and test in your life, and teach your teams. JOIN HERE Guest:Ashley Grimmel is the founder of both Grimel Biometrics and the Fresh Program and an ultra-endurance athlete. With a passion for pushing the limits of human performance, she trains UFC fighters, endurance athletes, race car drivers, and even everyday individuals. Ashley herself is a seasoned athlete, having competed in extreme events like the World’s Toughest Mudder—a grueling 75-mile race over 24 continuous hours featuring over 350 obstacles, including freezing water submersion, in which she places in the 10 top women, in the world. Ashley has faced innumerable personal challenges, coming our stronger on the other side, and can teach you how, too. In addition to her athletic achievements, Ashley serves as a board member for the Elected Leaders Collective, bringing her dedication to high performance and well-being to the political realm. Simply put, Ashley is the real deal. About the Episode:  In this deep and personal episode, we explore a range of topics designed to help you enhance both your physical and mental well-being. Ashley shares actionable tips on improving your diet with minimal time and budget, strategies for sustainable weight loss, and how to boost brain health and longevity. She introduces the concept of the "human audit" to improve relationships and workflow and walks us through the 7 S’s of stress reduction. Ashley also opens up about how her life was shaped by tragedy, death, and sickness and offers a raw and honest discussion on overcoming personal trauma, including rape. This episode contains potentially triggering content, but it’s real, and Ashley’s story shows how even the most difficult moments can fuel personal growth and self-improvement. You’ll walk away with tangible tools and inspiration from this real, deep, and highly tactical conversation. Key Topics Discussed: · [00:01:52] Episode/guest intro · [00:04:35] Little Ashely · [00:07:45] Staying small for safety · [00:09:23] Growing up with sick parents · [00:11:41] Abandonment wounds · [00:12:54] Trauma catalog · [00:13:52] Human impact of rape · [00:16:30] Silencing and victim self-blame  · [00:19:52] Personal and collective healing through sharing · [00:25:09] Finding positivity in depravity  · [00:28:55] Where to shine your spotlight · [00:30:48] Physical transformation and weight loss · [00:39:50] Med school false start  · [00:42:35] Inheriting our parent's mindset · [00:43:45] Boliemia as control  · [00:47:35] Mind, body, spirit connection  · [00:50:17] Animal balloon theory of “fucks to give” · [00:52:30] Healthy eating for high-stress, time-limiting jobs · [00:55:03] Micronutriants for brain health  · [00:59:10] You brain = BMW 1200GS moto · [01:01:30] Eat REAL food · [01:02:45] Minimal time diet protocol · [01:04:20] Health eats w/o cooking · [01:05:37] How to determine if your diet is working · [01:07:35] Diet non-negotiable cheat sheet · [01:09:32] ELC Foundation Donors  Add 2min 18 seconds · [01:17:30] Animal protein and anxiety/depression · [01:25:01] Where and how to source animal protein · [01:26:56] Sedentary vs. active diet · [01:28:16] Ashley’s mindboggling athletic achievements · [01:33:06] Self-talk in extreme conditions · [01:39:10] Do something you believe you can’t do every year · [01:39:38] “Suffering is one of life’s greatest gifts” · [01:42:09] Discerning when to push through and when to give up · [01:46:34] Human relationships · [01:47:21] The Human Audit · [01:54:25] Annual “Human Audit” review process · [02:00:16] Is the audit “mean”? ·

    2 h 28 min
  3. 10 OCT.

    Unapologetically You: Reggie Hubbard on Yoga, Healing & Embracing Self-Acceptance

    Welcome to the Healing Our Politics Podcast!    Join Our Community and Receive Free Tools + How to Guides: Join “The Leader’s Handbook” newsletter ·  Always free ·  Once per month email ·  Curated selection of tools, techniques, and practices discussed on this podcast ·  Delivered in simple to follow how-to-guides ·  To try and test in your life, and teach your teams. JOIN HERE Guest:Reggie Hubbard is the founder of Active Peace Yoga, a former Capitol Hill strategist, and a respected leader in the wellness space. As a Yale graduate and board member of multiple organizations including Be Here Now Network and Elected Leaders Collective, Reggie blends political activism with ancient wellness practices to guide leaders in healing from burnout and stress. He teaches at esteemed institutions like Kripalu Institute, TED Stage Summit, and Wanderlust Festival, focusing on the power of yoga, sound healing, and mindfulness to enhance well-being. About the Episode:  In this episode, Reggie Hubbard shares his transformative journey from high-pressure Capitol Hill work to becoming a leader in holistic wellness. He discusses how burnout and poor mental well-being in public service nearly broke him, and how discovering yoga and sound healing helped him reclaim his health. Reggie explores the ancient activist roots of yoga and how it can help public servants build resilience, process trauma, and embrace their authentic selves. We delve into Reggie’s personal transformation, how well-being affects leadership effectiveness, transforming anger into healing, simple tools anyone can use to foster inner peace and mental clarity,  and why the wellness world is accessible to everyone. Reggie also shares how spreadsheets can be a surprising tool for personal accountability and wellness. Key Topics Discussed: · [00:01:51] Reggie’s stroke recovery update, plus details on contributing to his GoFundMe campaign · [00:03:05] Guest Intro · [00:04:08] Episode Intro · [00:06:45] The impact of Active Peace · [00:07:23] At our worst we… · [00:09:05] Destroying myself… · [00:10:25] The power of non-coercive support · [00:11:50] The seeds of trauma · [00:15:20] Reggie’s experience of unconscious bias  · [00:19:30] Radical and uncomfortable responsibility  · [00:22:01] “Thank you for how poorly you treated me” · [00:24:35] Waking up · [00:25:31] Dark night of the soul · [00:28:51] The interconnection of healing · [00:32:12] Reggie, the civics teacher: “Mr. Awesome” · [00:34:41] Reborn Day · [00:35:15] Cold Turkey’s stablemate  · [00:37:17] Cultivating external support for internal change · [00:38:29] Reggie’s weight loss accountability system  · [00:39:38] Where to do from a weight loss plateau?  · [00:42:35] (ESP) Extrasensory perception  · [00:45:30] Balance > outcomes · [00:46:12] Reggie’s wellbeing practices · [00:50:07] Build an institutional memory database · [00:53:51] ELC Foundation Donors · [00:54:28] Sponsor: The Elected Leaders Collective · [00:56:53] What is yoga? · [00:59:31] The history of yoga · [01:01:39] Commonalities amongst all yogic practices · [01:02:45] The Active Peace method  · [01:06:21] Resilience is built in adversity  · [01:07:44] The palace of privilege · [01:10:10] The transformative nature of trauma · [01:11:27] Me, me, me –> we, we, we.  · [01:13:25] Cancel cancel culture  · [01:16:26] Irradicating delusion  · [01:17:05] The power of (imperfect) progress · [01:19:20] The CURSE of comfort  · [01:20:47] An act as BOLD as LOVE · [01:23:17] Wellbeing “malpractice”  · [01:28:20] Gateway drugs to wellbeing  · [01:29:40] Turning your breath to medicine  · [01:31:11] Stress in the face (relief)  · [01:35:39] Closing Question: Making my place · [01:38:41] The Leader’s Handbook Newsletter · [01:39:41] Reggie’s stroke recovery: contribute to his GoFundMe campaign · [00:41:05] Sponsor: The Elected Leaders Collective Key

    1 h 43 min
  4. 26 SEPT.

    Why Well-Being Matters: Lisa + Kim on Achieving the Politics You Desire

    Welcome to the Healing Our Politics Podcast!    Join Our Community and Receive Free Tools + How to Guides: Join “The Leader’s Handbook” newsletter https://leadershandbook.substack.com/about ·  Always free ·  Once per month email ·  Curated selection of tools, techniques, and practices discussed on this podcast ·  Delivered in simple to follow how-to-guides ·  To try and test in your life, and teach your teams. JOIN HERE https://leadershandbook.substack.com/about    Guests:Lisa Witter is the Co-Founder of Apolitical, a certified B Corp, and the Apolitical Foundation, which are collectively the largest trainers of public servants in the world. They have trained over 200,000 leaders in over 160 countries and focused on improving government effectiveness through sharing policy ideas, peer connections, and leadership training. A key advocate for more inclusive governance, Lisa’s work has spanned the intersections of politics, social innovation, and gender equality. She has also served on the World Economic Forum’s Council on Agile Governance. Kimberly McArthur is a senior researcher and strategist at the Apolitical Foundation, focusing on democratic innovation and political well-being. Through her research, she addresses the mental well-being challenges faced by politicians globally and works on fostering healthier political systems. Her extensive psychology and political science background allows her to analyze the intersection between leadership and mental health, contributing to global conversations on how leaders can best serve their communities without compromising their mental health. About the Episode: In this episode, Lisa Witter and Kimberly McArthur discuss the critical underpinnings of political leadership and well-being, emphasizing the importance of creating a political environment that nurtures mental health for leaders and politicians. The conversation dives into how poor mental health among politicians can destabilize democracy, leading to burnout, harassment, and declining civic participation. Lisa and Kimberly share their groundbreaking research on mental well-being in politics and how a shift towards more inclusive, supportive political structures is urgently needed. The episode also explores actionable steps public leaders can take to prioritize well-being, break down barriers like cynicism, and adopt a leadership style rooted in gratitude, community, and joy.   Key Topics Discussed: ·  [00:01:52] Guest into ·  [00:03:59] Episode intro ·  [00:06:20] What is Apolitical Co / Foundation ·  [00:10:26] Kim loves the struggle ·  [00:11:00] Be kind, work hard, have fun! ·  [00:12:13] “Citizenship” - what is it to you? ·  [00:15:32] Where to apply your service? ·  [00:17:16] Kim - Citizen of the world ·  [00:19:57] Motivation for public service ·  [00:23:49] Hiring for curiosity + Courage ·  [00:27:10] The art of iterative organization building ·  [00:29:43] To fix things, we must get “transformational” ·  [00:31:23] “It’s hard to un-swallow the pill of cynicism”  ·  [00:32:14] Build up > tear down ·  [00:33:50] Two types of folks… ·  [00:37:58] Mental wellbeing in leadership ·  [00:39:25] Blueprint: World-class teams doing impossible things ·  [00:41:05] Win-win-win dynamics ·  [00:44:35] Generous, kind, curious FTW! ·  [00:48:40] The feeling of kindness ·  [00:48:18]  Nice vs. kind (there’s a right answer) ·  [00:51:23] “Clairity is kind” ·  [00:52:21] SSG (succinct, specific, generous)  ·  [00:52:50] Investment deficit: Inner development ·  [01:07:08] Importance of Representation ·  [01:09:40] “Desertification” of our politics ·  [01:11:35]  Sponsors: ELC Foundation & Donors ·  [01:15:03] Mere Mortals Report ·  [01:16:38] The sad state of Politician’s well being ·  [01:19:00] Harassment ·  [01:19:15] Overwork and underpay ·  [01:22:24] Psychological violence ·  [01:23:58] Which leader’s w

    2 h 15 min
  5. 12 SEPT.

    How to Become the Leader Your Community Deserves: Jerry Colonna on Radical Belonging

    Welcome to the Healing Our Politics Podcast!    Join Our Community and Receive Free Tools + How to Guides: Join “The Leader’s Handbook” newsletter ·  Always free ·  Once per month email ·  Curated selection of tools, techniques, and practices discussed on this podcast ·  Delivered in simple to follow how-to-guides ·  To try and test in your life and teach your teams. JOIN HERE   Guest: Jerry Colonna, known as the "CEO Whisperer," is the founder of Reboot, an executive coaching and leadership development firm dedicated to the notion that better humans make better leaders. Jerry made a name for himself as one of the world’s top venture capitalists before transitioning into his role as a coach. His books, Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up and Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong, have deeply influenced leaders around the globe. Jerry’s work focuses on radical self-inquiry, bringing one's whole self to leadership, and fostering a sense of belonging in the workplace and beyond. About the Episode: In this episode, we challenge the misconception that vulnerability is a weakness in leadership. We explore Jerry Colonna’s practice of radical self-inquiry, how it works, and how you can apply it to enhance your leadership effectiveness in public service. We dive into the importance of understanding your personal triggers and how this awareness can transform your responses to public criticism and internal stress. We discuss actionable techniques for bringing your whole self to your leadership role, even in the face of potential backlash or misunderstanding. Jerry shares his experiences of growing up in challenging circumstances and how these shaped his journey towards becoming a more compassionate and effective leader. By embracing your full humanity, Jerry emphasizes, you can create more authentic connections, foster a sense of belonging, and lead with greater resilience and clarity—learn how to bring deeper purpose and well-being into your leadership in this powerful conversation. Key Topics Discussed: ·  [00:01:48] Guest into ·  [00:06:34] Healthy masculine: “Adulthood” ·  [00:10:00] Growing up fast (Jerry) ·  [00:13:18] Don’t romanticize pain  ·  [00:15:41] The wounded leader ·  [00:17:02] Humans are VERBS ·  [00:21:09] Why we wear masks ·  [00:22:23] Jerry as coach ·  [00:23:00] A broken heart got me here ·  [00:24:14] King of the fairies ·  [00:26:15] First suicide attempt ·  [00:27:25] Rockstar venture capitalist ·  [00:32:28] Depression lies ·  [00:33:05] The thought that changed everything ·  [00:34:04] Your birthright  ·  [00:34:38] Experience your worth ·  [00:38:49] ELC Foundation donors  ·  [00:39:32] HOP Sponsor - Elected Leaders Collective ·  [00:41:38] Become a “better leader”  ·  [00:44:05] Fear of “doing the work” ·  [00:45:31] The longing to belong ·  [00:46:26] The inner work comes first ·  [00:48:03] “The price of the ticket” ·  [00:50:38] Love, safety, and belonging ·  [00:51:21] EBITA alone  is not leadership ·  [00:51:35] Physical safety ·  [00:53:48] Summit at Sea ·  [00:55:47] Who are you not to speak?  ·  [00:56:53] Democracy requires belonging  ·  [00:58:35] The better angels of our nature ·  [00:59:33] The benefits of “doing the work” ·  [01:01:08] Moral acts are the reward ·  [01:02:39] The face of courage ·  [01:04:11] The dissonance of belonging and courage ·  [01:06:11] “Loving Kindness” meditation (meta)  ·  [01:07:05] The tradition of non-violence  ·  [01:09:12] How to de-escalate a public  meeting ·  [01:10:25] Harden, not your hear ·  [01:11:51] Final takeaway: Gratitude  ·  [01:12:25] Rabbi Tarfun Quote https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_Avot.2.16?lang=bi  ·  [01:13:04] Where to find Jerry (below) ·  [01:14:12] “The Leader’s Handbook” newsletter https://leadershandbook.substack.com/about   Key References and Resources Mentio

    1 h 17 min
  6. 29 AOÛT

    How to Master Mental Clarity: David Allen's GTD Guide for Stress-Free Leadership

    SKIPPY HOP SHOW NOTES Welcome to the Healing Our Politics Podcast!    Join Our Community and Receive Free Tools + How to Guides: Join “The Leader’s Handbook” newsletter https://leadershandbook.substack.com/about ·  Always free ·  Once per month email ·  Curated selection of tools, techniques, and practices discussed on this podcast ·  Delivered in simple to follow how-to-guides ·  To try and test in your life and teach your teams. JOIN HERE https://leadershandbook.substack.com/about      Guest: David is the creator of the GTD (Getting Things Done) Methodology. David has sold over 3 million GTD books worldwide, is hailed by Forbes as one of the top five executive coaches globally, and calls amongst his followers high-preforming humans like Howard Stern, Will Smith, Robert Dr. Junior, and Groupon founder Brad Keywell. GTD has revolutionized organizations and the lives of their leaders by cultivating a “mind like water,” emptying the mental RAM, eliminating stress, and creating space for creativity and relaxation while staying productive. His new book, GTD TEAM, with co-author Edward Lamont, empowers leaders to cultivate aligned, harmonious, and successful teams using his renowned structure.  About the Episode: In this episode, we debunk the myth of overwork as a prerequisite for success. We review the GTD methodology, how it works, and how to implement it in your workplace, complete with real-world public service examples. We explore who GTD is for and why you should bust through resistance. We discuss techniques and tools for tasks, reminders, and email management to alleviate stress and quell anxiety. We delve into David’s orientation as "Mr. Approval" and how effective systems facilitate boundary setting and create space for self and others to shine, complete with how to give “concious nos” that will be well received. GTD, David emphasizes, cultivates space for creativity, freedom, and peace, fostering a "mind like water" – learn how to find better productivity, peace, and connection in this episode.   Key Topics Discussed: ·  [00:01:48] “HOP” introduction ·  [00:03:40] David Allen guest introduction ·  [00:05:58] How David changed my elected life ·  [00:08:24] GTD reduced my stress by 93% ·  [00:11:10] Growing up, David ·  [00:13.24] “Mr. Lazy” ·  [00:16:25] David’s parents + influences ·  [00:18:21] “pre-crastination” ·  [00:19:45] The gift of living abroad  ·  [00:23:07] American Vs. European upbringing ·  [00:26:43] What is GTD? ·  [00:28:24] GTD “Eeiphenets”  ·  [00:29:47] Clearing your mind ·  [00:31:47] Managing Agreement ·  [00:33:19] What stress is ·  [00:35:18] Control AND freedom? ·  [00:37:04] Externalizing your commitments ·  [00:38:03] Your head is a crappy office ·  [00:40:23] The steps of GTD ·  [00:40:56] Step 1: Capture ·  [00:43:54] Step 2: Clarify  ·  [00:41:11] Famous GTDers (links below) ·  [00:44:58] Step 3: Organize ·  [00:48:52] Step 4: Review ·  [00:50:00] Step 5: Engage ·  [00:50:26] ELC Foundation donor ·  [00:51:05] Implementing GTD in office ·  [00:57:50] Tool options for your GTD system ·  [01:03:56] David’s review process  ·  [01:07:02] GTD Team; GTD w/other ·  [01:11:21] “New frameworks” (links below) ·  [01:13:43] The art of tidying up for your brain ·  [01:15:06] When is change for you? ·  [01:17:18] Is GTD for you?  ·  [01:19:28] Busting through resistance ·  [01:22:40] Overcoming “Mr. Approval”   ·  [01:23:42] Conscious Nos  ·  [01:25:23] Strengthening teams with the power of “no.”  ·  [01:26:40] iPhone Zombie -> Email manager ·  [01:28:18] Avoid channel creep ·  [01:29:53] Claire Hughes “Working with me letter” ·  [01:31:44] The natural planning process ·  [01:34:30] Applying GTD in your city ·  [01:40:01] Uplevel management: command -> free ·  [01:41:16 Taking burnout seriously ·  [01:48:26] How I got the name Skipp

    1 h 52 min
  7. 15 AOÛT

    From Conflict to Collaboration: Dr. Diana Smith's Guide to Political Healing

    Welcome to the Healing Our Politics podcast!     Join Our Community and Receive Free Tools + How to Guides: Join “The Leader’s Handbook” newsletter ·  Always free ·  Once per month email ·  Curated selection of tools, techniques, and practices discussed on this podcast ·  Delivered in simple to follow how-to-guides ·  To try and test in your life and teach your teams. JOIN HERE   Guest: With over 40 years of experience in social science and relational dynamics, Diana holds a Master of Education and Doctorate in Consulting Psychology from Harvard University and is the author of Remaking the Space Between Us, her fourth book. Dr. Smith has spent 25 years teaching top executives, educators, and leaders to build relationships to master tough challenges.   About the Episode: In this episode, we explore that relationships must be fixed before policy to heal our politics. Diana breaks down the science of in-group–out-group thinking, extreme partisanship, and repairing relationships. We discuss leveraging biases for connection, historical decline, and how to reverse the trend. She provides playbooks to test if you are unknowingly under the influence of malevolent leaders, media, and profiteers, how to engage those you disagree with, and how to beat conspiracy theories.   Diana shares techniques for building stronger teams, reviving trust, and cultivating support, along with the behaviors of bridge-building leaders like Abe Lincoln and Nelson Mandela that you can cultivate in your leadership.   Key Topics Discussed: ·  [00:01:48] “HOP” introduction ·  [00:03:29] Dr. Diana Smith guest introduction ·  [00:05:30] Relationships before policy to heal our politics ·  [00:08:02] Healing of South Africa ·  [00:09:52] Cultivate the approaches of transformational leaders ·  [00:12:19] The power of curiosity ·  [00:13:54] Constructive Vs. destructive challenge   ·  [00:16:02] Building “failure muscles” ·  [00:19:37] Power of radical ownership ·  [00:23:00] How to give constructive feedback ·  [00:25:00] Michael Caine “Use the difficulty” ·  [00:27:57] Dr. Diana’s upbringing ·  [00:32:12] Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) ·  [00:34:14] Root of extreme partisanship ·  [00:37:18] Defining “the space between us” ·  [00:39:36] Environmental contributors to authoritarianism ·  [00:46:44] The “problem with democracy” ·  [00:48:56] Not In Our Town ·  [00:53:06] Leveraging hot and cold brain systems ·  [01:03:22] Benjamin Franklin on “constitutional imperfection”. ·  [01:07:33] Impact of loneliness and isolation ·  [01:11:50] Birds Aren’t Real ·  [01:13:51] How to beat conspiracy theories ·  [01:14:40] Curate media consumption for well-being ·  [01:16:45] Solutions Journalism ·  [01:21:26] Leveraging media for healing   ·  [01:24:12] Is evil real? ·  [01:28:45] Test: Under the spell of a malevolent leader? ·  [01:35:15] How to: Engage with those you disagree with ·  [01:39:10] How to: Reform a White Nationalist ·  [01:48:54] Redefine winning ·  [01:53:14] Citizen’s call to action ·  [01:54:12] New non-violent resistance movement ·  [01:56:13] How to: Proceed through pushback ·  [01:59:20] Final Takeaway: Stockdale’s Paradox     Key References and Resources Mentioned: · [00:10:06] Amanda Ripley, Solutions Journalist, formula for hope: “This element is critical to human flourishing — yet missing from the news · [00:25:20] Michael Caine “Use the difficulty video”  · [00:32:12] Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)  · [00:48:41] Billings MT. Not In Our Town.  · [01:11:50] Birds Aren’t Real Book + 60 Minutes Coverage · [01:16:45] Solutions Journalism Network  · [01:22:30] Common Ground Film  · [01:44:22] 500 Groups bringing hope into existence  ·  [01:47:52] Sharon McMahon - Sharon Says So ·  [01:59:20] Final Takeaway: Stockdale’s Paradox   Where to Find Dr. Diana Smith: · Remaking the Space Betw

    2 h 3 min
  8. 1 AOÛT

    Navigating Neurodiversity in Public Service: A Conversation with Housing Executive Director Jonathan Cappelli

    Welcome to the Debut Episode of Healing Our Politics! Guest: Jonathan Cappelli, a dedicated public servant, Executive Director, and regional expert in affordable housing and urban development. In this inaugural episode, host Skippy Mesirow delves into Jonathan's remarkable journey in public service. From the mangroves of Ecuador to the forests of Colorado, Jonathan shares his experiences, highlighting how he has navigated his career while managing ADHD and a recent bipolar disorder diagnosis. Together, they explore how Jonathan's unique challenges have become strengths, enhancing his problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership skills. Ultimately, Jonathan has learned to leverage personal challenges as strengths to improve problem-solving, decision-making, and management abilities, and you will learn how you can, too… Get more custom tangible tools by joining the newsletter!  Key Topics Discussed: [00:03:32] Protecting Mangrove Ecosystems: Jonathan's internship in Ecuador and his efforts against illegal shrimp farming.[00:05:27] Cultural Insights: Understanding the Afro-Ecuadorian community and culture.[00:11:40] Environmental Conservation: Reflecting on the lessons learned from conservation challenges.[00:27:40] Nature & Mental Health: The therapeutic role of nature in Jonathan's life.[00:41:47] Managing Neurodiversity: Insights into living with ADHD and bipolar disorder.[00:51:00] The Role of Jiu-jitsu: How practicing jiu-jitsu has been a transformative experience for Jonathan.[01:01:15] The Concept of Monotaxyphilia: Discussing the love of single explanations.[01:15:30] Reflections on the Keshet Program: A look into special needs education.[01:30:25] Coping Strategies: Jonathan’s techniques for managing stress and staying productive.[01:57:45] Workplace Strategies: Effective approaches for managing neurodiversity in professional settings.Where to Find Jonathan Cappelli: Neighborhood Development Collaborative - The Neighborhood Development Collaborative (NDC), is a 501(c)3  composed of 20 Front Range affordable housing and community development organizations. Their mission is to build thriving communities by connecting the voices and coordinating the efforts of NDC members working to create stable, secure, and affordable re-housing, rental, homeownership, and wealth-building opportunities for Coloradans, regardless of their race, class, and zip code.Cappelli Consulting - Specializing in affordable housing and urban development strategies. Cappelli Consulting provides comprehensive solutions to complex regional planning and development challenges.LinkedInWhere to Find Host Skippy Mesirow: WebsiteInstagramKey References and Resources Mentioned: [00:03:32] Mangrove Ecosystems[00:05:27] Afro-Ecuadorian Culture[00:41:47] ADHD[00:41:47] Bipolar Disorder[00:51:00] Jiu-jitsu[01:01:15] Monotaxyphilia[01:15:30] Keshet Program[01:20:00] Split Estate DocumentaryEpisode Sponsor: Elected Leaders Collective (ELC) Helping You Heal Our PoliticsThe ELeaders Collective (ELC) organization is the leading US-based provider of mental well-being training for public servants, conducted by public servants and the world's best mental health and human optimization professionals. With ELC Training, you will learn to rise above and become the political healer you were meant to be, improving your well-being in the process. Website: ElectedLeadersCollective.comContact the HOP Team: Do you have an episode idea, want to suggest a guest, or want to offer critical feedback? We'd love to hear from you! Contact us at jesselink3@gmail.com with your suggestions and thoughts. Your input helps us create content that matters.

    2 h 5 min
  9. 14 JUIN

    Welcome to Healing Our Politics!

    COMING AUGUST 1ST 2024! Hello, I’m Skippy Mesirow, host of “Healing Our Politics,” the show that empowers you, the heart-centered public servants and political leaders, how to heal our politics by starting with the human in the mirror. Healing Our Politics, “HOP,” is a first-of-its-kind show that provides tools and practices for mental well-being, health, and balance so we can do good by feeling good and safe in our jobs. HOP brings together experts, scientists, doctors, thought leaders, healers, and coaches to share their insights in practical, tactical, actionable ways specifically tailored to the public service experience for you to test and implement with yourself and your teams. Episodes feature intimate conversations with global leaders about their self-care practices and personal challenges, providing insights for a more holistic, connected approach to leadership.  Whether you're a Mayor, teacher, police officer, or staffer, this podcast will guide you to be the best version of yourself in service to yourself and the world! Sign up (below) for our once-per-month Leader’s Handbook newsletter to receive an actionable toolkit of how-to guides on topics discussed on the podcast that month to test and implement in your life and with your team. https://leadershandbook.substack.com/about Visit our website to learn more and sign up for notifications about our first episode, airing on August 1st. https://www.healingourpolitics.com/podcast-reminder

    2 min

Bande-annonce

5
sur 5
13 notes

À propos

Hello, I’m Skippy Mesirow, host of “Healing Our Politics,” the show that shows you, the heart-centered public servants and political leaders, how to heal our politics by starting with the human in the mirror. Healing Our Politics, “HOP,” is a first-of-its-kind show that provides tools and practices for mental well-being, health, and balance, specifically for public servants so we can do good by feeling good and safe in our jobs. HOP brings together experts, scientists, doctors, thought leaders, healers, and coaches to share their insights in practical, tactical, actionable ways specifically tailored to the public service experience for you to test and implement with yourself and your teams. Episodes feature intimate conversations with global leaders about their self-care practices and personal challenges, providing insights for a more holistic, connected approach to leadership. Whether you're a Mayor, teacher, police officer, or staffer, this podcast will guide you to be the best version of yourself in service to yourself and the world! Sign up for our once-per-month Leader’s Handbook newsletter to receive an actionable toolkit of how-to guides on topics discussed on the podcast that month to test and implement in your life and with your team: https://leadershandbook.substack.com/

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