Practicing Connection

OneOp

Improve your resilience and readiness in a rapidly changing world.Jessica Beckendorf and Bob Bertsch host this exploration of personal and collective practices that empower us to work together to help each other, our families, and our communities improve our resilience and readiness.

  1. 3D AGO

    Beyond Sleep: Four Kinds of Rest We All Need

    Send us a text If you’re exhausted but time off hasn’t really helped, the problem might not be how much you rest, but what kind of rest you’re getting.  This episode explores four different kinds of rest - physical, mental, emotional, and creative - and offers simple ways to notice what you actually need right now. “Get more rest” is common advice, but it can feel discouraging when sleep or a day off doesn’t make a dent in your exhaustion.  In this episode of Practicing Connection, Coral and Jessica unpack four different kinds of rest: physical rest for your body, mental rest from constant thinking and decision‑making, emotional rest from hosting and holding others’ feelings, and creative rest that gives you space to play and explore without being productive.  Through real‑life examples and practical ideas, they invite you to notice which type of rest you might be craving and experiment with small, accessible ways to restore yourself in this season. Further links and resources from this episode: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletterJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/ Send us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org

    17 min

  2. 12/25/2025

    Flamingos and Focus Days: One Simple Practice for a More Intentional Year

    Send us a text Before rushing into big resolutions, what if you paused to ask: "What needs to stop, what deserves to stay, and what small experiment could actually support the life and work I want?"  In this reflections episode, Coral and Jessica get honest about boundaries, comparison, joy, and work rhythms - and invite you to do the same, in three simple prompts. In this special reflections episode, Coral and Jessica step away from resolutions and dig into something more honest: what they’re stopping, keeping, and starting in the new year.  They talk about protecting a true no‑meetings day, letting go of comparison with past versions of themselves, and keeping small practices like tiny Post‑it to‑do lists, buffer time between meetings, and spontaneous phone calls that make work feel more human.  You’ll also hear how “getting your pink back” through joy outside of work can change how you show up to your roles.  The episode closes with a simple reflection you can do in just a few minutes: name one thing to stop, one to keep, and one to start this year. Further links and resources from this episode: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletterJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/ Send us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org

    17 min

  3. 12/18/2025

    Leading Through Uncertainty: Navigating Ambiguity as an Adaptive Practice

    Send us a text Leading in uncertainty is not about having all the answers; it’s about how you show up when you don’t.  In this episode, explore two simple practices that help you anchor in what matters and keep moving, even when the path ahead is anything but clear. Ambiguity is not just a strategy or org‑chart issue; it is a human constant in modern work. In this conversation, Jessica and Coral reframe uncertainty as an adaptive practice rather than a problem to “fix fast,” especially for leaders who feel pressure to hold it all together.  You’ll learn two grounded tools: a Values‑Based Decision Filter to choose direction when information is incomplete, and The Next Small Step to move the work one inch forward without needing the full plan.  Together, they offer “handrails, not heroics” for navigating uncertainty with steadiness, honesty, and care for yourself and your team. Further links and resources from this episode: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletterJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/ Send us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org

    12 min

  4. 12/11/2025

    Letting Go to Move Forward: Creating Space for Your Next Self

    Send us a text Feeling between versions of yourself - no longer who you were, not yet who you’re becoming?  In this episode, learn two simple practices to release what no longer fits and take aligned, micro‑actions that move you forward with clarity and steadiness.  Professionals who navigate this “liminal” space well build resilience and better decisions during change. Identity shifts don’t happen on a calendar - they unfold in the in‑between, where the old no longer fits and the new isn’t solid yet.  This conversation introduces two grounded practices: Subtract Before You Add (making space by letting go of one expectation, role, or internal rule) and The Values Check‑In (choosing one value for this season and taking a 2–5 minute micro‑action that lives it).  These approaches reflect evidence‑aligned ideas that subtracting creates clarity and capacity, and that values‑based actions engage motivation and sustain change - especially during transitions at work and in life. Further links and resources from this episode: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletterJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/ Send us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org

    12 min

  5. 12/04/2025

    7 Small Practices for Better Conversations

    Send us a text In this episode of Practicing Connection, Coral and Jessica explore empathetic listening: what it is, why it matters, and how a few simple shifts in how you listen can deepen your relationships and improve how you work with others. This practicast explores empathetic listening as a practical communication skill. We compare empathetic listening with familiar active listening techniques, share personal experiences of when basic reflection felt flat or even patronizing, and then walk through a concrete, seven-step process you can try in everyday conversations.  Drawing on communication research and Jessica’s own practice, the episode highlights how noticing emotions, staying present, and checking your understanding can reduce misunderstandings and support stronger, more collaborative relationships at work and at home. Further links and resources from this episode: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletterJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/ Send us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org

    12 min

  6. 11/27/2025

    3 Simple Ways to Find Gratitude in Tough Moments

    Send us a text Ever find yourself juggling tough projects or caring for others while your own energy dips? In this episode, discover three practical gratitude habits you can use to find steadiness and clarity - no matter what your day brings. This week on Practicing Connection, Jessica and Coral move past “feel-good” gratitude to share three real-world practices for professionals dealing with high stress, teamwork struggles, or just a long task list.  Whether you lead teams, support families, or show up for your community, these simple daily habits help you spot what’s sustaining you, even when appreciation feels out of reach.  With flexible options for busy days and tough moods, you’ll learn how these gentle gratitudes can boost resilience, spark hope, and steady you through the hardest times at work and beyond. Further links and resources from this episode: Practicing Connection episode: "Fuel your Day with Savoring: The 'Catching Joy' Practice"Join our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/ Send us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org

    10 min

  7. 11/20/2025

    Fuel your Day with Savoring: The “Catching Joy” Practice

    Send us a text If you feel like your emotional 'gas tank' is running empty, this episode is for you. We're diving into savoring - an intentional, evidence-based skill for actively amplifying the joy and positive feelings that are already there.  We'll share the Catching Joy practice, showing you how to capture that positive energy and use it for renewal. Is there a way to make positive moments count more? Yes!  This episode focuses on savoring: the active, intentional effort to prolong and intensify positive feelings. We discuss the science showing how this simple skill directly counteracts compassion fatigue by building your emotional 'reservoir' for well-being.  You'll learn: The difference between savoring, mindfulness, and gratitude.The step-by-step Catching Joy practice for maximizing present enjoyment.How to use reminiscing (savoring the past) as a powerful tool to draw strength and confidence.Learn how to actively amplify the positive connections and small victories that fuel your vital work in the Military Family Readiness System. Further links and resources from this episode: Yale’s Science of Well-Being Class on CourseraJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/ Send us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org

    13 min

  8. 11/13/2025

    Reconnecting with Wonder to Spark Creativity

    Send us a text When the complexity of your work leads to burnout and tunnel vision, where do you find the energy to create solutions?  Today, we're exploring the science of awe - that powerful feeling we experience in the presence of something vast. We'll share simple, evidence-based practices for weaving micro-moments of wonder into your busiest days, helping you downshift your nervous system and instantly restore your perspective. In high-stress roles, we often get stuck in rumination and burnout. This episode explores the restorative power of awe, the feeling of wonder and humility in the presence of something vast (as defined by Dr. Dacher Keltner).  We discuss the science showing how awe reduces cortisol and inflammation, while significantly boosting creativity and perspective. You'll learn the three-part practice: Micro Awe: The daily "Awe Walk" to reset your stress response.The Weekly Deep Dive: Spending extended time in nature to boost creativity by nearly 50%.Awe in Community: Using Dr. Keith Tidball's concept of urgent biophilia to foster shared purpose and resilience.Awe doesn't demand more of your time - it asks for your attention. Tune in to learn how to find those moments of wonder and bring new energy to your work supporting military families. Further links and resources from this episode: Finding Awe in the Ordinary | Greater Good MagazineJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/ Send us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org

    13 min
See All (99)

Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Improve your resilience and readiness in a rapidly changing world.Jessica Beckendorf and Bob Bertsch host this exploration of personal and collective practices that empower us to work together to help each other, our families, and our communities improve our resilience and readiness.

Information

  • Creator
    OneOp
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Practicing Connection
  • Show Website
    Practicing Connection