Fractals of Change

Mary Schaub
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Fractals of Change explores the repeating patterns that shape human behavior, leadership, and organizational life. Hosted by transformation executive and coach Mary Schaub, the show blends psychology, systems thinking, and lived executive experience to examine how change really happens—inside people, teams, and entire enterprises.   Through solo reflections and conversations with thinkers, researchers, executives, and creators, the podcast uncovers the emotional, relational, and structural dynamics that influence identity, culture, and leadership.    Designed for anyone navigating transition or leading through complexity, Fractals of Change offers grounded insight into the deeper architecture of growth and transformation.

  1. The Unseen: Jerome Elam (Part 2)

    06/25/2025

    The Unseen: Jerome Elam (Part 2)

    What happens when the victims no one talks about begin to speak? In Part 2 of this raw and revealing conversation, Mary Schaub continues her dialogue with Jerome Elam—President and CEO of the Trafficking in America Task Force, U.S. Marine veteran, and child trafficking survivor. This episode turns toward the often-ignored experiences of boys who are trafficked, and the profound silence they’re forced to endure. Jerome opens up about the toxic myths surrounding masculinity, the societal blind spots that fail boys and men, and how easy access to online exploitation and misinformation is creating a generation disconnected from real connection, love, and healing.   ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of child sexual abuse, trafficking, suicide, and trauma. Listener discretion is advised. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Boys are trafficked too—and they’re often uncounted, unseen, and silencedMale survivors face unique stigma, which delays healing and increases risk of suicide, addiction, and isolationPornography and social media are distorting relationships and rewiring expectations for intimacy—especially in young menEvery act of kindness can become a lifeline. Vulnerability is a bridgeAdvocacy is healing. When survivors speak, they reclaim what was taken🎤 Compelling Quotes: “This isn’t a gender issue. It’s a human issue.” – Jerome Elam “Many male survivors never even realize they were trafficked—until they hear someone else’s story.” – Jerome Elam “When you reclaim your story, it stops being the thing that breaks you—and becomes the thing that fuels you.” – Mary Schaub “The most beautiful sound? A survivor breaking their silence after years of silence.” – Jerome Elam “What happened to me will always be part of me—but it no longer defines me.” – Jerome Elam 🔍 Keywords for SEO & Podcast Platforms: Male trafficking survivor, boys and human trafficking, male sexual abuse, child exploitation, human trafficking awareness, trauma-informed podcast, trauma recovery, trauma therapy, pornography addiction, mental health for men, survivor stories, healing masculinity, Shobukai Shift, Mary Schaub, healthy relationship education, social media and trauma, suicide prevention #ShobukaiShift #JeromeElam #MaleSurvivorsMatter #TraumaInformedLeadership #HumanTraffickingAwareness #SurvivorAdvocate #BreakingTheSilence #BoySurvivors #VulnerabilityIsStrength #TraumaHealing #PodcastOnTrauma  🔗Links  National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678Trafficking in America Task ForceClown and the Candyman documentarySafe Harbor Laws Disclaimer: ***The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.*** Credits: Written, produced and hosted by: Mary Schaub. Theme song written by: Mary Schaub Contact: FractalsofChange@mschaubadvisory.com Website: M. Schaub Advisory (MSA)

    28 min
  2. The Unbreakable: Jerome Elam (Part 1)

    06/18/2025

    The Unbreakable: Jerome Elam (Part 1)

    "They say the truth will set you free. But first, it will break you open." In this deeply moving episode, Mary speaks with Jerome Elam—USMC vet, child trafficking survivor, and CEO of America's Trafficking in America Task Force. From surviving unspeakable abuse to testifying before Congress and training law enforcement across the world, Jerome’s story is a powerful journey of resilience, transformation, and radical purpose. Part 1 dives into Jerome’s early life, the trauma he endured, the systemic failures, and the importance of trauma-informed leadership. 🎧 Part 2 coming next Wednesday.  ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode discusses child abuse, and self harm. Listener discretion is advised. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Trauma doesn’t end when it’s over—it echoes until it's witnessed, processed, and healed.Vulnerability is not weakness—it's the foundation of true leadership.Every survivor needs a lifeline Reclaiming your story is a radical act of power.Breaking intergenerational trauma requires therapy, accountability, and immense courage.Public perception of trafficking is still catching up to its modern realities Every person has a role to play in protecting the vulnerable 🎤 Compelling Quotes: “I’ve turned my trauma into something beautiful.” – Jerome Elam“You don’t heal in spite of your trauma. You lead through it.” — Mary Schaub“It only takes one person to make a difference.” – Jerome Elam“We underestimate how a single act of kindness might be someone’s lifeline.” – Mary Schaub💡Keywords: child trafficking survivor, male survivor of abuse, breaking generational trauma, trauma-informed leadership, trauma healing podcast, podcast on trauma, healing from abuse, leadership after trauma, trauma-informed coaching #JeromeElam #TraumaInformedLeadership #HumanTraffickingAwareness #MaleSurvivor #TraumaHealing #PodcastOnTrauma #SurvivorVoices  🔗Links Mentioned in this Episode: National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678Trafficking in America Task ForceClown and the Candyman documentaryApp Store Accountability ActDisclaimer: ***The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.*** Credits: Written, produced and hosted by: Mary Schaub. Theme song written by: Mary Schaub Contact: FractalsofChange@mschaubadvisory.com Website: M. Schaub Advisory (MSA)

    44 min

  3. 06/11/2025

    Audience Share: Nature

    In this heartfelt follow-up to "The Well-Gardened Self," Mary reads and reflects on powerful listener stories about how nature has supported their personal transformations. From fire escape herb gardens to grief walks through the woods, these stories reveal nature as a quiet but potent ally in healing, connection, and growth.   Topics Covered: 🎯Nature and grief processing 🎯Everyday rituals of reconnection 🎯Community through gardening 🎯Intergenerational healing through outdoor time 🎯Why we’re not machines—we’re ecosystems 🎯Nature as metaphor for identity, care, and change   Key Takeaways: 💡Transformation is less about doing and more about becoming—like seasons, slowly and cyclically. 💡Engaging with nature can help us process grief. 💡Rituals in nature ground us and create stability. 💡Change is a natural part of life, as reflected in nature. 💡Caring for plants can awaken our desire to care for ourselves. 💡Nature fosters community and connection among people. 💡Silent companionship with nature can be deeply healing. 💡We are part of nature, not separate from it. 💡Nature invites us to return to our true selves. 💡Transformation often begins with small, intentional actions.   Compelling Quotes: 🎤“The forest held my grief in a way people couldn’t.”   🎤“Nature doesn’t care about your resume. It cares about rhythm, effort, and patience.”   🎤“You are not a machine. You are an ecosystem.”  🎤“Nature doesn't care about your resume." 🎤"Nature is always inviting us to return."   Keywords:  ✅nature ✅healing stories ✅transformation and nature ✅grief and the outdoors, ✅mindfulness through gardening ✅ecosystem self-care ✅listener story episode ✅Shobukai Shift podcast ✅Mary Schaub ✅personal transformation stories ✅community gardens healing   #NatureHealing #TransformationJourney #GriefAndGrowth #MindfulGardening #ShobukaiShift #ListenerVoices #UrbanNature #EcosystemSelf #CommunityHealing #BeingBecoming Disclaimer: ***The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.*** Credits: Written, produced and hosted by: Mary Schaub. Theme song written by: Mary Schaub Contact: FractalsofChange@mschaubadvisory.com Website: M. Schaub Advisory (MSA)

    9 min

  4. 06/04/2025

    The Well-Gardened Self

    What if the key to navigating chaos isn’t more control—but more connection to nature? In this episode, Mary explores how the natural world—gardening, birdwatching, even groundhogs—can heal us, grow us, and guide us through personal, organizational, and societal transformation. Drawing from Sue Stuart-Smith’s The Well-Gardened Mind, neuroscience, client stories, and her own pandemic experience, Mary unearths a simple but powerful truth: transformation is our nature. Whether you're planting tomatoes, battling burnout, or feeding the birds, this episode will remind you:  Growth is messy. Nature is wise. And healing starts where you are.   Topics: 🎯Nature as a metaphor for personal evolution 🎯The neuroscience of growth and pruning 🎯Grounding, mindfulness, and biophilia 🎯Client stories of finding connection through nature 🎯Carl Jung, Erich Fromm, and the psychology of being   Key Takeaways: 💡Nature provides a living metaphor for change: cycles of death, renewal, and intention. 💡Engaging with nature activates right-brain attention and reduces stress. 💡You don’t have to escape to the woods to experience the healing power of nature—it starts with awareness. 💡Tending to a garden, or even a houseplant, can cultivate mindfulness, purpose, and connection.   Quotes: 🎤“When we sow a seed, we plant a narrative of future possibility. It is an action of hope.” – Sue Stuart-Smith 🎤“You are not a machine. You are an ecosystem.” - Mary Schaub 🎤“Nature meets us where we are—and grows us from there.” 🎤“Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” – Carl Jung   Keywords: ✅nature and healing, ✅the well-gardened mind, ✅Sue Stuart-Smith, ✅gardening and mental health, ✅transformation through nature, ✅grounding, ✅burnout recovery, ✅biophilia, ✅mindfulness and nature, ✅Jung transformation ✅ Fractals of Change   #NatureHeals #TransformationPodcast #MentalHealthMatters #ShobukaiShift #Biophilia #MindfulLiving #PersonalGrowth #SlowLiving #GroundedLeadership #WellGardenedMind #JungianPsychology Links: 🔗The Well Gardened Mind: Rediscovering Nature in the Modern World, by Sue Stuart-Smith.  🔗Earthing documentary Disclaimer: ***The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.*** Credits: Written, produced and hosted by: Mary Schaub. Theme song written by: Mary Schaub Contact: FractalsofChange@mschaubadvisory.com Website: M. Schaub Advisory (MSA)

    19 min
  5. Rewrite Your Story: Penelope Cottrell & Ria Glenn DeMay

    05/28/2025

    Rewrite Your Story: Penelope Cottrell & Ria Glenn DeMay

    In this engaging conversation, Mary Schaub speaks with Penny Cottrell and Ria Glenn DeMay about their journey from working in law and education to creating the Rewrite Workshops, a platform designed to help individuals explore their personal narratives and reclaim their power through writing. They discuss the transformative power of storytelling, the importance of community and connection in healing, and practical writing prompts for self-discovery. The conversation emphasizes the hero's journey in writing, the ripple effect of personal growth, and the significance of human connection in a digital age.   Takeaways: 💡Rewrite your story to reclaim your power. 💡Writing serves as a mirror and doorway to self-discovery. 💡Hurt people hurt people; heal people heal people. 💡You cannot use someone else's fire; you must find your own. 💡Life is too short to not pursue your passions. 💡Everyone is a natural storyteller, regardless of writing skills. 💡Healing is relational; we need each other. 💡Small changes can lead to significant transformations over time. 💡Community outreach is essential for supporting others. 💡Personal growth often comes from unexpected places.   Compelling Quotes: 🎤 "Each of us is both the writer and the protagonist of the story we're writing for ourselves.” — Mary Schaub 🎤“The power of rewriting your story isn’t just in the words—it’s in reclaiming your voice.” — Ria Penny 🎤“Writing gives us a mirror and a doorway. We see ourselves more clearly, and we step into a version of ourselves that is just a little bit more whole.” — Rewrite Workshops Blog 🎤“Healing is relational. Transformation is relational. We need each other for the real work to take root.” — Mary Schaub 🎤“I want to know who I am without the trauma, without the pressure to be perfect—just Ria, as she is.” — Ria Penny 🎤“We’re trying to bring back the fire—to be the mentors we needed when we were lost.” — Penny Cottrell    Show Links: 🔥The Rewrite Workshops 🔥 🌟The Rewrite Workshops (Substack) 🌟   Keywords: ✅ Rewrite Workshops, ✅ writing and healing, ✅ personal transformation, ✅ hero’s journey, ✅ shadow work, ✅ creative healing, ✅ journaling, ✅ storytelling for growth, ✅ trauma recovery, ✅ women’s empowerment, ✅ mindfulness, ✅ Joseph Campbell, ✅ narrative therapy, ✅ self-discovery, ✅ purpose-driven change, ✅ relational healing, ✅ raising strong boys ✅ Fractals of Change  Disclaimer: ***The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.*** Credits: Written, produced and hosted by: Mary Schaub. Theme song written by: Mary Schaub Contact: FractalsofChange@mschaubadvisory.com Website: M. Schaub Advisory (MSA)

    1 hr

  6. 05/21/2025

    Audience Share: Ancient Practices for a Modern World

    In this episode, host Mary Schaub reads listener's experiences by limiting social media, trying Qi Gong, and using psychedelics.    Key Takeaways 💡 Navigating change can lead to greater meaning and purpose. 💡Ancient practices like Taoism and Buddhism can help cope with modern challenges. 💡'The White Lotus' showcases deep themes of identity and authenticity. 💡Personal experiences with mindfulness can lead to significant growth. 💡Setting boundaries with technology is a crucial step towards mindfulness. 💡Physical practices like Qi Gong can enhance mental and emotional well-being. 💡Mindfulness practices can be efficient alternatives to traditional meditation. 💡Exploring spirituality can take many forms, including psychedelics. 💡Community and shared experiences can foster personal growth. 💡The journey towards authenticity is ongoing and requires patience.   Keywords ✅ change, ✅purpose, ✅ancient practices, ✅mindfulness, ✅spirituality, ✅The White Lotus, ✅Taoism, ✅Buddhism, ✅personal growth, ✅self-improvement Disclaimer: ***The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.*** Credits: Written, produced and hosted by: Mary Schaub. Theme song written by: Mary Schaub Contact: FractalsofChange@mschaubadvisory.com Website: M. Schaub Advisory (MSA)

    11 min

  7. 05/14/2025

    Navigating Life with Ancient Wisdom

    In this episode, host Mary Schaub explores what it means to be a peaceful warrior in chaotic times, drawing on ancient Eastern philosophies—specifically Taoism and Buddhism—to navigate the overwhelming pace and uncertainty of modern life. Mary opens with a personal story from her early twenties, when a rare moment of stillness during a busy New York summer sparked a deep encounter with Buddhist teachings. This experience planted the seeds for a lifelong exploration of presence, simplicity, and acceptance—principles she finds more relevant than ever in today's hyperconnected world. With humor, humility, and hard-won insight, she invites listeners to explore how ancient practices can help us live with more grace and alignment in 2025. Key Takeaways 💡The clarity comes from stillness, from alignment, from presence. 💡Buddhism encourages embracing the here and now. 💡Wu Wei refers to effortless action. 💡Life is suffering.  💡Pain and suffering are different. 💡You can avoid pain, but there's hope. 💡The purpose is for us all to help one another. 💡Growth arises through struggle. 💡It's not punishment. It's devotion.    Compelling Quotes 🎤"Life is suffering. Spoiler alert." 🎤"Pain and suffering are different." 🎤"Growth arises through struggle." 🎤"You are the change you and the world are waiting for."   Links 🌟Ariane Grande "Thank you, Next" 🌟Sheldrick Trust - baby elephants! Keywords ✅Taoism, ✅Buddhism, ✅Transformation, ✅ Mindfulness, ✅ Inner peace ✅ Change ✅ Purpose, ✅ Wisdom, ✅ Peaceful warrior, ✅ Personal growth ✅ Fractals of Change   #Taoism #Buddhism #Transformation #Mindfulness #WuWei #PeacefulWarrior #ChangeManagement #SpiritualGrowth #StillnessInChaos #ConsciousLeadership #PersonalEvolution #RamDass #PresenceOverPanic #BecomingYourself Disclaimer: ***The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.*** Credits: Written, produced and hosted by: Mary Schaub. Theme song written by: Mary Schaub Contact: FractalsofChange@mschaubadvisory.com Website: M. Schaub Advisory (MSA)

    39 min
  8. Grief Into Purpose: Matthew Fischer

    05/07/2025

    Grief Into Purpose: Matthew Fischer

    In this conversation, Matt shares his journey of coping with the loss of his son and his mission to help other families facing similar struggles. The discussion covers the signs of addiction, the role of parents, the impact of grief, and the importance of community support in recovery.    Key Takeaways 💡Matt Fischer established the Evan Fischer Foundation after losing his 21-year-old son Evan to a heroin overdose on Thanksgiving Day 14 years ago. 💡He has personally helped approximately 700 children and young people overcome addiction through a model based on unconditional love and relational healing. 💡Drug overdose deaths have increased dramatically, from 3.2 deaths per 100,000 people when Evan died to 32.6 per 100,000 in 2022 (a 147% increase). 💡Signs of addiction can be subtle and progressive, with many parents not recognizing the warning signs until the situation becomes critical. 💡The foundation of recovery is human connection - "human beings heal each other" through unconditional love and support. 💡Matt works with approximately 50 young people at any given time, meeting them personally and following up to ensure their continued recovery. 💡Fentanyl has created an unprecedented crisis, with 70% of the young people Matt meets having recently survived fentanyl overdoses. 💡Parents can unwittingly become "master enablers" by not setting boundaries or failing to recognize signs of addiction.    Compelling Quotes 🎤"Human beings heal each other. That is why we're here. And that's the gift I got from my son." 🎤"It's not what happens to you in life. It's what you choose to do about it." 🎤"Addiction is a lifelong disease. It lasts for your entire life. So you have to change your life and become empowered yourself." 🎤"Be here now... life is meant to be felt." 🎤"The message I got just looking at my son's body was, 'Hey dad, no one wants to go through this. You can do something.'" 🎤"I'm always working with at least around 50 people at a time... and I'm trying to keep them going." 🎤"You're not renting sobriety. Nobody can take it away from you. You're your own self-reliant human being."   Keywords ✅addiction recovery ✅teen drug addiction ✅fentanyl crisis ✅overdose prevention ✅parenting addicted teen ✅substance abuse help ✅addiction intervention ✅addiction support ✅grief transformation ✅purpose after loss ✅drug addiction signs ✅enabling behavior ✅recovery foundation ✅addiction treatment ✅ Fractals of Change   Hashtags #AddictionRecovery #TeenAddiction #FentanylCrisis #OverdosePrevention #ParentingHelp #SubstanceAbuse #GriefToGood #PurposeAfterLoss #RecoveryJourney #AddictionSupport #SobrietyJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #ParentingTeens #DrugEducation #HealingTrauma    🌟Links Evan Fischer Foundation Memorial FundStephen Fischer, Nature Photographer  🙏 -Thanks to Matthew Fischer 💜 Disclaimer: ***The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.*** Credits: Written, produced and hosted by: Mary Schaub. Theme song written by: Mary Schaub Contact: FractalsofChange@mschaubadvisory.com Website: M. Schaub Advisory (MSA)

    47 min
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About

Fractals of Change explores the repeating patterns that shape human behavior, leadership, and organizational life. Hosted by transformation executive and coach Mary Schaub, the show blends psychology, systems thinking, and lived executive experience to examine how change really happens—inside people, teams, and entire enterprises.   Through solo reflections and conversations with thinkers, researchers, executives, and creators, the podcast uncovers the emotional, relational, and structural dynamics that influence identity, culture, and leadership.    Designed for anyone navigating transition or leading through complexity, Fractals of Change offers grounded insight into the deeper architecture of growth and transformation.

Information

  • Creator
    Mary Schaub
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Fractals of Change
  • Show Website
    Fractals of Change