A World of Difference Lori Adams-Brown

Are you ready for a living abroad story with an unexpected twist? What if I told you that a TCK, who has traversed the globe and faced earthquake disasters, is now crowd-funding a memoir that unveils his journey through polarized worlds? This is not your ordinary travelogue. Join me in uncovering the heart-wrenching and inspiring stories that have shaped Michael Sullivan's life. Stay tuned for a peek into a world where personal growth and societal impact collide in unexpected ways. Trust me, this is a narrative you don't want to miss.
In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover the transformative benefits of therapy for personal growth and self-awareness.

Navigate the unique challenges and growth opportunities of being a Third Culture Kid.

Unleash the power of personal storytelling through memoir writing for self-discovery and connection.

Learn how to build bridges and foster understanding in a polarized world.

Explore the profound impact of immigration on personal and societal levels.


My special guest is Michael Sullivan
As the host of the "Where Are You From? A TCK Podcast," Michael Sullivan brings a wealth of personal and professional experiences to the table. Growing up and living as an expat in different countries, from Thailand to the Philippines, and now residing in Turkey as an English language expert, Michael's journey as a Third Culture Kid (TCK) is both captivating and insightful. His forthcoming book, "Building Bridges: Can We Love and Relate in a Polarized World," dives into the impact of immigration and the challenges of cultural identity, offering a fresh and empathetic take on these pertinent issues. With his unique blend of memoir storytelling and global perspective, Michael is a compelling guest for anyone seeking personal growth, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of the world's diverse cultures.
We don't have to be completely comfortable with the way other people think, but we certainly can learn something from them. - Michael Sullivan
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:01:03 - Sponsorship and Personal Growth

00:02:40 - Welcoming Michael Sullivan

00:05:28 - Connection through Global Experiences

00:12:21 - Immigration and Understanding Perspectives

00:16:03 - Journey from Venezuela to New Mexico

00:17:12 - Unresolved Grief and Pain

00:18:07 - Bridging First and Third Worlds

00:20:51 - Overcoming Fear and Embracing Differences

00:31:53 - Hope for the Future

00:33:25 - The importance of understanding others

00:34:48 - The necessity of facing challenges

00:37:03 - The process of healing and growth

00:40:17 - Finding purpose in adversity

00:43:53 - Crowdfunding the book

00:48:02 - Building Bridges and Making a Difference

00:48:40 - Exclusive Interview with Michael Sullivan

00:49:15 - Join the Difference Maker Community

00:49:40 - Connect and Share in the Community

00:50:28 - Keep Making a Difference

Do you want to understand how survivors of religious trauma are finding the strength to reclaim their lives and make a difference? Join us as we explore a story of resilience, transformation, and healing in the face of religious abuse and domestic violence. We'll be sharing the solution so that you can achieve that result. Get ready to hear a shocking and moving story of how a survivor escaped when her life depended on it.
Trauma took your past, but it does not have to have your present and your future, too. And you are the one in charge of that. - Tia Levings
In this episode, you will be able to:

Explore personal stories of escaping Christian patriarchy and find inspiration for your own journey to empowerment.

Learn about the profound impact of religious trauma on mental health and discover strategies for healing and resilience.

Uncover the complexities of domestic violence within religious contexts and gain insights into supporting survivors.

Gain a deep understanding of deconstructing fundamentalism in modern politics and its implications on society.

Discover effective strategies for healing and recovery from religious abuse, empowering yourself to move forward with strength and confidence.

My special guest is Tia Levings
Tia Levings is an insightful writer, podcaster, and speaker, with a focus on the realities of Christian fundamentalism, evangelical patriarchy, and religious trauma. Her expertise has been featured in notable publications such as Salon, the Huffington Post, and Newsweek. As a content strategist, Tia delves into the impact of religious trauma on mental health, domestic violence within religious contexts, and the deconstruction of fundamentalism in modern politics, shedding light on these critical issues. Her forthcoming memoir, "A Well Trained Wife," chronicles her personal journey of escaping Christian patriarchy, presenting a compelling and courageous narrative that promises to resonate with those seeking empowerment and healing from religious abuse. Tia's work is driven by her passion for advocating resilience and recovery from religious trauma. Tia is on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introducing Tia Levings

00:01:17 - Trigger Warning and Self-Care

00:02:25 - Growing Up in Mainstream Fundamentalism

00:05:22 - Trauma and Dogmatism

00:07:42 - Effects of Fundamentalism on Women

00:14:08 - The Influence of High Control Religion

00:15:34 - The Pressure of Traditional Gender Roles

00:16:55 - Red Flags and High Control Religion

00:20:47 - The Manipulative Nature of Patriarchy

00:25:53 - Addressing Pushbacks and Myths

00:27:34 - The Incredulity of Religious Trauma

00:28:22 - Challenges in Seeking Justice

00:29:26 - Empowering Survivors

00:32:35 - Finding Solidarity and Community

00:38:27 - Building Healthy Relationships

00:41:09 - The Impact of Religious Trauma

00:43:18 - Coping with Discomfort and Denial

00:44:50 - Healing from Religious Trauma

00:46:31 - Advocating for Survivors

00:53:18 - Taking Action and Making a Difference

00:56:22 - Understanding Mental Illness and Abuse

00:57:11 - Seeking Justice for Mica

00:57:45 - Supporting Victims of Domestic Violence

00:58:30 - Making a Difference 

Hey there, difference makers and global leaders! Ever feel like you've been told to just "toughen up" when facing life's challenges? Maybe you've tried to push through the pain and suffering, only to find yourself feeling overwhelmed and exhausted? If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. Let's talk about building resilience and embracing vulnerability to navigate life's twists and turns in a healthier way.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Strengthen your leadership skills by building resilience in the face of challenges.

Unlock your potential for success by cultivating a growth mindset.

Discover the power of self-care in navigating life's obstacles and maintaining balance.

Master strategies for overcoming jet lag to make the most of your travels.

Embrace vulnerability and emotions to unlock personal growth and self-discovery.

Resilience isn't necessarily about avoiding adversity, because let's just be real. Life has pain and suffering in it. And if we ignore that, that's not increasing our resilience. It's only burying that deep inside our bodies in a way that it will spill out later through some unresolved grief. - Lori Adams Brown

Building Resilience as a Leader
Effective leadership involves building resilience to navigate challenges and setbacks. Resilient leaders can inspire and motivate others through their own ability to bounce back from adversity. By embracing vulnerability and learning from difficult experiences, leaders can cultivate resilience that strengthens their decision-making and problem-solving skills.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

Visit www.betterhelp.com/difference for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp. This offer is specifically for the listeners of the podcast and is a gift from the host to help you understand what it takes to move forward in a healthier way.

Join the Patreon community Difference Makers at www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference to access exclusive episodes, interact with other listeners, and receive sneak peeks into upcoming events and giveaways. Different tiers are available, starting at $5 a month.

Share your tips and tricks for building resilience, especially for those who travel and work through jet lag, speak at events and conferences, and maintain connections with family back home. Engage with the community and contribute to the conversation.

Reach out to the host if you're in a location where she's traveling and would like to meet. Listeners are encouraged to connect with the host during her travels and share how the podcast has impacted them.

Embrace challenges, cultivate resilience, and discover the strength and courage within yourself. Prioritize self-care and resilience-building, and model this behavior for others to give them permission to do the same. Let the host know how you're building resilience on social media or in our Difference Makers community.


Resilience isn't just about weathering the storm. It's actually about learning to find joy, and find even joy memories in your own past that can help you walk through that resilience. - Lori Adams Brown

Resilience isn't just about weathering the storm. It's actually about learning to find joy, and find even joy memories in your own past that can help you walk through that resilience. - Lori Adams Brown
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Embracing Resilience in Life

00:02:00 - Resilience During Travel

00:03:07 - Prioritizing Self-Compassion

00:05:09 - Discovering Inner Resilience

00:08:15 - Cultivating Resilience

00:13:23 - Building Resilience During Travel

00:15:13 - Cultivating a Growth Mindset

00:19:43 - Building Resilient Communities

00:21:40 - Finding Joy and Resilience


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If you're feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of racial justice and faith intersections, and wondering how to truly make a difference, then you are not alone! The struggle to understand the historical context and apply it to modern-day challenges can be daunting. Many may be seeking guidance on how to effectively navigate these issues and create meaningful change.
Jemar Tisby, the New York Times bestselling author of "The Color of Compromise," is a historian, author, and speaker. His work has been featured in reputable platforms such as CNN, the Washington Post, the Atlantic, and the New York Times. Jemar's expertise in addressing the truth about the American church's complicity in racism makes him a significant voice in the intersection of faith and racial justice. As a PhD candidate in history at the University of Mississippi, his commitment to shedding light on historical lessons from abolitionist movements and advocating for social reform through interracial solidarity is evident in his work. Jemar's impact extends beyond academia as he is the founder and president of the Witness of Black Christian Collective and the co-host of the Pass the Mic podcast. His dedication to historical research and advocacy for justice makes him an influential figure in the conversation on racial equity and social change.
Doug Strong, an esteemed author and professor with a wealth of knowledge in American religious history, specifically focusing on the 19th-century revivalism and social reform, is a vital voice in the discussion of faith and racial justice. With an MDIV and a PhD from Princeton Theological Seminary, Doug's expertise and dedication to understanding the historical abolitionist movements bring valuable insights to the current social and racial justice landscape. As a committed pastor and a professor at Seattle Pacific University, Doug's passion for intercultural learning and his extensive experience in leading students on international trips underscore his commitment to shaping a global perspective on faith and justice. His contributions to the Awakening to Justice: Faithful Voices from the Abolitionist Past project reflect his deep understanding of the impact of historical narratives on contemporary social reform.
The theological, the Christian principle of loving your neighbor as yourself is still applicable in that situation. And what it forces us to do is to try to perceive the world from another person's perspective, which is what a world of difference podcast is all about. - Jemar Tisby
In this episode, you will be able to:

Explore the profound impact of faith on driving meaningful change in racial justice movements.

Uncover valuable historical insights and powerful tactics used by abolitionist movements to inspire modern-day activism.

Discover the pivotal role of interracial solidarity in advancing social reform and creating lasting change.

Learn actionable strategies from historical abolitionists to empower and guide today's activists in their advocacy work.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

Visit awakeningtojustice.com for free resources related to the book Awakening to Justice: Faithful Voices from the Abolitionist Past, including a discussion guide, sermon ideas, music suggestions, worship song ideas, and a 35-minute film documentary.

Order a copy of "Awakening to Justice," at: https://www.ivpress.com/awakening-to-justice and get a discount just for A World of Difference podcast listeners with promo code: IVPPOD20

Subscribe to Jemar Tisby's substack at jemartisby.substack.com for more of his writing and insights on racial justice and faith.

The justification follows the action. In the case of us race-based chattel slavery, slaveholders were going to get their money. They were going to find laborers. They were going to increase their bottom line by not paying them. And then they were going to come up with the rationale and the reasoning to justify it. - Jemar Tisby

Does this sound familiar? Have you ever felt the pressure of unrealistic expectations weighing you down, leaving you questioning your worth? It's a struggle many of us face, especially as women, and it can be incredibly disheartening. But what if there was a way to break free from the cycle and embrace your true self-worth? Let's dive into how embracing individuality and self-worth through empowering messages in music can transform your life.
My special guest is Shannan Copland
Shannan Copland, an indie pop artist based in Portland, Oregon, is recognized for her impactful and relatable music as a singer/songwriter. Born and raised in the SF Bay Area, California, she studied music from a young age, with a strong foundation in piano and vocal training. Collaborating with musicians and educators globally, including ones in Norway, Italy, and Portugal, has enriched her musical style with diverse cultural influences. With a love for piano and voice, she involved herself in every musical opportunity available and her passion for songwriting ignited during her teenage years. After high school, Shannan toured the United States with a group singing in schools and also performed in a theater. Her upcoming release "Enough" is poised to further empower women by promoting self-worth and authenticity. Shannan's music contains powerful messages that resonate with audiences, offering a source of strength and self-acceptance, particularly for women navigating their unique journeys.
Shannan and her husband spent the first decade of their marriage mostly living abroad in Portugal and Italy where they started a non-profit organization together. Working with talented musicians, artists and individuals from around the globe combined with her experiences living abroad have influenced her perspectives on life and the world around her which also reflect in her songwriting. Now, as she releases her own music, Shannan hopes to encourage, inspire, and provoke deeper thought through her music for listeners.
Her newest single “Enough” releases on April 12 and serves as the underlying anthem of much of her music. With its driving pop rock beat, “Enough” inspires listeners to be their authentic selves, reject image management, and not let other’s opinions or standards hold them back from achieving their aspirations.
"You are enough. The world may think otherwise of you, but it doesn't matter. Their opinions do not change your worth. Stand in that worth." - Shannan Copland
In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover how Shannan Copland's indie pop music inspires self-acceptance and empowerment for women.

Explore the profound impact of music on boosting self-worth and confidence for women.

Uncover the creative songwriting process and inspirational sources behind empowering music for women.

Understand the diverse cultural perspectives on modesty and beauty and their influence on harmful expectations for women.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

Sign up for Shannan Copland's newsletter on her website, ShannanCopland.com, to get an early sneak peek and listen to her new song Enough before its official release on April 12.

Follow Shannan Copland on Instagram and other social platforms at ShannonCoplandmusic to stay updated on her latest releases and news.

Listen to Shannan Copland's new song Enough on Spotify or your preferred music streaming platform on April 12, and share it with your friends and family to spread the empowering message.

Stay tuned for Shannan Copland's upcoming releases, including a fun summer song and an emotional track for Mother's Day, to continue experiencing her meaningful and thought-provoking music.


"I want people to, after they hear this song, just to feel liberated and feel that they're worthy and that they can go out and face whatever challenges they have ahead in their own skin and be confident in that." - Shannan Copland

Unlearning silence isn't just about finding your voice; it's about recognizing the ways we've all been complicit in silencing others. And the surprising insights from a Harvard lecturer will have you rethinking the impact of silence in your world. Join the conversation to uncover the hidden ways we contribute to silence and discover how to foster inclusive communication. It's time to unlearn the silence that holds us back. Stay tuned for the unexpected wisdom that will leave you reevaluating your role in creating a more inclusive world.

My special guest is Elaine Lin Hering.

Elaine Lin Hering is a renowned facilitator, speaker, and writer with extensive experience in communication, collaboration, and conflict management. Drawing from her background as a former managing partner of Triad Consulting Group and a lecturer at Harvard Law School, Elaine's expertise spans across various industries and continents, working with corporate, government, and nonprofit clients. Her personal journey as an immigrant from Taiwan to the United States adds a unique perspective to her work, diving deep into the impact of cultural differences on communication and strategies for inclusive leadership. With her compelling insights and vulnerability, Elaine's book, Unlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully, resonates with individuals seeking to navigate the complexities of silence and voice in personal and professional growth.

In what ways are the often very well-intentioned people around me, such as my manager, who in their heart of hearts wants to support me, actually silencing me? - Elaine Lin Hering

In this episode, you will be able to:

Embrace the power of inclusive communication and unlearn silence in professional environments.

Enhance your communication and collaboration skills to foster a more inclusive work environment.

Explore the impact of cultural differences on communication and how it influences team dynamics.

Discover effective strategies for inclusive leadership and building stronger team dynamics.

Understand the role of silence in personal and professional growth, and how it can positively impact your workplace interactions.



Embrace the Power of Inclusive Communication
Inclusive communication in professional environments is essential for fostering a sense of belonging and diversity. By embracing diverse voices and perspectives, teams can collaborate more effectively and achieve better results. Creating a space where everyone feels heard and valued cultivates a positive work culture and promotes innovation.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

Join the Difference Maker Community at www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference to access exclusive episodes and support the show for as little as $5 a month.

Follow Lori Adams-Brown on Twitter @loriadbr and on Instagram @loriadamsbrown to stay connected and share your suggestions for future guests on the show.

Check out Elaine Lin Hering's book Unlearning How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully to gain deeper insights into unlearning silence and fostering a more inclusive environment.

Consider reaching out to Lori Adams-Brown to share your stories and experiences, as well as to suggest individuals who are making a difference and could be featured on the podcast.

Explore the wisdom and advice shared by Elaine Lin Hering in the exclusive episode available in the Difference Maker Community, where she provides insights on self-care, resilience, and navigating challenging spaces.



Being explicit doesn't mean that you have to be direct. Being explicit means, 'Oh, read the air. That's what is happening here. Can we name it?' - Elaine Lin Hering