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Stress, worry, and anxiety can make you feel like you’re wandering around in the dark with no direction. While these times feel like they take forever and there’s not an end in sight, they truly are temporary; just a page or two in the story of you. To increase your self-management and emotional intelligence, do these three things: 1. Remind yourself that this is temporary. Knowing that a finish line is out there somewhere will clear your thoughts. 2. Find 1 thing to have gratitude for. It’s the little positive steps that walk us out of the dark. 3. Reach out to a supportive friend. They can help you find your way out. For more information about booking me to help your company, conference or cause as a keynote speaker or consultant, please contact rich@richbracken.com. You can learn more about me at richbracken.com

Way before I was a speaker and podcaster, I was a DJ. It started as a semi-fluke when I was a 15 year old and became one of my favorite things in the world for the following 25 years. Avicii, Kelly Rowland, Roger Sanchez, Betty Who, were some of the brilliant names I performed with during my career and I got to play for crowds in Chicago, Vegas, Miami, London, Boston and scores of others. What I will say is that for those who think DJing is just pushing a couple of buttons (ok for some people pretending to be DJ’s it is) it is a much more complicated scenario than you think. In this episode, I share 5 of my life lessons that DJing taught me that have carried over into my personal and professional worlds. These educational opportunities provided me clarity on my self-worth, personal branding, communication, and relationship management.As a bonus, I’m excited to share one of my favorite mixes that I did a few years back that has still held up well. Even if you call all dance music “techno” there will be some familiar songs remixed in here. So whether you are reminiscing on a time where I got to play for you, or you just need some motivation to move your body, I hope you enjoy it.

Life is tough.Even before the pandemic, millions were dealing with issues that affected their emotional and mental well-being while keeping their feelings to themselves. Even with the conversation around mental health and self-care becoming more prevalent, there are still way too many people keeping themselves in the dark, out of fear, embarrassment, or sheer confusion on what to do.It's time we open the blinds of our mental house, to let the light in and shine light on what we need help with. This conversation encourages you to reach out if you're struggling, or if you know someone who might be.

Life is tough, challenging, and can throw you for a loop when you least expect it. This existed before the pandemic and has become a mental and emotional dodgeball game ever since.The silver lining is that more and more conversations are happening about self-care, mental health awareness, and how we can be better people holistically every single day.In this episode, I chat with Natalie Ottosen, Founder of Soul Sister Coaching. She is a Certified Transformational Life Coach, Reiki practitioner and Astrologist. She is also a Mother to two amazing children, wife to an adoring husband, and seeker of light and truth. Natalie leverages her knowledge with her experience battling traumas with fitting in, self-love, self-worth, and finding her place in this world. She’s now on a mission to help others like yourself, find your place, your love and your worth.We discuss her path to becoming a Life Coach, how she incorporates energy work and astrology with her clients, the benefits of meditation, and how you can live a Soul Led Life.She offers courses, coaching and a fantastic monthly membership engagement that’s full of value added content at soulsistercoaching.com

I have always been a proponent of being absolutely authentic on social media; it’s actually why I started this podcast. It’s refreshing to see people bring their true selves to any social platform to share their personality, get their messages across, or just have fun.Nobody does it better than Britney Crosson.As a podcaster, social media company owner, and Peloton/Wine/Comedy social media influencer, Britney quickly became one of my favorite accounts to follow to inspire and entertain me. Her blend of social media tips with hilarious dancing videos (sometimes even on her Peloton equipment) are incredibly fun to watch.In this episode, Britney and I discuss tons of topics including the power of social media, how to step into your authentic brand, and how to balance life as a business owner.You can learn more about Britney at britneycrosson.com and her company Fun Love Media funlovemedia.com.About BritneyBritney Crosson is the host and producer of The Social Sunshine Podcast, owner of Fun Love Media, a social media management and content creation agency based in Houston, TX, and the founder of Small Biz Social Society, a membership that helps ambitious entrepreneurs stand out on social media. As a performer from the age of 3 with a total of 30+ years experience on stage and screen, Britney developed a natural love for being in front of audiences via social media. She has used her love of social media and her experience as an actor and dancer to help her clients, membership members and podcast audience to use their existing talents, skills and knowledge to create exciting online content for their businesses. When she's not working hard on her businesses, you can find her having a dance party with her two kiddos or cuddled up on the couch with wine and her husband watching their favorite tv shows.

As you progress to goals, happiness, & success, you will have to make changes. There will be things that remain the same, but some habits, people, tendencies, will have to go. We can not improve our lives by living the same way that we currently are. In this episode, I will share the value of the self-audit to optimize your time, your energy, and your “emotional gas tank” on the road to success. This will empower you to choose what serves you and provides you with the drive to push through. I will also share a special announcement as part of this episode to show that I’m walking the talk.

I’m a huge fan of seeing people succeed. It brings me joy to watch people build their presence, their voice, and their success.It makes me even happier to watch it happen to someone I’ve known for a long time. Like, Middle School long time.Erin Lopez is a friend that I’ve known for a long time and in the past several years, I’ve applauded her explosion as a positive personality in the worlds of business, women empowerment, and speaking. She brings a background of success and humility to her energetic social media content and her speaking engagements as she encourages other women to find their own success.In this episode, Erin shares her path to success and what she holds near and dear to her heart that continues to drive her, and support others.We discuss:Her journey to successHer jump from corporate to entrepreneurshipAdvice to anyone starting a business to invest in themselvesThe strength of an authentic personal brandHow to strike balance in lifeYou can learn more about Erin on her Instagram page at @alopezlifestyle and on her Facebook page and her website www.alopezlifestyle.com.

In life, specifically in social media, we are bombarded with images, stories, videos, and other “proof” of success in others. Whether it’s the luxurious vacation sunset, the new car, the growing business, or some other form success example, there are so many who are trying to show their rank.And why not? I’m sure they deserve what they’ve worked hard for.But have you ever felt yourself caught up in the image? Frustrated that it’s not you taking the picture of the sunsetting on the ocean, or the crowd, or the car? Have you ever allowed yourself to doubt your own success or journey based off something you’ve seen?Of course you have, we all have.In this episode, I share some insights based off observations and self-experience on how success may look one way esthetically, but there’s always a story behind it. Everyone’s definition of success is different when you look at the full picture. They may be traveling a ton for work, but what is that doing to their family life? How do they balance it? They may be driving a fancy new car, but what nights have they missed or how much sleep have they lost in the pursuit?So when you consider the full 360 view, what does success look like to you?

In our lives, we will constantly be bombarded by change, uncertainty, and challenge. But when we embrace who we truly are and are open to growth potential, we can withstand anything that comes our way.Stacie Wimer is a perfect example of that.She is the host of the Man Shopping Podcast, her own venture into the unknown of sharing her stories as a divorced, single mom, re-entering the dating scene. In her podcast, she bares her soul, her heart, and her bashfulness at times, so that women and men, single or married, can find their own self-appreciation in the midst of finding love. In this conversation, we discuss:Why she started the podcast and what type of response it’s gottenWhat she’s discovered about herself in the processHow her podcast has helped her open up a strong line of communication with her teenage daughterHow her vulnerability and self-acceptance journey has helped so many discover their own needsYou can learn more about Stacie at https://manshoppingwithstacie.com or on Instagram @stacie_wimer.About StacieStacie is an unabashed 43 year old twice divorced single mother of an amazing teenage daughter and the best black lab shelter mutt ever. She is a pharmaceutical & medical device sales professional by day and a writer, podcaster, cooking & baking enthusiast by night. She is a true extrovert with a passion for helping people. Born and raised in rural Missouri, Stacie graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a degree in Organizational Communication and Business management. After spending several years living in Minnesota, Kansas, and Georgia, Stacie calls Kansas City, Missouri home.

What are you holding on to? We all have things that we are carrying consciously, or subconsciously, that constantly drain us or weigh us down. Previous struggles, impostor syndrome, fears, doubts, negative interactions. We leave that door open behind us to let those negative voices continue to restrict us from moving forward. This prevents us from maximizing our potential and sharing our gifts. In this episode, I will share a couple of tips on how you can not only identify what those things are that hold you back, but how you can drop them, leave them behind, and kick open the doors in front of you.

When you think about the road to success, what does it look like?Chances are, it’s an inclining path which gets harder as you get closer to the top.But, if you zoom in and look closer, there are many ups and down, cliffs to climb and fall off of. It’s never the same for any two people, and these fractures in the the straight line can come at any moment.So, how to you keep moving up?In this episode, I share some insights that I’ve learned and witnessed over the years of how to navigate these changes in trajectory while also keeping your eye on the finish line.For more information about booking me to help your company, conference or cause as a keynote speaker or consultant, please contact rich@richbracken.com. You can learn more about me at richbracken.com Thank you for stopping by!

Impostor syndrome is a momentum killer. In certain scenarios, it will prevent you from even starting a new project, goal, or achievement. It's that feeling that we are not worthy of what we achieve or that we might not be qualified enough for certain recognition. If you've suffered from this, you're not alone. Studies show that 75% of Americans have been halted by impostor syndrome at some point in their life. But what if you could use the problems caused by impostor syndrome to your advantage? In this episode, I give you three ways that you can turn this horrible status into your advantage! For more information about booking me to help your company, conference or cause as a keynote speaker or consultant, please contact rich@richbracken.com. You can learn more about me at richbracken.com Thank you for stopping by!

hey say art is an escape; a form of self-expression that turns the should and the mind loose. No matter the form, medium, or final product, the process is what takes you on a journey. If that’s the case, you want Natosha Keefer as your guide.I’ve been blessed to know Natosha for many years and have watched her emerge as one of the most talented artists in the Midwest. But what she does from an artistic ability is beyond anything I’ve ever seen.In this episode, Natosha will share her journey in discovering her artistic ability and how she blends it with her energy healing and high empathy to create unique art pieces that are truly one of a kind. This podcast is unique as Part 2 is over on my Vimeo channel where you will get to see Natosha’s intuitive painting style in action.You can learn more about Natosha and her talents at natoshasart.com where you can also book your own intuitive painting session. You can also see her art on Instagram at NatoshaKeeferArt.

The news today was shocking: Simon Biles withdrew from the Olympics over mental health and stress concerns. While I hate that this happens to anyone, especially her, I applaud her decision. Even with the increased awareness around mental health, we still have a LONG way to go in regards to de-stigmatize the conversation about it. In this episode, I talk about why Simon’s decision is so admirable, what we can do to further the conversation, and why there’s a double standard when it comes to physical and mental wellness acceptance. This is a wake up call if you don’t think mental health struggles can affect everyone; it got the G.O.A.T. However, we now see how the best respond: take care of yourself and your boundaries. If I can be of any support, please reach out to me at rich@richbracken.com.

WELCOME TO EPISODE #133 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST Pre, during, and post-pandemic, we have a major problem with taking proper care of ourselves. The levels of stress, anxiety, and depression have risen in the last two years due to the pandemic, but it was a big problem even before that. Now, as things are returning to less restrictions, that lack of self-care won’t be changing anytime soon. So what can we do about it? Be more intentional about taking care of yourself. In this episode, I share my top 4 self-care options that you can do in under 5 minutes. Now, there are a multitude of options of implementing self-care, but these have worked wonders for me and for those that I speak to and consult. In just 5 minutes, you can enhance your energy, mood, and focus. This removes the pushback that you don’t have enough time to do these kinds of things and it also shakes off the thought that self-care is a long, time-consuming process. These short disruptions will help you tremendously. Also, we need to change a communication dynamic in our lives. can we please stop saying “I’m so busy!” You’re not busy, you just haven’t prioritized and delegated properly. Mini-rant: complete! If I can be of any support, please reach out to me at rich@richbracken.com.

We pass them by in hotels and commercial buildings all the time:“In case of emergency, break glass.”This scenario is when we need to put a fire out so it doesn’t get out of control. But what happens when it’s our passions in life that are trapped behind the glass, only to be dipped into on occasion when we want to START a fire?In this episode, I discuss the dangers of being spread too thin that cause our passions to be trapped behind this glass and how we can break open, and keep open, our passion and focus for life.If I can be of any support, please reach out to me at rich@richbracken.com.

WELCOME TO EPISODE #131 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCASTHave you ever felt stuck?That there’s more for your to achieve, more to your ever unfolding story, but you’re just not sure how to get there?Then you’ve come to the right place because Laura Gassner Otting helps people get “unstuck” — and achieve extraordinary results.In this episode, Laura and I will talk about finding our purpose, overcoming obstacles on the way to our goals, and how we can truly seize our absolute potential.Through Limitless Possibility, Laura collaborates with change agents, entrepreneurs, investors, leaders, and donors to push past the doubt and indecision that consign great ideas to limbo. She delivers strategic thinking, well-honed wisdom, and catalytic perspective informed by decades of navigating change across the start-up, nonprofit, political, and philanthropic landscapes.Laura’s 25-year resume is defined by her entrepreneurial edge. She served as a Presidential Appointee in Bill Clinton’s White House, helping shape AmeriCorps; left a leadership role at respected nonprofit search firm, Isaacson, Miller, to expand the startup ExecSearches.com; and founded and ran the Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group, which partnered with the full gamut of mission driven nonprofit executives, from start-up dreamers to scaling social entrepreneurs to global philanthropists. She is the author of Mission-Driven, a book for those moving from profit to purpose, and most recently the author Limitless: How to Ignore Everybody, Carve Your Own Path, and Live Your Best Life, which debuted at #2 on the Washington Post bestseller list, right behind Michelle Obama, and which Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts chose as one of her Favorite Books of 2019.Visit https://lauragassnerotting.com to learn more about LGO!

I recently read a great LinkedIn post from my friend, Jay Harrington. In this post, he cited another favorite thought leader, Adam Grant, who was discussing the term “languishing” as a big word in 2021 in regards to our mental status. Grant writes: "Languishing is a sense of stagnation and emptiness. It feels as if you’re muddling through your days, looking at your life through a foggy windshield.” Even before the pandemic, I’ve experienced this and I’m guessing you probably have, in some form, as well. When we pursue goals or change, sometimes we hit that lull, stagnation, or languish mode that feels like we’re stuck in quicksand. In this episode, I will share 4 key tips on how to get unstuck in your goal pursuit. All of these have worked for me throughout my personal and professional success, and I’ve used them with executives I’ve coached. Be sure to let me know which of these you’ll start leveraging (or all 4) to get back on track with your progress. If I can be of any support, please reach out to me at rich@richbracken.com.

WELCOME TO EPISODE #129 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST In our daily lives, we feel the ebb and flow of emotions and energy that impact our activities and moods. Most of the time, we seem to feel out of control of those emotions. But what if you could take that control back and have a stronger foundation for success and happiness? My good friend, and my personal advisor, Danielle Laura, joins me on this podcast to talk about how she works with individuals and couples to find their balance in life and manifest happier, more rewarding lifestyles. In this episode we discuss: Danielle’s journey to her current position as an advisor The mental and physical benefits of energy work How couples have benefitted from her work The critical value of self-love and acceptance How to unload the personal mental weight that holds you back About Danielle Danielle Laura is a two time number one bestselling and award-winning author, advisor, energy and relationship expert, and founder of the H.O.T. Method™. She founded several companies that better the way we heal and learn. In her private work, she guides thought leaders, celebrities, and power couples around the globe in igniting their innate gifting so they can master their mission, amplify impact, and experience deep connection and fulfillment.  A recognized authority on relationships, alternative healing, and self-mastery, Danielle has been featured in over 30 international publications and podcasts, including Authority Magazine, HuffPost, Reader’s Digest, Thrive Global, and more.  You can connect with Danielle through the following links: Media handles: Website: www.danielle-laura.com IG: www.instagram.com/_daniellelaura_ Twitter: www.twitter.com/_daniellelaura_ Fb: www.facebook.com/daniellelauracoaching

WELCOME TO EPISODE #128 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST I come to you today as a very thankful, grateful, and energized individual. You see, for the last several years I have been working tirelessly to grow my keynote speaking presence and thought leadership. The goals that I have been shooting for, are here. But this isn’t about me (although the start seemed that way). What this is about is me turning to you all as I pause in the position I am to tell you one single thing: KEEP GOING! In this episode, I share my thoughts on how the climb to your goal is worth every step of the way, every minute of work, every sacrifice, when you’re pursuing what you’re truly meant to do and what you’re passionate about. I am standing here cheering you on and reaching my hand down in support and love of the effort you’re putting forward and I’m here for you 100%! Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? Do you want to share your story? Do you know someone who has a fantastic story to share? You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.