Elsplend Realities

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore one of the most common—but least discussed—challenges in long-term relationships: the desire gap. Joined by Dr. Laura Jurgens, desire gap specialist and creator of The Desire Gap Bridge™️ Method, we unpack what happens when partners want different levels of intimacy—and why this difference is often misunderstood as rejection, failure, or incompatib...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore the transformative power of storytelling and what happens when women choose to speak their truth. Joined by Julie Marty-Pearson—podcaster, speaker, coach, and community builder—we dive into how sharing personal stories can move beyond content creation and become a pathway to healing, connection, and self-discovery. With a background in organization...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore how unseen subconscious patterns quietly shape our relationships, choices, and sense of identity—often long before we’re aware of them. Joined by Sasha Carrion, subconscious strategist and founder of HEAL YOURSELF Therapy, we dive into the deeper layers of trauma, behavior, and emotional programming that continue to influence life even in high-func...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore what happens when mission-driven work is powered by passion—but held back by broken systems and internal misalignment. Joined by Kate Viana, founder of Viana Communications, we unpack the often unseen challenges within nonprofit organizations where strong purpose exists alongside unclear communication, cultural strain, and structural dysfunction. W...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore the quiet emotional and physical toll of constantly holding everything together. Joined by Melissa Crook, host of The FEEL Podcast, we dive into her personal wake-up call at 50—when health scares revealed not just physical strain, but the deeper impact of unprocessed emotions, long-term stress, and self-neglect. Together, we unpack the hidden patte...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore what truly drives sustainable business growth—and why most companies struggle not because of effort or talent, but because of clarity. Joined by Mark Gordon, known as the “Rebel CRO,” we dive into the hidden breakdowns that occur across messaging, systems, and team alignment that silently stall revenue growth. From scaling companies from $1M to ove...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore the hidden emotional cost of caring for others. Joined by psychotherapist and mental health advocate Yvette Murray, author of The Mental Health Contagion, we unpack how supporting someone through mental health challenges can quietly begin to affect your own wellbeing. From compassion fatigue and emotional burnout to the struggle of setting healthy...

What if burnout isn’t really about doing too much — but about doing too much of the wrong things at the wrong time? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore how misaligned time — not lack of effort — is what quietly drives overwhelm in modern leadership. Joined by former COO and Time Boss founder Andrew Hartman, this conversation reframes productivity through the lens of structure, rhythm...

Why do some rooms feel easy to enter… while others feel impossible to read? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore the invisible dynamics that shape how we belong — through the lens of Irish traditional music sessions. With fiddle player and educator Tara Connaghan, we unpack the subtle etiquette, quiet hierarchies, and social rhythms that exist beneath the surface of shared spaces. Bec...

What if aging isn’t something that happens to you — but something you actively design? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore the evolving meaning of leadership, identity, and purpose in life’s later chapters. Joined by Erika Andersen, founding partner of Proteus and author of The New Old: Crafting Your Best Later Life, this conversation reframes aging not as decline, but as a deliberat...

What if the kindest thing someone can do for your growth… isn’t to comfort you, but to challenge you? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore the uncomfortable but necessary role of honest feedback in leadership, growth, and personal development. Joined by leadership coach and author Yogi Mueller, creator of The Great Slapping and the G.R.I.T. Index Assessment, this conversation challeng...

What does it mean to heal — not just to survive, but to truly begin living again? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore the deeply personal and non-linear journey of recovery after sexual assault, and what it takes to rebuild a life rooted in safety, agency, and self-trust. Joined by author Amy McKiernan, writer of More Than A Survivor: Eight Keys to Overcoming Sexual Assault and Findi...

What does it truly mean to be resilient — not just in survival, but in becoming? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore the quiet, often unseen journey of rebuilding a life after disruption, pain, and reinvention. Joined by entrepreneur and author Michelle Rogers, founder of Magnetic Property Management and writer of The Resiliency Blueprint, this conversation goes beyond surface-level...

What separates those who rise under pressure from those who fall apart? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore the mental discipline behind high performance — not just in sports, but in every environment where stakes are high and expectations are real. Joined by elite mindset coach Sandy Cohan, this conversation goes beyond motivation and into the structure of true mental strength. Draw...

What happens when the person everyone depends on… realizes they’ve been carrying too much for too long? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore the hidden emotional weight many high-performing women carry — especially those who learned early to survive, support, and succeed without ever pausing to ask what they needed. Joined by transformational guide Adaku Mbagwu, this conversation goes...

What if retirement isn’t the end of meaningful work — but the beginning of your most impactful chapter? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we challenge the traditional narrative of retirement and explore what it means to stay relevant, engaged, and purposeful in the age of artificial intelligence. Joined by Lynn Friesth — former John Deere executive turned author, coach, and creator of LynnAI...

What if the real issue in your conversations isn’t what you’re saying — but what’s left unsaid beneath the surface? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore how emotional intelligence transforms the way we communicate, connect, and build trust — both at work and at home. Joined by Sandy Gerber, Communication Coach and author of Emotional Magnetism, this conversation goes beyond surface-le...

What happens when success no longer feels like enough? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore the quiet shift many experience in midlife — where outward stability masks an internal sense of misalignment. Joined by Philip Blackett, founder of Life After 40, this conversation brings clarity to a season often misunderstood as crisis, but better understood as transition. Drawing from his wo...

What if aging isn’t a slow decline — but a reflection of what we believe is possible? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore the quiet assumptions that shape how we relate to our bodies as we grow older. Joined by Dr. Michael Guadagnino III, chiropractic physician and author of Fitness Over 50, 60, 70 & Beyond, this conversation challenges the idea that pain, stiffness, and limitation a...

What if leadership was never meant to feel like a performance? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore the quiet tension many leaders carry — the pressure to lead in ways that conflict with how their minds and nervous systems actually function. Joined by leadership coach and founder of North of Normal, Sira Laurel, this conversation unpacks burnout, neurodiversity, and the hidden cost of...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore what it truly means to live with spiritual clarity, emotional awareness, and intentional courage in everyday life. Joined by Kristen Wambach—ordained pastor, author, entrepreneur, and host of Interviewing Jesus—we dive into the journey from behavior-based belief to identity-based faith, and how that shift transforms the way we see ourselves, make d...

What if the life you’re waiting to begin is already quietly passing you by? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Joel Eggimann—keynote speaker, author, and former professional parkour athlete—whose work explores courage, intentional living, and the hidden cost of postponement. His perspective was shaped by a deeply personal moment: witnessing his father find peace after a termin...

What happens when life doesn’t just challenge you—but completely rewrites your sense of identity? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Donna Hartley—international speaker, author, and former Miss Hawaii—whose life has been shaped by extraordinary cycles of survival and reinvention. From childhood illness and a commercial plane crash to multiple heart surgeries and a life-threate...

What happens when the path ahead isn’t visible—but the vision is still clear enough to move forward anyway? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Marcus Wartd—also known as Marcus the Marketer (MTM)—a visually impaired serial entrepreneur, investor, and host of In The Biz with M Wiz. From surviving homelessness and personal loss to building ventures across fashion, real estate, a...

What if graduation isn’t an ending—but the beginning of a lifelong network most people never fully use? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Jennifer Cunningham, alumni engagement and nonprofit consultant with nearly two decades of experience helping institutions like Cornell University and Lehigh University build meaningful, lasting communities. Her work focuses on transforming...