Elsplend Realities

What if the moments that shape us most aren't the ones where everything goes according to plan—but the ones where it doesn't? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, Silvia Rizzo shares insights drawn from the demanding worlds of elite sport and business leadership, where decisions are made under pressure, mistakes are unavoidable, and character is revealed in real time. Together, we explore what h...

What if the biggest obstacle to making better decisions isn't a lack of knowledge—but a lack of trust in your own judgment? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, finance professor and former institutional investor Michael Ijeh explores the hidden struggle of high achievers who excel by following the rules but hesitate when they're called to rely on their own convictions. Through his personal jour...

What if the greatest measure of success isn't what you've built—but who you're becoming while you build it? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, entrepreneur and retreat leader Whitney Gee shares the inner journey behind creating thriving, purpose-driven businesses without losing sight of what matters most. From leaving corporate life after experiencing burnout to taking a life-changing gap year...

What if the life you're longing for isn't found by doing more—but by choosing a different pace? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, Danielle Vandehei shares the journey that led her family away from conventional routines and toward a life centered on presence, connection, and intentional living. From RV travel to van life, and ultimately sailing the open waters, Danielle reflects on what it mea...

What happens when the life you've built is successful on paper—but no longer feels fully aligned with who you're becoming? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, Mike shares his journey from a 25-year corporate career into purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and the lessons he's learned helping professionals navigate one of life's most difficult transitions: giving themselves permission to explore a...

In a world overflowing with information, being heard isn't the same as being understood. In this episode of Elsplend Realities, communicator and marketing strategist Tim Benson shares what it takes to transform complex ideas into messages that genuinely connect. Drawing from his experience in television broadcasting and marketing, Tim explores why clarity is one of the most valuable communication...

Divorce is often seen as one of life's most painful endings—but what if it could also become the beginning of a healthier future? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, divorce mediator and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Brenda Bridges shares a thoughtful perspective on navigating one of life's most emotionally complex transitions. Drawing from both her personal experience and years of helpin...

What if the most valuable wisdom doesn't come from getting everything right—but from paying close attention to what endures? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, entrepreneur and author Richard Perry reflects on a life shaped by reinvention, resilience, and curiosity. From serving in the Navy and working as a chef to rebuilding businesses, publishing books, and innovating in health and nutrition...

What if your life wasn't meant to fit into a single calling? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, Christian business leader and rock artist Chris Whittington shares what it means to pursue both professional success and creative purpose without sacrificing either. Through his journey as a business owner, musician, and man of faith, Chris reflects on the tension of living a dual vocation, the heal...

What if the most effective way to grow your business isn't by becoming more persuasive—but by becoming more curious? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, business development coach Doug Ott shares a refreshing perspective on professional growth—one that replaces pressure with presence, pitching with listening, and transactions with genuine relationships. Together, we explore why trust is built t...

What if financial freedom isn't simply about saving more—but about thinking differently? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, cash flow expert Chris Miles invites us to question some of the most common assumptions we've inherited about money, investing, and long-term security. Together, we explore why many hardworking people still feel financially constrained despite doing everything they were t...

Why is it that we can clearly see what needs to change... yet still find ourselves repeating the same patterns? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, author and coach Cecelia Baum Mandryk explores the often-overlooked space between awareness and action—a place she calls the Post-Insight Plateau. It's the gap where understanding alone no longer creates transformation, and where real, lasting chang...

What if learning a new language wasn't just about mastering words—but about discovering who you become when you're willing to be imperfect? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, language learning expert, author, and coach Kerstin Cable explores the deeper emotional journey behind acquiring a new language. Together, we discuss why so many adults believe they're "bad at languages," how fear of maki...

Why do we keep repeating the same emotional patterns—even when we know they no longer serve us? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with clinical hypnotherapist and coach Christine Brodmerkel to explore the quiet influence of the subconscious mind and how it shapes the way we think, feel, and respond to life. Together, we unpack why lasting transformation often requires more than wi...

What if the answers we’re searching for aren’t found by thinking harder—but by listening more deeply? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we welcome Pearly Montagu, TEDx speaker, trauma-release practitioner, and guide in the world of somatic healing. Following a life-altering near-death experience, Pearly developed a unique form of perception that transformed the way she understands the human b...

Success can be surprisingly exhausting when it’s built on confusion, disconnected systems, and constant firefighting. In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Sonya Corkery, operations strategist, business owner, wife, and mother, to explore the often-overlooked relationship between business structure and personal well-being. Drawing from more than a decade of experience building an...

What happens when the thing you've built your identity around suddenly disappears? For many people, the loss of a career, a dream, or a defining role creates more than disappointment—it creates a profound question: Who am I now? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Michael Bugary, former professional baseball player, speaker, and author, to explore a journey marked by loss, addi...

Many business owners focus on growing revenue. But revenue alone doesn't guarantee success. The businesses that thrive long-term are often the ones whose leaders understand their numbers, make informed decisions, and build profitability with intention. In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Douglas Carpenter, CPA, CFA, and financial strategist with more than 35 years of experience...

Some stories remain unspoken for years—not because they don't matter, but because finding the words can take time. In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Sheryl Hauk, author, retired music educator, and survivor advocate, to explore the deeply personal journey from silence to voice. For decades, Sheryl built a meaningful life as an educator, mentor, and source of support for other...

What if the exhaustion so many people feel isn't coming from life itself—but from trying to be someone they're not? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Alix Duchamps to explore the deeply human journey of self-discovery, boundaries, and learning to embrace imperfection. For years, Alix carried the feeling of being out of place, navigating expectations, relationships, anxiety, a...

What if the next level of growth isn't about achieving more? What if it's about becoming more aware of the patterns that are already shaping your decisions, relationships, and experience of success? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Steve Barton, executive coach and creator of The Game of Ten®️, to explore the difference between living reactively and living consciously. After...

Some of the most important moments in life happen through conversations. A difficult discussion. A thoughtful question. A moment of conflict. An opportunity to lead. A chance to be understood. Yet few of us were ever taught how to communicate effectively when those moments arrive. In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Michael Ashford—marketing executive, leadership communications...

In a culture that constantly searches for shortcuts, success is often portrayed as something complicated, hidden behind the latest strategy, mindset hack, or breakthrough formula. But what if the real answer is simpler than we think? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Daryl Dittmer—coach, entrepreneur, investor, and mentor—to explore the foundational habits that create lasting...

Most major failures don't begin with a dramatic collapse. They begin with assumptions left unchallenged, objectives left unclear, and decisions made before the right questions were asked. In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Cristian Gonzalez, capital project leader, author of The Industrial Capital Project Playbook, and host of the Beyond the CapEx podcast. With two decades of...

What happens when the path you've followed for decades no longer provides clear directions? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Jeff Ton, former technology executive, author, and reflective traveler, whose six-year journey retracing the historic Lewis and Clark Trail became much more than an exploration of American history. It became a profound lesson in uncertainty, partnershi...