Elsplend Realities

Why do so many responsible, hardworking people still struggle with money? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Karlesha V. Hewitt—attorney, educator, and founder of WisdomChild Consulting—to explore the beliefs, habits, and misconceptions that shape our financial lives. Despite having a strong credit score and doing what many would consider "all the right things," Karlesha found...

What happens when the life you've built no longer feels fully connected to the person you're becoming? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we welcome Lillian Reese Brown—speaker, mentor, founder of The Cohere Collective, and host of the Making Meaning podcast—for a thoughtful conversation about purpose, identity, and the lifelong pursuit of personal truth. Together, we explore why so many peopl...

What if the anxiety, burnout, or emotional pain you've been trying to silence isn't a sign that something is wrong with you—but a message asking to be understood? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Devin Scott, a mind-body-spirit practitioner whose work bridges psychotherapy, somatic healing, bodywork, and coaching to explore a different perspective on healing. Rather than tre...

How many opportunities have been lost—not because of a lack of talent, but because of hesitation? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we welcome Corey Poirier—author, speaker, and communication strategist—for a conversation about what it truly means to find your voice and step into greater visibility. Together, we explore the hidden barriers that keep people from expressing themselves, why wait...

What happens when you've built the business, reached the milestones, and checked every box—yet something still feels missing? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Roberta Ravella, founder of The Joy Experiment, to explore why success without alignment often leads to burnout instead of fulfillment. After more than two decades in business, Roberta discovered that the answer wasn't...

What separates those who perform well from those who thrive when the pressure is highest? Is it physical ability alone…or is something deeper at work? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore the often-overlooked connection between mental resilience and physical performance with Jacqueline Kelly, founder of Kelly Performance and Wellness, Certified Mental Performance Coach, and Strength a...

A wedding may last a single day, but a marriage is shaped by the moments that follow. In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore how love grows through intentional rituals, shared experiences, meaningful travel, and the stories couples continue to write long after the vows are spoken. Joining us is Liz Norment, founder of Have Lover, Will Travel, whose work combines wedding officiating, hon...

What if financial success isn't the destination—but a tool for creating a life of greater freedom, purpose, and intention? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, entrepreneur and financial strategist Peter Culver shares a thoughtful perspective on what it means to move beyond chasing more and start designing a life that truly aligns with your values. After founding multiple financial services comp...

How do we move forward when someone—or something—we love is no longer here? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, peer grief specialist and author Patti Comeau-Simonson invites us into an honest conversation about one of life's most universal yet deeply personal experiences: grief. Drawing from her own journey through profound loss and years of supporting others, Patti offers a compassionate pers...

What if the life you've worked so hard to build is quietly asking you to slow down? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, entrepreneur and FounderRev founder Eleanor Kal shares the lessons she learned when relentless ambition led not to lasting fulfillment, but to repeated burnout. After building a successful career in technology through determination and self-taught expertise, Eleanor reached a...

Why do so many accomplished people reach the goals they once dreamed of—only to discover that fulfillment still feels out of reach? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, positive psychologist Max Weigand explores the deeper relationship between achievement, well-being, and the quiet intelligence of the human body. Drawing from his own experience of finding success without the lasting sense of ful...

What if the success of a meeting isn't measured by what gets accomplished—but by how people feel when they leave? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, facilitator and leadership consultant Jodie Goldberg explores the often-overlooked power of belonging in the spaces where we work, lead, and connect. As the founder of Fleurish Consulting, Jodie helps organizations design meetings, retreats, and e...

What if the business you worked so hard to build has quietly become the thing that's running your life? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, entrepreneur and systems strategist Damon Flowers explores the often-overlooked relationship between business growth and personal well-being. Drawing from more than two decades of building and scaling companies, Damon shares why success without structure ca...

As technology evolves at an extraordinary pace, one question becomes increasingly important: How do we ensure our progress strengthens our humanity instead of distancing us from it? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, engineering leader Giorgio Natili shares a thoughtful perspective on the intersection of technology, ethics, and human experience. Drawing on more than two decades of leading team...

Why do some people earn trust the moment they walk into a room, while others—with equal talent and experience—struggle to be seen? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, leadership and communication expert Adrienne Barker explores the subtle behaviors that shape credibility, influence, and professional presence. Through her MannerShift™️ framework, she challenges the idea that professionalism is s...

What if true wealth isn't measured by what you accumulate—but by the peace of mind you cultivate? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, finance professional, property developer, and mindfulness advocate Saw Myint explores the powerful connection between financial well-being and inner stability. Drawing from decades of service, a career in finance, and a Buddhist-inspired approach to mental well-b...

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...