Elsplend Realities

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore what it takes to build a business — and a life — that supports you instead of draining you. This conversation is about clarity, emotional sustainability, and the often-overlooked tension between ambition and wellbeing. We are joined by Angelica Bryant, an engineer, entrepreneur, and systems strategist who helps women design businesses that work wit...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore what it means to build a life rooted in intention, resilience, and self-defined success — especially in environments that move quickly and demand constant adaptation. Joining us is Katrina Purcell, a consultant who partners with early to mid-stage tech companies to build efficient, sustainable systems for growth. Beyond her professional work, Katri...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore the deeper relationship between healing, performance, and the body’s natural intelligence — and why true recovery requires more than simply chasing fast results. Joining us is Dr. Tommy Rhee, sports chiropractor, author of The Future of Regenerative Medicine, and founder of RheeGen, a pioneering approach to regenerative care designed to support hea...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore what’s really happening beneath picky eating — and why mealtimes are often about far more than food. Joining us is Paulina “Lena” Livinsky, a holistic feeding specialist, pediatric speech-language pathologist, creator of the BLOOM Framework, and host of The Livin’Sky Podcast. Lena’s work helps families move away from shame, pressure, and power stru...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore what it means to build identity, resilience, and self-trust in a world that often tries to define people before truly understanding them. Joining us is Hollis Peirce — historian, disability advocate, community builder, and recipient of the Governor General of Canada’s Meritorious Service Medal. Diagnosed with Congenital Muscular Dystrophy at six mo...

In this thoughtful episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore a gentler, more sustainable approach to healing, growth, and personal transformation — one rooted not in pressure or perfection, but in self-trust, emotional regulation, and compassion. Joining us is Kerisma Vere, holistic wellness coach, author of The Light Switch Myth and creator of From Pressure to Path: A Compassionate Framework for...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore what it truly means to rebuild identity from the inside out — and how discipline, faith, and self-leadership shape the way men show up in their lives, families, and purpose. We are joined by Sean McManus, a men’s strength coach and founder of McManus Strength and Nutrition. After experiencing burnout and an identity crisis in the corporate world, S...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore how leadership is shaped not only by strategy and execution, but by culture, identity, and the personal journeys that influence how we show up in business and life. We are joined by David Aferiat, founder of Avid Vines and Managing Principal of The Avid Group. With a career spanning fintech innovation at Trade Ideas, international leadership roles,...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore how structure, clarity, and well-designed systems shape not just business performance, but also team morale, leadership effectiveness, and customer experience. We’re joined by Errol Allen, an operations expert, consultant, and author with a career spanning organizations such as ADT Security Services, GEICO, and The Houston Post. Since launching his...

In this powerful episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore the deeper systems, emotions, and choices that shape how society responds to sexual violence — and what it would take to transform those responses into something more humane, effective, and survivor-centered. We are joined by Tracy DeTomasi, CEO of Callisto, licensed clinical social worker, and long-time leader in trauma, justice, and syst...

What does it take to lead with clarity when the pressure is high and the stakes are real? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with entrepreneur and global business strategist Rion Westfall to explore the mindset shifts, emotional resilience, and leadership principles that fuel long-term success. From engineering projects tied to the Department of Defense to launching and scaling com...

In this insightful episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, leadership, and emotional intelligence in a rapidly changing world. Bestselling author and Fractional Chief AI Officer John Michael Thomas joins us to unpack how leaders can approach AI with clarity, confidence, and practical strategy — without getting lost in hype or fear. Together, we discus...

In this deeply compassionate episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore the emotional realities of loving someone struggling with addiction and the healing journey that families often face in silence. Certified life coach Jennifer Chase joins us to share her personal story as a woman in long-term recovery, the daughter of an alcoholic, and the mother of a recovering addict. Together, we unpack the...

In this deeply honest episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore the emotional side of growth, leadership, and personal transformation. Entrepreneur, business leader, gym owner, and storyteller Ken Cox joins us for a raw and insightful conversation about recovery, resilience, fatherhood, entrepreneurship, and learning how to show up authentically in every season of life. Together, we unpack the pre...

In this thought-provoking episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore the deeper relationship between stress, trauma, resilience, and human potential. Joining us is researcher and innovator Stan Kurtz, whose work examines the hidden biological and neurological patterns that can affect clarity, energy, emotional balance, and overall well-being. Together, we discuss how chronic stress and unresolved e...

What happens when life doesn’t follow the path you imagined? In this heartfelt episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with writer, voice actor, audiobook narrator, and From Foster to Forever podcast host Rachel Fulginiti to explore the emotional journey of infertility, miscarriage, foster care, and adoption. Rachel shares the resilience it took to navigate uncertainty, the lessons she learned...

What happens when a defining chapter of life comes to a close — and a new one begins before you feel ready? In this reflective episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Jay Ramsden, certified personal and executive coach and host of This Empty Nest Life, for a conversation about mid-life transitions, identity shifts, and the emotional complexity of stepping into a new season of life. Jay bri...

Why do so many people achieve success but still feel disconnected from their lives? In this reflective episode of Elsplend Realities, we’re joined by Chandra Lynn — Certified Transformation Coach, author of Root-to-Rise: How to Love Life, and founder of Glow Living — for a conversation about emotional awareness, resilience, and the shift from survival mode into intentional living. Drawing from ove...

Why does exhaustion persist even when you’re doing everything “right”? In this grounded episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Dr. Maureen ‘Moe’ Gibbons — emergency medicine physician, entrepreneur, and author of Freedom to SHIFT — for a conversation that reframes burnout not as a failure of discipline, but as a breakdown of capacity. Drawing from her experience working in high-pressure m...

What if the real problem isn’t your strategy — but a lack of clarity underneath it? In this thoughtful episode of Elsplend Realities, we’re joined by Dan Crask, founder of Brand Shepherd and creator of the Vibe, Tribe, & Why®️ framework, for a conversation about alignment, intentional growth, and the deeper emotional work behind sustainable success. Dan helps founders and leaders slow down before...

What does strong leadership actually look like when the pressure is constant and the stakes are high? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Clint Rusch — award-winning executive, decorated combat veteran, and experienced business leader — for a conversation about resilience, emotional steadiness, and navigating responsibility with clarity. From military service to executive leade...

What if the body already knows how to heal — even when the mind feels stuck? In this grounding episode of Elsplend Realities, we’re joined by Melanie Smithson, licensed somatic psychotherapist and author of Stress Free in 30 Seconds, for a conversation about stress, emotional release, and the powerful wisdom stored within the body. Melanie’s work explores how unresolved emotions, chronic stress, a...

Why do so many people feel disconnected from themselves even when they seem to be doing everything “right”? In this reflective episode of Elsplend Realities, we’re joined by Dr. Glenn Berger — psychotherapist, coach, and author of Never Say No to a Rock Star — for a conversation about emotional disconnection, inner fulfillment, and the quiet process of finding your way back to yourself. Drawing fr...

What makes leadership truly effective in high-pressure environments? In this insightful episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Traci Austin, a transformational leadership strategist and workforce development expert helping leaders in construction and skilled trades build stronger teams, healthier workplace cultures, and more confident leadership practices. With more than two decades of ex...

What happens when the life plan you trusted suddenly falls apart? In this deeply reflective episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with David Nassief to explore the emotional and practical realities of starting over later in life. After being fired at 63 from an 18-year corporate career—with almost no retirement savings and no clear next step—David faced a fear many people quietly carry: What...