Life = Choices; Choices = Life

In this episode, I interview Choice Theory counselor, Pam Slakely, about her involvement with Mental Freedom both as an individual taking the coaching program and as a counselor using the elements in her counseling. #Lifeequalschoices #KimOlver #MentalFreedom #Choice Theory #counseling #coaching  

In this episode I discuss the difference between discipline and punishment in school and how punishment doesn't really work unless all we want is compliance. When you are looking to help your students learn and grow, a new discipline is needed. Teachers aren't trained to be counselors to their students but they are often called upon to fill a similar role. The simplicity of helping students self-e...

In this episode, I interview Steve Hammond, a principal of a Glasser Quality School (GQS) in Norfolk, VA. Steve’s GQS is also a Catholic school where he trains his teachers in Glasser’s Choice Theory ideology. Steve and I talk about his school, his journey to becoming a GQS and some very poignant stories of students along the way. If you have ever wondered about the magic of what Choice Theory app...

In this episode, I interview Dr. Lois DaSilva-Knapton about her journey from paraprofessional to school superintendent. Lois learned that her love is in special education and she is currently working as the head of special education in New Hampshire. She was exposed to Choice Theory early in her career and says it definitely shaped her as a leader and helped her to overcome the day-to-day stress f...

In this episode, I interview Ivan Honey, psychologist, Choice Theory Enthusiast and creator of the  Get Happier Project . Ivan and I speak about his invention, The Get Happier Project, and how it is used in schools around the globe to support teachers, parents and students in learning their own psychology so they can make better choices and live happier. Check it out and if you want to contin...

In this episode, I discuss leadership and how coaching can help a leader be that leader with the right balance of support and challenge. Asking employees self-evaluation questions, rather than providing your one-sided feedback is more effective in gaining what you really want, a satisfied, engaged employee. If you would be interested in more on leadership, check out my  Empowered Leadership e...

In this episode, I interview Michael Sherlock about her business and her ideas and concepts about leadership. Michael is quite entrepreneurial-minded and finds ways to take seemingly random events in her life and find ways to create business opportunities from them. She has also developed forward-thinking ideas about what will be needed from leaders post-COVID which make so much sense. If you...

In this episode, I interview Chester Jackson about his life's purpose and direction in the field of adoption. Chester was invited into the world of adoption, as an unqualified adoption worker because of a connection to his friend, only to learn at the age of 33 that he, himself, was adopted and he never knew. He found answers and healing in the work he did and displays excellent leadership skills...

In this episode, I interview my friend and colleague, Francesco "Frenchie" Bazzocchi. Frenchie is a retired school teacher who loves educating and coaching hockey. Having played the sport many years himself, he is passionate about coaching players to reach their highest potential and helping coaches learn how to do the same. Frenchie is certified in Choice Theory and is also an instructor so his u...

In this episode I interview Marsha Zablotney, a counselor turned manager in the D&A treatment field. I have known Marsha over 15 years, all of which she spent managing D&A treatment programs--two halfway houses and a residential treatment facility. Marsha learned Choice Theory and its safe to say it rocked her world in terms of case conceptualization and rethinking the policies, mainly pun...

In this episode, I interview Reality Therapist, Ron Mottern about his unique brand of therapy, integrating Reality Therapy with martial arts and hypnosis, for ultimate effectiveness. Ron says Reality Therapy has never failed him in a variety of settings. He is a prolific writer with many publications in the International Journal of Choice Theory & Reality Therapy over the years, as well a...

In this episode, I discuss what is wrong with our current model of mental health as a medical "illness" and discuss instead what it is, what positive mental health looks like and touch on the possibilities for treating those with mental distress differently. Some of the references mentioned in the podcast are: Terry Lynch's  The Depression Delusion , Dr. Peter Breggin's  Psychiatric Drug...

In this episode, I discuss the concept of Post Traumatic GLOW. I begin by explaining how I consider Post Traumatic Stress a normal response to an extraordinary event in a person's life and anything but a disorder. Each criteria for diagnosis is processed and explained in a normalizing way. Then the concept of balance and GLOW are introduced so people suffering with the stress of trauma can see hop...

In this episode, I interview Jeff Steedman, a Choice Theory enthusiast and counselor in Australia following his second bout of cancer, he previously had thyroid cancer.  I was so impressed with how Jeff used the concepts of Choice Theory in his recovery the first time and wanted to have him share his process this time around. Jeff's honest, straight-forward accounting is an inspiration for ma...

In this episode, I interview Joe Santana, Chairman of The CDO PowerCircle, a research, training, and coaching association. Joe is also the creator and host of the ERG PowerTalk podcast and author of Supercharge Your ERGs. Currently, he's working on a book on how non-technical leaders can govern automation and AI. Joe and I are discussing diversity and the built-in bias of artif...

In this episode, I interview Jhmira Alexander about her work with Public Narrative, the concept of #whiteprivilege and the idea that the solution is going to involve investment in communities of color and white people being willing to take a look at systemic barriers to success. #diversity #inclusionmatters #equity #whiteprivilege #diversityandinclusion #diversitymatters #BlackLivesMatters #B...

In this episode, I discuss the stairway people need to climb to move from conflict over difference to appreciation of difference. It's a journey, not a leap, with intermediary steps along the way.

In this episode, I interview coach, Buddy Thornton. Buddy applies the concepts of Dr. William Glasser's Choice Theory and his knowledge of bias in diversity to help parents build stronger relationships with their children. If, after listening, you'd like to contact Buddy, you can email him at  buddypscapro@gmail.com  or visit his website at  www.bctmediationsplus.com .  #divers...

In this episode, I discuss what causes self-sabotage, how to recognize it and what to do about it. If you believe you are being stopped by self-sabotage and would like coaching around this issue, check out the  coaching packages  at The Relationship Center.  #personalgrowth #selfdiscovery #personalgrowthjourney#coachingtips#emotionalsupport#lifecoachingtips#changemylife#ch...

In this episode, Kim discusses the benefits of giving up the idea of fighting, pushing and making things happen to rather aligning yourself with what the Universe has in store for you by following the path that's opening for you and checking your level of excitement for it.  hashtags: #selfgrowth #balancedlife #selfdiscovery #selfgrowthjourney #personalgrowthjourney #trustinyourself #sel...

In this episode, I discuss the process of writing a book from research through writing, to production and publication to marketing. There are many shortcuts that can be taken along the way, but each shortcut reduces the likelihood of success for your book. Join InsideOut Press'  Writers' Group  that I facilitate at  www.insideoutpress.com/writers-group  and check out their&nbsp...

In this episode, I interview fellow podcaster and therapist, Dick Goldberg. Dick has been a psychotherapist for over 40 years. He has also been a PBS producer and host, a public radio host, a current podcaster and the author of several books. Dick discusses the 10 secrets he has discovered for increasing your likeability factor. To contact Dick, he can be reached at  DickGoldbergRadio.co...

In this episode, I discuss how grandparenting can be the best gig in the world when conditions are ideal or it can be a large source of pain for some. We dive into six situations that might be causing pain--a child with physical or developmental challenges, when you disapprove of the parenting your grandchildren receive, when you don't get along with one or both of the parents, when unknown, uncle...

In this episode, I talk with Sylvester Baugh about step-parenting. Sylvester Baugh has been a stepparent for almost the entire life of his step-daughter who is now in her mid-twenties. He takes the concept of step-parenting and turns it on its head with Step-Up Parenting. He talks about the forever commitment that is made to a child, regardless of what happens in the adult relationship. Sylvester...

In this episode, I discuss today's challenges of parenting children who are enamored with their electronic devices. There is always a conflict because your children love their screens and they can provide parents much needed time without their children's demands for attention. On the other hand, parents are often concerned about their children's behavior when they have excessive gaming and screen...