Natural Passages

What if becoming a better leader, coach, communicator, or decision-maker wasn't about learning another technique—but about learning to be fully present? In Episode 41 of Natural Passages , host Dan Portik sits down with internationally recognized executive coach, leadership consultant, and author Herb Stevenson to explore the transformational ideas behind his latest book, Bare Attention: Coaching...

Episode 40 of the Natural Passages podcast features a powerful conversation with Herb Stevenson exploring the difference between the “Frozen Self” and the “Present Self” and why so many people today emotionally react instead of consciously responding. Drawing from mindfulness practices, Toltec wisdom, psychology, transformational coaching, and deep self observation, Herb discusses emotional trigge...

Episode Overview: Most people don’t have a communication problem… they have a reaction problem. In this episode of the Natural Passages Podcast, host Herb Stevenson explores how the lack of presence creates unnecessary conflict, stress, and distorted communication. He introduces the concept of coherence—what it means, how it shows up in your life, and why it’s the key to better relationships, clea...

In this episode of the Natural Passages Podcast, executive coach and leadership advisor  @herbstevenson9970  explores how the timeless wisdom of Toltec philosophy and the Five Agreements can dramatically improve executive team performance. Drawing on decades of consulting experience, Herb explains why most leadership teams don’t fail because of intelligence, strategy, or talent—but because of dist...

In Episode 37 of the Natural Passages Podcast , Herb Stevenson delivers a timely, no-nonsense conversation about something most people get wrong—listening. As the holiday season brings emotional pressure, family tension, and uncertainty, Herb explains why we often think we’re listening when we’re actually reacting to old stories, assumptions, and past experiences. This full episode breaks down the...

In this powerful episode of the Natural Passages Podcast , host Herb Stevenson breaks down one of the most essential skills for navigating modern life: grounding . With the world moving faster, pressures increasing, and people living in constant mental overdrive, Herb explores how grounding reconnects us with the body, restores presence, and brings us back into a place of inner stability. Through...

In this episode of Natural Passages, host Herb Stevenson breaks down one of the biggest myths in modern life: work-life balance doesn’t exist. Herb explains why the real key is work-life quality—how you define your life, how you make choices, and how intentionally you show up for the people who matter most. Herb shares decades of insight from executive leadership coaching, exploring why so many pe...

In this enlightening episode of Natural Passages , host Herb Stevenson guides listeners through the quiet corridors of the mind to explore the profound connection between silence, mindfulness, and true presence . Herb discusses why sitting in silence is one of the most powerful — yet most difficult — practices for self-awareness and emotional balance. Discover the five stages of the mind , from th...

In this episode of the Natural Passages Podcast , host Herb Stevenson explores the countercultural practice of “not doing.” We live in a world that glorifies busyness—always moving, always producing. But what happens when we pause? Herb shares how slowing down creates space for clarity, creativity, and authentic connection. Drawing from his consulting work, he offers stories of leaders and organiz...

In this episode of Natural Passages: Revealing the Unmarked Doors of Life , host Herb Stevenson explores what it really means to pay attention . It’s easy to say we’re paying attention, but are we doing it out of old habits and mental routines—or are we consciously aware of what’s right in front of us? Herb introduces a fresh perspective on the Tuckman stages of group development—forming, storming...

Show Notes: In this episode of the Natural Passages Podcast , host Herb Stevenson explores the power of attention and presence in a world overwhelmed by noise, stress, and distraction. Herb introduces the concept of the “wobble”—a frenetic, scattered state of mind that keeps us disconnected from ourselves and others. Through stories, practical examples, and timeless wisdom, he shows how shifting y...

Host: Herb Stevenson In this thought-provoking episode, Herb Stevenson brings his trilogy on doubt to a close by exploring how doubt can actually be a powerful internal compass —not just a paralyzing emotion. While previous episodes examined personal doubt and organizational doubt , this installment asks a crucial question: When should you listen to doubt? Herb introduces the concept of abductive...

Host: Herb Stevenson Series: The Doubt Series – Part 4 (Final) Podcast: Natural Passages – Revealing the Unmarked Doors of Life Episode Summary: In this powerful conclusion to the Doubt Series, Herb Stevenson explores how doubt shows up in leadership, not just as hesitation—but as subtle behaviors and cultural misalignments that derail success. Whether you're leading a company, managing a team...

In this deeply reflective episode, Herb Stevenson invites you into the subtle, powerful world of self-doubt — not as an enemy of change, but as a revealing force that can guide your transformation. Building on the Four Laws of Change , Herb explores how doubt arises, why it disrupts confidence and commitment, and how it often originates from outdated internal stories or generational fears. Through...

Hosted by Herb Stevenson In this powerful episode of the Natural Passages Podcast , Herb dives into the Four Ancient Laws of Change —a timeless guide for navigating personal transformation. Whether you're facing a major life transition or just feeling stuck, these four laws can help you move from frustration to lasting growth. 🌱 The Four Laws of Change: Change must come from within Change req...

Host: Herb Stevenson Podcast: Natural Passages – Revealing the Unmarked Doors of Life In this episode, Herb dives deep into one of the most transformative crossroads we all face: the tension between external authority and internal authority . Are you living a life shaped by societal expectations—or one defined by your authentic self? 🧭 Learn how early conditioning creates a divided self, why midl...

🎧 Episode 25: The Practice of Right Relations with Herb Stevenson In this powerful 25th episode of the Natural Passages Podcast , Herb Stevenson dives deep into the foundational principles of right relations —a way of living rooted in presence, integrity, and conscious connection. Whether in personal relationships or professional settings, this episode delivers timeless insights on how to communi...

Welcome to another deep and thought-provoking episode of Natural Passages: Revealing the Unmarked Door with Herb Stevenson. In this episode, Herb explores the transformative concept of triple-loop learning —a model that goes beyond knowledge and behavior change to challenge our very way of seeing the world. Starting with defensive loops , progressing through single and double loops , and culminati...

In this special solo episode of Natural Passages: Revealing the Unmarked Doors of Life , Herb Stevenson speaks directly to you—answering powerful questions from listeners around the world who are seeking clarity and calm in the midst of uncertainty. You’ll hear personal reflections, grounded practices, and powerful insights on how to navigate stress, fear, and overwhelm—while reconnecting with you...

In this episode 22 of the Natural Passages Podcast , Herb Stevenson sits down with longtime friend and international leadership coach David Harris for a deep and heartfelt conversation on embodied presence, leadership transformation, and the healing power of horses . For over 25 years, David and his wife Sharon have facilitated leadership development experiences with horses—helping executives, tea...

Join host Herb Stevenson and special guest Ken Chapin as they explore the Drama Triangle , a psychological model that reveals how the roles of victim, rescuer, and persecutor shape our interactions and relationships. Discover how shifting to conscious awareness can break negative patterns and lead to more empowered ways of living and leading. ✅ Understanding the unconscious vs. conscious expressi...

Episode Summary: In this insightful and thought-provoking episode of Natural Passages Podcast , host Herb Stevenson continues his deep exploration into self-discovery, relationships, and the transformative power of shifting focus from what we don’t want to what we do want. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🔹 Navigating Life’s Rules: The first decades of life are about learning the rules, but the...

In Episode 20 (Part 1) of the Natural Passages Podcast , host Herb Stevenson and guest Ken Chapin dive into a profound discussion about intimacy, vulnerability, and human connection . They explore: ✔️ The true meaning of intimacy beyond traditional views ✔️ How presence and vulnerability shape relationships ✔️ The unique challenges men face in expressing intimacy ✔️ The impact of being truly seen...

Are you unknowingly deceiving yourself and limiting your potential? In this episode of Natural Passages , host Herb Stevenson welcomes artist, designer, and writer Ken Chapin to explore the intriguing concept of Slight of Self —a subconscious illusion, a hidden magic trick we play on ourselves, or a way we hold ourselves back without realizing it. 🔹 What You'll Discover in This Episode: ✅ How bl...

In this episode of Natural Passages , Herb Stevenson and Lisa Kayser explore the transformative power of felt sense, presence, and emotional awareness. They discuss how stored energy in the body influences emotional reactions and offer practical steps to develop conscious awareness. Tune in for powerful insights on breaking free from reactive patterns and creating a deeper connection with yourself...