Step Into The Gap

Today Tessa is joined by Rita Ernst, the owner of Ignite Extraordinary. They talk about the importance of celebrating your employees and how to create the best work environment. Tessa and Rita share their personal experiences of having great co-workers and how it inspired them to work harder. They share how moving from a rigid workplace to one that feels like family can not only improve the enviro...

John Chester didn't just start a farm—he reawakened an ecosystem. In this conversation, filmmaker-turned-farmer John shares the extraordinary journey behind The Biggest Little Farm, revealing how a barren, overworked plot of land transformed into a thriving biodynamic system. With deep parallels between gut health and soil health, John unpacks how biodiversity, failure, and curiosity drive real re...

Ever wondered why intimacy feels so elusive? It's not just about sex—it's about understanding yourself and your partner at a soul level. Juliet Karaman, an expert in intimacy and trauma healing, joins Tessa Arnold for a candid conversation on how to deepen connection, break free from societal constraints, and tune into your body's true "yes" and "no." Discover how communication, self-awareness, an...

What happens when the uniform comes off and the future feels uncertain? In this powerful conversation, Zack Knight—former police officer, Army infantry officer, and Green Beret partner—opens up about his intense transition from service to civilian life. From near-suicidal lows to launching a mission-driven organization, Zack shares the real story behind finding purpose after loss. We dive into the...

What if the key to creating lasting impact isn't about giving more—but listening better? Social impact architect Gretchen Villegas shares her transformative journey from the rural Midwest to remote villages in Africa and Latin America, where she learned that the deepest change comes from understanding what people truly need—not what we assume they do. This conversation challenges how we define ser...

Technology is evolving faster than our minds can process—but what does that mean for our mental health, creativity, and connection? In this electric conversation, Tessa Arnold sits down with digital entrepreneur and thought leader Matt to explore how the internet has shaped our lives, our choices, and our responsibilities. From the early days of dial-up to the age of AI, they unpack what it really...

What if your biggest breakthrough is still ahead of you? In this powerful conversation, high-performance strategist Jaclyn Strominger joins Tessa Arnold to explore how limiting beliefs quietly shape our lives—and how to shatter them. From the lessons hidden in animated films like Cars to real talk about neuroplasticity, resilience, and rewriting your story at any age, this episode is packed with i...

 In this powerful conversation with mindset coach Michele Phillips, we explore how intentional micro-actions, emotional balance, and nervous system awareness can transform the way you show up—for your health, your family, your goals, and your life. From laddering up your emotions to redefining affirmations so they actually work, Michele Phillips shares insights from 25 years of guiding people beyo...

Think you know what resilience looks like? This might surprise you. Join host Tessa Arnold who talks with  Katie Mares shares the raw and riveting story of surviving domestic abuse, losing everything, and choosing to rise—one small, powerful step at a time. From lying in the fetal position to rebuilding a life and career from scratch, Katie's story is a masterclass in courage, clarity, and taking...

What if the key to better communication, influence, and even inner peace lies in understanding a part of your brain that's been running the show since the Stone Age? In this fascinating deep-dive, Tessa Arnold talks with Thomas—the Happy Tribes Builder—uncovers how our primal brains shape nearly every decision we make, often without us even realizing it. From survival instincts to subconscious fru...

What if the very traits that made you successful are also keeping you from the deep connections you crave? Somatic coach Jay Moon Fields joins Tessa Arnold to explore how high-achievers can feel at home in themselves—not just alone, but in relationships, too. They dive into the hidden dynamics of internal family systems, the role of protectors and managers in shaping our experiences, and why so ma...

 Ever thought about owning a business but didn't know where to start? Greg Mohr joins us to uncover the hidden opportunities in franchising—how it can provide structure, support, and a proven roadmap to success. We break down the myths, the costs, and the freedom it can offer for those ready to leave corporate life behind or diversify their investments. If you've ever wondered whether franchising...

What happens when you've climbed the corporate ladder, only to realize it's time for a whole new climb? Tessa Arnold sits down with Sara Flanagan, a former banking executive turned entrepreneur, to explore the journey of stepping away from stability and embracing reinvention. They break down the mindset shifts, the fears that hold us back, and the strategies for building a bold and fulfilling "2.0...

In this episode, Tara Elizabeth, the founder of Kollective SHIFT, shares her transformative journey from teaching special education to becoming a breathwork and habit coach. Tara explains how her work is grounded in the power of breath, boundaries, and habits to help individuals heal from trauma and stress. She opens up about the personal struggles that led her to breathwork, including a difficult...

In this powerful episode of Step Into the Gap, Tessa Arnold connects with Dr. Nona Djavid, a Forbes writer, entrepreneur, and expert on personal transformation. They dive deep into how we can break free from limiting beliefs and step into the bigger vision for our lives. Dr. Djavid shares her personal journey from feeling trapped in a seemingly perfect life to embracing a vision of freedom, abunda...

In this episode of Step Into the Gap, Tessa Arnold sits down with world-renowned freediver William Trubridge, holder of 18 world records and six world championship titles. William shares his extraordinary journey into freediving, a sport that challenges both the body and the mind. He opens up about the transformative power of the ocean, the deep meditative state that freediving brings, and how it...

In this episode, Tessa Arnold sits down with Parker, a nationwide lender and real estate investor, to dive into the world of short-term rentals and financial freedom. Parker shares her insights on helping clients build successful portfolios, the importance of client relationships, and the balancing act between professional drive and personal well-being. They also explore the role of boundaries in...