The Nativist

In this meaningful episode, I sit down with Tia Lloyd of The Connection Project to talk self growth, music, and, of course, connection.  We get into: the health scare that catalyzed her re-connection to herself and how she's channeled that to help others. how she applies her insights from therapy to her life: parenting, relationships, friendships, etc.  empowerment and agency response vs reaction...

In this episode, the man on the move, JD Hansen, joins me for an uplifting and invigorating conversation that left me on such a high. We discuss the following: saving my life through a cancer diagnosis transcending division + partisanship leading with reason + compassion recognizing humanity + commonality flowing + living a balanced life overcoming addiction protecting peace + preventing burnout c...

Prepare to get blown away and fiercely inspired by Cartier Dior Eliasen. Barely in her 20s, she's already competed on Project Runway Junior, been accepted into (huge deal) and graduated from Institut Français de la Mode in Paris, and presented at New York Fashion Week. And she's just getting started.  In this episode, we discuss opening doors for yourself, finding your niche and people, nurturing...

She's back! In this episode, my dynamic friend Brittney D'Anelli and I dive into some rich material:  opening yourself to life and its offerings (people, experiences, etc) recognizing and exercising your agency normalizing hard conversations and uncomfortable thoughts Peace Walking with Buddhists in DC  It's not about giving no effs - it's about selectively and intentionally giving the right ones....

In this episode, I interview Lilach Grimminger, the author of While We Wait: Selected Stories and Essays. We discuss Lilach's life in Israel before coming to the US, and her thoughts on military service, community, and global awareness. Lilach explains her desire to offer a moment of relief and healing in a fast-paced world by writing in a non-confrontational way to share thoughts and foster dialo...

My luminescent friend Sheena Daniels re-joins me to share her new program, Soulphoria, which provides a blueprint for embodied living. I couldn't be more thrilled to promote this because it aligns so deeply with my own experience and message.  We discuss:  empowerment  redefining success  productive hard vs unproductive hard freedom  getting unstuck  embodiment  returning to yourself  thriving not...

In a time when "rawness," "vulnerability," and "authenticity" are leveraged, exploited and commodified, I am careful and discerning about what I share of my private life. My paramount objective is always to provide value - I will only share something if I think it could potentially do so.  That being said, in this episode I sit down with my sister Brooke Anderson to discuss something very personal...

Music influences mood, psychology, physiology, memory, style, fashion, and motivation. It transcends languages, cultures, and boundaries. In this feel-good ep, Chris Sherrod and I discuss all this, plus: using music as a tool to change a mood, set a tone, connect, self express, and communicate separating the art from the [problematic] artist reversing aging through your playlist  Rock on.  Connect...

In this energizing and playful - yet profound - episode, I sit down with the ultra-talented and wise-beyond-her-years Hadlee Harris of HHCreative. We get into: Creating more than consuming Balancing perfectionism Allowing ebbs and flows Being vulnerable by sharing your art Infusing whimsy, romanticism, and play into daily life to offset and prevent burnout Commodifying art and making a business fr...

You may have been told (scolded?) to watch your language. Turns out, that’s sound advice.  Because words really do matter - just ask science. Research repeatedly demonstrates the effect words have on our genes and on our bodies at a cellular level(!) , thereby impacting our physiology and health (mental and physical). HOW NEAT IS THAT (no question mark because it’s undeniably neat - not up for deb...

You may have noticed (and experienced!): We're more digitally connected than ever before, yet more socially disconnected than we've ever been. I explain why this is, and why former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared loneliness an epidemic, highlighting it as a major public health crisis comparable to smoking or obesity, significantly increasing risks for heart disease, dementia, stroke, depress...

Get ready to feel inspired and heartened. In this moving episode, Adrian Smart shares his story for the first time. It’s an incredible story of hope, resilience, grit, love, determination, and humanity. Adrian tells us the personal challenges and tragedies he experienced growing up in Tanzania and South Africa, and how he made his way to the US (it’s a breathtaking story). If you know/follow Adria...

Tension can be uncomfortable, but it can also be valuable. In this episode, I offer ways to re-frame tension, points to consider, and tips for handling it. In addition to sharing examples from my own life, I also suggest questions to ask yourself to help you know when to speak up and when to stay silent. Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist Visit https://clearstem.com/?ref=eubxj...

In this timely and informative episode, Rhetoric Rob [Watkins] advises not on what to think, but how to think. We also cover: How to detect bias in information sources and hidden agendas How to avoid common fallacies How and why our brains are wired to reject certain truths (and how to override that) Why changing your mind is a source of intelligence and maturity How to avoid common fallacies How...

Having majored in political science and minored in psychology, I am particularly interested in politics and human dynamics. I am also continuously committed to learning, growing, and connecting - as you likely are, too. In this solo episode, I approach politics through the lens of balance and nuance. I offer insight on: prioritizing truth over ideology avoiding common misconceptions recognizing po...

My vibrant friend Vera Marcinko is this episode’s guest of honor. As a doula, Vera is a birth and postpartum mentor who shares her own postpartum journey, and its effect on her health, her marriage, and her identity. There’s something in this episode for everyone, as we go wide and deep, covering: +Why community is crucial for humans, especially in pivotal life moments +What you can do if you feel...

In this hard-hitting yet cozy episode, I sit down with the SheEO herself: Sheena Daniels. Sheena is a podcast host, businesswoman, yoga instructor, and female empowerer. She shares tough lessons she’s learned upon getting a divorce and leaving the LDS church.  We also get into: how to connect with yourself and your kids how to empower yourself and your kids how to reduce shame and guilt how to lea...

I identify a certain blind spot you might have that’s interfering with your  friendships, relationships, and social interactions, and how to address it. I explain  why giving and taking are equally important.  I suggest what to do if you find yourself imbalanced on either side. I guide you on how to tell if you dominate conversations. I also share a tip for preserving your battery if you find your...

I start this free-flowing solo episode with no set topic or structure. In this age of personal branding, formulaic creating, and calculated sharing, I discuss prioritizing connection over commodification. I tell how after extensively researching and studying the best marketing practices, I opted for authenticity over algorithm. I note where I think social media is heading, and suggest what to do a...

I somehow got my long-time friend Amanda Frost to agree to come on, and I think you’ll be glad I did. In this light-hearted - yet substantive - conversation, we cover quite a bit of ground. After revealing our real  reasons for posting outfits of the day on social media, we continue on to chat about the importance of: immunizing yourself against shifting trends and opinions by determining what wor...

It’s nice - even preferred - to feel special, right? To feel exceptional? However, to be special and exceptional requires being different. So why do we disparage weirdness? Why do we actively criticize/avoid it? I get into why. I also get into why we shouldn’t; why our oddities should be celebrated and even cultivated. I share some of my own weirdo tendencies, and offer a pretty strong argument on...

Wow - I did not expect this conversation to go as deep or as long, but man am I glad it did. If you want a comfortable, superficial, breezy listen, this isn’t it. If you want a meaningful, profound, and heart-opening listen, this is it. Do with that what you will.    In this episode, I sit down with Catlin Palmer, LMSW and published author. I initially asked Catlin, licensed therapist and Ute trib...

In this episode I sit down with my friend Mindy Cervantes, an experienced massage therapist and all-around radiant, COOL person. Not even halfway through, my jaw literally dropped (and stayed dropped) as she related what she feels and accomplishes during her massage sessions.  Mindy is a true healer, who offers insight on connecting to your body, recognizing its signals, and helping it thrive. She...

In this short solo episode, I tackle the timeless, universal question of how to live a balanced and fulfilled life. Easily done in 30 minutes, right? Despite the little time, I cover big ground and offer important distinctions that may seem minor, but actually make all the difference: when to push and when to pivot; how to integrate discipline and rest; and how to differentiate between self worth...

This is a special episode because it features a special person: my close friend Melissa Curtis, who shares her experience having a medically-complex child. She tells us the progression from first receiving the unexpected news, to adapting and navigating her new reality. She discusses how she maintains perspective, and suggests things for us all to remember, no matter our situation. Melissa has a w...