The Self Awareness Journey Podcast

Developing our people skills can either feel like a great party or a dreaded dental appointment depending on your natural personality. Yet, people skill enhancement will serve you in many ways throughout your life.  The workplace is one of the biggest so let’s explore there first.

Memory is a funny thing. At times we use it to make decisions, and sometimes we use it  to hold us hostage to ideas we have that aren’t representing our greatest good.  Is there ever a time we might consider changing our stories?

It’s easy to set goals and forget them a day later. It’s easy to know what is best for yourself, but to just worry about it later.  But what does it take to set yourself up for the really great stuff that makes your future life easier?

Do you have heroes today? Are they the same ones you had from long ago? How does longevity, maturity, and perspective change your view of who you aspire to be like?

Did you know that perfectionism, difficulty relaxing and compulsive behavior can all be signs of a workaholic tenancy? Disintegrating personal relationships, and intense fear of failure at work can also aid in a feeling of not being able to take a step back. What’s your relationship with work?

Join us for a stroll down memory lane as JJ and Melissa share the story of how the podcast came to be and what some of their favorite parts of being pod hosts are.

Are you someone who feels guilty when you are sick? Do you use your sick time at work? Why are we so funny about taking much needed time to feel better?

How often do you allow yourself the flexibility to actually change a big decision or direction that you’ve already made?  Is it helpful to change our minds sometimes? How do you know when it’s time to keep and time to change?

Too often we feel we can use logic to get away from our emotions and feelings.  Is there a balance between over-thinking and under-feeling?

The business world is wrought with employee changes. Older leaders are retiring, Gen X’ers are a significantly smaller population so can’t cover all of the gaps of retirees. Millennials and 20-somethings are on the scene but without the last few years of training or people interaction due to the pandemic’s push into remote work.  How do we think about managing and leading today? And how is it diff...

People often pull back during moments when they can advocate for their own strengths and skills at work. Most feel that they are bragging rather than showcasing what needs to be amplified. This amplification of skill offers growth and benefit not just for self, but for the departments and companies they serve.  How do we develop this skill of self advocacy?  Listen to our latest discussion on our...

People hang on to things for a number of reasons; physical, emotional and mental. Stuff can create both stress and/or security for a person, depending on how you look at it.  What is your connection to stuff?

Listening is an art, it’s a choice, and it’s a skill. What ways are you currently listening to your people, and how can you get better at it?

What are your favorite traditions that help you jump into the holidays season? What ones are important to continue and what ones are ready to be retired?

What kind of hobby supplies are waiting in your closet? Do you have sports gear calling your name from the garage? What do we buy and collect stuff and then  not use it?

Like your hobby enough to start a business? Serial entrepreneur looking for your next buck? Just love to start new things but don’t know if that’s normal? Welcome to the side hustle!

Since our infancy, we reach for another. A sibling, friend, relation, colleague, business partner. While this may come rather naturally for most of us, what do we get out of partnerships and what makes us strive for more?

Have you ever found yourself juggling so many responsibilities that you start to wonder if you're truly in control, or if you're just one step away from chaos? Join me on the Self-Awareness Journey podcast as we unravel the intricate dynamics of taking on more responsibility in both our professional and personal lives. Through candid conversations and personal anecdotes, like the time I...

Could a simple act of validation transform your relationships and emotional well-being? Join us as we uncover the profound impact of this human necessity, inspired by insights from Simon Sinek's podcast. We'll explore why validation is more than just seeking approval; it's a fundamental aspect of our survival and desire to belong. Through intriguing discussions, we delve into how ch...

What if fear could be your greatest ally instead of your worst enemy? Join us on this compelling journey into the world of stoicism and fear-setting, inspired by the insightful teachings of Tim Ferriss. We kick off with Ferriss's personal story, a harrowing yet transformative moment when he faced the darkest depths of his psyche and emerged stronger by embracing stoic philosophy. This powerfu...

What if the very principles of democracy and voting you take for granted were put under a magnifying glass? Join us on the Self-Awareness Journey podcast as hosts Melissa Albers and JJ Parker dissect the nuances of American democracy and voter participation. This episode promises to challenge your assumptions about freedom and responsibility, highlighting the unique opportunities and wealth in the...

Sometimes simply being with someone that similar to you and understands you feels like the coziest of warm blankets.  Your tribe may change over your lifetime, but the feeling of belonging stays ever present.

Conversation Cards - Ever need an icebreaker question for family get togethers? Ever want to ask a provocative question in a team building event? Here are some really fun and unique offerings to add to your next dinner or get together.