In this episode of Holding Space with Authentically Amy, Amy is joined by David Homan, author of Orchestrating Connection, for a conversation about what it really takes to create meaningful relationships in a world that often feels disconnected.

Together, they explore how vulnerability and curiosity are the foundation of authentic connection—and why society’s definition of strength often keeps us from building the relationships we truly need. Amy and David also dive into how trauma can become a catalyst for empathy and generosity, the importance of holding space without judgment, and how intentional communities can heal loneliness.

You’ll hear insights on:

• Why only 34% of people express curiosity back when someone shows curiosity toward them
• How vulnerability is a true strength, not a weakness
• The link between trauma and generosity
• Why society must normalize emotional expression instead of suppressing it
• Practical ways to build purposeful communities rooted in trust and authenticity

This conversation is a reminder that connection isn’t about transactions—it’s about presence, empathy, and the courage to be real.

David Homan is the founder and CEO of Orchestrated Connecting, a global community of connectors; Orchestrated Opportunities, an impact-focused advisory firm; and SOAR CONNECT, a start-up focused on the strength of authentic relationships. He hosts a podcast called Orchestrated Relationships focused on developing relationship value, is an active classical composer, and is a proud father of two. From middle-class beginnings as the son of a college professor father and nonprofit-focused mother, he has built a network reaching into the most private and incredible circles globally while maintaining a code of purposeful community building called Orchestrated Connecting.

Connect with David:

www.orchestratingconnection.com

https://orchestratingconnection.com/

https://www.instagram.com/the_connection_orchestrator/

Learn more about Amy, apply to be a guest on the podcast, or schedule a personal Holding Space session for yourself, your business, school, community, organization, etc. here:

https://www.getamyshelp.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amythurman

https://www.instagram.com/amycthurman

https://www.facebook.com/amy.thurman1

https://www.tiktok.com/authenticallyamy

https://www.youtube.com/@IAmAuthenticallyAmy

In this special episode of Holding Space with Authentically Amy, host Amy Thurman does something different, she shares her own story.

Until now, Amy has focused on holding space for others, but listeners often ask: Why did you start this podcast? What’s the story behind it? In this vulnerable conversation, Amy opens up about the life-changing moment in 2014 that altered everything and how it reshaped her identity, her sense of worth, and her calling to create this space.

If you’ve ever wondered who you are beyond your titles, productivity, or accomplishments, Amy’s story will meet you right where you are, and invite you to listen a little deeper.

Get your free Emotion Frequency Chart here:

https://www.getamyshelp.com/free

Learn more about Amy, apply to be a guest on the podcast, or schedule a personal Holding Space session for yourself, your business, school, community, organization, etc. here:

https://www.getamyshelp.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amythurman

https://www.instagram.com/amycthurman

https://www.facebook.com/amy.thurman1

https://www.tiktok.com/authenticallyamy

https://www.youtube.com/@IAmAuthenticallyAmy

TRIGGER WARNING: SUICIDE AND MENTAL HEALTH

In this powerful episode of Holding Space with Authentically Amy, Amy is joined by Lisa Sugarman, mental health advocate, crisis counselor, and founder of The Help Hub. September marks Suicide Prevention Month, and Lisa brings both her lived experience of suicide loss and her professional expertise to a conversation that is equal parts raw, healing, and hopeful.

Lisa shares her story of losing her father to suicide at age 10, only to discover the truth 35 years later, and how this painful revelation reshaped her grief journey. With three suicide losses in her life, she now dedicates her work to creating spaces of support and connection—from The Help Hub’s free mental health resources to her role with The Trevor Project and co-facilitation of the Safe Place support group for suicide loss survivors.

Together, Amy and Lisa explore:

• The unique layers of suicide grief, including guilt, blame, and silence
• The importance of crisis hotlines like 988 and The Trevor Project (866-488-7386), which are available to anyone in distress, not just those with suicidal thoughts
• Why open conversations about mental health reduce stigma and create ripple effects of healing
• How leaders, parents, and survivors can hold space for themselves and others
• Lisa’s upcoming memoir Surviving: Finding Hope After Suicide Loss and her new podcast The Calmary 15

This episode is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are never alone, and that hope lives in safe spaces, shared stories, and human connection.

If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) or Trevor Project: 866-488-7386 (for LGBTQ+ youth), or visit www.TheHelpHUB.co

Email: lisasugarman@hotmail.com

Website: https://www.TheHelpHUB.co

Facebook: facebook.com/thelisasugarman

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehelphubonyoutube

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehelphubontiktok

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehelphub.co

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/lisa-sugarman-she-her-hers-16925b69/

Learn more about Amy, apply to be a guest on the podcast, or schedule a personal Holding Space session for yourself, your business, school, community, organization, etc. here:

https://www.getamyshelp.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amythurman

https://www.instagram.com/amycthurman

https://www.facebook.com/amy.thurman1

https://www.tiktok.com/authenticallyamy

https://www.youtube.com/@IAmAuthenticallyAmy

In this episode of Holding Space with Authentically Amy, Amy sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur and global women’s leader Deb Drummond to unpack what happens behind the scenes of major success. Fresh from producing a 5-day event filled with summits, dinners, a fashion show (featuring her son, Ocean’s, runway debut), and awards, Deb shares both the exhilaration and the exhaustion of pulling it all together.

Together, Amy and Deb dive into:

The aftermath of big events—balancing recovery with the constant pull of business responsibilities

The delicate dance of supporting adult children—when to mentor, when to mother, and when to let them learn on their own

The reality that not everyone will celebrate your success—and how to navigate unsupportive relationships as you level up

The importance of holding space for yourself as a leader through positive self-talk, music, coaching, and safe communities

Why in-person connection still matters in a digital world

Deb also shares her work with 262, a global women’s organization offering summits, media opportunities, and community support, and previews her upcoming book Go Big.

If you’ve ever felt the tension between achievement and exhaustion, celebration and criticism, giving and needing support—this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone.

Learn more about or connect with Deb Drummond here:

www.debdrummond.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/DebDrummond/

https://www.facebook.com/deborahldrummond/

https://www.instagram.com/deborahldrummond

https://www.instagram.com/debdrummond_official

https://www.instagram.com/missionaccepted_media

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsnh0BsWjHS1aba4cItw4rw

Deb's son, Ocean:

natsukashiiink.world

https://www.tiktok.com/@natsukashiiink_nii?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

https://linktr.ee/natsukashiiink

https://www.instagram.com/natsukashiiink_nii?igsh=MXM3Z2Q4enFxbXl4Mw%3D%3D

Learn more about Amy, apply to be a guest on the podcast, or schedule a personal Holding Space session for yourself, your business, school, community, organization, etc. here:

https://www.getamyshelp.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amythurman

https://www.instagram.com/amycthurman

https://www.facebook.com/amy.thurman1

https://www.tiktok.com/authenticallyamy

https://www.youtube.com/@IAmAuthenticallyAmy

In this vulnerable and empowering episode of Holding Space with Authentically Amy, Amy sits down with mental health advocate and future therapist, Bianca, for a raw conversation about chronic illness, invisible disabilities, and the struggle to feel seen.

Both Amy and Bianca live with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and have faced the stigma that often comes with invisible illnesses—from dismissive comments to heartbreaking misunderstandings, even from family. They talk candidly about the loneliness that can follow, especially when friendships fall apart due to others’ discomfort with pain that can’t be “fixed.”

Bianca opens up about finally embracing a mobility aid after years of resistance—and how it changed everything. Amy shares her own healing journey, including how untreated POTS led to a traumatic injury and ultimately to a life-altering transformation.

Together, they explore:

• The courage it takes to stop hiding and start honoring what your body needs
• Why authenticity is more important than approval
• How to break the cycle of people-pleasing and build true connection
• The importance of self-acceptance and redefining identity beyond illness

Bianca also shares exciting news about her upcoming Be Brave journal and mental health-themed merchandise launching this fall—tools she hopes will give others permission to show up fully, just as they are.

If you’ve ever felt invisible in your pain, misunderstood in your mental health, or unsure how to be fully yourself in relationships—this episode will meet you right where you are.

#HoldingSpace #AuthenticallyAmy #ChronicIllness #MentalHealthMatters #POTS #InvisibleDisabilities #SelfAcceptance

Learn more about Bianca and Anxious Girl Adventures products here:

https://anxiousgirlshop.etsy.com

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1965652352

https://www.instagram.com/anxiousgirladventures

https://www.tiktok.com/anxiousgirladventures

Learn more about Amy, apply to be a guest on the podcast, or schedule a personal Holding Space session for yourself, your business, school, community, organization, etc. here:

https://www.getamyshelp.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amythurman

https://www.instagram.com/amycthurman

https://www.facebook.com/amy.thurman1

https://www.tiktok.com/authenticallyamy

https://www.youtube.com/@IAmAuthenticallyAmy

In this heartfelt episode of Holding Space with Authentically Amy, Amy sits down with Tobie Spears, founder of the nonprofit Be Humanitarian, to explore the often-overlooked tension between doing meaningful work and meeting personal financial needs. Tobie shares her journey of providing meals, gardens, jobs, and security to families in Guatemala, while candidly opening up about the struggle of not paying herself, despite leading life-changing efforts.

Together, they unpack the guilt and societal expectations nonprofit leaders often carry, and Amy gently encourages Tobie to consider a new path: one that allows her to serve while also being sustained.

You’ll also hear:

How Be Humanitarian empowers communities through sponsorships and volunteer programs.

Practical insights on nonprofit leadership, boundaries, and self-worth.

Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, aspiring change-maker, or someone trying to balance purpose and survival, this episode will give you permission to rethink what it means to give, receive, and lead with heart.

Learn more about Be Humanitarian here:

https://www.behumanitarian.org

https://www.instagram.com/be.humanitarian

https://www.facebook.com/behumanitarian.org

https://www.youtube.com/c/BeHumanitarian

https://linktr.ee/behumanitarian

Learn more about Amy, apply to be a guest on the podcast, or schedule a personal Holding Space session for yourself, your business, school, community, organization, etc. here:

https://www.getamyshelp.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amythurman

https://www.instagram.com/amycthurman

https://www.facebook.com/amy.thurman1

https://www.tiktok.com/authenticallyamy

https://www.youtube.com/@IAmAuthenticallyAmy