Episodios

  • Relationships that Last: Romantic Edition

    Relationships that Last: Romantic Edition
    Mar 17 2026
    I met Michael and Brittany Hughes years ago, and watching their relationship up close has always been a reminder that lasting love is built on choices, not momentum. They first met as college students at Arizona State University while working for the same organization. What began as a workplace friendship grew steadily, shaped by time, conversation, and trust. They dated for six years before marrying in 2011, and last November marked 20 years together.

    Today, they’re raising three girls in Chandler, Arizona: two daughters (13 and 10) and a 16-year-old bonus daughter they’ve had legal guardianship of for five years. Life is busy, but they make space for what keeps them connected—weekly dates, family trips, movie nights (especially thrillers), new restaurants, and cooking at home.

    They’re both educators now, teaching at the same high school in Phoenix. Michael is in his 18th year of teaching and holds a Master’s in Education in Integrated Curriculum. Brittany spent 15 years in post-secondary finance, rising to a Director role, before changing careers five years ago; she’s now in her sixth year teaching.

    In Episode 7 “Relationships that Last: Romantic Edition,” I sit down with them to talk about what it really takes to build a relationship that lasts—moving at a pace that fits, communicating with intention, handling outside pressure, navigating conflict, and staying connected as life changes.

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Introduction
    00:06 - "Phenomenal Teacher and Fearless Advocate"
    03:35 - Admiration for Two Wonderful Friends
    09:23 - Taking Time to Build Connection
    12:54 - "Unchanged Traits in Relationships"
    14:41 - Boomerang Emotions and Grief
    17:52 - Balancing Careers and Courtship
    21:44 - "Quieting Relationship Pressure"
    25:29 - "Navigating Love and Relationship Pressure"
    27:51 - "Thinking in Big Bets Overview"
    31:47 - Evolving and Navigating Relationship Conflicts
    34:42 - "Navigating Conflict and Self-Awareness"
    39:38 - "Conflict Conversations in Courtship"
    41:19 - Navigating Evolving Relationships Together
    45:36 - "Relationships: Build a Strong Foundation"
    46:45 - Outro

    Quotes:

    Jonathan Moore:
    “Love isn’t something that just happens to us. It’s something we actively cultivate. When love meets grace, vulnerability, and communication, it has the power to last.”

    Michael Hughes:
    “You absolutely have to know yourself, be comfortable with yourself, like the person you see in the mirror. If you want a lasting relationship, remember that it takes time–and you have to put that time in.”

    Brittany Hughes:
    “You have to like them as a person as they are right then and not who they were or who they could be, because that’s who you’re going to get— that person right now. Communicate, grow together, and continue how you started.”

    Key Takeaways:

    Start with Communication
    Move at Your Own Pace
    Know Yourself Before You Love Another
    Handle Conflict with Compassion and Patience
    Keep Growing Together
    Prioritize Connection, Every Day

    Connect with the Host:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonathan-moore/
    Website:https://returntomoore.com/

    Produced by Heartcast Media:http://www.heartcastmedia.com
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    47 m
  • Relationships that Last: Friendships

    Relationships that Last: Friendships
    Mar 10 2026
    Welcome to "Return to Moore." I’m Jonathan Moore, and in today's episode, I’m sharing a true story about friendship—how it’s tested, how it changes, and what it takes to last. You’ll hear about Christina and Trinity, two friends whose bond was shaped by loyalty and conflict, from high school all the way to a wedding day that pushed them apart for years.

    To unpack what really makes friendships endure, I’m joined by Dr. Ashley Piwowarski, a licensed psychologist and a longtime friend of mine. Together, we explore the real dynamics behind lasting relationships—how early life patterns influence our connections, why some friendships survive challenges while others fade, and what we can do to repair trust when things get hard.

    We discuss the concept of "goodness of fit," how conflict often goes unspoken, and practical ways to maintain healthy boundaries. You’ll come away with a clearer view of what helps friendships grow, how to navigate tension, and why keeping things light matters as much as being intentional. This is an honest look at the work—and the rewards—of real friendship.

    Chapters:

    00:00 – Introduction
    00:06 – High School Friendship Tale
    03:41 – "Maid of Honor Dilemma"
    06:52 – "Heartfelt Wedding Toast Highlights"
    10:09 – "Goodness of Fit in Relationships"
    14:22 – Attachment Styles Shape Relationships
    17:27 – Adapting to Meet Relationship Needs
    20:20 – Anxious Attachment Style Overview
    25:46 – Understanding Attachment Styles
    30:32 – "Understanding and Resolving Repressed Conflict"
    33:43 – Reflecting to Communicate Needs
    37:49 – "Keys to Resolving Conflict"
    40:22 – Repairing and Strengthening Friendships
    42:31 – Setting Boundaries and Problem Solving
    48:27 – "Temporary Connections, Lasting Friendships"
    49:59 – "Return to More Podcast"
    50:28 – Outro

    Quotes:

    "Friendship grounds us in who we are, even when life is messy. When you invest in what matters, you build relationships that help you grow."- Jonathan Moore

    "Our connections are shaped by our stories, and with intention and self-reflection, we can always deepen them."- Dr. Ashley piwowarski

    Key Takeaways:

    Friendships Aren’t Accidental
    Goodness of Fit Matters
    Attachment Styles Shape Us
    Conflict Isn’t Always Loud
    Repair Begins with Self-Reflection
    Communication Is a Tool for Healing
    Boundaries and Grace Are Essential
    The Joy of Friendship
    Relationships Reflect Our History, But We’re Not Bound by It
    Carry Forward Community

    Connect with Dr. Ashley piwowarski
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alkp384
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-kuhl-piwowarski-05683888/

    Connect with the Host:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonathan-moore/
    Website: https://returntomoore.com/

    Produced by Heartcast Media:http://www.heartcastmedia.com
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    51 m
  • Leadership Matters: The Power of Mentorship

    Leadership Matters: The Power of Mentorship
    Mar 3 2026
    No one satisfying career was built alone. Somewhere along the way, someone said the right thing at the right time, or pulled you aside before you made a mistake you couldn't undo.

    For me, that someone was Dr. Ann Hart.

    Our paths first crossed through a character education grant. I was a principal in South Phoenix. She was in leadership at the State Department of Education. What started as a campus visit turned into a conversation, and that conversation turned into a mentorship that would carry me through one of the most challenging transitions of my career.

    In this episode of Return to Moore, "Leadership Matters: The Power of Mentorship," Dr. Hart and I sit down to trace the full arc of that relationship—from the early moments of sizing each other up to the texts, phone calls, and honest conversations that followed. We talk about what it means to mentor without a safety net, as Dr. Hart did for most of her career. We talk about why mentees disappear after getting advice, and what happens when they do. And we get specific: what to wear, what to read, how to take feedback, and when to leave.

    If you've ever wondered what separates people who grow from people who stall, this conversation lays it out plainly—through two people who lived it.

    Chapters:
    00:00 – Introduction
    00:06 – Mentor's Visit and Observations
    05:55 – Leadership Transition and Mentorship
    09:43 – Navigating Workplace Perceptions and Bias
    11:02 – Mentorship and Career Reflections
    15:02 – Mentorship and Self-Guided Learning
    17:37 – Insights from Mentorship Dynamics
    21:01 – Mentorship as a Cheat Code
    24:33 – Mentorship Requires Constructive Feedback
    30:27 – Key Tips for Effective Mentorship
    33:28 – Mentorship: Showing Up and Empowering
    35:01 – Workplace Identity and Accomplishments
    37:59 – Mentorship: Growth Through Connection
    38:38 – Outro

    Quotes:
    Jonathan Moore:
    "Growth is never done in isolation. It's always accelerated when you have people in your corner who believe in you."

    Dr. Ann Hart:
    "Share your successes, but also your challenges—because that's what helps you achieve your success."

    Key Takeaways:
    Mentorship Is a Game Changer
    Active Mentorship Creates Impact
    Feedback and Follow-Up: The Mentee’s Playbook
    Character Counts Above All
    Self-Mentorship Builds Resilience
    Celebrate the Journey

    Connect with Ann Hart
    Website: http://hartofeducation.com/

    Connect with the Host:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonathan-moore/
    Website:https://returntomoore.com/

    Produced by Heartcast Media: http://www.heartcastmedia.com
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    39 m
  • Workplace Chronicles: Healing from Trauma in the Workplace

    Workplace Chronicles: Healing from Trauma in the Workplace
    Feb 24 2026
    Host Jonathan Moore and Dr. Rick Piwowarski, an education leader with 20 years of experience, discusses healing from workplace trauma. They explore how professional trauma affects identity, how to recognize signs, and how to heal. Dr. Piwowarski shares insights from his leadership in education, finance, and community service.

    KEY TOPICS
    • Understanding Trauma
    • Recognizing Signs
    • The Human Element
    • Four-Step Healing
    • Leadership & Trauma
    • Spiritual Dimension
    TIMESTAMPED CHAPTERS
    • 00:00:00 - Welcome
    • 00:01:30 - Jonathan's Story
    • 00:08:45 - Introducing Dr. Rick Piwowarski
    • 00:12:20 - Defining Workplace Trauma
    • 00:19:56 - Signs of Trauma
    • 00:26:33 - People vs. Institutions
    • 00:33:18 - Personalities & Dynamics
    • 00:42:15 - Protection Mechanism
    • 00:51:30 - Four-Step Healing Framework
    • 01:01:12 - Know Your Why
    • 01:08:45 - Setting Boundaries
    GUEST INFORMATION

    Dr. Rick Piwowarski Education Leader, Father, Husband, and Friend - 20 years in education, including 8 years as a teacher and 12 years in leadership roles. Rick brings expertise in education leadership, finance, community service, and philanthropy.
    • LinkedIn Profile Link
    • Instagram Profile Link
    • X (Twitter) Profile Link
    Why This Conversation Matters

    "You have to recognize too, a lot of these attacks about you personally—it's not you. They don't know you. They have a perception of you, they have an idea of you, but there's no way they've ever gotten to know who you are."- Dr. Rick Piwowarski
    • Universal Experience
    • Leadership Vulnerability
    • Generational Impact
    • Hope for Healing
    This episode provides a roadmap for healing from workplace trauma, emphasizing that while environments aren't fully controllable, our response and healing are within our power.

    Steps You Can Take Today
    • Identify Your Why
    • Build Your Core Group
    • Name What's Triggered
    • Set Clear Boundaries
    • Separate Professional from Personal
    • Seek Professional Support
    RESOURCES & LINKS
    Official Organizations/Websites
    • Return to More Podcast Website
    • Loyola University Chicago
    • Simon Sinek - Start With Why Resources
    • Brené Brown - Leadership and Boundaries Resources
    • Workplace Mental Health Resources
    Follow on Social Media
    • Jonathan Moore (LinkedIn)
    • Dr. Rick Piwowarski (LinkedIn)
    • Return to More Podcast (Instagram)
    • #ReturnToMore
    • #WorkplaceHealing
    Healing Is Possible—And You Have More Power Than You Think

    Healing from workplace trauma is possible. As Dr. Piwowarski says, "God equips the called"—but we must do the work. Trauma's power stems from unresolved triggers. By knowing your why, building support, identifying triggers, and setting boundaries, you can heal and emerge stronger.

    Remember: People's opinions of you are none of your business. Focus on who you are, why you're here, and your calling. The rest is noise.

    Share this episode with someone struggling with workplace trauma. Subscribe to Return to More for more conversations about healing, growth, and returning to your essence.

    Share This Episode | Subscribe to Return to More | Visit returntomore.com

    Thank you for listening. Share this information. Do the internal work. Remember, healing is your birthright.
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    54 m
  • Workplace Chronicles: Navigating Difficult Colleagues

    Workplace Chronicles: Navigating Difficult Colleagues
    Feb 17 2026
    I've spent most of my career trying to be the standard bearer—the person who sets the tone for excellence, professionalism, and getting things done right. Then I became a manager. And two of my direct reports had applied for my job.

    They didn't tell me at first. I found out later, after months of subtle resistance. They were brilliant and delivered excellent work. But they had no interest in letting me lead them. They had their own rhythm, their own systems, and their own ideas about who should be in charge. I was the title. They were the influence.

    That experience broke open something I hadn't fully understood: leadership isn't just about competence or good intentions. It's about navigating people—people who don't always want what you want, who define "good work" differently than you do, and who may never respect your authority no matter how much you earn it.

    In this episode of Return to Moore, I sit down with Jessica Todtman, a friend and one of the most capable executives I've ever worked with. We talk about what it really means to navigate friction at work—the messy, real version. If you've ever felt stuck between doing your job well and dealing with people who make that nearly impossible, this conversation is for you.

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Introduction
    00:06 - "Navigating Difficult Workplace Dynamics"
    05:38 - "Connecting Through Leadership Retreats"
    07:09 - "Jessica: A Standard of Excellence"
    11:16 - "Understanding Resistance to Change"
    13:37 - "Workplace Challenges and Introspection"
    17:33 - "True Leadership vs. Titles"
    20:25 - Leadership Struggles with Team Dynamics
    23:52 - "Friction Doesn't Equal Negativity"
    28:40 - "Systems Thinker with Practical Limits"
    33:16 - "Clear Meeting Goals Matter"
    34:30 - "Meeting Purpose and Facilitation Essentials"
    39:55 - "Governance: New York vs. Nevada"
    43:15 - "Work Culture Challenges in Nevada"
    46:15 - Understanding Role in Organizations
    50:17 - "Leadership, Support, and Perspective"
    54:20 - Navigating Difficult Colleagues Insights
    55:47 - "Shark Tank's Unfair Deals"
    57:04 - Outro

    Quotes:

    "At some point, you've been someone's difficult colleague. Growth starts when you're willing to see that."- Jessica Todtman

    "Professional excellence means honoring the work and moving it forward—even when the people around you make it hard."- Jonathan Moore

    Key Takeaways:

    Introspection is Your Secret Weapon
    Embrace Friction—It’s Not Always Negative
    Systems Make or Break Collaboration
    Professionalism Means Respecting the Position, Not Just the Person
    Safe Spaces Matter—But So Do Boundaries
    Know Your ‘Why’ and Communicate It Clearly
    Don’t Ask Questions You Don’t Want Answered
    Above All, Stay True to Professional Values

    Connect with Jessica Todtman:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicatodtman/

    Connect with the Host:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonathan-moore/
    Website:https://returntomoore.com/

    Produced by Heartcast Media
    http://www.heartcastmedia.com
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    57 m
  • Grief as a Gateway

    Grief as a Gateway
    Feb 10 2026
    Welcome back to Return to Moore. I was thirteen when my Aunt Madeline received her terminal diagnosis. Over the next year and a half, as my mother became her caregiver, I found myself unexpectedly close to an aunt I'd never really known. Thirty years later, I still think about what our relationship could have been.

    In "Grief as a Gateway," I sit down with Oz Escobel, clinical director and psychotherapist of Awakening LLC, to examine grief beyond death. We explore how loss shows up in transitions—moving cities, ending relationships, leaving behind identities we once held.

    Oz lost his father at six in Guatemala and learned emotional restraint as survival. After immigrating to the United States, he navigated grief, identity, and belonging as a gay man in a new culture. His path into therapy came through life itself and a partner who encouraged him to seek support. Sitting in the client's chair showed him the power of being seen.

    Today, Oz supports individuals and couples navigating identity, intimacy, and relational wounds. He integrates Emotion-Focused Therapy, Gottman Method, and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. His work is grounded in the belief that healing expands capacity rather than erases parts of the self.

    This episode offers a different framework: grief as evolution, not failure.

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Introduction
    00:06 - "Aunt Madeline's Vibrant Gatherings"
    05:41 - "Childhood Eavesdropping and Family Grief"
    11:25 - "Grieving What Could Have Been"
    13:28 - "Grief: A Journey, Not Destination"
    17:33 - Understanding Grief and Internal Loss
    21:20 - "Nervous System and Grief"
    24:29 - Expanding Grief Beyond Death
    29:41 - "Reflections on Relocation Challenges"
    30:32 - "Processing Transitions and Identity"
    33:55 - "Understanding and Embracing Grief"
    40:05 - "Lessons from Feelings and Grief"
    43:31 - "Unprocessed Emotions and Grief"
    48:05 - "Navigating Grief Through the Body"
    51:42 - "Grief: Feel, Evolve, Suspend Judgment"
    53:57 - "Sharing Stories, Processing Grief"
    56:19 - "Grief, Podcasts, and Connection"
    56:45 - Outro

    Quotes:

    "Grief isn't something to fix—it's something to feel. In feeling it, we discover who we are."- Jonathan Moore

    "Grief is not a sign of failure—it's a sign that something mattered. Approach it with curiosity and compassion, and it will transform you."- Oz Escobel

    Key Takeaways:

    Grief Is More Than Loss—It’s Growth
    Your Body Remembers—Listen Inward
    Grief is Nonlinear—And That’s Okay
    Celebrate the Power of Reflection
    Vulnerability Connects
    Grief Evolves, and So Do We
    Support, Not Solution

    Connect with Oz Escobel

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awakeningllc_
    Website:https://www.awakeningllctherapy.com/

    Connect with the Host:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonathan-moore/
    Website:https://returntomoore.com/

    Produced by Heartcast Media
    http://www.heartcastmedia.com
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    57 m
  • Returning to Moore

    Returning to Moore
    Feb 3 2026
    I thought moving to my dream city would change everything. New place, new opportunities, new life—it all seemed like the answer I'd been searching for. But when I arrived, something unexpected happened. Instead of feeling energized and unstoppable, I found myself exhausted, overwhelmed, and questioning everything I thought I knew about success and fulfillment.

    That moment of reckoning became the catalyst for this podcast. I'm Jonathan Moore, and this is the very first episode of "Return to Moore"—a conversation about the journey back to yourself, to the parts of you that already hold peace, love, joy, and purpose. Because what I discovered in that season of disillusionment is that what I was really searching for wasn't out there at all. It was already within me. I just had to find my way back.

    In this episode, I'm walking you through how I structure each conversation so you know what to expect and can jump to the parts that resonate most with you. I'll share my own story of awakening—how I moved from chasing external validation to grounding myself in who I really am. Then I'll break down five practical ways you can begin your own return: setting boundaries, forgiving yourself and others, embracing evolution, opening yourself to love, and leaning into grief.

    I'll also give you reflection questions to sit with, a story that'll make you laugh (involving the D.C. Metro and my terrible sense of direction), and some takeaways you can carry with you long after this episode ends. Whether you're listening on your commute, during a quiet moment at home, or while you're trying to make sense of your own season of transition, I hope you'll find something here that speaks to you.

    This is where it begins. Welcome to "Return to Moore."

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Introduction
    00:06 - "Return to More: Laughter & Reflection"
    06:02 - "Returning to Yourself"
    08:52 - "Forgive Yourself and Others"
    13:32 - "Embracing Change and Evolution"
    16:21 - "Understanding Love Languages"
    19:04 - "Mom's Generosity and Love"
    21:37 - The Many Dimensions of Grief
    26:50 - "Carrying and Redefining the Past"
    27:53 - "Self-Reflection and Compassion"
    31:08 - "Lost on the Green Line"
    32:48 - Outro

    Quotes:

    "What we're really searching for is already within us. That's what this show is all about." — Dr. Jonathan Moore"

    Returning to yourself means refusing to abandon your needs to meet someone else’s expectations." — Dr. Jonathan Moore

    "Forgiveness is one of the hardest things to practice, but it’s also one of the most liberating." — Dr. Jonathan Moore

    Key Takeaways:

    Returning to Your Truest Self
    Honoring Your Identity’s Many Facets
    Embracing Boundaries as Self-Love
    The Power of Forgiveness
    Permission to Evolve
    Receiving and Giving Love Freely
    Leaning Into Grief With Compassion
    Reflect, Laugh, and Keep Living

    Connect with the Host:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonathan-moore/
    Website: https://returntomoore.com/

    Powered by:http://heartcastmedia.com
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    33 m
  • Pilot Episode

    Pilot Episode
    Jan 9 2026
    3 m