In this MicroPod episode, Eddy Paul Thomas discusses the importance of focusing on what we can control, especially in the context of mental health and relationships. He emphasizes the impact of social media on our well-being and offers strategies for managing attention and reducing stress. The conversation also highlights the significance of repairing relationships and choosing connection over independence as we navigate challenges leading into 2026.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Empathy and Control 02:42 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health 05:21 Managing Attention and Reducing Stress 08:15 The Importance of Relationships and Apologies 10:22 Choosing Connection Over Independence

• Learn More about Eddy's Life and Leadership Coaching: www.eddypaulthomas.com
• Give to The Black Missions Museum: www.theblackmissionsmuseum.org
• For consulting inquiries learn more at www.elevate1consulting.com
• Learn more about the Unbroken Place Podcast at: www.eddypaulthomas.com/unbrokenplace

For speaking or workshop inquiries, click here.

For guest inquiries, reach us at hello@eddypaulthomas.com

Discover the transformative power of empathy in both our personal lives and the workplace with the following resources:

• Ok...On Second Thought newsletter on Linkedin.

• Ok...On Second Thought articles.

• Ok...On Second Thought Resources for the Workplace.

Brought to you by Elevate 1 Consulting.

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.

Music: "Blood" by Anthem of Rain, “Holizna” by HoliznaRAPS, “Too Fly” & "Tide Turns" by Kesta, and "Basurera" by Blue Dot Sessions from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

In this conversation, Eddy Thomas and Erin Jones explore the critical distinctions between being an "ally" and an "abolitionist" in the context of social justice. They discuss the importance of community, the role of social media, and the sacrifices required to be an effective advocate. The conversation emphasizes the need for honest discussions about race, the historical context of healthcare and social issues, and the significance of building relationships across differences. Ultimately, they highlight the power of standing up for marginalized communities and the cost of silence in the face of injustice.

Takeaways

• Allyship is about support, while abolitionism requires action.
• Social media can be a tool for both allies and abolitionists.
• Being an abolitionist often involves sacrificing comfort and privilege.
• Community relationships are crucial for effective advocacy.
• Historical context is essential to understanding current issues.

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• Learn More about Eddy's Life and Leadership Coaching: www.eddypaulthomas.com
• Give to The Black Missions Museum: www.theblackmissionsmuseum.org
• For consulting inquiries learn more at www.elevate1consulting.com
• Learn more about the Unbroken Place Podcast at: www.eddypaulthomas.com/unbrokenplace

For speaking or workshop inquiries, click here.

For guest inquiries, reach us at hello@eddypaulthomas.com

Discover the transformative power of empathy in both our personal lives and the workplace with the following resources:

• Ok...On Second Thought newsletter on Linkedin.

• Ok...On Second Thought articles.

• Ok...On Second Thought Resources for the Workplace.

Brought to you by Elevate 1 Consulting.

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.

Music: "Blood" by Anthem of Rain, “Holizna” by HoliznaRAPS, “Too Fly” & "Tide Turns" by Kesta, and "Basurera" by Blue Dot Sessions from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

In this engaging conversation, Mona Hennein shares her unique journey from a science background to becoming a storyteller and producer in media. She discusses the importance of faith in storytelling, the evolution of journalism, and the impact of her documentary 'Unchained' on addressing generational trauma. Mona emphasizes the healing power of storytelling, the significance of shared humanity, and the need for understanding different perspectives. She also highlights the challenges of navigating hard truths while offering hope in her work, particularly in her upcoming project 'Searching for Eternity,' which explores comparative theology.

Takeaways

• Mona transitioned from a science career to storytelling after discovering her passion for writing.
• She emphasizes the importance of faith in storytelling and how it can impact lives.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool for healing trauma and fostering understanding.
• The evolution of journalism has led to a focus on entertainment over balanced reporting.

Connect with Mona:

Email: mona@lifefocus.tv

Website: lifefocusmedia.org

Videos: @LifeFocusTelevision

• Learn More about Eddy's Life and Leadership Coaching: www.eddypaulthomas.com
• Give to The Black Missions Museum: www.theblackmissionsmuseum.org
• Learn more about the Unbroken Place Podcast at: www.eddypaulthomas.com/unbrokenplace

Discover the transformative power of empathy in both our personal lives and the workplace with the following resources:

• • Ok...On Second Thought newsletter on Linkedin.

• • Ok...On Second Thought articles.

• • Ok...On Second Thought Resources for the Workplace.

Brought to you by Elevate 1 Consulting.

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.

Music: "Blood" by Anthem of Rain, “Holizna” by HoliznaRAPS, “Too Fly” & "Tide Turns" by Kesta, and "Basurera" by Blue Dot Sessions from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

In this engaging conversation, journalist Emily Longnecker shares her insights on the importance of empathy in journalism, the formative experiences that shaped her career, and the challenges of reporting on tragedy. She discusses the evolution of news reporting in the digital age, the significance of building trust with sources, and the ethical considerations of storytelling. Emily emphasizes the power of silence in interviews and the courage required to ask tough questions. She offers valuable advice for aspiring journalists, highlighting the need for humility and a commitment to truth.

Takeaways

• Empathy is a core value in journalism.
• Navigating crises in journalism demands quick thinking and emotional resilience.
• The evolution of news reporting has changed with technology.
• Earning the right to tell someone's story is crucial.
• Silence can be a powerful tool in interviews.

Chapters

00:00 The Roots of Empathy in Journalism 02:55 Defining Moments in Reporting 05:53 The Impact of 9/11 on Journalism 08:39 Building Trust in Journalism 11:52 Earning the Right to Tell Stories 14:46 The Role of Social Media in Storytelling 17:45 The Emotional Weight of Reporting 20:39 Crafting Impactful Stories 23:32 Empathy and Humanity in Journalism 34:32 The Power of Community and Storytelling 38:31 The Role of the Journalist: Balancing Voice and Objectivity 44:18 Authenticity in Journalism: Building Trust 52:25 The Importance of Silence in Interviews 56:28 Advice for Future Journalists: Staying Humble and Committed

Connect with Emily Longnecker

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/emily-longnecker/

Facebook: facebook.com/EmilyLongneckerWTHR/

Instagram: @emilywthr

• Learn More about Eddy's Life and Leadership Coaching: www.eddypaulthomas.com
• Give to The Black Missions Museum: www.theblackmissionsmuseum.org
• Learn more about the Unbroken Place Podcast at: www.eddypaulthomas.com/unbrokenplace

Discover the transformative power of empathy in both our personal lives and the workplace with the following resources:

• • Ok...On Second Thought newsletter on Linkedin.

• • Ok...On Second Thought articles.

• • Ok...On Second Thought Resources for the Workplace.

Brought to you by Elevate 1 Consulting.

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.

Music: "Blood" by Anthem of Rain, “Holizna” by HoliznaRAPS, “Too Fly” & "Tide Turns" by Kesta, and "Basurera" by Blue Dot Sessions from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

In this episode, Annie Toe discusses her journey as an actress and educator, emphasizing the importance of empathy in storytelling and teaching. She shares personal experiences that have shaped her understanding of empathy, both in her acting career and in her work with students. The discussion explores the challenges of portraying complex characters, the impact of societal issues like mass shootings on empathy, and the significance of community in fostering personal growth. Annie also offers advice for young actors, highlighting the need for authenticity and connection in their craft.

Takeaways

• Empathy can be expressed through storytelling.
• Personal experiences shape empathy in acting.
• Teaching empathy is crucial for student development.
• Character development requires understanding different perspectives.
• Challenging roles can enhance an actor's capacity for empathy.
• Authenticity in acting is vital for connecting with audiences.
• Building community is essential for personal and professional growth.

Learn more about Annie To: annieto.com

Learn More about Young Storytellers: youngstorytellers.com

• Learn More about Eddy's Life and Leadership Coaching: www.eddypaulthomas.com
• Give to The Black Missions Museum: www.theblackmissionsmuseum.org
• Learn more about the Unbroken Place Podcast at: www.eddypaulthomas.com/unbrokenplace

Discover the transformative power of empathy in both our personal lives and the workplace with the following resources:

• • Ok...On Second Thought newsletter on Linkedin.

• • Ok...On Second Thought articles.

• • Ok...On Second Thought Resources for the Workplace.

Brought to you by Elevate 1 Consulting.

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.

Music: "Blood" by Anthem of Rain, “Holizna” by HoliznaRAPS, “Too Fly” & "Tide Turns" by Kesta, and "Basurera" by Blue Dot Sessions from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

Summary

In this conversation, Eddy Thomas and Sira discuss the pervasive issue of sexual abuse and the importance of understanding the psychological impacts of guilt and shame on survivors. They explore the role of men in supporting women, the significance of trust in healing, and practical steps men can take to foster healthy relationships. The discussion emphasizes the need for accountability, awareness of power dynamics, and the importance of open communication in overcoming trauma.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Overcoming Trauma 02:59 The Pervasiveness of Sexual Abuse 06:06 Understanding Guilt and Shame 09:00 The Importance of Trust in Healing 12:06 The Onion Analogy: Layers of Trauma 14:50 Empowering Women Through Support 17:36 Building Healthy Relationships 20:36 The Role of Men in Supporting Women 23:28 The Impact of Cultural Norms 26:28 Conclusion and Call to Action 32:46 Empowering Women Through Understanding 36:01 Navigating Conversations About Safety and Expression 39:11 The Impact of Upbringing on Power Dynamics 45:33 Recognizing Patterns of Abuse and Control 48:32 Understanding the Roots of Abusive Behavior 58:47 Practical Steps for Supporting Women in Our Lives

• Learn More about Eddy's Life and Leadership Coaching: www.eddypaulthomas.com
• Give to The Black Missions Museum: www.theblackmissionsmuseum.org
• Learn more about the Unbroken Place Podcast at: www.eddypaulthomas.com/unbrokenplace

Discover the transformative power of empathy in both our personal lives and the workplace with the following resources:

• • Ok...On Second Thought newsletter on Linkedin.

• • Ok...On Second Thought articles.

• • Ok...On Second Thought Resources for the Workplace.

Brought to you by Elevate 1 Consulting.

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.

Music: "Blood" by Anthem of Rain, “Holizna” by HoliznaRAPS, “Too Fly” & "Tide Turns" by Kesta, and "Basurera" by Blue Dot Sessions from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

In part two of this conversation, Shawn Wooden discusses the importance of empathy in leadership, the unique challenges faced by Black educators, and the vital role of mentorship and lifelong learning in overcoming these challenges. He shares insights from his research on Black educators, emphasizing the need for resilience and the power of storytelling in education. The discussion also highlights the significance of celebrating achievements and fostering a positive school culture, while acknowledging systemic issues within the education system.

Takeaways

• Empathy is crucial in leadership roles.
• Black educators face unique challenges in their careers.
• Mentorship plays a vital role in the success of educators.
• Lifelong learning is essential for personal and professional growth.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool for educators.
• Building a supportive network is key to overcoming challenges.
• Acknowledging and addressing systemic issues in education is necessary.

Read Dr. Wooden's dissertation: "The Black Principal's Journey"

Shawn on Linkedin

Give to The Black Missions Museum: www.theblackmissionsmuseum.org

Learn more about the Unbroken Place Podcast at: www.eddypaulthomas.com/unbrokenplace

Discover the transformative power of empathy in both our personal lives and the workplace with the following resources:

• • Ok...On Second Thought newsletter on Linkedin.

• • Ok...On Second Thought articles.

• • Ok...On Second Thought Resources for the Workplace.

Brought to you by Elevate 1 Consulting.

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.

Music: "Blood" by Anthem of Rain, “Holizna” by HoliznaRAPS, “Too Fly” & "Tide Turns" by Kesta, and "Basurera" by Blue Dot Sessions from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

In this conversation, Eddy Paul Thomas and Shawn Wooden explore the complexities of modern education, focusing on the evolving roles of educators, the impact of social media, and the importance of critical thinking. They discuss the challenges of diversity and inclusion in schools, the historical context of education, and the insights gained from Wooden's dissertation. The dialogue emphasizes the need for educators to navigate these challenges while fostering an environment where all students can thrive.

Takeaways

• Education today is influenced by social media and political issues.
• Critical thinking is essential for students to navigate modern challenges.
• Diversity and inclusion in education are crucial for student success.
• The historical context of education shapes current practices and policies.
• Teachers face significant challenges in addressing diverse student needs.
• The role of educators is evolving in response to societal changes.
• Building relationships with families is key to effective education.

Give to The Black Missions Museum: www.theblackmissionsmuseum.org

Learn more about the Unbroken Place Podcast at: www.eddypaulthomas.com/unbrokenplace

Discover the transformative power of empathy in both our personal lives and the workplace with the following resources:

• • Ok...On Second Thought newsletter on Linkedin.

• • Ok...On Second Thought articles.

• • Ok...On Second Thought Resources for the Workplace.

Brought to you by Elevate 1 Consulting.

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.

Music: "Blood" by Anthem of Rain, “Holizna” by HoliznaRAPS, “Too Fly” & "Tide Turns" by Kesta from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.