Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders
National Society of Leadership and Success
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Top 10 Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
A Life Journey Reimagined (Feat. N.L. Holmes)
Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders
03/10/25 • 32 min
N.L. Holmes has had an extraordinary journey—spending over two decades as a nun before transitioning into archaeology, academia, and ultimately, historical fiction. With 13 novels to her name, including The Lord Hani Mysteries and The Empire at Twilight, she brings the past to life with remarkable authenticity.
Holmes’ expertise in ancient history fuels her storytelling, making her books more than just compelling narratives—they are windows into the past. Inspired by an assignment she gave her students about a 13th-century Ugaritic royal divorce, she realized how much historical reconstruction is, at its core, storytelling. This revelation set her on the path to writing immersive novels that blend real historical events with gripping fiction.
Having excavated in Greece and Israel, taught at universities, and now living in France with her husband and a small farm of animals, Holmes’ diverse experiences inform her work. Her novels have garnered multiple awards, including the 2023 Wishing Shelf Award, and she sees her work as the culmination of her life’s journey — full of surprises, yet as she had envisioned.
LEARN MORE:
> > www.nlholmes.com
> > https://www.linkedin.com/in/n-l-holmes
> > https://x.com/nlholmesbooks
> > https://www.facebook.com/nlholmesbooks
NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:
> > Listen to the bonus episode to learn what career path Holmes almost pursued before her decision to become a nun, educator and archeologist (https://members.nsls.org/audio/nl-holmes)
Mentioned in this episode:
Get 20% Off at the NSLS Shop
Use code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.org
NSLS members! 📢 Explore exclusive mental health support with 50% off your first month with BetterHelp: https://thens.ls/Better
Making Mental Health Accessible (Feat. Dr. Ran Anbar)
Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders
04/14/25 • 33 min
Discover how one doctor is helping children and teens unlock their inner strength through the power of hypnosis. Dr. Ran Anbar, a board-certified pediatric pulmonologist and hypnosis expert, has used mind-body techniques to help thousands of young people manage everything from anxiety and depression to physical pain and chronic illness.
Listen to this episode to learn about...
> > [03:55] How hypnosis works as a natural tool for emotional and physical healing
> > [08:40] Why teens are especially receptive to self-hypnosis techniques
> > [17:15] What parents and mentors can do to help young people manage stress
In this inspiring episode, Dr. Anbar shares real stories of transformation and explains how hypnosis isn’t just a party trick—it’s a medically validated tool for healing. Whether you're a student navigating stress or a parent supporting a child, you’ll walk away with new insights on how mindset and visualization can lead to powerful breakthroughs.
You’ll learn how hypnosis works as a natural healing tool, why teens are especially receptive to it, and what parents, mentors, and educators can do to support youth mental health.
LEARN MORE:
> > CenterPoint Medicine (https://www.centerpointmedicine.com)
> > Dr. Anbar’s Book: Changing Children’s Lives with Hypnosis (https://www.amazon.com/Changing-Childrens-Lives-Hypnosis-Anbar/dp/1538185474/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0)
> > Follow Dr. Anbar on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ran-anbar-246b1829)
NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:
> > Listen to the bonus episode to learn the best advice Dr. Ran Anbar received in his teenage years (https://members.nsls.org/audio/dr-ran-anbar)
Mentioned in this episode:
Get 20% Off at the NSLS Shop
Use code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.org
Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones (Feat. Dre Baldwin)
Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders
04/08/24 • 36 min
Dre Baldwin's story is one of unwavering determination, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Since his childhood days spent playing outside, Dre's competitive spirit has always burned bright. Whether it was football, baseball, track, or basketball, Dre approached every sport with the same level of intensity, constantly seeking to challenge himself and outperform his opponents.
After trying his hand at various sports, Dre finally found his calling in basketball at the age of 14. However, his journey to success was far from easy. For three years, he faced rejection as he tried and failed to make his high school varsity basketball team. Even when he finally earned a spot as a senior, he spent most of the season riding the bench, overlooked and underestimated. He never gave up.
Dre went on to sports success and today leverages his online popularity through branding and marketing campaigns with major companies such as Nike, Gatorade, and the NBA, among others. His innovative approach to athlete-driven content paved the way for countless opportunities, notoriety, and building his brand in the digital sphere.
This week you’ll learn how much Dre was determined despite all odds to play professional basketball, how Dre transitioned from pro athlete to rebranding himself as a thought leader in marketing, and more about Dre’s many published books that helped him rise as an author and subject matter expert.
LEARN MORE:
>>http://LinkedIn.com/in/DreAllDay
>>http://Facebook.com/WorkOnYourGame
>>http://Twitter.com/DreAllDay
>>http://Instagram.com/DreBaldwin
>>Work On Your Game University Affiliate Sign-Up: https://workonyourgame.clickfunnels.com/work-on-your-game-university-affiliate-access1634494798373/b6494a13871
NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:
>>Listen to the bonus episode to learn what Dre considers to be the most important leadership trait and the relationship between confidence and discipline. (https://thens.ls/49umAaB)
Mentioned in this episode:
Get 20% Off at the NSLS Shop
Use code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.org
Soaring Beyond Physical Limits (Feat. Jothy Rosenberg)
Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders
05/13/24 • 38 min
Jothy Rosenberg is one of the most inspirational guests we’ve had on Motivational Mondays. He holds a PhD in computer science from Duke University and has been a CS professor there for over five years. Additionally, he's the founder of nine high-tech startups spanning various domains. Today, we dive into his harrowing yet inspirational journey as both an entrepreneur and active sportsman despite a leg amputation at the age of 16 due to cancer.
Jothy emphasizes the importance of setting achievable goals and celebrating each milestone along the way. He expresses this is a universal challenge for the disabled and fully able-bodied alike. By breaking down daunting challenges into manageable tasks, Jothy says we can cultivate a sense of accomplishment and momentum.
Jothy's journey exemplifies the indomitable spirit of the human soul. Through adversity, he not only found strength but also discovered a deeper understanding of resilience and triumph. His story serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to embrace challenges with courage and determination.
This week, you’ll learn how doctors ultimately discovered Jothy’s leg cancer, why Jothy endorses Medical Marijuana in helping to treat cancer patients, and why Jothy believes disabled people often become achievers of excellence.
LEARN MORE:
>>Coming soon, Jothy’s new book, Think Like a Startup Founder. (http://mng.bz/wjQa)
NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:
>>Listen to the bonus episode to learn what attributes are shared by all people— with or without disabilities, and the importance of setting small goals as part of achieving your bigger aspiration. (https://thens.ls/4ahV1St)
Mentioned in this episode:
Get 20% Off at the NSLS Shop
Use code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.org
Choosing Tenacity over Adversity (Feat. Peter Orozco)
Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders
08/05/24 • 34 min
Peter Orozco reflected on the critical moment that changed his life. He described how his reactionary decision to increase his medication, driven by desperation rather than wisdom, led to severe consequences. This became an important lesson about making thoughtful decisions and the value of community support in overcoming life's challenges.
Peter's journey from a near-fatal health crisis to a successful career in public administration and nonprofit leadership is deeply rooted in his commitment to community building. After recovering from his coma and struggling with financial and health challenges, Peter found solace, support and direction through the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS).
Peter's experience with the NSLS illuminated the transformative power of social learning communities. He emphasized how being part of a Success Networking Team (SNT) played a crucial role in his recovery and professional development. In these teams, small groups of individuals share their goals and provide mutual support, feedback, and connections. Peter credited this community-driven approach for helping him regain his footing, access health insurance, and continue his education.
This week, you’ll learn about the harrowing near death experience Peter endured, why he is so passionate about community learning initiatives and the importance of being truly present with mindfulness in your life.
LEARN MORE:
>> Connect with Peter on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-m-orozco)
NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:
>> Listen to the bonus episode to learn the personal health maintenance advice Peter has for fellow diabetics and Peter’s universal advice for being a part of a productive community. (https://thens.ls/46tbmU5)
Mentioned in this episode:
NSLS members! 📢 Explore exclusive mental health support with 50% off your first month with BetterHelp: https://thens.ls/Better
Get 20% Off at the NSLS Shop
Use code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.org
The Science of Conversation (Feat. Dr. Alison Wood Brooks)
Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders
01/27/25 • 32 min
Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, a distinguished behavioral scientist and Harvard Business School professor, joined Motivational Mondays to discuss her groundbreaking research on the science of conversation. With her course Talk and award-winning studies on human interaction, Dr. Brooks has become a leading voice on improving communication in a complex world. Her work, featured in major media outlets and TED Talks, emphasizes the profound impact of reframing our mindset and embracing better conversational habits.
Dr. Brooks began her career studying emotions, particularly anxiety, and how reframing performance anxiety as excitement can transform outcomes. Her findings influenced notable works, including the Pixar movie Inside Out. However, her focus shifted toward conversations after realizing how vital it is to connect through meaningful dialogue. On a personal level, growing up as an identical twin provided her with unique insights into human interaction, enabling her to observe and learn from social dynamics through her sister’s experiences.
According to Dr. Brooks, entering conversations with clear intent can significantly improve outcomes. She describes the “conversational compass,” a framework that balances informational and relational goals. High-informational goals prioritize clarity and accuracy, while relational goals focus on strengthening bonds. Understanding both aspects helps individuals navigate interactions more effectively, fostering meaningful exchanges that can improve lives both personally and professionally.
This week, you’ll learn how anxiety negatively impacts communication, the power of referencing something in a conversation, and accepting that you can’t control other people’s words and actions.
LEARN MORE:
> > Read her new book, Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/708473/talk-by-alison-wood-brooks)
> > Follow Alison on LinkedIn and Instagram (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-wood-brooks-ph-d-7b98b826)(https://www.instagram.com/profalisonbrooks)
> > Learn more on her website (https://alisonwoodbrooks.com)
NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:
> > Listen to the bonus episode to learn how empathy and apologies help to strengthen relationships, and more details about Dr. Brooks’ Harvard course, “Talk” (http://members.nsls.org/audio/alison-wood-brooks)
Mentioned in this episode:
Get 20% Off at the NSLS Shop
Use code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.org
NSLS members! 📢 Explore exclusive mental health support with 50% off your first month with BetterHelp: https://thens.ls/Better
Advocating for Breast Cancer Awareness (Feat. Marsha Perry)
Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders
10/21/24 • 31 min
On this week's episode of Motivational Mondays, we are joined by Marsha Perry — a military veteran whose personal story of facing adversity is a testament to strength and adaptability. From her military career to a breast cancer diagnosis, Marsha’s journey highlights how unexpected challenges can be met with grace, determination, and the support of loved ones.
Marsha’s path began with military service, where she became a nationally registered EMT. This medical background has been crucial in her current role in the benefits field, allowing her to leverage her understanding of medical terminology and systems. A routine mammogram revealed Marsha had DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ), despite having no symptoms.
After an initial shock, she quickly turned to evaluating her treatment options, opting for a lumpectomy followed by radiation and medication to address her estrogen-positive cancer. Family, friends, and doctors formed a vital support network for Marsha. Despite her natural tendency toward privacy, she learned to accept help and leaned on her loved ones, especially her son, daughter, and close friends, to navigate surgery and recovery.
This week, you’ll learn how Marsha dealt with the unexpected diagnosis of cancer, the balance of managing your feelings and those of loved ones during adversity and why Marsha decided to share her personal story with the public.
LEARN MORE:
> > Discover how you can support Breast Cancer Awareness Month (https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month)
NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:
> > Listen to the bonus episode to learn what Marsha means when she says, “The cure is in the last pill" (https://thens.ls/3BOlyv3)
Mentioned in this episode:
NSLS members! 📢 Explore exclusive mental health support with 50% off your first month with BetterHelp: https://thens.ls/Better
Get 20% Off at the NSLS Shop
Use code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.org
A Journey in the Global Art Scene (Feat Yunus Chkirate)
Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders
07/22/24 • 39 min
In this week’s episode, we delve into the life and work of Yunus Chkirate, an extraordinary Montreal based contemporary painter and sculptor. Known for his captivating portraits and innovative handwoven galvanized steel sculptures, Chkirate's journey is a testament to the fusion of raw emotion and artistic skill with a sensibility in social issues of the day.
Yunus was born and raised in Montreal to Moroccan and Italian immigrant parents. This rich cultural background, combined with the vibrant artistic scene of Montreal, greatly influenced his artistic inclinations. Initially, Chkirate pursued studies in social sciences and fashion marketing, which laid the foundation for his eventual foray into the art world. His early career in the fashion industry exposed him to a myriad of creative processes, helping hi
At the age of 22, Chkirate was already working in-house for a major Canadian brand, immersing himself in the multifaceted world of fashion production, branding, and e-commerce. However, he soon realized the limitations of this field. The constraints of budget and corporate approval stifled his creative freedom. It was during his downtime that Chkirate found solace and liberation in art.
This week, you’ll learn the path of Yunus’s remarkable journey from fashion to fine art, all about his love of Provincetown and San Francisco and how romantic relationships became the inspiration for his work.
LEARN MORE:
>> Website: www.yunuschkirate.com
>> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YunusChkirate123
>> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yunuschkirate/
NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:
>> Listen to the bonus episode to learn what to consider when thinking about an art career and advice on where to begin as an artist just starting out in their journey. (https://thens.ls/3Wsd1pC)
Mentioned in this episode:
Get 20% Off at the NSLS Shop
Use code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.org
Breaking Barriers and Building Brands (Feat. Dr. Amara Pope)
Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders
05/06/24 • 25 min
Dr. Amara Pope highlights the cyclical nature of social movements in her diversity work. She explains how it’s disheartening to see a downward trend in prioritizing diversity and inclusion efforts in educational sectors and workplaces. Drawing from her own experiences of living in the intersectionality of race and ethnicity Dr. Pope brings over a decade of experience both personal and professional into her work.
Drawing from her research on the music industry, Dr. Pope discusses the nuances of cultural appropriation, emphasizing the importance of paying homage and uplifting marginalized voices. She shares perspectives from artists like Drake and Justin Bieber on participating in cultural spaces with respect and authenticity
As we navigate the complexities of promoting diversity and inclusion in marketing, Dr. Pope's insights remind us of the importance of authenticity, representation, and genuine engagement. By embracing diversity and inviting diverse perspectives, brands can foster innovation, drive positive change, and resonate with a more inclusive audience.
This week, you’ll learn why DE&I efforts must go deeper than surface level to be effective, how Dr. Pope applies her behavioral study expertise to a range of industries, and how genuine human curiosity can bring us all closer together.
LEARN MORE:
>> Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, TikTok, and YouTube. (https://facebook.com/dramarapope), (https://www.instagram.com/dramarapope), (https://ca.linkedin.com/in/amara-pope), (https://twitter.com/dramarapope), (https://www.tiktok.com/@dramarapope), and (https://www.youtube.com/@dramarapope)
>> Check out her website. (www.DrAmaraPope.ca)
NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:
>>Listen to the bonus episode to learn how Dr. Pope handled a professor who tried to discourage her Ph. D studies and how she shatters the negative bias against young Ph. D graduates. (https://thens.ls/3ydAIrR)
Mentioned in this episode:
Get 20% Off at the NSLS Shop
Use code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.org
Embracing The “MAC Mentality” (Feat Connor McKemey)
Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders
06/10/24 • 28 min
At just 13 years old, Connor McKemey faced a life-altering event that left him with third-degree burns covering 90% of his body. Given less than a 1% chance of survival, Connor defied the odds and not only survived but thrived. Today, the best-selling author and motivational speaker is a living testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the human spirit.
Connor recalls the challenges and doubts he faced from medical professionals who tried to prepare him for a life of limitations. "Being young, I had that mindset of, 'Why can't I?' I wanted to get back to just playing hoops in the driveway with my brothers," he says. Despite being told he might never play sports again, Connor's ambition and resilience led him to find a trainer who believed in his potential.
Connor underscores the importance of mental resilience. He believes in the power of the mind and the impact of a positive perspective. "Every time I was faced with doubt, anxiety, or fear, I asked myself how I could flip it and find some silver lining," he explains. This mindset helped him navigate through immense pain and challenges. By focusing on what he could control and finding positivity in each situation, Connor transformed his approach to recovery and life.
This week, you’ll learn how support and strength from family, friends, and community helped Connor thrive, why celebrating small victories daily is important and how empathy allows us to see scars as symbols of strength, not weakness.
LEARN MORE:
>> Read his two-time, Amazon Best-seller, Life Ignited:A Hopeful Journey, Sparked by Fire. (https://www.amazon.com/Life-Ignited-Hopeful-Journey-Sparked/dp/1544539754/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1684775767&sr=1-1)
>> Check out his website. (www.macmentality.com)
>> Follow him on social media @connormckemey and @mac_mentality.(https://www.instagram.com/connormckemey), (https://www.instagram.com/mac_mentality)
NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:
>> Listen to the bonus episode to learn how Connor found his voice as an author and how he continues to embrace his life’s journey with optimism.(https://thens.ls/45c93nR)
Mentioned in this episode:
Get 20% Off at the NSLS Shop
Use code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.org
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FAQ
How many episodes does Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders have?
Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders currently has 266 episodes available.
What topics does Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders cover?
The podcast is about Management, Podcasts, Self-Improvement, Education and Business.
What is the most popular episode on Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders?
The episode title 'Advocating to Give Patients a Voice (Feat. Pam Cusick)' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders?
The average episode length on Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders is 23 minutes.
How often are episodes of Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders released?
Episodes of Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders?
The first episode of Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders was released on Dec 27, 2020.
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