Magic Thread Media

A podcast network weaving conscious voices for a more connected world.

Latest Episodes:

Finding Joy in Solos, Songs, and Stories with Sean Harkness and Liz Piccoli Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

I’m very happy to be back in front of my mic, having been away from #TheEdgeofEverydayPodcast for 6 weeks. I didn’t plan to take a break. But because of a slew of unforeseen conflicts and guest scheduling issues, and because I was off doing a play…it just happened.

Happy Fall!

Today we are #LIVEintheHIVE with two special guests, multi-award-winning guitarist and singer/songwriter, Sean Harkness - and Liz Picolli, SDC director/choreographer, and founder/artistic director of Queen of Rogues Arts Space in Woodstock, NY.

Sean is returning to The Plum at Traver Hollow House (www.ThePlumTH2.com) on Saturday October 18 th with his SOLO show, Just Me: Solos, Songs, and Stories. He will also be performing at Queen of Rogues Arts Space in Woodstock on Friday, October 17 th .

Today’s episode is of course, about plugging these upcoming shows, but more importantly, it’s a conversation about the power of ART – theatre, music, visual art, storytelling– to uplift and inspire – not only an audience, but also the performers themselves – in these challenging times.

It’s a conversation about building new performance and gathering spaces, creating and sharing safe, supportive and inclusive communities, and about RESISTANCE to authoritarianism through art, music, truth-telling, and storytelling.

We touch on…

As you know, I always ask my guests, “What identity do you lead with”? And Sean and Liz have unexpected and wonderful answers to kick off this delicious and rich conversation.
What inspired Liz to create and run Queen of Rogues Art Space.
The importance of building community and being a part of many communities.
Sean is most known for being a collaborator with other musicians and singers. What inspired him to create a solo show? And why now? Sean shares his goals, and the obstacles he overcame in sharing his own voice in a solo show.
How creating/performing/artistry is keeping us sane and connected to joy in these challenging times.
All this and SO MUCH MORE.

Sean Harkness in Just Me: Solos, Songs and Stories

Friday, October 17 | 7pm | Queen of Rogues | Woodstock NY

For more info and tickets: www.QueenofRogues.com

Saturday, October 18 | 4pm Doors Open | 5pm Show | The Plum @ TH2

For more information + receive an invitation to the Salon:

www.ThePlumTH2.com

Full bios, schedules, events, etc.:

www.SeanHarkness.com

@harksongs

www.LizPiccoli.com

@queen.of.rogues

Connect with your host Sandra Bargman:

Red Flags, Green Flags, and Grace at Work with Kaitlyn Rios Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

Red flags. Green flags. And the invisible signs of a toxic workplace that too many of us ignore until it's too late.

This episode brings you the powerful story of Kaitlyn Rios — her journey through burnout, the near-breaking point that changed everything, and the creation of Faced With Grace, her nonprofit dedicated to helping women navigate toxic work environments with courage and clarity.

🎧 Listen in as Kaitlyn and I dive into:

The subtle red flags of a toxic workplace you might be missing
The "green flags" and glimmers that point to healthy, life-giving environments
Her deeply personal turning point that sparked Faced With Grace
Practical tools to set boundaries, honor your values, and know when it's time to leave

This episode is a call to pause, take inventory of where you are, and reimagine what's possible when we lead from integrity and compassion.

If something in this episode resonates, let's turn reflection into action:

✏️ Journal on your values — are you living in alignment?
🔗 Share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that they're not alone
🧘‍♀️ Take one micro-step today to protect your energy and honor your worth

Your story matters. Your well-being matters. And together, we can create workplaces where people truly thrive.

Additional Resources:

Key Takeaways:

Red flags aren't always obvious, be sure to trust your gut.
Green flags show up as safety, openness, and alignment.
Boundaries protect energy and model healthy leadership.
Values are the compass for career decisions.
Exit with grace: protect your health and professionalism.

Finding Treasures in the Trash: The Journey to Wholeness with Henry Most Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

What if the parts of yourself you've spent years pushing away are actually the keys to your biggest growth? 🌱

Cari sits down with Stanford professor, executive coach, and therapist Henry Most for a deep yet playful dive into shadow work. Together, they explore Carl Jung's framework for how we become our truest selves, why anxiety might just be a sign that hidden treasures are knocking at the door, and how leaders can move from constant "doing" to authentic "being."

Henry gets real about his own story, from childhood dynamics to a life-shaking crisis that became a turning point, and shares how everyday practices like pausing, breathing, and listening to the body can transform the way we live and lead.

Key Takeaways:

Shadow work reintegrates the parts of ourselves we've suppressed.
The first half of life builds ego; the second seeks authentic Self.
Anxiety can signal suppressed parts pushing to surface.
Leadership growth means shifting from doing to being.
Transformation can come through small daily practices.

If you're ready to start reclaiming the parts of yourself you've pushed aside, head to http://www.bravedirections.com.

Follow along on Instagram @cari_jacobs_sf for more inspiration!

Additional Resources:

Connect with Henry on LinkedIn

Connect with Cari on LinkedIn

Behind the Mic: 4 Years of Magic and a Bold Future Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

Four years. 80+ countries. Countless conversations that have changed the way we think about leadership.

This episode takes you behind the mic — celebrating four years of Create Magic at Work®, the sparks that started it all, and where we're heading next.

🎧 Listen in as I share:

The story of how this podcast was born.
Favorite moments and guests who brought chills and tears
Why the human voice is more powerful than ever in the age of AI
What's next for leaders navigating burnout and change

This anniversary isn't just about the podcast. It's about you. Every listener, every share, every review — you've helped grow this into a global conversation.

If something in this episode resonates, celebrate with me:

⭐ Rate and review the show
🔗 Share an episode that gave you chills
🙌 Bring your own magic into the world of work

The adventure of life continues — and the boldest chapters are just ahead.

👉 Join the movement: Register here for From Exhausted to Aligned

Additional Resources:

Key Takeaways:

Wisdom and compassion are essential to curing burnout.
Human connection through voice matters, especially in the AI era.
Leadership is about authenticity, not perfection.

How To Get Rid Of Burnout & Exhaustion - A Conversation with Samm Smeltzer Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

Is HR missing its heart?

For years, HR has been viewed as a rule enforcer, but what if it could be a source of healing and transformation instead?

Samm Smeltzer, HR Intuitive, visionary, and healer, joins Amy to share her journey from corporate frustration to founding The HRart Center, a restorative community reimagining the role of HR. Through her unique blend of intuition, Qigong, and leadership development, Samm helps leaders release old energy, reclaim authenticity, and bring more humanity back into work.

This is about restoring HR's true purpose: helping people thrive.

🎧 In this episode:

How Samm went from aspiring musician to award-winning HR leader and healer
Why embracing intuition changed her leadership and her work
The surprising ways Qigong helps leaders reset and show up differently
How organizations can shift from performance-only coaching to whole-person growth
Why presence, authenticity, and energy clearing are the missing links in modern leadership

✨ Ready to rethink HR's role in creating healthier workplaces?

Samm shows how leaders can integrate both strategy and spirit to create cultures rooted in presence, authenticity, and care.

📲 Learn more about The HRart Center: https://hrartcenter.com
📲 Join the Energetic Alignment event here: https://www.hrartinstitute.com/share/cXTd68bAgWX32wjv?utm_source=manual

Additional Resources:

Key Takeaways:

HR's impact starts with the well-being of its own practitioners.
Intuition is a leadership strength, not "woo."
Qigong helps leaders release stress and reset.
Coaching should include practices that clear energy.
Servant leadership builds legacies beyond self.

From Career Trauma to Career Healing with Dr. Marie Gervais Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

Is your workplace silently wounding your people?

From subtle exclusions to outright abuse, most professionals carry career wounds, but rarely have the language or tools to name them. The result? Burnout, disengagement, and nervous systems stuck in survival mode.

Dr. Marie Gervais, leadership coach, author of "The Spirit of Work," and host of the Culture and Leadership Connections podcast, joins Amy to unpack her groundbreaking TED Talk on career trauma and what leaders can do about it.

💥 This is about healing the unseen scars that keep people from thriving at work.

🎧 In this episode:

What career trauma really is (and why almost everyone has it)
How workplace loneliness and disconnection feed into deeper wounds
Practical ways leaders can "buy time" to respond instead of react
Why safety, encouragement, and emotional protection are the foundation of leadership
Simple tools, from breathwork to virtues cards, that can transform workplace culture

✨ Want more "glimmers" in your workplace?

Dr. Marie shares how noticing small moments of safety and connection can rewire our nervous systems and bring more joy back into work.

📲 Watch Dr. Marie's TED Talk on career trauma here: https://youtu.be/vRExzK9_0HQ?si=h2mxUresfGfbofbB

Additional Resources:

Key Takeaways:

Career trauma is real: Workplace wounds affect well-being and performance.
Safety first: Healing begins when the nervous system feels safe.
Pause to respond: Breath and time prevent reactive leadership.
Encourage, don't criticize: Recognition builds trust and connection.
Spot the glimmers: Small positive moments fuel resilience and joy.

The Secret Ingredient You're Missing with Samm Smeltzer Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

Are your top leaders quietly burning out?

They may not say it — but you're seeing the signs: checked-out energy, decision fatigue, disengagement. And replacing them? Costs more than you think.

In this powerful episode, returning guest Samm Smeltzer, founder of The HRart Center, joins Amy to unveil a groundbreaking leadership development experience: Energetic Alignment for Leaders — a transformative new partnership between CMAW executive coaches and HRart Center energy healers.

💥 This is burnout recovery and energetic healing journey wrapped in one.

🎧 In this episode:

The real reason leaders walk away from roles they once loved
Why "work-life balance" is broken (and what to build instead)
What Qigong and Chinese medicine can teach us about leadership capacity A behind-the-scenes peek at the Energetic Alignment experience
How coaching + energy healing = the support leaders actually need

📲 Sign up at www.createmagicatwork.net to meet our team, ask your questions, and get a feel for what real leadership healing can look like.

Additional Resources:

Key Takeaways:

Recover energy before pursuing leadership growth.
Qigong + coaching boosts wellbeing and performance.
Invest early to prevent burnout.
Start with high support, then foster independence.
Alignment sustains leaders better than passion bursts.

Finding Treasures in the Trash: Making it Real with Cari Jacobs-Crovetto Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

What if the parts of yourself you've been avoiding are actually the keys to your next big breakthrough? 🌟 In this episode, Cari takes you beyond the theory of self-discovery and into the how with a playful yet powerful five-step practice for "inner truth work."

Inspired by the mesmerizing wire sculptures of Ruth Asawa, where light and shadow merge into one stunning whole, Cari shows how embracing every part of yourself can be deeply transformative. You'll learn when to dive in, how to stay safe while exploring your inner landscape, and why your body might be your best guide for uncovering those hidden gems.

Plus, stick around for a guided meditation that turns these steps into an experience you can feel in real time. 🪞✨

If you're ready to start reclaiming the parts of yourself you've pushed aside, head to http://www.bravedirections.com.

Follow along on Instagram @cari_jacobs_sf for more inspiration!

Additional Resources:

Key Takeaways:

Shadow work reveals hidden parts of ourselves for greater authenticity.
Use the five-step process: Safety, Listening, Noticing, Expansion, Integration.
Safety and embodiment come first before deeper exploration.
The body communicates unresolved emotions through sensations.
Integration happens over time through reflection and action.

You Can't Buy Your Way to Wellbeing at Work with Chase Sterling Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

What if the reason your wellbeing program isn't working… isn't the strategy, but how your people relate to wellbeing at work?

In this episode, Amy sits down with Chase Sterling, founder of the Wellbeing Think Tank and one of the most respected voices in organizational wellbeing. With over 20 years of experience, Chase breaks down the myths, missteps, and magic behind what actually makes workplace wellbeing work.

🎙 What's inside:

The difference between wellness programs and true workplace wellbeing
Why "all you need to do is everything" might be the most accurate strategy
What leaders at the top can do to ignite real change
A breakdown of burnout, boundary-setting, and how to stop causing harm
How Chase's nonprofit is leading with experts over influencers

If your team is wrestling with burnout or disengagement—this is the episode.

🌀 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: wellbeingthinktank.org

Additional Resources:

Key Takeaways:

Wellbeing at work is more than perks, it's about meeting real human needs.
Programs don't change culture; leadership commitment does.
Emotional energy from leaders impacts teams exponentially.
Autonomy and psychological safety are essential for thriving.
Stop chasing trends, start listening to your people.

The Journey to The Edge of Everyday with Host, Sandra Bargman Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

Recently I was asked by one of my guests after we finished recording….

What was the inspiration behind creating the Edge of Everyday Podcast? Why did I feel called to the kinds of conversation I explore in each episode?

I appreciated her question and her curiosity.

Quite simply – I am captivated by paradox and I’m deeply committed to amplifying voices and stories, particularly those of women. What to say, how to say it, and why it matters is at the heart of everything I do, and everything I teach.

I decided right then to record an episode in which I shared the journey I’ve taken to The Edge of Everyday.

In this episode I share…

· Live recording of my song, Who’s To Say? written as an intention setting song, an opening invocation. Later you will hear about the show being structured as a ritual.

Lyrics: Sandra Bargman Music: Ian Herman

· Being called to seminary, and while there, having the inspiration to create my company, Sacred Stages, LLC, that synthesizes my performing background with my service leadership.

· Creating the “Caba-Ritual” – the background of The Edge of Everyday solo show – the impulse to create it, + structuring it as a ritual for a transformative experience.

· I said I would include a picture of my opening show outfit in the show notes but I’m unable to do so…check out the performance clips and pictures on my website, www.SandraBargman.com.

· The core message and concepts presented in the solo show. What are those concepts? Admitting complexities and exploring paradox. Being real. Truth-telling. Yes, truth can be ugly and raw, but the heartbreak of truth is a better experience than happiness from lies, fear, or delusion.

· “The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off” – that marvelous quote by feminist Gloria Steinam, highlights the dual nature of truth: it can be both challenging and liberating.

· The decision to transition to doing a podcast during Covid.

· The live performance of Everyday People, by Sly Stone, with my “rap” spoken poetry, Lean In Edgy Ones, woven within.

· All this and much more. Thanks for listening.

Connect with your host Sandra Bargman: