Magic Thread Media

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

Latest Episodes:

Re-release: Elevating Feedback Through Skillful Presence with Aaron Tabacco Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

✨ Today, we're revisiting a special episode with Aaron Tabacco!

Amy and Aaron explore feedback as a path to true transformation in the workplace. Aaron, an executive coach and leader at UCSF, reveals how feedback—when done with presence and intention—can shift from a dreaded critique to a growth-filled dialogue.

Discover practical insights on giving feedback that empowers, receiving feedback with curiosity, and using these moments to foster stronger, more compassionate teams.

Tune in and learn how to make every feedback moment a spark for personal and organizational growth. 🌟

Additional Resources:

Join us in the Edgewalker Cafe

Connect with Aaron on LinkedIn

Listen to the original episode: Part 1

Listen to the original episode: Part 2

Discover Your Spiritual Intelligence at Work Connect with Amy Lynn Durham Learn More About Create Magic at Work More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways:

Transformational Feedback over Constructive Criticism: Aaron explains that traditional "constructive criticism" often feels punitive. Instead, approaching feedback as a tool for transformation fosters mutual growth.
Curiosity and Self-Reflection: The effectiveness of feedback begins with self-reflection. Aaron advises leaders to explore their intentions and emotional state before initiating a feedback session.
Receiving Feedback with Openness: Aaron emphasizes that the receiver's mindset is equally crucial. Cultivating curiosity and focusing on learning can turn even uncomfortable feedback into an opportunity for growth.
Intentional Communication: For leaders, intentional preparation, clear language, and a mindset of support can make feedback both meaningful and motivating.

The Dangerous Side Effect of ‘Manifestation Culture’ w/ Monica Ross Nov 18, 2024

Show notes

Episode Summary

In this episode, host Amy Lynn Durham sits down with Monica Ross, an Edgewalker facilitator and holistic leadership coach based in Ireland. Together, they dive deep into the energetic, somatic, and spiritual shifts required to navigate modern workplace stress. From breaking down the toxic side effects of individual "manifestation culture" to sharing immediate, 5-minute somatic tools to reset your nervous system, this conversation is a masterclass in shifting from ego-driven leadership to soul-led connection.

If you are a leader looking to increase your "joy quotient," handle difficult workplace conflicts with grace, and learn why slowing down actually makes you more impactful, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways & Highlights

The Four Pillars of Holistic Leadership: Monica breaks down her core framework for leader development: Embodiment, Energy, Systemic Interconnection, and Spirituality.
The Trap of "Manifestation Culture": Why manifesting material wealth (like a Mercedes or a handbag) is still leaving people unfulfilled, and how we must shift our tools from serving the "I" to serving the "We."
Reframing Toxic Coworkers: How viewing difficult or aggressive colleagues as simply "unskilled" rather than malicious can immediately de-escalate conflict and protect your energy.
Somatic Pockets of Presence: Practical, daily tools—including Monica’s personal 5-minute maraca-dancing break—to snap out of a hyper-achieving, survival mindset and return to intuition.
The Seven-Generation Rule: Adopting an indigenous leadership mindset where decisions are made with consideration for seven generations forward and seven generations back

Additional Resources:

Connect with Amy Lynn Durham

Learn More About Create Magic at Work

Do You Listen When Your Body Speaks To You? with Jen Aks Nov 15, 2024

Show notes

Do You Listen to Your Body When it Speaks to You? Today we are #LIVEintheHIVE with Speaker, Leadership & Embodiment Coach, and Founder of The Power of Gesture™, Jen Aks for a compelling conversation about accessing the wisdom of the body vs that of the intellect and other forms and pathways of knowing and learning.

This was a powerful and emotional conversation - my first podcast recording post election here in the USA - and I'm so grateful that it was with Jen Aks.

In this episode...

* Jen shares her struggle with our favored linear and rational forms of intelligence and the triumph of discovering her kinesthetic intelligence- and her journey of helping others to unlock their own somatic wisdom.

* Jen shares a potent and vulnerable personal video in which she shares a very difficult life changing decision, one she was led to make as a result of courageously listening to her body speak to her.

* What is somatic wisdom? What is embodied intelligence? What are the connections to emotional intelligence? Jen breaks it all down and gives us ways to begin to deal with the fear and grief that lives in our bodies.

* Her Power of Gesture(TM) methodology, HERstories collective AND her upcoming book, soon to be announced, part memoir, part method, a guide to bring you back to the innate wisdom that lives within you.

* All this and so much more...

For video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duMcQqKQnQw

www.JenAks.com

@jen_aks

Jen Aks, a Leadership and Embodiment Coach and Educator, is on a mission to help people awaken the body’s wisdom by tapping into their innate emotional intelligence, empowering

Connect with your host Sandra Bargman:

Transforming Work Through Music and Magic with Alexandria Agresta Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

In this lively episode of Create Magic at Work, host Amy welcomes Alexandria Agresta—a TEDx speaker, leadership expert, and the world's first "DJ-ing speaker." Alexandria shares how she combines music, movement, and motivation to inspire creativity and courage in the workplace. Together, they explore why infusing self-expression and playfulness into work is essential for team growth and connection, as well as offering actionable ways to break routine and energize any team.

Tune in to discover how even the most "buttoned-up" environments can become places where magic, joy, and innovation thrive.

Additional Resources:

Discover Your Spiritual Intelligence at Work Connect with Amy Lynn Durham Learn More About Create Magic at Work More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn More About Alexandria Agresta

Connect with Alexandria on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways:

Creativity and Leadership: Alexandria demonstrates how creativity and self-expression are essential for inspiring teams and fostering innovation in the workplace.
The Power of Music: Music acts as a catalyst for connection and can help shift teams out of their heads and into a heart-centered space.
Breaking Routine: Small practices like walking meetings or creating team playlists can disrupt routine, encourage new perspectives, and improve emotional well-being.

Overcoming The Pain of Career Trauma with Dr. Marie Gervais Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

Ever feel like your career carries invisible scars? In this episode, Amy Lynn sits down with Dr. Marie Gervais to uncover the impact of career trauma—from subtle stress to toxic workplaces—and how leaders can turn things around. Marie introduces her SWEL model (Safety, Wellness, Encouragement, and Learning) to help leaders create safe, inclusive environments where employees can thrive.

Additional Resources:

Discover Your Spiritual Intelligence at Work Connect with Amy Lynn Durham Learn More About Create Magic at Work More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Marie's Ted Talk Marie on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook

Key Takeaways:

Understanding Career Trauma: Career trauma encompasses long-term effects from negative work experiences, ranging from exclusion to abusive behavior. This unaddressed trauma often impacts employees' mental health and workplace engagement.
Safety First: Creating a safe environment—starting with simple breathing and self-regulation techniques—helps people feel secure and prevents them from reacting negatively to stressful situations.
Building Workplace Connections: Addressing the loneliness epidemic starts with fostering genuine communication and connection within teams. Encouraging meaningful interactions, even small acknowledgments, can reduce isolation.

A Special Halloween Episode with Special Guest, Leslie Ellis Oct 31, 2024

Show notes

Happy Anniversary to #TheEdgeofEverydayPodcast!

This month marks the 3rd ANNIVERSARY of when I started this podcast (October of 2021) at TalkRadio.NYC and it marks the one year Anniversary of when I moved the podcast to MaximizeU.Life. Of course, we also stream on all your favorite podcast platforms.

And Happy Halloween – Happy Samhain - Happy Witches New Year!

For todays episode we are doing things a bit differently. Only fitting for an anniversary and for Halloween, right? I usually highlight my guests completely but in todays episode – to celebrate and recalibrate the show – I’ll be sharing more about myself . This episode is an updated version of one that I recorded on Halloween in 2022 for my one year anniversary at TalkRadio.NYC. The original video of that episode will be reposted along side this updated audio.

In this episode, we touch on...

What is Halloween based on?
What is witchcraft?
What is the witch archetype?
My own spiritual journey and pagan leanings...
AND our special GUEST - Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter - and one of my best friends - LESLIE ELLIS!
Its mere days before the 2024 Election in the US and women are on The Edge, angry and ready for Roevember!
All this and SO much more...

#TheEdgeofEveryday #TheEdgeofEverydayPodcast #TheFeminineRises #WitchesAreTheVeil #Halloween

Grammy® Award winning vocalist Leslie Ellis performs live across the USA and Europe with hit songwriter Casey Kelly in the new duo Kelly&Ellis. Through her career Leslie has sung with many artists including Celine Dion on “My Heart will Go On” – from the movie “Titanic” (for which Leslie won the Grammy) and Thomas Dolby on his latest album “Forty” (featured on “Hyperactive”). She sang the original soundtrack song, “Six Times Around the Sun” for the CBS mini-series, "Perfect Murder, Perfect Town" and she’s done countless TV/radio jingles and song demos for SONY Music.

In 2007 her self-penned “Flyer Song” was adopted by the US Navy and made into a video as a tribute to the troops and their families. She’s also written songs, dozens of which have been cut by artists including The Bellamy Brothers and NYC based recording artist David Ippolito.

As an actress, Leslie has appeared on television and the Broadway stage - CATS, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES and CITY OF ANGELS, among others - and in the films "The New True Charlie Wu" , "Happy New Year Mr. Kates" and the feature film "Unconditional" In 2007 she starred in an independent film called, “My Name Is Wallace” which was invited to the Cannes Film Festival.

Leslie also has a successful career as a voice over artist and a book narrator.

Watch on YouTube: https://app.maximizeu.life/podcast/edgeofeveryday

Find Leslie:
www.LeslieEllis.com | @asongliveshere

Connect with your host Sandra Bargman:

Self-Awareness and Consciousness with John Nieters Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

Tired of being pulled in every direction?

In this episode of The Magic Formula, John Nieters and Amy Lynn Durham take a playful approach into self-awareness, consciousness, and how both can help you lead a more intentional life. They break down what self-awareness really means, why it's more than just a buzzword, and how tuning into your own energy can help you navigate distractions and make better decisions.

Addtional Resources:

Free Wellness Consultation with John Nieters More from The Magic Formula podcast Connect with Amy Lynn Durham Learn More About Create Magic at Work More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways:

Self-awareness is key to growth – Knowing your thoughts, behaviors, and values allows for more empathetic leadership and better decision-making.
Gamify life – Turning challenges into playful opportunities can reduce stress and increase creativity, making personal goals easier to achieve.
Isolation fosters clarity – Isolating yourself from external noise and distractions can help you tap into your true energy and find direction.

Differentiating Compassion vs. Empathy for Better Results w/ Alison Godfrey Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

Amy Lynn and guest Alison Godfrey explore the important differences between empathy and compassion in leadership. Are you absorbing everyone else's emotions at work, or are you guiding your team with empathy and healthy boundaries? Amy Lynn and Alison dig into how empathy can quickly lead to burnout, especially for leaders, while compassion takes a more powerful approach—acknowledging others' pain without taking it on yourself. Alison Godfrey is a seasoned executive coach and former CEO with 45 years of experience leading leadership development and growth initiatives across various industries.

Additional Resources:

Key Takeaways:

Empathy vs. Compassion: Empathy involves sharing another's feelings, whereas compassion takes it further by seeking to alleviate suffering without taking on the emotional burden.
Burnout Prevention: Compassionate leadership can reduce burnout by 64%, as shown in research, by balancing emotional understanding with action.
Emotional Boundaries: Leaders can remain effective by maintaining boundaries, focusing on guiding others through their struggles rather than fixing problems for them.

How Astrology Can Guide Your Leadership Path with Vish Chatterji Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Amy Lynn welcomes Vish Chatterji - a former engineer who once scoffed at astrology and now uses it to guide leaders around the world.

Remarkably, Vish went from data-driven MBA to Vedic astrologer, and he's here to explain how this ancient practice offers way deeper insights into leadership than your standard personality tests.

Vish breaks down how Jyotish (Vedic astrology) can help you lead with purpose, navigate challenges, and even manage your karma.

Whether you're skeptical or curious, you'll learn practical ways to tap into the stars for modern leadership success.

Additional Resources:

Discover Your Spiritual Intelligence at Work Connect with Amy Lynn Durham Learn More About Create Magic at Work More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Get Vish's book Astrology Decoded! Connect with Vish on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

Key Takeaways:

Jyotish as a Leadership Tool: Vedic astrology offers deeper personality insights than traditional Western assessments like Myers-Briggs, helping leaders better understand themselves and their teams.
Karma as a Balancing System: Vedic astrology teaches that life events are tied to a karmic balance sheet, with actions either repaying debts or creating new ones.
Self-Awareness Through Archetypes: Ayurveda's three archetypes—Vata (creative), Pitta (driven), and Kapha (grounded)—help leaders tailor their leadership style based on their unique mind-body constitution.

Leadership at the Spiritual Edge with Lynn Horan Oct 15, 2024

Show notes

Todays episode is one of my favorites!

Today we are #LIVEintheHIVE with author, Interfaith theologian, and dancer, Lynn Horan for a compelling conversation about the edges between spirituality and leadership, the edges between the wisdom of the body and that of the intellect - and - we will dive into her work on embodied social change in her contributing chapter, ACTIVISM, PERFORMANCE, and SPIRITUAL RITUAL in the newly released book, LEADERSHIP AT THE SPIRITUAL EDGE, Edited By Mohammed Raei, Stacey K. Guenther, Lisa A. Berkley and published by Routledge.

In this episode, we touch on...

Lynn’s search for wholeness through her own embrace of her complex, paradoxical identities.
Lynn shares about going to Peru and witnessing an ACTO SYMBOLICO, an ancient tradition of weaving ritual, performance, and social activism.
What is Embodied Leadership + Social Change? Both trauma and white supremacy live in the body.
Lynn shares her understanding on the Spiritual Edge we face today.
How leaving her church/ministry informed her doctoral work - and her life.
Discovering + utilizing the power of ritual - that began with dance and now informs her somatic work. What is the Mother Wound? And the demystification of this patriarchal relational dynamic.
All this and SO much more...

#TheEdgeofEveryday #TheEdgeofEverydayPodcast #LeadershipattheSpiritualEdge #ThePowerofRitual

LYNN HORAN is a gender and leadership scholar and professional leadership and life coach specializing in women's leadership and life development. A doctoral researcher through Antioch University's PhD Program in Leadership and Change, Lynn's work focuses on inter-personal boundaries and psychological safety of Gen-X and Millennial women leaders. Her research has been presented at the Global Center for Religious Research and the International Leadership Association.

A former Presbyterian clergy and health policy analyst for the New York State Senate, Lynn holds a deep understanding of complex religious and political systems and their impact on social narratives. Lynn is passionate about cross-cultural relationshipbuilding and addressing the wounds of intergenerational trauma, having worked in health education, homeless advocacy, and domestic violence prevention in communities in Southern Mexico, Central Peru, and Upstate New York.

She is a contributing author of Leadership at the Spiritual Edge: Emerging and Non-Western Concepts of Leadership and Spirituality, where she focuses on the roots of embodied social change as both a form of activism and spiritual ritual. A trained contemporary dancer and yoga practitioner, Lynn believes strongly in the restorative capacity of movement and embodied awareness as a means of cultivating healing, wholeness and reconciliation in individuals and communities.

Watch on YouTube: https://app.maximizeu.life/podcast/edgeofeveryday

Find Lynn:
www.LynnHoran.com

Connect with your host Sandra Bargman: