The Drop the Needle Podcast

Latest Episodes:

16: Ep. 16 - Coming out of the Spiritual Closet | Part 2 | Irene Doreste Jun 27, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Irene Doreste discusses the importance of meditation and being a clear and open channel. She explains that meditation helps to quiet the logical mind and allows us to connect with Source energy. Irene also introduces the concept of Clair senses and how they contribute to being an open channel. She emphasizes the need to trust the messages that come through and to lean into the practice of meditation for a more peaceful and connected experience. The conversation explores the importance of trust and openness in psychic readings and spiritual experiences. It emphasizes the need for both the reader and the sitter to have faith in the process. The concept of signs and synchronicities is also discussed, highlighting how the universe tries to get our attention through repeating numbers, songs, and other symbols. The importance of asking for guidance and being open to receiving messages is emphasized. The conversation concludes with a story about the power of choosing a symbol and asking the universe to show it as a sign. In this final part of the conversation, Irene shares a story about synchronicity and signs from the universe. She talks about how she asked the universe for a sign and ended up seeing a yellow hot air balloon. Irene emphasizes the importance of trusting the universe and being open to receiving signs. Jim and Irene discuss the power of music to uplift and change our mood. Irene mentions the song 'Say What You Need to Say' by John Mayer as her personal theme song. They also talk about songs that could potentially change the world if people really listened to the lyrics, such as 'Man in the Mirror' by Michael Jackson and 'Let It Be' by The Beatles. Irene promises to share her personal song in the next episode.

You can reach Irene Doreste by visiting her website at www.soulsurgerylifecoaching.com

Listen to this episode's Spotify playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lX8TQTwwRioYkAv1jPCck?si=0c8ef60a8396491e

15: Ep. 15 - Coming out of the Spiritual Closet | Part 1 | Irene Doreste Jun 20, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Drop the Needle podcast, host Jim Allstott sits down with the multifaceted Irene Doreste to discuss her journey from a scientific background to becoming a holistic health practitioner. Irene shares her unique insights on integrating spirituality into everyday life, balancing the scientific and spiritual worlds, and her personal experiences with energy healing, chakras, and intuition. They also touch upon the importance of holistic health and how to begin trusting one's own intuition. This week's Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7mjsqZLKU4AM9LueSbRKBj?si=7092a2c8058b4286

14: Ep. 14 - Dr. Beth Plachetka | Clinical Social Worker, Safe Harbor Counseling Jun 06, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Beth Plachetka discusses her background in education and how she became a mental health professional. She talks about the changing perception of mental health and the importance of addressing mental health issues. She also discusses the lingering effects of COVID-19 on mental health and the challenges of returning to work. Dr. Plachetka explains workplace bullying and its impact on individuals and organizations. She emphasizes the need for awareness and strategies to address workplace bullying. In this conversation, Dr. Beth Plachetka discusses workplace bullying and its impact on mental health. She emphasizes the importance of listening and providing support to victims of bullying, as well as setting boundaries and practicing self-care. Dr. Plachetka also highlights the need for organizations to create emotionally safe workplaces and promote respect and empathy. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the power of music to bring people together and the significance of certain songs in our lives.

This episode’s Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0dLaUsGBeSUyO6H9aprBs6?si=de8a819f0da14b7d

13: Ep. 13 - Jen Weigel | Author and Journalist May 23, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, host Jim Alstott interviews Jen Weigel, a well-known journalist, author, and performer. They discuss topics related to intuition, empathy, and energy. Jen shares her personal experiences as an empath and how she discovered her intuitive abilities. She also talks about the importance of emotional intelligence and the power of empathy in various fields. The conversation touches on the challenges faced by empaths and sensitive individuals, as well as the need to embrace and celebrate their unique wiring. Jen also discusses her career as a journalist and her journey into exploring spirituality and energy work. Jen Weigel discusses her journey of leaving her job as a news reporter and embracing her intuitive abilities. She talks about the importance of doing what you love and being proactive instead of reactive. She also emphasizes the value of opening you

00:00 Introduction and Background of Jen Weigel

02:38 Discovering and Developing Intuitive Abilities

07:08 The Challenges and Value of Being Sensitive

11:55 Supporting and Nurturing Sensitive Children

14:20 The Connection Between Creativity and Intuition

23:38 Balancing Success in Journalism and Spiritual Exploration

26:23 Being Proactive Instead of Reactive

28:44 Opening Your Mind to New Possibilities

31:08 The Impact of Kindness and Positive Interactions

33:26 Setting Intentions for Meaningful Work

38:43 Casting a Wider Net and Building a Community

44:26 The Power of Music

47:27 Listening to Your Inner Voice

49:29 Promoting the Spiritual Social Club

r mind to new possibilities and casting a wider net. Jen shares insights from her experiences and interviews with people who have had near-death experiences, highlighting the importance of kindness and positive interactions. She also discusses the power of intention and the role of ego in pursuing meaningful work. In this conversation, Jim and Jen discuss the power of music and its impact on our lives. They share their favorite songs and the memories associated with them. They also talk about the importance of listening to our inner voice and trusting ourselves. Jen promotes her Spiritual Social Club and encourages listeners to visit her website for more information. www.jenweigel.com

This week's Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5mQ8JL35c56MFMRSZGum0q?si=cd950f21b7dc4f16

12: Ep. 12 - Drift Away May 02, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jim Alstott discusses the challenges faced by employers in finding good employees and job seekers in finding meaningful employment. He provides insights and tips for both employers and job seekers. For employers, he emphasizes the importance of accurate job descriptions, improving interviewing skills, and avoiding delays in the hiring process. For job seekers, he highlights the importance of preparation, researching the company, knowing the job description, and asking strategic questions during the interview. In this conversation, Jim Alstott provides tips and strategies for acing a job interview. He emphasizes the importance of showcasing your skills and accomplishments, as well as asking thoughtful questions. He also discusses the significance of sending a thank-you note after the interview. Jim concludes the conversation by teasing upcoming episodes of his podcast and sharing his favorite songs.

This week's Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/64x8vvQOQAfJZmianmcJQV?si=5201237ec38744ee

11: Ep. 11 - Mandy Pullen Barr, Strategic Managing Partner - Vesta Divorce Apr 25, 2024

Show notes

Vesta is an organization that provides education and support to individuals going through divorce. They offer a variety of professionals, including attorneys, mediators, financial advisors, and coaches, to help guide people through the process. Vesta's goal is to empower individuals to make informed decisions and navigate divorce in a more cost-effective and amicable way. They also offer a concierge service to provide personalized support and guidance. The emotional aspect of divorce is a key focus for Vesta, and they offer coaching and therapy to help individuals manage their emotions and make clear decisions. Vesta has had many success stories and is highly recommended by their clients. Vesta Divorce is a company that provides resources and support for individuals going through divorce. They offer webinars, coaching, therapy, and legal advice to help people navigate the emotional and practical aspects of divorce. The company has adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by moving their services online, which has allowed them to reach a wider audience. They have also expanded their offerings to include specialized coaches for teens and career coaches for stay-at-home parents reentering the workforce. Vesta Divorce emphasizes the importance of vetting their professionals and ensuring that they are committed to serving the community and providing ethical and compassionate support.

For more information, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/VestaDivorce/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/vesta-redefining-divorce/

Call the Concierge: (877) 355-7649

Schedule a call: https://calendly.com/mandybarr

Email me: abarr@vestadivorce.com

Attend an Event

Find an event: https://vestadivorce.com/events

Mandy Pullen Barr

Strategic Managing Partner

This week's Spotify Playlist Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1ZMz0tTvokkVzFnYAt5IRi?si=6a36fdfb98404f85

Takeaways

Vesta provides education and support to individuals going through divorce.

They offer a variety of professionals, including attorneys, mediators, financial advisors, and coaches.

Vesta's goal is to empower individuals to make informed decisions and navigate divorce in a more cost-effective and amicable way.

They offer a concierge service to provide personalized support and guidance.

The emotional aspect of divorce is a key focus for Vesta, and they offer coaching and therapy to help individuals manage their emotions and make clear decisions.

Vesta has had many success stories and is highly recommended by their clients Vesta Divorce offers a range of resources and support for individuals going through divorce, including webinars, coaching, therapy, and legal advice.

The company has adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by moving their services online, which has allowed them to reach a wider audience.

They have expanded their offerings to include specialized coaches for teens and career coaches for stay-at-home parents reentering the workforce.

Vesta Divorce emphasizes the importance of vetting their professionals and ensuring that they are committed to serving the community and providing ethical and compassionate support.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Vesta and Mandy Pullen-Barr

08:00 The Concierge Service and Empathy in Divorce Support

26:59 Saving Money and Lowering Costs with Vesta

36:23 Specialized Coaching for Teens and Career Transition

10: Ep. 10 - Keith Muller, Franchise Owner Apr 18, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jim Alstott interviews Keith Muller, a successful franchise owner with over 25 store locations. They discuss the challenges and rewards of owning a franchise, as well as the importance of finding passion in your work. Keith emphasizes the need to love what you do and be willing to put in the hours. He also shares insights on the process of opening a franchise, including finding the right opportunity, securing finances, and choosing a location. Keith highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with the right team and allowing them to excel in their areas of expertise. Overall, the conversation explores the mindset and strategies for success in the franchise business. In this conversation, the guest discusses his experience opening a cigar shop and the importance of not caring about what others think. He shares how he created a welcoming and social atmosphere in the shop, and how he built relationships with his customers. The guest also talks about his love for music and the role it plays in his life.

This week's Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3qeyD7TJkIvccnVy4DqngT?si=dd12a03f84904622

Takeaways

Finding passion in your work is crucial for success as a business owner.

Opening a franchise requires finding the right opportunity, securing finances, and choosing a location.

Surrounding yourself with the right team and allowing them to excel is key to success.

Success in the franchise business requires a combination of hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Don't let the fear of judgment hold you back from pursuing your goals.

Creating a welcoming and social atmosphere can help build strong relationships with customers.

Music has the power to bring people together and create lasting memories.

Having a diverse taste in music allows for a wider range of experiences and enjoyment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

08:00 Creating a Memorable First Impression

36:39 Opening a Cigar and Wine Bar

44:36 Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere and Involving Customers

56:59 Favorite Songs and Family Road Trips

01:04:34 Personal Connection to Music and Favorite Artists

9: Ep. 9 - Ghost In the Machine | David Schueneman, Recruiter Apr 11, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jim Alstott and David Schueneman discuss the challenge of finding top talent in today's business world. They explore the concept of the 'Great Depression of human capital' and how it is affecting businesses. They also delve into the impact of the hybrid or remote work model on companies and the challenges it presents. The conversation touches on the issue of ghosting in the hiring process and provides insights on how to minimize it. Trust and effective communication are highlighted as key factors in addressing these challenges. In this conversation, David Schueneman discusses the impact of AI on the advertising industry. He believes that AI will disrupt certain jobs in the industry, but recruiters will still play a crucial role in finding and evaluating talent. He also emphasizes the importance of effective communication and the need for recruiters to adapt to new technologies. Schueneman shares his favorite songs and how they have influenced his life, including 'Kung Fu Fighting' by Carl Douglas, 'Song Sung Blue' by Neil Diamond, and 'Home' by Michael Bublé.

Listing to this week's Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3jhlYAY4Pmgq3cEoNJ9Pep?si=befeb36fa1a34a2c

Takeaways

The 'Great Depression of human capital' refers to the shortage of talent caused by the retirement of baby boomers and the smaller number of Gen Xers to replace them.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the human capital shortage as more baby boomers retire and some workers choose to leave the workforce.
The rise of the gig economy and the option of remote work have given employees more choices and flexibility, making it challenging for companies to attract and retain top talent.
Companies need to adapt their hiring and onboarding processes to accommodate remote work and build trust with employees.
Ghosting, where candidates or employers abruptly cut off communication during the hiring process, is a growing problem. Multiple interviews and effective communication can help minimize ghosting.
Building a strong corporate culture and creating a positive work environment can help attract and retain talent.
Trust and effective communication are crucial in addressing the challenges of finding top talent and managing remote or hybrid work models. AI will disrupt certain jobs in the advertising industry, but recruiters will still play a crucial role in finding and evaluating talent.
Recruiters need to adapt to new technologies and use them to enhance their work, such as using AI-powered tools for internal communication and candidate sourcing.
The remote workforce is here to stay, and companies should embrace it to attract and retain top talent.
Job changes have increased in recent years, and recruiters need to be proactive in finding and engaging passive job seekers.
Music has a powerful impact on our lives and can evoke strong emotions and memories.

8: Ep. 8 - I Believe the Children Are Our Future | Tairi Grace, LCSW Apr 04, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Drop the Needle podcast, host Jim Alstott interviews Tairi Grace, a guest with a background in law enforcement and counseling. Tairi shares her journey from being a juvenile probation officer to starting her own private practice and opening a school that prioritizes mindfulness and empathy. The school incorporates yoga and other life skills into the curriculum, providing a balance between academic rigor and emotional well-being. Tairi emphasizes the importance of teaching students to be emotionally balanced and self-sufficient, preparing them for success in the real world. In this conversation, Jim Alstott and Tairi Grace discuss the importance of personalized education and the impact of traditional schooling on individual growth. Jim shares his personal experiences of feeling stifled and unchallenged in the public school system, which led to behavioral issues. Tairi emphasizes the need for an educational approach that focuses on mindfulness, empathy, and spiritual growth. They discuss the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit and how it influences an individual's life and career choices. Tairi also highlights the importance of curiosity, problem-solving skills, and self-awareness in education.

This week's Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0uZWiV8UW8cP8I0bqHfFcG?si=5b038ea3361e449a

Takeaways

Tairi Grace started her career as a juvenile probation officer before transitioning into private practice and opening a school that prioritizes mindfulness and empathy.

The school incorporates yoga and other life skills into the curriculum, providing a balance between academic rigor and emotional well-being.

Tairi believes in teaching students to be emotionally balanced and self-sufficient, preparing them for success in the real world.

The school encourages students to engage with nature and offers non-traditional seating options to promote movement and creativity. Traditional schooling can stifle curiosity, energy, and creativity in students, leading to behavioral issues.

Personalized education that emphasizes mindfulness, empathy, and spiritual growth can have a positive impact on an individual's life and career choices.

The interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit is crucial for holistic development.

Curiosity, problem-solving skills, and self-awareness are essential for personal and professional growth.

Alternative learning approaches that focus on individual needs and interests can provide a more fulfilling educational experience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:30 Terry's Career in Law Enforcement and Counseling

04:22 Incorporating Yoga into Counseling Practice

06:08 Founding a School with a Focus on Mindfulness and Empathy

09:27 Defining Mindfulness and Incorporating it into the School Curriculum

13:43 Incorporating Yoga into the School Day

27:17 Balancing Academic Rigor and Emotional Wellbeing

35:18 The Importance of Individualized Education

36:05 Customizing the Educational Experience

37:13 The Three Parts of Education

38:17 The Luxury of Customized Education

39:17 The Importance of Practice and Application

40:14 The Interconnectedness of Mind, Body, and Spirit

43:13 Long-Term Effects of Mindfulness, Empathy, and Spiritual Growth

44:38 Lessons Learned from an Immersive Education

46:16 The Interconnectedness of Mind, Body, and Spirit

47:38 The Importance of Mindfulness and Empathy

50:19 Lessons Learned and Embracing the Present

53:26 The Challenges of Starting a School

56:03 Promoting the School and Support

59:15 Wrap up

7: Ep. 7 - Jennifer Grace, Life Coach Mar 28, 2024

Show notes

In this conversation, Jennifer Grace discusses the importance of creativity in business and how it can help individuals and organizations thrive in times of disruption. She explains that creativity is not limited to artists and emphasizes the need for individuals to trust themselves and tap into their authentic selves. Jennifer also highlights the significance of vulnerability, connection, and collaboration in building high-performing teams. She shares examples of how her program has helped companies improve employee well-being, increase sales, and foster a culture of innovation. Jennifer concludes by encouraging individuals to redefine their beliefs about creativity and embrace it as a tool for problem-solving and growth. In this conversation, Jennifer Grace discusses her new ventures, including starting a book publishing company called Raven and Grace Press and organizing a local event called Rhythm and Rhyme. She emphasizes the importance of listening to the needs of her community and creating opportunities for others to shine. Jennifer also shares her favorite songs and artists, including Taylor Swift, Chris Stapleton, and Jelly Roll.

Takeaways

Creativity is essential in business and can help individuals and organizations navigate and thrive in times of disruption.

Creativity is not limited to artists and should be embraced by everyone in the business world.

Vulnerability, connection, and collaboration are key in building high-performing teams and fostering a positive work culture.

Creativity and mindfulness practices can help individuals overcome fear and anxiety, leading to increased well-being and improved performance. Jennifer Grace has started a book publishing company called Raven and Grace Press, which focuses on hybrid publishing and helps authors get their books distributed through major publishing houses.

She is also organizing a local event called Rhythm and Rhyme, where participants can share songs, stories, or spoken word performances based on a specific theme.

Jennifer believes in the power of giving back and donates all the proceeds from collective books published by Raven and Grace Press to a charity chosen by the authors.

She is inspired by her community and listens to their needs, creating opportunities and solutions to help them achieve their goals.

Jennifer Grace’s classes / programs

https://www.canva.com/design/DAFXrrecP94/EaFkCiYFHRjmGdzDE2eRaA/view?utm_content=DAFXrrecP94&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

You can find Jennifer Grace at www.jennifergrace.com

Episode 7 Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5R4qqM2AuOIrZBYIeBuKxk?si=e4b37976f6c442b9

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Friendship

01:23 Inspiration for CIJ Culture Catalyst Program

04:02 Importance of Creativity in Business

06:47 Overcoming Barriers to Creativity

07:51 Authenticity and Connection in the Workplace

09:42 Misconceptions about Creativity in the Workplace