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  • I'm writing a book on the science behind why we travel. In this episode, I read the last four pages of my book and share five ways that travel changes us.

    When we travel, there’s a sense of meaning and purpose.
    When we travel, we are fully here, present and centered.
    When we travel, we are open to new experiences.
    When we travel, we slow down. We savor. We luxuriate.
    When we travel, we expand our horizons and connect to something larger than ourselves: history, science, religion, culture, language, people, ecosystems, humanity.

    All of those ways of being are more natural and easy when we're far from home, but it doesn't mean we can't also do them at home everyday. Join me for a very special close to Season 1 and learn more about how travel changes the brain, and how to bring those changes back home with you.

    Resources:

    For more information about my book: https://www.irenesalter.com/books

    I highly recommend reading Vagabonding by Rolf Potts and Timothy Ferris and/or The Art of Pilgrimage by Phil Cousineau for how to make the most of your travels:
    https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/100247.Vagabonding
    https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/144951.The_Art_of_Pilgrimage?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_12

    If you're considering long term travel with kids, the book Wonder Year is a great "how to" guide: https://wonderyear.com/what-is-worldschooling/

    For more on how travel can help you find happiness, read Eric Weiner's Geography of Bliss: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1918305.The_Geography_of_Bliss

    For more on finding your WHY, watch this TED conversation with Simon Sinek: https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_to_discover_your_why_in_difficult_times?subtitle=en

    And for how to bring travel home with you, there's nobody better than Pico Iyer: https://www.ted.com/talks/pico_iyer_the_meaning_of_home_and_the_joy_of_traveling?subtitle=en



    For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

  • There’s dozens of leadership styles to try on, but choosing one off-the-rack can feel inauthentic, like putting on armor or wearing someone else’s clothes. How can you create a leadership identity that’s completely authentic? The answer lies in the one-of-a-kind design of your brain at its very best

    You're going to need a partner for this podcast episode (ideally) because we're going to use the power of storytelling to craft a leadership style that is uniquely yours. Personal narratives not only define but also strengthen authentic leadership.

    You'll walk away feeling seen, heard, and valued. You'll be more confident and ready for whatever challenge comes next because you can stand tall in your authentic leadership

    Resources:

    Learn more about the Heroine’s Journey Women’s Leadership Retreat: https://www.irenesalter.com/leadership-retreat

    Bill George’s book, Authentic Leadership: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/255199.Authentic_Leadership

    The Brene Brown quote came from Dare to Lead: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40109367-dare-to-lead

    A lovely, very accessible article about how to be more authentic at work: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_be_more_authentic_at_work

    A great review article on post traumatic growth: http://bit.ly/3ZQRIjN

    Identifying your core values lies at the heart of authenticity. Go to the Resources section of my podcast page to download a worksheet to help you name your core values: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

    And if you liked this episode, check out Episode 3 to identify the five keys to identifying your leadership style.



    For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

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  • What can the Pixar movie Inside Out teach leaders about management? A lot!

    In this episode of "Leaders' Playground," we dive deep into the emotional landscape. A whirlwind of emotions can hit in a single day—fear, joy, sadness, and everything in between. By understanding those emotions, we can transform our leadership style.

    We unpack the science of emotions, drawing on the groundbreaking research of psychologists like Paul Ekman, Dacher Keltner, and Lisa Feldman Barrett. Discover how emotional awareness not only enhances personal well-being but also boosts team dynamics, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.

    As much as we might wish to shove emotions into a jar and pretend they don't exist, emotional intelligence can turn work into a far more enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

    Resources:

    Inside Out 1 trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRUAzGQ3nSYInside Out 2 trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEjhY15eCx0Plutchik’s Feelings Wheel and how to use it https://positivepsychology.com/emotion-wheel/Brené Brown’s list of emotions to expand emotional vocabulary https://brenebrown.com/resources/atlas-of-the-heart-list-of-emotions/Emotions Revealed by Paul Ekman https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/156462.Emotions_RevealedAwe by Dacher Keltner https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62352297-aweHow many emotions are there? This article explores the latest research. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_many_different_human_emotions_are_thereAtlas of the Heart by Brené Brown https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58330567-atlas-of-the-heartHow Emotions are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23719305-how-emotions-are-madeEmotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26329.Emotional_IntelligenceSome data on how EQ matters https://www.fastcompany.com/90614212/iq-vs-eq-in-the-workplaceAlisa Yu’s work at Stanford on why it pays to notice emotions https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/all-feels-why-it-pays-notice-emotions-workplaceMark Fenton-O’Creevy on the impact of emotions on picking stocks https://oro.open.ac.uk/31984/4/JOB-08-0440-pre-publication.pdf





    For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

  • The other day, my husband and I were looking at the impact of a recent heat wave on the trees near our property. Some trees were doing okay, others were dying. Why? We consider access to resources, the type of tree, the amount of shade, but ultimately, I think it comes down to the connection between trees -- whether they're all alone in a field or in relationship with others.

    Just as trees thrive in connected communities, so do we as humans. The Harvard Study of Adult Development shows that connectedness is key to health and happiness. There's lots of other data as well from workplaces and neighborhoods. In this episode, I’ll share practical strategies for deepening your relationships and building a supportive network, both at work and in your personal life. Join me to explore how nurturing our social ecosystems can make a real difference.

    Resources:

    Consider joining my Leadership circle and find connection of your own: https://www.irenesalter.com/leadership-circleRead all about the Harvard Study of Adult Development: https://www.adultdevelopmentstudy.org/A National Geographic article with new developments on plant communication: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/plants-can-talk-yes-really-heres-how A lovely in depth article in Smithsonian on how trees communicate: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-whispering-trees-180968084/ Suzanne Simard’s TED talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/suzanne_simard_how_trees_talk_to_each_other/up-next?subtitle=enGallup Q12 has a lovely explanation for the best friend at work question in their survey: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/397058/increasing-importance-best-friend-work.aspx Read Richard Sampson’s book, The Great American City for more on the importance of social cohesion in neighborhoods: https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/G/bo5514383.htmlCheck out Episode 4 where I talk about collective effervescence: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

    For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

  • Join me, Irene Salter, as I reflect on a serene visit to Arima Onsen, one of Japan's oldest and most charming hot springs. I'll describe how the tranquil waters and peaceful ambiance offered a profound sense of relaxation and inspired a deep dive into mindfulness.

    In this episode, I’ll guide you through a centering meditation, dive into the neuroscience of mindfulness, and offer practical tips on how to bring the peace of a hot spring back to work, a moment of calm amidst life’s chaos. Tune in to explore how soaking in tranquility—whether through a hot spring or mindfulness practice—can renew your mind, body, and soul.

    Resources:

    This article in NPR was the one that led me to the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn: https://www.npr.org/2021/12/21/1066585316/mindfulness-meditation-with-john-kabat-zinnJon Kabat-Zinn’s website: https://jonkabat-zinn.com/For a fantastic, and fairly accessible review of your brain on mindfulness meditation, see this article in Nature Neuroscience: https://www.nature.com/articles/nrn3916But if you want a one-page infographic of your brain when centered, head to my podcast page to find that resource. Or better yet, subscribe to my newsletter and get beautiful illustrations of your mind on beauty, awe, adventure, and much more: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcastIf you’d like to access this episode’s centering meditation directly, you can download the audiofile at: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcastOr try one of many many others on my favorite mindfulness app, Buddify: https://buddhify.com/Episode 10 - Time confetti, goes more deeply into the default mode network: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcastHere’s the onsen that I went to visit in Arima: https://www.arima-gh.jp/en/



    For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

  • Stuck in the grip of bad habits? Me too. In this episode, we dive into the challenge of altering entrenched habits, starting with my own terrible phone habits, ending with my friend who is shifting her company from a rigid, top-down culture to one driven by collaboration and innovation. Both scenarios highlight a common theme: despite knowing what needs to change, actual transformation is elusive.

    Our discussion will center on the science behind motivation and behavior change, drawing on Chip and Dan Heath's influential book, Switch. We'll dissect their "Rider and Elephant" analogy, exploring how our rational and emotional sides interplay. You'll learn strategies to direct the "Rider," motivate the "Elephant," and shape the "Path" to facilitate change.

    Resources:

    We’d love to see you at book club! https://www.irenesalter.com/leaders-campfireSwitch by Chip and Dan Heath: https://heathbrothers.com/books/switch/ Or check out the 16 minute summary video by the author: https://vimeo.com/191668697 Leaders' Playground Episodes 6 and 10 discuss cognitive load and working memory capacityThinking fast and slow by Daniel Kahneman: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11468377-thinking-fast-and-slowAtomic habits by James Clear: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40121378-atomic-habitsPositive psychology on the science of motivation: https://positivepsychology.com/improving-motivation-at-work/Attuned.ai has a beautiful, easy to read, free white paper comparing extrinsic and intrinsic motivation: https://www.attuned.ai/whitepaper-intrinsic-motivation-downloadMotivation pyramid graphic can be found under podcast resources on my website: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

    For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

  • Ready to ditch the "super-mom" cape and toss out those impossible workplace expectations? The newest episode of eaders' Playground" is here to shake things up!

    We're diving into the wild world of social norms and asking the big questions: Can anyone really "have it all"? Why do we keep tying ourselves in knots to please everyone? And what does Barbie have to say about it all?

    Join us for a fun, science-filled ride (yes, fun and science belong together) as we explore the myths we've all bought into - from the "ideal worker" (hello, 24/7 email responder!) to "ideal success" (TED talk, anyone?). We'll chat about cognitive biases, share stories, and even draw our own "ideal" selves (spoiler: mine looked suspiciously like Legally Blonde's Elle Woods).

    So grab a coffee, put your feet up, and let's rewrite those old-school rules together. It's time to turn work into play and find success on our own terms. Who's in?

    Resources:

    The Barbie movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1517268/

    America Ferrera’s monologue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBqlDWHkdHk

    Psychology 101 primer on social norms: https://www.simplypsychology.org/social-roles.html

    All about that persnickety anchoring bias: https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/anchoring-bias

    Great Forbes article on the bandwagon effect: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brycehoffman/2024/05/26/bandwagon-effect-what-it-is-and-how-to-overcome-it/

    Find Brigid Schulte’s fabulous books and TED talk here: https://www.brigidschulte.com/

    Why Women Still Can’t Have it All by Anne-Marie Slaughter: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/07/why-women-still-cant-have-it-all/309020/

    William Ouchi’s Theory Z merges Japanese and American management philosophies: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_Z_of_Ouchi

    If ideals show up for you in the form of impostor syndrome, then check this out: https://www.irenesalter.com/post/how-to-get-good-at-impostor-syndrome

    For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

  • Can anyone truly become a master, or is it a talent reserved for the naturally gifted? This episode of the Leader's Playground promises to shatter the myth that genius is inborn by drawing upon Robert Greene's book "Mastery" and the lives of icons like Zora Neale Hurston, Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, and Ben Franklin. We'll reveal the hidden truths behind their extraordinary achievements—truths rooted in relentless dedication, practice, and the honing of unique talents.

    And of course we'll dive into the neuroscience of mastery! Are new neurons are born in adult brains? How did bird brains help change the minds of an entire field? What actually happens to a master's brain as they hone their craft? How long does it take?

    Ultimately, we find that mastery is within reach for all of us.

    For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

  • Tick-tock goes the clock, echoing the relentlessly busy pace of life. From my early days as a teacher to life as a principal juggling a young family, my obsession with time management and productivity twisted my days into a chaotic, multitasking, exhausting whirlwind.

    In this episode, we explore the concept of "Time Confetti," a term coined by Brigid Schulte, representing the way time in our modern lives gets chopped up into tiny scraps like confetti. Through a series of experiments (try it with me!) and surprising studies (featuring a unicycling clown?!?) we'll explore the science of task switching and multitasking, revealing how they drain energy, increase errors, and reduce productivity.

    We'll end with practical tips for reclaiming your time, from focused time blocking to batching small tasks. Transform your scattered days into a balanced flow, achieving what time researchers call "Time Serenity."

    Resources:

    Read Brigid Schulte’s book Overwhelmed! It’s great. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17934399-overwhelmed?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=dej8btydIc&rank=3In this episode I mention... Episode 5 about avoiding overwhelm https://leadersplayground.buzzsprout.com/2282726/14850884-5-how-to-cut-one-million-to-do-items-down-to-just-threeEpisode 6 where we talk about decision fatigue https://leadersplayground.buzzsprout.com/2282726/14967365-6-how-to-dump-delegate-date-do-re-define-your-to-do-listEpisode 9 about executive attention and default mode https://leadersplayground.buzzsprout.com/2282726/15196587-9-four-ways-to-make-conferences-worth-the-effort-with-the-science-of-creativityHere’s a link to some NYTimes coverage about that WWU study on task switching https://archive.nytimes.com/well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/what-clown-on-a-unicycle-studying-cell-phone-distraction/To learn more about time blocking and bunching the little things, see this blog post https://www.irenesalter.com/post/overwhelmed-by-your-to-do-list-5d-s-to-the-rescueLearn about pulsing in Tony Schwarts’s book The Power of Full Engagement https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/68985.The_Power_of_Full_Engagement?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=m3DBV1malu&rank=1

    For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

  • Why do we endure the hassle of conferences and retreats with time away from family, expensive travel, noisy venues, and exhausting days? The allure of online professional development is strong. Yet, something magical happens at the best events that leave us feeling rejuvenated and inspired. Why?

    In this episode, we’ll learn what makes some conferences and retreats so powerfully invigorating. After attending a playful and creative DnD convention, I began to see a pattern. The best events reignite our creativity. We explore three unique professional gatherings I experienced this year, dive into the four stages of creativity, and learn how to harness this power to make our future conferences and everyday lives more creative and fulfilling.

    Join us to discover the top 4 ways to transform your next conference into a creativity-fueled adventure!

    Resources:

    Links to the four conferences I mention in the episode:Join me in Mendocino for the annual women’s leadership retreat! https://www.irenesalter.com/leadership-retreatCharter School Development Center’s annual Leadership Update and other trainings https://www.chartercenter.org/support/leadership-trainingsDunDraCon an annual Dungeons & Dragons convention takes place Presidents Day weekend every year https://www.dundracon.com/Book Passage Travel Writers and Photographers Conference https://www.bookpassage.com/travelThis BYU article offers a great introduction to Graham Wallas’ four stages of creativity https://www.designreview.byu.edu/collections/graham-wallas-the-creative-processThis is a surprisingly readable research report on the neuroscience of creativity in the premier scientific journal, Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/srep10964.pdfAnna Abraham’s book, The Neuroscience of Creativity, is a great deep dive http://www.anna-abraham.com/book-the-neuroscience-of-creativity-2018.htmlFor more on the stuck cycle vs inquiry cycle https://www.irenesalter.com/post/are-you-stuck

    For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

  • Why can music move you to tears, while other times you walk right by it, not noticing? Why does some art freeze you in your tracks, but other times it's just a desktop screensaver? How does beauty happen in the brain?

    In this episode we visit Paris! We'll explore museums, chapels, and subway stations on an expedition to understand your brain on beauty. You'll meet several neuroscientists who specialize in neuroaesthetics such as Andrew Chatterjee and Samir Zeki, as well as violinist Joshua Bell who conducted a social experiment in the subway that reveals a lot about how to prime your brain to find more beauty. Together, we'll learn practical ways to shift your perspective in order to find beauty even in the most mundane everyday moments.

    The writer Leo Tolstoy said, “We are accustomed to understand art to be only what we hear and see in theatres, concerts, and exhibitions... But all this is but the smallest part of the art by which we communicate with each other in life.” By understanding the neuroscience of beauty, we can understand how to find beauty everywhere.

    Resources:

    Learn more about my book at https://www.irenesalterbooks.com Original Joshua Bell in the subway video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnOPu0_YWhw Joshua Bell returns to the subway 10 years later: ​​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJhZ0J3bIYcAnjan Chatterjee’s book, TED talk, and research on the three components to beauty in the brain https://www.ted.com/speakers/anjan_chatterjeeSemir Zeki’s work on beauty and the mOFC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlzanAw0RP4The fMRI research on how shifting perspective shifts the perception of beauty https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2009-22048-052If you’re in Paris, go visit the Musee D’Orsay https://www.musee-orsay.fr/enAnd go see Rodin’s Dance at the Moulin de la Galette https://mymodernmet.com/renoir-bal-du-moulin-de-la-galette/Or listen to a concert in Saint Chapelle https://www.classictic.com/en/special/concerts-in-la-sainte-chapelle/216/

    For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

  • In this episode of the Leaders' Playground, we'll examine how the craft of storytelling can inspire the art of leading. We'll begin by comparing and contrasting two dramatic arcs used by bards from Homer to Steven Spielberg: the well-trodden hero's journey versus the often-overlooked heroine's journey.

    We traverse through familiar tales and myths, pondering the archetype of the solitary superhero or Jedi knight and wondering whether the stories of community and collaboration found in Harry Potter and heist flicks might offer a different way to triumph, a different way to lead. This episode peels back the layers of these narrative arcs, revealing how they sculpt our understanding of leadership and champion the idea that strength can be collective, not just a lone conquest. What kind of leadership journey are you on?


    Resources:

    Heroine’s journey leadership retreat https://www.irenesalter.com/leadership-retreatLearn more about the book I’m writing at https://www.irenesalterbooks.com (and sign up for updates by joining my newsletter)I highly recommend Gail Carriger's book, The Heroine’s Journey https://gailcarriger.com/books/the-heroines-journey-for-authors-book/ Maureen Murdock’s book by the same title is also quite good https://maureenmurdock.com/Joseph Campbell's book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/588138.The_Hero_With_a_Thousand_FacesMeet my agent, Kimberley Cameron’s website https://kimberleycameron.com/
    And meet my writing mentor, Allison K Williams https://allisonkwilliams.com/Learn more about dramatic arc in storytelling with Allison's blog post https://brevity.wordpress.com/2023/11/10/five-scenes/ More than you ever wanted to know about Star Wars https://starwars.fandom.comAnd Harry Potter https://www.wizardingworld.com/

    For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

  • Follow me through my day as I declutter my to-do list. In an era where adults on average make 35,000 decisions in a single day (it's true!), this episode peels back the curtain on a process you can use to not just manage your overwhelm, but fix it. Learn about the actual capacity of your working memory and the impact of cognitive load.

    We've all felt the weight of an overflowing inbox and the endless stream of tasks vying for our attention. Me too. With an overwhelming to do list of my own, it's time to use the 5Ds, my personal strategy for task prioritization, delegation, and completion. This episode is "a day in the life" of Irene capturing the thirty minutes where I sat down to get a grip on my overwhelm. I use three tools that you too can use: 1) staying true to my purpose, 2) managing my energy with a break after each bout of deep thinking, and 3) using the 5Ds to dump, delegate, date, do or re-define each and every item on my list.

    Resources:

    For the 5D handout, download it from irenesalter.com/podcast Link to episode 3 on character creationLink to episode 4 with movement breakLink to episode 5, part 1 of overwhelm!Decision fatigue https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1359105318763510My blog post on how to 5D your to do list https://www.irenesalter.com/post/overwhelmed-by-your-to-do-list-5d-s-to-the-rescue All about time confetti from Cosmopolitan Magazine https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/body/health/a38696205/time-confetti/ Overwhelmed by Brigid Schulte https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/17934399 Retreat website! https://www.irenesalter.com/leadership-retreat

    For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

  • Feeling overwhelmed by your to do list? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive into the ins and outs of overwhelm, its connection to burnout, how your brain handles the cognitive load, and what to do about is. From the demands-resource imbalance to the limitations of our working memory, this episode explores how our brains handle stress and juggle tasks.

    I’ll share personal experiences, practical strategies, and insights from experts like Oliver Burkeman and Michael Bungay Stanier. We will break down overwhelming tasks into doable steps, prioritize effectively, and seek support when needed. In the end, we’ll be taking the million and one things on your to do list and turning them into three. Imagine how it would feel to have just three things on your to do list. Tune in and I’ll show you how!

    Resources:

    Irene’s blog, “What’s the opposite of overwhelmed?”: https://www.irenesalter.com/post/what-s-the-opposite-of-overwhelmedA great article published in World Psychiatry on burnout: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/wps.20311 Emily and Amelia Nagoski’s book, Burnout: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42397849-burnoutAllison William’s website: https://allisonkwilliams.com/Laura Vanderkam’s TED talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/laura_vanderkam_how_to_gain_control_of_your_free_timeOliver Burkeman’s book, Four Thousand Weeks: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54785515-four-thousand-weeksGeorge Miller’s famous 1956 article: https://pure.mpg.de/rest/items/item_2364276_4/component/file_2364275/contentMichael Bungay Stanier’s book, The Coaching Habit: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29342515-the-coaching-habit

    For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

  • As I watched the dancers on stage at a fundraiser supporting victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, a profound sense of joy washed over me, contrasting with the gravity of the cause. This was a powerful reminder of dance's impact on our emotional landscape. Trauma makes us freeze (or take flight or brace for a fight). The opposite is dance.

    In this episode we celebrate the mind-body connection via movement and music, sharing stories of my own experience with sexual assault and the collective effervescence of dance. Together, we explore how dance is your brain's "pleasure triple play", share a musical brain break, discuss the benefits of letting loose in professional settings, and provide a multitude of ways to inject play into your work life.

    Links:

    One Safe Place website: https://www.ospshasta.org/National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/ or (800) 799 - SAFE (7233) Harvard study showing that music is a human universal: https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/files/epl/files/mehr_et_al_2019_science.pdfAlbert Einstein College of Medicine study showing how dance improves cognition in the elderly: https://www.einsteinmed.edu/research-briefs/8930/social-dancing-to-improve-cognition-reduce-alzheimers-riskScientific American article on dance and the brain: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/experts-dance/Collective effervescence article: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/arts-and-health/202108/please-don-t-take-my-collective-effervescence-awayShake and dance with the Center for Mind Body Medicine: https://cmbm.org/self-care-resources/resource/shaking-and-dancing/

    For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

  • Ever felt pigeonholed by traditional leadership definitions? Ever looked at leaders like Steve Jobs, Abraham Lincoln, or Martin Luther King and thought, I'm not that, so how can I consider myself a leader? In this episode, we shatter the traditional leadership template to create something from scratch that's completely genuine and authentic.

    I'll walk you through five steps to craft your own unique leadership style, just as you would customize a Dungeons & Dragons character or video game avatar. It's what I do with all my one on one leadership clients and the heart of a full day leadership identity workshop. The five steps are:

    Strengths – the things we’re good at. Values - the core beliefs that define us. Passions - the things we love.Vision - the place we’re headed. Purpose - the meaning behind everything we do.

    Resources:

    VIA strengths survey: https://www.viacharacter.org/Stuart Brown TED talk on play: https://www.ted.com/talks/stuart_brown_play_is_more_than_just_fun?language=enMihaly Csikszentmihalyi TED talk on flow: https://www.ted.com/talks/mihaly_csikszentmihalyi_flow_the_secret_to_happinessSimon Sinek TED talk on purpose: https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_actionIrene's “Two ways to forge your leadership compass” blog post: https://www.irenesalter.com/post/forge-your-leadership-compassIrene's “Making hard choices by leaning into your values” blog post: https://www.irenesalter.com/post/making-hard-choicesAwe outing/vision walk: https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/awe_walk

    For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

  • Do you ever suffer from impostor syndrome? I do. In this episode, we'll peel back the layers of self-doubt and get to know our inner critics. There’s a voice in my head that sometimes (often) says, “Who do you think you are? You’re a fraud!” Well, today we’re going to sit down to tea with our inner critics.

    You'll hear my growing up story. Learn about the work of Suzanne Imes and Pauline Rose Clance who described the impostor cycle. Get the scoop on the latest rage in therapy, internal family systems courtesy of Richard Schwartz. And sample a taste of an exercise that was the breakthrough moment for several women at last year's Mendocino leadership retreat. It's time to get good at impostor syndrome.

    Resources:

    Pauline Rose Clance’s book: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/8212 New Yorker article pushing back against impostor syndrome: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/02/13/the-dubious-rise-of-impostor-syndromeRichard Schwartz’s book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55384168Richard Schwartz videos: https://ifs-institute.com/resources/videos“How to get good at impostor syndrome” blog: https://www.irenesalter.com/post/how-to-get-good-at-impostor-syndromeHeroine’s Journey Women’s Leadership Retreat: https://www.irenesalter.com/leadership-retreat

    For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

  • Welcome to the very first episode of the Leaders' Playground -- a podcast for people who wish their work could feel more like play. In this episode, you’ll hear the origin story of how this podcast came to be and why it's called the Leader’s Playground. I’m your host Irene Salter, a PhD neuroscientist and science educator with a passion for helping people thrive, not just survive. Consider me a story-telling scientist. In this and every episode you will find:

    1) A story: Being challenged to create a podcast initially felt heavy and overwhelming, but an excellent question by my friend and coach turned work into something playful and creative. You’ll also hear about a hike up “Death Hill”, and a Dungeons and Dragons game involving cats and Ferris Bueller.

    2) Some science: We’ll explore dopamine systems; brain areas like the amygdala and the ventral anterior cingulate cortex; and the research of play scientist, Stuart Brown.

    3) A strategy: To start making work feel more like play, begin by identifying what play looks like for you.

    Resources:

    Stuart Brown's TED talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/stuart_brown_play_is_more_than_just_funStuart Brown's book: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/4997659David Vox’s website: https://www.davidvox.com/Christina Howard’s website: https://www.intentlyco.com/post/meet-christina

    For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast