Shows
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will420 Ted Talks: Let's Start Sharing Stories420 Ted Talks: Let's Start Sharing Stories In today's episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on her preparations for her Ted Talk, as well as seeing the need that had to be filled, and how she is filling that need in society with clarity and authenticity. Highlights Seeing a problem and figuring out how you can fix it. Let your ideas loose in the world, you never know who needs to hear it. Bring yourself to whatever you do and good will follow. Quotes ...
2026-02-2407 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will419 Strength In Storytelling419 Strength In Storytelling Our stories are woven into our very being, they are what make us who we are and how we show others who we are and what we are the best at. In today's episode Sarah Elkins discusses the many iterations of her business, her newest book, and the power that lies in the art of storytelling. Highlights Improving satisfaction and skills in yourself and others. Core values and skills shown through our own stories. Our stories affect those around us in u...
2026-02-1714 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will418 Mindful Presence418 Mindful Presence Being mindful of our presence in the lives around us is an integral part of the human experience, whether it be for our own personal comfort and growth or to ease the lives of those around us. Though we all have our own unique reasoning and paths to walk, it is important to remember we don't have to travel alone and by working together we can all get to the finish line. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Renée Smith discuss the importance of community in becoming the best version o...
2026-02-1051 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will417 Being Fully Present417 Being Fully Present Being present for those in your life can be a difficult matter at times, yes we can be in the same room as them, but it is far more meaningful to be there for them emotionally which can triple the difficulty of a situation. Which is why it is important to take a step back and to take stock of your emotions before responding, so that you can be your best self and not one that lectures or reacts with anger. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Phil Friedman discuss...
2026-02-0343 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will416 The Right Tool For The Right Job416 The Right Tool For The Right Job Having the necessary toolset to build others and yourself up is something most of us continue to build and collect our entire lives. How we choose to interact with another, how we teach, learn, and grow with them is how we hone these tools in order to achieve excellence in our chosen life. In today's episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on one of her former students, and how the lessons and tools she's experienced now have made her a better advisor and teacher, by taking into account ev...
2026-01-2710 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will415 Striving For Excellence415 Striving For Excellence When was the last time you took a moment to truly acknowledge just how far you've come and the work you have done to get to this point? No exceptions, no talking down about your accomplishments, just true and genuine acceptance of how amazing you are because of how hard you have worked. Perfection is impossible, but Excellence is achievable. We can always improve, but we must also acknowledge and sit with how well we have done to get to this moment. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Anne Catherine...
2026-01-2043 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will414 Following Your Own Star414 Following Your Own Star There comes a time in our lives where we need to stop and take stock of what we want to do next and our next steps in getting there. Perhaps it's more than just one thing, perhaps you're just floating through life trying to figure out what to do next, or perhaps you think this goal is too lofty despite all your hard work. Which is why it is so important to take all you know about others and yourself and apply it to whatever comes next. In today's...
2026-01-1348 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will413 Love, Connection, Belonging, and Comfort Zones413 Love, Connection, Belonging, and Comfort Zones It's easy to forget to take care of the many facets of our health in a world obsessed with value and progress. We forget to care for our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health in ways that dramatically affect us in the long run, which is why it is vital for us to sit down and take stock of our health and to take the time to tend to our own needs. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Kevin Strauss discuss the importance of connection, comfort zones...
2026-01-0652 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will412 Ego and Soul412 Ego and Soul When was the last time you were proud of yourself? When was the last time you took a moment to truly look at yourself and say "I am proud of the person I am and I want other people to see how amazing I can be."? When was the last time YOU fed your soul? It's easy to forget when we're cheering others on that we also need to cheer ourselves on, because if we don't then who will? In this episode Sarah Elkins and Sharon Rolph discuss their own personal growth...
2025-12-3045 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will411 Encouraging Change and Growth411 Encouraging Change and Growth In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Rachael Bohns discuss the significance and necessity of change as well as the importance of acknowledging and catering to the strengths of yourself and those around you. Highlights Doing what's best for you even if no one knows, and especially for your own sake. Collaboration and commitment instead of obligation. Driving desire. Quotes "Most of the time change is thrusted upon us." "Change is individual to people."
2025-12-231h 29
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will410 Holding Space For Grief410 Holding Space For Grief What can one say when faced with tragedy? Do you reach for a simple "I'm sorry" to let another know you sympathize with their pain? Do you offer an anecdote to show you empathize with what they are going through? Regardless, it is important that whatever you do you also hold space for your grief as well as those who need to know they are not alone in their grief. Highlights The importance of holding space for grief in the face of tragedy. Usin...
2025-12-1607 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will409 Expanding Your Comfort Zone409 Expanding Your Comfort Zone In today's episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on how she has expanded her comfort zone by stepping into what she calls the "stretch zone", where you aren't entirely comfortable yet but willing to try just so that you can see what you're made of. If we never stretch our wings, we'll be trapped in the nest forever, so have faith in yourself, step into your stretch zone, and see how far it can take you. Highlights Telling stories to connect with another, not to change their min...
2025-12-0910 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will408 Changing For GoodIn this episode Sarah Elkins and Judit Piros discuss the importance of change in one's self, how healing often needs to be sought out and made active strides to achieve. From the highs and lows of being a parent, to the life of an artist, as well as the deep intrinsic self learning that comes from our unique walks of life that we must share with those around us. In doing so, we find we aren't that different after all. Highlights Shifting perspective to see scenarios differently, especially if it is a scenario...
2025-12-0253 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will407 Being Intentional With Our Energy407 Being Intentional With Our Energy In today's episode, Sarah Elkins and Christopher Parsons discuss the importance of a moment of silence to take inventory with yourself, and not to be distracted by screens or unwanted voices, as well as the importance of genuine human connection. Highlights Being silent to find your best self. You never know who will hear your stories. Making real human connection as opposed to consuming or scrolling. Stepping away from our phones to focus on one thing at a...
2025-11-2554 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will406 Screen Time for Young Children: A Parent's Search for Answers and OptionsScreen Time for Young Children: A Parent's Search for Answers and Options In this day and age of smartphones, electronic billboards, TVs, and the seemingly impossible-to-avoid screen, it's easy to lose connection to what matters most, our community as human beings. We crave connection, and by mindlessly scrolling or putting on a video to appease ourselves or a child, we inherently rob ourselves and our charges of a chance to truly connect, oftentimes causing irrevocable damage to the brain. We know screens are here to stay, so the question becomes how we can shift how...
2025-11-1853 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will405 A Love Letter To My Future Self405 A Love Letter To My Future Self Throughout life there will come times where we must take up our skills and talents as a knight would a sword and shield, wielding our innate and powerful gifts to further our lives for the better. By facing these moments, refusing to make excuses, and instead put in the hard work, we are bound to succeed. In this episode, Sarah Elkins contemplates the events that lead up to her presence on the TEDX stage, how the encouragement of her closest confidants, the peacefulness of nature on her hikes, a...
2025-11-0412 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will404 The Unpredictable Nature of Our Stories404 The Unpredictable Nature of Our Stories Like the humble ant, we go about our lives caring for those in our home, seeking new horizons, and using our natural talents to build monuments to our success. However, just like the ant, we are subject to things out of our control; be it a rainstorm that floods known pathways or a cruel child with a magnifying glass. These things can break us, they often do, but just like the ant we must settle again, rebuild, and make our home safe again. In this episode Sarah...
2025-10-2859 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will403 Choosing Love First403 Choosing Love First It's easy to forget that we have free will, that we can choose what we love, what we like, how we choose for others to perceive us. It takes a great deal of self reflection and growth to find the parts of ourselves that are willing to speak up and fight for what we believe in, even if we must speak up and fight against ourselves. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Edward Simberg discuss everything from how they met, to their deep love of storytelling, to the core beliefs...
2025-10-2155 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will402 Freedom in Healing402 Freedom in Healing Throughout life we may make decisions, or be subject to decisions made involving us. Whether it's first or second hand, inevitably we begin to believe in a pattern in the behavior around us, oftentimes leading to self doubt and worse. However, if we keep moving forward, actively choosing to make the best of a situation, to learn and grow in order to better ourselves for ourselves, we will find our freedom in healing. In today's episode, Sarah Elkins and Holli Tabren McEachern discuss the importance of growth, healing, and the honesty that...
2025-10-1442 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will401 Exploring Our Identities401 Exploring Our Identities It can be daunting to explore outside of your comfort zone, it is vital to your growth. Whether that be leaving your hometown or simply stepping into a new field, we must challenge ourselves to unlock our true potential. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Sarah Degn discuss how important it is to spread your own wings and to travel outside of your comfort zone and to find who you are through your own skills and knowledge. Highlights Leaving home behind to pursue your...
2025-10-0747 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will400: Of Reciprocity and ReturnIn celebrating the 400th Episode of Your Stories Don't Define You How You Tell Them Will, Sarah Elkins ruminates on the many lessons and gifts she has been given throughout her journey as a podcaster, an entrepreneur, and a person. From returning to what truly matters, to reciprocating the good and beautiful things in life. Highlights What goals have you met that still shock you? What are you reflecting on and have you made amendments to others and yourself? How do you reciprocate in your relationships? Especially in the...
2025-09-3016 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will399 Support In All Its Different Forms399 Support In All Its Different Forms When it comes to feeling comfortable, confident, and seen, it is important that we dress ourselves in a way that reflects how we want to feel. When it comes to women, a good bra that is comfortable and supportive is absolutely vital. We feel good when we have clothes that fit our body and flatter us. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and LaJean Lawson discuss not only Doctor Lawson's extensive research into the comfort and support of sports bras and how it has impacted the people in...
2025-09-2348 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will398 Everything We Do Can Create A Story398 Everything We Do Can Create A Story Every living breathing moment, we contribute to our own story. Every job, every interaction with another soul, every moment we reflect, we write a significant line in our story and oftentimes we must take time to truly consider what we truly want to have in our story. Do we want exhaustion or loneliness to rule our narrative? Or do we want to forge our own community based on that which brings us joy and cherish the light within us? These are the questions we must ask ourselves.
2025-09-1648 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them WillOur Talents Are For Us TooWhen you first take the Strengths Finder quiz, we often feel like those skills and talents are what you can use to guide and influence others, however if we forget to take time for ourselves, to turn our talents inward and focus on ourselves, we are failing ourselves by not acknowledging what we bring to the table. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Lindsey Van Gorp discuss the importance of introspection, fostering and growing our strengths, as well as how we need to wield our talents and skills in order to be the best version of ourselves...
2025-09-0955 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them WillCuriosity and Authenticity396 Curiosity and Authenticity It is in human nature to be curious, to ask questions, and seek out insight in an attempt to make sense of the world we are thrust into. It is when we craft our own personal board of directors do we get the opportunity to finally seek the answers we crave and in doing so find our own purpose. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Cole Mannix discuss how curiosity led them to find their authentic selves as well as the many paths their hunger for answers took them on.
2025-09-0240 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will395 Carpe Diem395 Carpe Diem It's easy to think we have all the time in the world to do something we're putting off. Whether it's changing jobs, or finishing your novel, or finally folding the laundry, we always think we'll have more time. However time is a finite resource, and one day it too will run out. So we carry with us reminders of that which matters most to us and in doing so we remind ourselves to seize the day and to not take time for granted. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and George Schunk...
2025-08-2656 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will394 The Driver of Innovation is Curiosity394 The Driver of Innovation is Curiosity Curiosity is in our nature as human beings, we crave knowledge and the answers to the how's and why's. Whether it be from a scientific standpoint, raising a child, or to work more cohesively with our coworkers, we must always stay curious so that we can always be growing. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Jeff Ikler discuss not just their vital work, but how they have maintained healthy relationships, and a positive mental state by always staying curious. Highlights Avoiding...
2025-08-1953 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will393 Being Direct and Intentional in Conversations393 Being Direct and Intentional in Conversations It can be far too easy to let yourself be passive in conversations, whether it be to let another person make a decision or to avoid conflict. However in doing so we rob ourselves and others of deep meaningful connection, which is why it is so important to be direct and intentional with your words. In today's episode Sarah Elkins talks about these points while also bringing up times in her life where she was passive and direct in conversation, and why it is so important to h...
2025-08-1207 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will392 Intention and Mindfulness In Conversation392 Intention and Mindfulness In Conversation Inevitably we will have to confront the reality of how certain comments, remarks, and individuals make us feel, especially when it is in a negative way. Unspoken expectations lead to resentment, and if we do not have the hard conversations and practice curiosity and active listening we not only do a disservice to them but to ourselves as well. In this episode Sarah Elkins takes us on a hike with her dog Jocko, while teaching us the importance of mindfulness and intention in conversations, and how important it i...
2025-08-0510 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will391 Stories and Connection391 Stories and Connection It is vital to our own communities that we remember our stories and share them with one another, not to dwell on regrets and what ifs, but to reach out and connect with one another so that we all can learn and grow together, and hopefully create more grand stories on the paths we walk together. In this revisited episode, Sarah Elkins and Lee Keylock discuss their own stories and how they have healed through sharing stories and listening to the stories that others share with us. Highlights
2025-07-2950 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will390 Good Service Goes Both Ways390 Good Service Goes Both Ways Anyone who has ever worked in customer service has at some point or another dealt with that one customer. You know the type, the huffy, irritable, "My issues are more important than your wellbeing and rules" that insist and demand everything, while demeaning you in the process. Unfortunately, these people will always exist, however what we can change is how we allow these types of interactions to affect us. In today's episode Sarah Elkins tells the story of one of her own unruly customer moments, as well as how she c...
2025-07-2210 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will389 Identifying and Acting On Problems You Can Solve389 Identifying and Acting On Problems You Can Solve We are surrounded by problems everyday of our lives, some manageable and others seeming too monumental to handle alone. Which is why it is so important to build a community of like minded individuals with the same goal of making a true difference. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Tessa Clarke discuss the relationship people have with stuff, food waste, and how Tessa's company Olio have been making a real difference in the face of the climate crisis. Highlights ...
2025-07-1554 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will388 Changing Dynamics388 Changing Dynamics Growth is something that cannot easily be stopped. Whether it be the weeds in a garden, or the inquisitive mind of a child, growth in all is something that should be encouraged and nurtured, even if it's by our own hands, so that we can become the people we know we can be. Someone better than who we were yesterday. In today's episode, Sarah Elkins and Carlos Joaquin discuss the importance of Curiosity, Growth, Unity, and the Dynamics in not just the work place but in the home life, and how...
2025-07-0836 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will386 Media Literacy and Division386 Media Literacy and Division In the age of the internet it is impossibly easy for us to see something shocking and outrageous, ending up with us emotionally and morally outraged. We want to speak up, to make our voices heard in the sea of noise if only for a moment. However, it is easy for us to make a mistake on who we follow or share posts from, it is very easy to be fooled by a wolf in sheep's clothing, which is why it is vital to stop, take a moment to do some...
2025-06-2412 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will385 Beacons of Fellowship385 Beacons of Fellowship In a world so full of division, strife, and polarization, it can be easy to get caught up in the chaos of which path to follow. Which is why it is vital to put your own voice out there, not just to speak up for your beliefs, but so that those who you support and care for will know you are right beside them in this fight. In a world so obsessed with hate, there is no more powerful weapon than love and community. In today's episode, Sarah Elkins uses th...
2025-06-1710 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will384 Caring For Our Communities384 Caring For Our Communities In todays episode Sarah Elkins and Amy Daughters discuss a variety of topics, from finding their calm, to how they try to reach out to those in need of a friend, and the various ways they make others in their lives feel seen. Highlights Where do you find your calm? Polarization and how it destroys our community. How do you make people feel seen? Quotes "I didn't set out to do anything. I set out to...
2025-06-1052 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will383 Your True Enemy Is Self-Doubt383 Your True Enemy Is Self-Doubt Our internal messages shape who we are, whether they be positive or negative messages, shape who we are and how we carry ourselves through life, which is why it is so vital to stop and reflect on our messages and the input from those around us. We can learn alot from our personal board of directors, they encourage and guide us with their own personal experiences allowing us to grow, including when their input is critical. In today's episode Sarah Elkins dwells on the importance of the words...
2025-06-0311 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will382 Images of Ourselves382 Images of Ourselves It's a sad fact of life that we internalize narratives that are made for us at an early age, we are told we are too emotional, that we're too bossy, that we're too big, and if we do not actively try to reframe or unlearn these narratives made for us, we are forced to live out a story someone else made up for us. It is our duty to reach out and take the power back for ourselves, to wield the pen as a mighty sword, and write our own narrative for...
2025-05-2754 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will381Rock n Roll381 Rock N Roll Authenticity and living your life in a way that reflects who you are and how you hope to be perceived is something we all strive for, however it can be easy to forget that change and growth is a constant changing cycle, even from moment we are allowed and expected to invent who we are. In this episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on when she joined the rock band she is apart of and how it has helped shape her authentic self as well as how important fun and joy is to the...
2025-05-2015 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will380 Breaking Cycles280 Breaking Cycles We are hardwired to remember the stories that are far more painful and life altering, than the happier stories we lived. Perhaps it is our survival instincts or it is just easier to remember the bad, regardless it is important to sit back and truly think about how we frame our narratives using these experiences and decide for ourselves that this story is one we want to change. In todays episode, Sarah Elkins and Erin Weninger discuss the cycles both of them have lived as women, business owners, and parents, and...
2025-05-1353 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will379 Leaving The Legacy You Choose379 Leaving The Legacy You Choose Inevitably, we will be faced with the endless march of time, we will have a moment when we have the thought of how we want people to speak about us when we are gone. Are you making stories that reflect how you want to be remembered? Are you living in a way that solidifies the legacy you want to leave? Do you surround yourself with people who inspire, drive, and temper your ambition? In todays episode, Sarah Elkins and Bryan Abdul Collins discuss the importance of living a life without...
2025-05-0652 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will378 Demonstrating Who You Are Through Story378 Demonstrating Who You Are Through Story Through the art of storytelling people can get a glimpse into who we are in the way that is most meaningful to show. Through our stories and how we tell them we can show an entire room of people, or just that one significant person, who we are and what matters to us. Highlights Using story to show who you are as a person and what matters most to you. Creating an environment where everyone feels safe, welcome, and willing to...
2025-04-2213 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will377 The Art of Storytelling: A Controlled Burn in The Forest Of Life377 The Art of Storytelling: A Controlled Burn in The Forest Of Life Throughout life we have a tendency to collect things, whether they be stories, memories, or physical objects, and more often than not we cling to these things despite them no longer serving us in any meaningful capacity. Which is why it is important to sit back, look at your hoard and realize you are not a dragon who must keep every single piece of scrap. You can thank the item, story, or memory and leave it behind so that you can open up...
2025-04-1507 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will376 The Art of Storytelling: What Makes A Good Leader?376 The Art of Storytelling: What Makes A Good Leader? What is it that makes a leader someone worth following? Is it the way they approach problems? Is it how they treat those who follow them or those who don't? Or is it something more unique to each individual? In today's episode Sarah Elkins demonstrates through her art of storytelling how she has led others and helped them to lead in turn, and how important it is to follow a leader who makes you see the best in yourself, and to help others see the best...
2025-04-1010 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will375 Practicing What You Preach375 Practicing What You Preach It's important in life, whether you are running your own business or in your daily life, to practice what you preach. Not only do you avoid being seen as hypocritical but often the best person to give you advice is you. Consult with other coaches and counselors, ask the opinions of those you love and value, do whatever you need to in order to put yourself on the path to fulfillment and success. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Mike Trugman discuss practicing their own advice, as well as the importance...
2025-04-0155 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will374 Passion and The Road To Fulfilling Success374 Passion and The Road To Fulfilling Success When we were kids we all wanted to be something extraordinary. We wanted to be magicians, doctors, paleontologists, astronauts, ballerinas, but somewhere along the way some of us lose that sparkle. We get sucked into the everyday routine of work and taking care of those around us. However that spark is not lost forever, sometimes existing as a fleeting ember of ambition that only needs to be cultivated to turn into a roaring flame of fulfilling success. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Jimi Gibson discuss...
2025-03-2543 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will373 Making Space and Time To Truly Enjoy Life373 Making Space and Time To Truly Enjoy Life In life we will often be distracted with things we feel like we have to do: Go to University, get a normal job from 9-5, participate in every extra curricular activity that is presented to us, and in doing so we fail to take into account what we need. We need community, we need to experience the beauty of the world we live in, we need to live not just survive. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Joyce Perrin discuss the many adventures they both have lived...
2025-03-1849 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will372 The Art of Storytelling: Connection Over Persuasion, One Relationship At A Time372 The Art of Storytelling: Connection Over Persuasion, One Relationship At A Time Time makes a folktale of the storyteller, and yet even hundreds if not thousands of years later, the stories that mattered -that we connect with- endure. To tell a story effectively means you need to connect with the person who is listening to you. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Jeff Ikler discuss the importance of genuine connection over persuasion in the art of storytelling, and how it is far more meaningful to build a bridge between one another, rather than...
2025-03-1138 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will371 The Frequency Of Fear371 The Frequency Of Fear It's easy to be afraid. To stick our heads in the sand and watch another episode of a show that we like to ignore what's going on. But if we do that than we can never grow. We're all afraid, but we must act through our fear, refuse to be compliant, refuse to be quiet, and enforce the change we want to see in ourselves and the world around us. In today's episode, Sarah Elkins and Nir Megnazi discuss the use of fear in driving us forward and how...
2025-03-041h 00
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will370 Whatever Will Be, Will Be370 Whatever Will Be, Will Be We can often have expectations of how the world is supposed to work, like we are running out of time or that we have to hold on desperately to ideas and beliefs that no longer serve us. However, it is imperative to our growth as individuals, and in turn, our business ventures, to let go of the beliefs that no longer serve you and to learn to accept that whatever will come to you when you are ready, and in its own good time. In this episode Sarah Elkins and...
2025-02-2538 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will369 Nurturing Community369 Nurturing Community We're all human. We all have family, we all have struggles, we all have experienced some sort of adversity, which means we're more alike than we are different. It can be easy to view the world with blinders on, to ignore it all and keep your nose to the ground, but then your community suffers for it. The people who rely on you, whether it be your friends and family, or a client or customer, by choosing to nurture only our corner of existence, the rest of our community suffers. Just like tending...
2025-02-1843 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will368 Choose To Step Up And Step In368 Choose To Step Up And Step In It's a strange and frightening world we are living in right now. With divisiveness and anger seeming rampant, it falls to us to maintain our community, to show up with a heart of love and understanding for each other and ourselves, to save our village from burning and refusing to let a lack of empathy and communication drive us to destruction. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Erin Miller discuss the vital importance of community and taking care of one another, of building bridges and allowing...
2025-02-1135 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will367 Manifesting Humanity367 Manifesting Humanity It can be easy to forget that we're human. When work is stressful and all consuming, when dealing with people stuck in the past and the past versions of you, it's easy to forget we are a person with needs to lead a fulfilling life. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Alison Miller discuss how the stories we carry with us alter the people we are, often making us revert to the person we used to be and not the person we are now or the person we want to be.
2025-02-0450 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will366 Fortunes For The Future366 Fortunes For The Future Throughout our lives we will have to wear many hats and perform many tasks on our paths toward success and personal fulfillment, sometimes these wayward paths lead us to doors that we would never expect to come across. We only need to have the courage to reach out and open the door. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Russel Rowland discuss the many different paths life leads us down and the lessons we learn on our way to fulfillment and success. Highlights The work we...
2025-01-2842 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will365 Tools For Success365 Tools For Success In the path to thriving and enjoying your life you must be able to identify and utilize the tools unique to your skills and values. Not everyone can use the same tool kit, just like plants require different soil to grow, we also require our own unique environment to grow. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Gina Riley discuss the importance of the unique tools we acquire through life and the best way to utilize these tools. Highlights The influences that shape our lives, developing our...
2025-01-2254 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will364 NLV 2025364 NLV 2025 This year in Austin Texas February 10th and 11th is the eighth annual NLV Summit hosted by Sarah Elkins. A meeting of great minds, incredible opportunities, and a sharing of impactful stories. In today's episode Sarah reminisces on many of these stories from the previous several NLV Summits and how they have helped her shape her path going forward. Highlights Gaining perspective on life, especially when you feel hopeless. Incorporating the lessons your friends and peers don't even realize they're teaching you. Con...
2025-01-1415 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will363 Taking Inventory363 Taking Inventory As the New Year begins it's time for us to take a step back and reflect on the stories, messages, and values we want to bring into 2025. Just like tending to a garden by removing weeds and adding nutrients, we must also tend to the garden of our lives. In this episode Sarah Elkins, Emily McVey, and Chris Wang discuss the stories that shaped them into who they are as well as how they have chosen to tell their stories through thoughtful and meaningful actions. Highlights What...
2025-01-071h 04
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will362 Stories Influence Our Identity and Personal Narrative362 Stories Influence Our Identity and Personal Narrative As we close the chapter on 2024 and begin to start anew in 2025, it's time that we take a step back to reflect on the narratives and stories that we have been harboring. We must take it upon ourselves to determine if these stories still serve us or if it is time to let those stories stay a product of their time and remain in the past so that we can create new stories that reflect us who we are now. In today's monologue Sarah Elkins ruminates...
2024-12-3116 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will361 Tools For Change361 Tools For Change Change is an unstoppable force of nature. From the great Rocky Mountains to the spring flowers, all of us are subject to change, whether it be for positive or negative is entirely up to you and the choices you make in utilizing your skills and natural talents. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and her guest Sally Magee discuss how change can be dealt with in a constructive and helpful way to not only better yourself but those in your life as well. Highlights Personal experience affects...
2024-12-2440 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will360 Taking Your Own Advice360 Taking Your Own Advice Sometimes in life we are told by those who come to us for guidance how valuable and insightful our input can be, however it is often difficult for us to take our own words to heart. This can be for a myriad of reasons, but if our personal board of directors insist that we have a good head on our shoulders, certainly we must turn inward and offer advice to ourselves. In this episode, Sarah Elkins ruminates on the importance of taking your own advice and being mindful of ho...
2024-12-1711 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will359 What is Success?359 What is Success? Success and our paths to reaching it look different for every person, especially when it's to someone who isn't an achiever and doesn't care for titles. Our own personal success is often more meaningful than a trophy. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Robin Hamilton discuss their own personal definitions of success as well as the trials and hurdles on their paths to self discovery and success. Highlights Showing appreciation for your stories and the stories of others. Don't forget to keep...
2024-12-1046 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will358 Inner Leaders358 Inner Leaders No matter how much of a master we think we are at the things we do, we can always learn more. Whether that be in the form of learning a new hiking path, learning a new crochet stitch, or how to best use your behavior in the workplace to encourage others to thrive. In this episode Tanya Bugbee and Sarah Elkins discuss the importance of having a coach, and using the skills that connect us to others. Highlights Sometimes it takes time for us to accept and share the...
2024-12-0341 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will357 The Objects That Matter To You357 The Objects That Matter To You Connection, especially in today's day and age, is becoming a lost art. Today we are given the unique and groundbreaking idea from Lisa Weiss, to ask about the objects that are held onto by the people around us, connecting with them through the shared love of holding onto pieces of the past that have shaped us into who we are today. Highlights What are you keeping from the past? What commonality do you look for in others? What do...
2024-11-2646 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will356 Sarah's Hike357 Sarah's Hike Many times in life it feels like we're in the plot of a movie franchise from 2003, hopelessly watching and waiting for the inevitable drop of the other shoe, the logs or cars to fly off of a semi-truck on a highway that we have to take. Often this stress and future-tense fear can become all-consuming, blinding us to the people we share the car and road with. However if we remember to take a breath and slow down, letting those in your car offer their insight and assurance, you will make it to your destination...
2024-11-1905 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will356 Anchored in TimeLabels and judgment are an unfortunate symptom of society, more often than not people will be framed in a particular light without any chance to defend themselves or for a full explanation to be given. Because of one person saying something, one bad interaction, or one misinterpretation a person can be frozen in time under whatever label was given to them. In today's episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on enlightening experiences that have recently occurred that have helped continue to shape her perspective on the damage of labels and unfair judgment. Highlights Ar...
2024-11-1210 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will354 Amy's Mess354 Amy's Mess Hunger, for the lucky among us, is an inconvenience, the final straw during a bad day that fuels a bad temper, or an awkward moment in a silent room. But for many in our community hunger is painful, difficult, and inescapable making it near impossible to do anything let alone attend school. Approximately 2.5 million children are homeless in the United States, many of whom somehow still have to attend school, often hungry. But we can help, whether it be through donations or time, we can help the children in our communities. Today Sarah...
2024-10-2927 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will355 Create The Community You Need355 Create The Community You Need Building a community can be a daunting yet very rewarding task, in order to find this community often you need to spread out and meet strangers, expanding both your world view and understanding of others. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Emily Carlson discuss the importance of building community and making your very own personal board of directors to work together for a better tomorrow. Highlights Knowing what really matters to you and never compromising your values. What you want...
2024-10-2738 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will353 Food Stories Revisited353 Food Stories Revisited Revisiting episode 292 "Food Stories" Sarah Elkins reminisces on the importance of love languages and how important it is to show those you love how much you care. Love languages come in many different forms; gift giving, words of affirmation, and for today's episode specifically, the act of cooking and giving a good meal to those you hold close. It is vital to the health and continuation of relationships that we discover these languages and think about how these actions impact how others view us. Highlights
2024-10-2212 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will352 Human Curriculum352 Human Curriculum Human connection is imperative to our growth and success as people, however if we do not take time to work towards creating a community to feed our social needs we will end up stunted and spinning our tires unable to continue. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Christopher Filipiak discuss the importance of community and growth, which often comes with the fact we must allow ourselves to be vulnerable by loving and being loved in return. Highlights Growth often means vulnerability. Creating community...
2024-10-1441 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will351 Communication Is In Everything We Do351 Communication Is In Everything We Do We are always communicating in everything we do, from overtly talking to or texting someone, to smiling and nodding to strangers you pass on the street, it's human nature to want to be seen and heard and to give that to others. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Jim Collison discuss the importance of communication and how understanding your strengths leads to better communication not just with others but with yourself. Highlights Choose to put yourself into situations where you can...
2024-10-081h 02
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will350 Growing Through Failure350 Growing Through Failure It is vital to our success to fail, we need to try things that are new and be comfortable in the fact failure is normal and expected. By letting ourselves be uncomfortable and fail at new things, we leave room for growth and success. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Paige Arnof-Fenn discuss the importance of trying new activities and accepting our failures as opportunities to grow. Highlights Building a community of people who know when to reach out for help and who you...
2024-10-0141 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will349 Community Building349 Community Building How we choose to spend our time directly impacts the way we live both in our careers and in our day to day lives, however if we are spending our precious time surrounding ourselves with negativity and naysayers we are very unlikely to succeed. Which is why it is so important to find a community that encourages and supports each other. In this episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on the path that led her to success and satisfaction, the importance of the individuals that helped her along the way, and the community...
2024-09-2410 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will348 Artistry in Community348 Artistry in Community Art has always brought people together, even in the darkest times of human history there is always a creative trying to give the world just a little bit of light. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Al Swanson discuss how community and artistry often go hand in hand, as well as the importance of giving back to your community. Highlights Community. Passion for the path you chose. People will fall in love with the creator, not the product. ...
2024-09-1740 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will347 Find The Hidden Prize In Failure347 Find The Hidden Prize In Failure Everything you do, starts and ends with you. From habits we try to make consistent, to our careers, everything we do comes from ourselves, and sometimes we fail which is just as important as success. Often we must fail and learn from those mistakes in order to succeed. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Charles Clark discuss the importance of the evolution of the self, accepting our successes and failure, as well as the importance of stopping to check in with yourself and ensure you are still...
2024-09-1049 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will346 The Words You Use346 The Words You Use You lead from wherever you sit, which is why it is so important to be intentional with your thoughts, words, and motives as you go through life. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Erin Diehl discuss the importance of picking the right words for yourself and being intentional with the energy we bring to any situation. Highlights Picking the right mantra for yourself. Nothing is one size fits all. Letting others voice their thoughts so they feel seen and heard.
2024-09-0355 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will345 Staying Embodied As An Artist345 Staying Embodied As An Artist Like everything in existence, we change and grow and it can become difficult to stay involved in the things that make our lives fulfilling and enjoyable. Our passions can come and go which is normal, but it is always important to remember to take care of yourself and what makes you thrive in order to return to your passions. In this episode Mary Riitano and Sarah Elkins discuss how acting has come and gone in Mary's life and how honing numerous skills can help us return to the passions that...
2024-08-2744 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will344 Evolving Stories344 Evolving Stories Returning for his second episode, Tom Jackobs and Sarah Elkins discuss how storytelling has changed for both of them since their last conversation, how their tools and strategies have changed, as well as how important storytelling is as a medium for both of them. Highlights It is okay to look for coaches, especially when you yourself are a coach. Find your own strategies and tools for writing and working. You can be good at things and not be the best at them. Q...
2024-08-2042 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will343 Incremental Improvements343 Incremental Improvements Our environments influence how we function and how we are able to deal with the things in our life mentally and emotionally so that we can choose to rearrange or shed the stories or things that no longer serve us. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Mark Ainley discuss the importance of giving everything our own style, facing the parts of ourselves we hold onto that need to be reframed or allowed to rest, and finally how we all collect little trophies of our adventures and that these "imperfections" should be treasured.
2024-08-1352 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will342 The Best Teacher Is Life342 The Best Teacher Is Life Throughout life we all have to learn some difficult lessons, some lessons are harder than others, but if you persist and remember your core values you will succeed with more knowledge of yourself and your capabilities than you started with. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Gail Harris discuss the importance of learning the harder lessons in life and coming out the other side to share these experiences with others. Highlights Loss strengthens us by how we move through it. ...
2024-08-0641 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will341 Cycles of Relationships341 Cycles of Relationships Growth, change, and accepting that sometimes we are just as much at fault as anyone else, are vital to the health and longevity of the relationships we build. It is only through growth, change, and acceptance that we become the best version of ourselves. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Hope Marshall discuss the natural courses of relationships and how they affect us even after they've ended. Highlights It's okay to pick up something to try and then leave it behind. It's part of what makes...
2024-07-3040 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will340 Unity in Connectedness340 Unity in Connectedness How we present ourselves with our intentions and energy is as important as a freshly pressed suit when building community and connection in both our work and personal lives. In helping others and accepting help, by being positive and allowing positivity to thrive, in accepting ourselves and others we can build true connectedness. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Sophie Lechner discuss the importance of connectedness in our lives and how building true meaningful relationships can shape our lives. Highlights Connectedness unites us. Real...
2024-07-2346 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will339 Help Is Not A One Way Street339 Help Is Not A One Way Street Our personal narratives and clutter can take up a lot of mental bandwidth, often leading us to hold on to the stories and labels that no longer serve us and keep us living in the past with a version of ourselves that has changed drastically. It's incredibly important to take time to assess what in your life no longer serves you, thanking it for the time it did serve you, and letting go. In this episode Sarah Elkins reminisces on her backpacking trip to Utah and ho...
2024-07-1610 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will337 Invest In Yourself337 Invest In Yourself Life is complicated. Just like Frank Sinatra's song That's Life, we could be on top of the world one moment and the next we could be pushing boulders up an endless hill, however these moments do not define us. It is how we choose to tell our stories about these experiences that shows us and the entire world who we truly are. In this episode Sarah Elkins and John Henry discuss the importance of investing time and energy into yourself, as well as how events from our formative years shape...
2024-07-0237 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will338 Potential Prospect338 Potential Prospect Throughout our lives as we work towards our goals, whether that be in a company or in our own personal pursuits, we often need to reflect on whether or not what we are doing is in alignment with our values and what we want to do in the future. Then we take the steps to ensure that our actions are in alignment and working in tandem without desire for a better future. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Bryce Arii discuss the importance of self reflection, legacy, and staying in alignment with your...
2024-06-3044 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will336 Personal Brands Just Got More Personal336 Personal Brands Just Got More Personal In life there is a point we all must choose how we want to be perceived and how we want people to feel around us, and we need to make the conscious effort to keep the energy we want to be known for not just in our private life but in our work lives as well, so that through living each day aware of our impact we can grow and help others to do the same. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Portia Obeng discuss the importance of our...
2024-06-2539 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will335 Seasons of Life335 Seasons of Life Regret and wondering what could have been is one of the most universal human experiences, it's normal to feel guilt and regret over not achieving something or making mistakes, but it's how you learn from these experiences and move into the future that defines you. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Hope Marshall discuss regret, healing, and allowing life to move on especially when it's hard to do so. Highlights Part of what makes people interesting is when they try things they aren't necessarily...
2024-06-1840 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will334 Growth Is Never Ending334 Growth Is Never Ending Finding awe as you grow and change in life can be challenging, it can feel impossible to reclaim that childlike wonder at times, but through hard work and dedication one can find wonder and awe again. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Demetrius Fassas discuss the importance of taking risks to fuel your awe, as well as healing and continuing on despite our lived experiences. Highlights You need to take risks to enjoy life. Be aware of signs that you are on the...
2024-06-1158 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will332 The Indomitable Human Spirit332 The Indomitable Human Spirit Trials and tribulations are as common on the path of life as sand is on a beach, but like the sand you can make something beautiful out of what you've gone through, even if it's only for a moment. It is our indomitable human spirit that has gotten our species to where we are now, sometimes it can be easy to forget but we are capable of amazing things, all it takes is that first step towards growth and healing. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Sarah Lines discuss...
2024-06-0425 minYour Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them WillEpisode 333 Communal GrowthEpisode 333 Communal Growth In life we all put aside something when life becomes to busy, maybe it was a hobby you used to enjoy, or a new project you swear you're going to get to you just need to finish this other thing first, or maybe it's a skill from your childhood like playing the flute that you decided to put away because of limitations or self intimidation. But that's the great thing about life, we have all the time in the world to pick back up those things and enjoy them again. ...
2024-05-2839 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will331 Are You Ready For Change?331 Are You Ready For Change? Change is inevitable however it is up to you on how well you deal with that change and if your preconceived biases will influence you in the future. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Divya Ramachandran discuss change, biases, and how important approaching change with curiosity. Highlights Acknowledging the differences between yourself and others and approaching those differences with curiosity and kindness. Taking accountability for what has shaped you and learning to move forward in the best way possible. Being...
2024-05-1447 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will330 How Trials Facilitate Growth1330 How Trials Facilitate Growth It is a normal and natural part of life to encounter obstacles and challenges on our way to success and fulfillment, it is our choice for it to either overwhelm us and destroy us or for us to learn from these instances and grow with grace. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Sarah Russell discuss the importance of growth and self actualization through hard work and dedication, especially through hard times. Highlights Random acts of kindness can create life long friendships. ...
2024-05-0743 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will329 Hello Fellow Storyteller329 Hello Fellow Storyteller The art of telling stories is something that unites us, but it is also something that can tell us so much about the person after they tell their story, especially if the story is awkward or funny, or if it's about another person. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Karen Eber discuss the art of storytelling and how there are opportunities to collect and tell stories everyday. Highlights Awkward questions are unavoidable, one day you will look back on them fondly. Actively...
2024-04-3038 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will328 What Is Soul In A Business?328 What Is Soul In A Business? Serving your clients, team members, and the community you live in is vital to the health and wellbeing of not just your company but to yourself and those you serve. In serving others and your community you will find that you will be more fulfilled and enjoying your life and work even more than before. In todays episode Sarah Elkins and Steve Ramona discuss servant leadership and the life and soul brought to your business and life. Highlights Remember people's names...
2024-04-2321 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will327 The Company We Keep327 The Company We Keep It's a fact of life that we will make poor decisions, sometimes in the form of negative influences like people, often times repeatedly when we're young. It's normal and completely natural to make mistakes, as human beings we are allowed and expected to grow and change, rarely we are ever the same moment to moment, which is why it is vital to choose actively everyday to do your best and put your best foot forward despite all previous hardships. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Ricky Birkenstock discuss the...
2024-04-1646 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will326 Giving What You Get326 Giving What You Get Skills and talents -our "magic"- manifest differently in everyone, but what matters is how we use these abilities to achieve our dreams and to lift up others around us. In helping others we will often find ourselves more fulfilled and happy in our daily lives. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Alicia Branham discuss the importance of loving what you do and giving yourself the same grace you give others while also continuing to strive for the future you want. Highlights See...
2024-04-0939 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will325 Writing Our Own Stories325 Writing Our Own Stories Although hard work and dedication can get you quite far in life, it helps immeasurably to have someone at your back who believes in you and inspires you to strive towards your goals and future. Our stories, though valuable, do not define us and should be used as kindling for the fires of ambition. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Kïrsten Blake discuss the importance of how our stories shape our paths in life but most importantly how the people involved in our stories inspire and guide us t...
2024-04-0235 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will324 Facets of Value324 Facets of Value Valuing every facet of where you work, especially if you work with other people, is vital to the survival and prosperity of any company. From treating your customers with integrity and respect, to rewarding the hard work and dedication of loyal and valuable employees, in order to thrive in the world as a business you must value every facet of that business. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Blake Hutchison discuss the importance of appreciating the skills and abilities of everyone in a company, while also giving the absolute best...
2024-03-2652 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will323 Authentic Connections323 Authentic Connections Authentic connections can be difficult to find, whether it be from not being taught the skills to form these connections or simply losing touch with former acquaintances, it can be difficult but not impossible and with the proper tools and a heartfelt message, authentic connections can be found anywhere. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Amy Daughters discuss the importance of authentic connections and how having meaningful conversations with individuals can lead to long term relationships. Highlights You'll never know how profound a connection can...
2024-03-1951 min
Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will322 Give Yourself Grace322 Give Yourself Grace To give yourself grace for mistakes you've made or for expectations that seem unattainable is something that can be more daunting than many of us want to admit. As difficult as it can be to be gracious with ourselves in order for us to grow and thrive as human beings, it is vital that we do be patient with ourselves and own our mistakes or failed expectations so that we can grow. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Nikki Campbell discuss the importance of resilience, growth, and grace with ourselves...
2024-03-1254 min
Human Meets Being: One Voice Of Love, Activating Your GenesisWhispering Like The WindXoxo.By Sarah Elkins, SparklesBlue Ray of Light Starseed✨💎💙🔮🌀🌞🌈🌍🦋🐳🐬🎶🎤🙌✨HumanMeetsBeing.comIf you enjoyed this meditation with light codes activations and healing energy to clear, balance, and restore the Chakra systems please feel free to share.I dedicate my entire Being to serving the highest and best good of all and Mother Earth, through only love donations and sliding scale.If you feel inspired to gift an energy exchange in form of love donation it would be a great blessing.Thank you, please reference the details below.I accept payment via :https://www.paypal.me/sarahmarie1183Venmo: @Sarah-Marie-711--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way t...
2020-06-1507 min