Shows
Facets of ConnectionEp.12: Building Strong Families Through ConnectionIn this heartfelt episode of Facets of Connection, we sit down with therapist, author, and mother, Susan Caso, MA, LPC, to explore how respectful, connected relationships between parents and teens can help shift the trajectory of our current youth mental health crisis. Drawing from over two decades of experience and her book The Parent-Teen Connection, Susan offers actionable tools for building emotional closeness, fostering trust, and transforming conflict into meaningful repair.Susan and Sarah dive into key concepts like belonging at home, the difference between the “parent role” and the “mom/dad role,” how to model emotional regulation, and...2025-07-2554 minFacets of ConnectionEp. 11: From Stigma to Safety: Access, Equity and Representation in BIPOC CommunitiesIn this inspiring episode, we sit down with Stacee and Ya’Ron Brown, licensed professional counselors, married couple, and co-founders of the Relational Growth and Wellness Foundation. They share their mission to bring healing, transformation, and liberation to BIPOC and Pan-African communities through accessible mental health care, relational education, and cultural representation. Drawing from their lived experience and 17 years of marriage, Stacee and Ya’Ron speak candidly about using Relational Life Therapy (RLT) to break cycles of generational trauma and support thriving relationships in their community.We explore their nonprofit’s work to train future leaders, expand access to the...2025-07-111h 04Facets of ConnectionEp. 10: Mini Matters of the Heart: From Dehumanization to AlivenessJoin our host, Sarah Melissa Oswald, as she takes you inside the Colorado State Penitentiary, where she witnesses the transformative power of the Realness Project. Through heartfelt conversations with incarcerated men, she explores what it means to connect, to lead, and to heal—even in the most dehumanizing environments. This episode is a moving reflection on resilience, relational leadership, and the belief that all humans are good at their core. It’s a powerful reminder that once you’ve heard someone’s full story, love becomes possible.Show Notes:Episode 04: Breaking Generational Cycles of Incarcer...2025-06-2721 minFacets of ConnectionEp.09: Connection Compass: The Center of HealthIn this short podcast segment, we explore the evolution of RLT’s Relationship Grid. You'll learn how healthy self-esteem balances equally warm regard for self and others, and how having both protective and containing boundaries is essential for respectful relational dynamics. We also unpack the pitfalls of externally driven self-esteem, and the power of practicing relational health every day. Whether you're a therapist or simply curious about improving your relationships, this conversation offers deep insight and practical wisdom.Learn more about Cathy at www.cathyhill.caShow NotesConnection Compass CourseRLT Relationship GridUse code Facets f...2025-06-1329 minFacets of ConnectionEp. 08: Beyond the Bottom Line: The Business of Being HumanIn this episode of Facets of Connection, we explore the intersection of purpose, relationships, and entrepreneurship with venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and philosophy enthusiast Matt McCall. We dive into the power of storytelling, the challenges of balancing personal and professional relationships, and how entrepreneurship serves as a microcosm for self-growth. Matt also reflects on life’s transitions, human-centric leadership, and the impact of anxiety and depression on young adults today. Whether you're an entrepreneur or simply seeking a more meaningful life, this conversation offers insights and practical takeaways for navigating relationships, purpose, and resilience. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on...2025-05-301h 22Facets of ConnectionEp. 07: Your Voice Matters: Turning Passion into Purpose Through Story with Tracy McCartneyIn this powerful episode of Facets of Connection, Sarah sits down with Tracy McCartney— mother, writer, connector, and co-founder of Red Canary Magazine — for a heart-opening conversation about how storytelling fuels social and environmental justice. From typewriting poems as a toddler to creating an award-winning magazine amplifying marginalized voices, Tracy shares her inspiring journey of transforming grief, rage, and love for the Earth into real-world action. They dive deep into how independent journalism can heal communities, why true connection is at the heart of activism, and why caring for the planet and caring for each other are inseparable. If you...2025-05-1656 minFacets of ConnectionEp. 06: Sustainable Hope with Toufic HakimIn this heartfelt episode, Sarah is joined by Toufic Hakim—scientist by training, spiritualist by choice, and Executive Director of the Foundation for Self Leadership. Together, they explore what it means to cultivate sustainable hope in uncertain times by tending to our inner worlds, our relationships, and our communities. Toufic offers wisdom on how self-awareness, compassion, and connection can help us meet the world with clarity and heart. This conversation is a balm for the nervous system—and a deep invitation into presence, purpose, and possibility. The Foundation for Self Leadership is dedicated to fostering emotional, relational and societa...2025-05-021h 09Facets of ConnectionEp. 05: Relational Reckoning with Terry Real: Should I Stay or Should I Go?In this episode, new board president and founder of Relational Life Therapy (RLT), Terry Real, joins senior RLT practitioner and faculty member Anna Sterk, LMFT for a powerful conversation about one of the toughest relationship questions: Should I stay or should I go?Together, they unpack the concept of relational reckoning—weighing whether what we’re getting is enough to make grieving what we’re not getting worth it. They challenge the myth of unconditional adult love and explore the fine line between acceptance and self-abandonment. From resentment to “normal marital hatred,” this episode is full of clarity, compassion, a...2025-04-1839 minFacets of ConnectionEp. 04: Breaking Generational Cycles of IncarcerationIn this episode, host Sarah Melissa Oswald speaks with Laurie Lazar, founder and CEO of Realness Project, about her work in prisons, where she brings authentic relating practices to incarcerated individuals. Through deeply moving stories, they discuss the generational impact of incarceration, the resilience of the human spirit, and how connection can be a catalyst for change. Join us for a conversation that challenges assumptions and highlights the profound importance of empathy, healing, and community.Learn more about Laurie at https://www.realnessproject.org/ / @realnessprojectnonprofitShow NotesRealness Project Dr. Stephen PorgesColorado Sta...2025-04-041h 08Facets of ConnectionEp.03: Natural Intelligence: Lessons From Wild HorsesJoin us for a fascinating conversation with Neda DeMayo, president founder of Return to Freedom, on the powerful lessons horses teach us about relationships, community, and ourselves. Explore how the secret language of horses mirrors human communication, inspires healthier communities, and offers profound healing for trauma survivors. Learn how wild horse behavior influences leadership, land management, and our connection to nature. Whether you're a horse lover or simply curious about deepening your relationships, this episode offers fresh perspectives and actionable wisdom. Tune in and let the horses guide you toward a more balanced, connected life.Learn more about Neda...2025-03-211h 05Facets of ConnectionEp.02: Motherhood: An Evolutionary GatewayThis episode explores the profound transformations within parenthood, particularly motherhood, and the challenges our culture places on mothers. We’ll hear from motherhood coach Kendra Williams and discuss strategies for breaking free from perfectionism, processing identity shifts, and building confidence in parenting. Whether you’re a mother or simply curious about these concepts, this conversation will offer meaningful insights and support.2025-03-071h 34Facets of ConnectionEp.01: Welcome to Facets of Connection: A PrefaceWelcome to the debut episode of Facets of Connection! In this introduction, host Sarah Melissa Oswald shares the inspiration behind the podcast and her lifelong fascination with relationships and their transformative power. She explores the growing epidemic of loneliness, the science behind human connection, and the role of Relational Life Therapy (RLT) in fostering deeper, more fulfilling relationships. Sarah also reflects on her personal journey, the concept of allurement, and the mission of Relational Life Foundation in building a more connected world.2025-02-2112 minFacets of ConnectionTrailer • Facets of Connection Podcast with Sarah Melissa OswaldWelcome to Facets of Connection, a podcast dedicated to transforming relationships in an ever-changing world. Brought to you by Relational Life Foundation and hosted by Sarah Melissa Oswald, this series delves into the essence of human connection—how we learn, love, and collaborate. Through conversations with leaders and visionaries, we explore the power of respectful relationships and their role in combating loneliness and fostering deeper connections with ourselves, our loved ones, and the environment.
Rooted in curiosity and growth, Facets of Connection introduces tools for building trust, fostering open communication, and balancing individuality with shared values. We’ll d...2025-01-2602 min
Checking Out - A Reading Podcast004 - All Roads Lead to Lee Harvey Oswald (Recommendations & Questions)Welcome to Checking Out, where Rachel & Hannah check in about what they’re checking out. Today we’re giving out recommendations and answering your questions!
Instagram: @checkingoutpod
Facebook: fb.me/checkingoutpod
Email: checkingoutpod@gmail.com
Classics Book Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/548140582641762/
Customized Care and Self-Care Packages for Booklovers from Changing Hands Bookstore: https://www.changinghands.com/care-package
Turn the Page Westfield: https://turnthepagewestfield.com/
IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/
Books mentioned this episode:
“Agnes Grey” by Anne Bronte
“Christine” by Stephen King
“UN...2020-04-131h 02