Shows
The Change Room with Rod & LesleyS3-11 - The importance of having friends to talk to....(A love letter to Ted Lasso)In this episode, Rod and Lesley dive into the importance of having close friends to talk to - at work. To drive home the point, they use the popular Apple TV+ show Ted Lasso as their case study. Rod starts by stating his theory, that the TV show eerily mirror this Podcast. Ted Lasso started in August 2020, the Change Room Podcast started recording in August 2020 (with first airing in October). Story lines and topics parallel on the way so highlight just how we care about the same themes.
In the end, this episode is also Rod and Lesley...2023-06-1429 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS3-10 - Into the mystic: More interpretations of the subconciousIn this episode, Rod and Lesley pick up from where they left off and continue to talk about Carl Jung's ideas. This time, they into the mystical subconscious. They talk about energy impulses that some think connect the us to the universe. This is the kind of topic that Rod probably wouldn't have known what to do with it a couple of years ago - but now, he is seeing how some of it comes together. As always, Lesley is a step ahead.
References in the podcast to a discussion on 'Seek, and it will seek...2023-05-3124 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS3-09 - Is it even possible to change oneself? Can you help us Carl Jung?In this episode, Rod and Lesley go way back. They go to what could the origin story question 'can we change?' and reach back a 100 years to Carl Jung for help in answering the question. This topic was inspired from a book Rod is reading now called "Midlife : humanity's secret weapon" by Andrew Jamieson.
This is a deep thinking discussion into the subconscious, archetypes, and the mystical. All things Carl Jung explored from the camp of 'yes, we can change, but it takes a lot of work into self awareness and individuation'.
As always, Rod and...2023-05-1728 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS3-08 - Making decisions, picking a path, changes how you thinkIn this episode, Rod and Lesley pick up after a long break for the podcast with a topic they have discussed before - decision making. While Lesley remains confident in her decisive decision making approach, Rod has evolved. He explains what it feels like for someone who liked to leave their options open, to force themselves to pick a path. Transformative!
ps - stay tuned, Rod and Lesley are back and next week's episode is already recorded and it is profound, deep, and will be a classic. They ask the question 'is it even possible to ch...2023-05-1029 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS3-07 - New Year’s resolution themes vs goalsIn this episode, Rod and Lesley talk new year's resolutions and all things that make us not like them. The shift the focus on accepting best efforts versus hard smart goals. There is discussion about new year's reflections on do betters; all with a desire to avoid making ourselves feel worse when we don't follow through.
2023-01-1831 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS3-06 - Mulling over self determination theoryIn this episode, Rod and Lesley take in something called, 'self-determination theory'. Rod did some deep research and set the stage by explaining the theory and Lesley brought it to life with some real life reactions and examples. For more of your own research, go to the source and check out this site here. https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/the-theory/
2022-12-2129 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS3-05 - Politeness and finding your voiceIn this episode, Rod and Lesley take inspiration from Geena Davis' biography (Dying of Politeness) to discuss what it is like to be polite and unimposing in the world we live in. They wonder about people who aren't absorbed in worrying whether they have been impolite. Rod hasn't read the book in question but feels like he knows the subject intimately and has lots to say.
2022-12-1425 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS3-04 -Choosing between right and happyIn this episode, Rod and Lesley talk about the times when it is good to choose happy over right. Right being the thing that we are sure is true and that needs to be imparted on those around us. As Lesley explains to Rod, sometimes, it is better to choose a good relationship than the need to be seen as right.
2022-12-0731 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS3-03 - Return to office, part 2In this episode, Rod and Lesley continue the conversation on return to office. This time, they take the insights to a new level and realize some of the big barriers to getting people in the routine of returning to the office - one gem, too many decisions to make each day when switching up routines. Leslie still doesn't know the theme song to the Jetsons, but does show that this podcast might one day do an episode in the form of interpretative song.
2022-10-2034 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS3-02 - Returning to old habits - like going into the officeIn this episode, Rod and Lesley continue with the theme of returning, and dive into the return to office and the future of work after the big, long, scary pandemic called COVID. Thinking about the future of work they see the Jetsons - and for those wondering what the theme song was, here it is - https://youtu.be/tTq6Tofmo7E
They also discuss the balance and benefits between flexibility and routine and how people are experiencing the change.
2022-10-1332 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS3-01 - Getting back into the swing of thingsIn this episode, Rod and Lesley dive into the age old challenge of - getting back into the swing of things. Yes, they took the summer off. Yes, they 'relaxed', and 'recharged', and forgot all about podcasting. Getting back into the routine is hard, and this is a common challenge for anyone who is trying to make changes in life - when the reality is a 'change' is never something that sticks 100% of the time.
2022-10-0622 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS3-Intro - The Change Room is back for season 3We're back! It was a long break for us but good to take the summer off and come back recharged. More episodes to come!
2022-10-0501 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS2-23 - Breathing training from LesleyIn this episode, Lesley takes the lead and walks Rod, and you listeners, through breathing training. Inhale 1 - 2 - 3; hold 1 - 2 - 3; exhale 1 - 2 - 3....
Rod asks the newbie questions, following Lesley's expert guidance to a calmer amygdala.
A note to our faithful listeners... Rod and Lesley are taking a mid-season 2 intermission and will be back in a couple of months.
2022-03-2327 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS2-22 - From cognitive dissonance to harmonic resonanceIn this episode, Rod and Lesley dig deep into the vault of 1950s psychology experiments to talk about Cognitive Dissonance. This is a term is used to describe the mental discomfort that results from holding two conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes. Rod and Lesley relate real examples of when this comes up, and how to spot these uncomfortable dissonance feelings - which is the first step into dealing with them.
2022-03-1629 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS2-21 - Talking biasesIn this episode, Rod and Lesley talk about their favourite biases. No, ones they like that we have, silly. The ones they think are worth knowing more about so we can start to overcome them. They discuss biases in recognition of March 8 and international women's day. The conversation gets into understanding micro aggressions, types on how to talk about them, and a recognition that we all have more to learn!
2022-03-1031 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS2-20 - Sometimes the easy to believe stuff, is just plain misleadingIn this episode, Rod and Lesley discuss the change adoption curve (The innovation adoption curve). This is part two of two in the mini series that takes on well known models and helps you know their misinterpretations.
The upside-down-U-bell-shaped curve that is taught ubiquitously through many change management courses. It is Rod's turn to go through a commonly known concept by those in the change field, and widely heard of term by everyone else - and bash it apart! Yes, it is intuitive to think there are early adopters to something, and there are laggards, or change resistors too. Listen to he...2022-03-0122 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS2-19 - Is it the 80/20 rule or the 20/80 rule?In this episode, Rod and Lesley talk about something we all thought we knew - but were (mostly) wrong! Many of us have heard about the 80/20 rule. But, as Lesley will explain, it is really the 20/80 rule. And the origin was based on the idea that 20 percent effort leads to 80 percent of the outcome. This episode is the first of a mini series of two where your fearless hosts take on simple models that have lost their way and lead people to wrong ideas. Next week... the 'Change Curve'... from adopters to resisters.
2022-02-2126 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS2-18 - Forgiving yourself and othersIn this episode, Rod and Lesley dive into the little bit messy conversation on forgiveness. Sharing experience that can help the process of forgiving others to move on from the negative shackles. As well as recognizing the importance of forgiving yourself when occasion arises.
2022-02-1031 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS2-17 - Projecting your projectionsIn this episode, Rod and Lesley talk about projections. Not financial projections, but the psychological kind. In particular, sub-conscious projections that we humans put onto interpreting the intent, motivations, and behaviours of others. This wide ranging and open conversation is filled with questions with some answers. In the spirit of Bell Talk week, promoting awareness and reducing the stigma of mental health issues, this habit of humans to project is one that deserves better understanding.
2022-02-0232 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS2-16 - How to go from confident decision making to self-doubt in one easy stepIn this episode, Rod and Lesley dive into what it is like when you challenge your assumptions. Lesley is destabilized and Rod does a little happy dance at her expense. Is he really that mean? No, it was all for show. The topic this week is based on Lesley's BFF Adam Grant's book think again, which put her into quite the tailspin as she challenged her assumptions. Rod has years of experience challenging his own thinking and so it was nice for him to see this hypothesis based decision flexibility have its day.
2022-01-2632 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS2-15 - What is more Canadian than...’Sorry’ ?In this episode, Rod and Lesley dive into a slice of Canadiana...saying sorry. Apologizing for pretty much anything is a common habit many of us have, and Rod is taking aim at it. While it might be polite, it can get your mind reacting to things that don't deserve the attention, you can give an unintended vibe, and it is an easy way out of taking accountability (ironically enough). Listen to hear Lesley's sorry stories, and attacks on sorries from Rod.
2022-01-2030 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS2-14 - Choosing optimismIn this episode, Rod and Lesley realize they aren't done yet with dealing with the psychology of the pandemic. They find themselves in another 'reflection' of pandemic now, and what is ahead. This discussion riffs off of an idea around informed optimism (from Adam Grant) that these two turn into choosing optimism.
2022-01-1333 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS2-13 - Ending the year like it started, finding joy in the little thingsIn this episode, Rod and Lesley reflect on the year and how we find ourselves in a similar place as we started the year - facing a Covid lockdown. It is Lesley's turn to bring the story and she shares how a potential frustrating anger producing scenario was switched by focusing on the little pleasures that are all around. Yes, it sounds like a hallmark card, but it is Christmas after all. These two are taking a holiday season break and will be back in the first week of the new year. Best wishes to all our listeners!!
2021-12-2430 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS2-12 - The questions you ask, shape your mindsetIn this episode, Rod and Lesley talk questions. After gushing over fandom of audiobook narrators, Rod shares a recent discovery - Change your questions, Change your life: by Marilee Adams. This book was almost ignored due to the cheesy overpromising awesomeness used in the intro, but it turned out to be a gem. The book is worth the read (or listen) to learn how you can switch your mindset in the moment through switching the types of questions you ask. As Lesley points out, it is like switching from the fixed mindset to the growth mindset in the moment, with...2021-12-1532 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS2-11 - The space between Tiger and EeyoreIn this episode, Rod and Lesley talk about Winnie the Pooh. Using the example of positive Tiger, and negative Eeyore, they talk about the grey area in between. When is positivity toxic, what you can do when the negativity is dragging you down. Rod and Lesley dive into deep and bring it back at the end with a simple message - choose what energy you'll absorb from others.
2021-12-0832 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS2-10 - The problem with round numbersIn this episode, Rod and Lesley explore what Rod coined as 'the law of round numbers'. Round numbers can be a good thing to give you something to strive for, but they should never be taken literally, and they discuss common pitfalls when that happens.
2021-12-0128 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS2-09 - Rules to live byIn this episode, Rod and Lesley share their version of 'rules to live by'. Everyone and their uncle has published a set of rules to live by, and these two didn't want to let that go without a little critique, and their sharing their own version. Some gems on their very short list - Get enough sleep; Choose to be kind; When in doubt - write it out!
2021-11-2930 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS2-08 - The spectre of ...duh duh duuuuunIn this episode, Rod and Lesley time warp themselves back a couple of weeks to halloween and get a little scary creepy. They talk about how the spectre of death helps bring focus to living your life. Duh duh duuuuun. Lesley expands on what was putting her into a funk last week and that leads them into the philosophical quotes of wise androids like Data (from Star Trek).
2021-11-1930 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS2-07 - When stresses collide and you get in a funkIn this episode, Rod and Lesley put Lesley under the microscope. What is up with her this week that she has doubt and difficultly making a decision? The timely situation becomes a good reminder of how to take in, and except the moments in life that put you off your game...with the goal that they don't linger too long and get in the way of the positive change and growth that helps us thrive.
2021-11-1127 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS2-06 - Halloween edition - Scary Covid Part 2In this episode, Rod and Lesley don't even bother remarking 'can you believe we have had two COVID tainted halloweens?'. Yes, there is nothing scarier to confront than Covid once again. Last year, they were wound up about different approaches to managing the pandemic, and this year, ...well, let's just say they are still wound-up. Rod and Lesley had best intentions of talking about the adjustment we are going through as things start 'opening up', but it ended up being a big share fest of observations relating to what it is like to interact in public again.
2021-11-0532 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS2-05 - Learning to let go as you changeIn this episode, Rod and Lesley share inspiration from a thought leader they both love - Seth Godin. They have gushed over Seth before, and his idea this time was "what will you leave behind". Seth's advice falls into the camp of, meaningful and ambiguous enough that you can read into what you want. Queue the discussion. Listen to the episode to hear thoughts on how you have to let go of things to change. Even things you like and enjoyed in moments of your life, but might need to let go.
2021-10-2730 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS2-04 - The campsite rule: Leave people better than you found themIn this episode, Rod and Lesley propose a new rule to live by - the campsite rule. In a nutshell, the campsite rule that Lesley knows is from relationship advice podcaster/blogger Dan Savage. Leave your romantic partners better or the same when you leave them as they were when you found them. Inspired by what you would think is a rule about how to care for a campsite (though, no campsite we googled had this rule). The discussion explores the brilliance of the campsite rule, how it forces you to think more of the other person in your personal and...2021-10-2025 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS2-03 - Reconcili-action. Part 2 Interview with Paul Haigh to mark September 30th Truth and Reconciliation DayIn this episode, Rod and Lesley invite Paul Haigh back for a part 2 interview to discuss change in the context of truth and reconciliation in Canada. Or as Paul suggested, we think of reconcili-action. Another engaging and educating discussion to better understand the indigenous experience, making up for our ignorance, and hopefully being enlightening for our listeners too. There are many reference links to share. • Call to action 82 - Building a monument to honour residential school survivors. Learn more here https://irsslegacy.com/about/ • Learn and change through art - several artists were mentioned ◦ CBC Documentary - We Know the Truth: Sto...2021-10-0439 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS2-02 - Learning about the 94 calls to actionIn this episode, Rod and Lesley talk about Truth and Reconciliation and spend their time to learn more about the 94 calls to action. They share the humility of ignorance and touch on a few of the calls to action. Take the time to explore them yourselves, and be ready to be shocked about how much you didn't know.
Check out this site to help your learning - https://nctr.ca/records/reports/
2021-10-0132 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS2-01 - Holding on to the vacation dreams of changeIn this episode, Rod and Lesley are back for season 2! They reflect on their month off and share how a good vacation is a motivator for change. Perhaps more powerful than new years resolutions! Listen to hear vacation reflection stories and tips on how to keep the drive for change alive - post vacation.2021-09-2730 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-51 - Season 1 finale, preview to season 2In this episode, Rod and Lesley reflect on their first season of 'The Change Room' and look forward to season 2. We'd love to hear your suggestions around what we are doing to do more of next year. You'll have to listen to learn more.
2021-08-0722 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-50 - Spock vs Emotions - the controversy continuesIn this episode, Rod champions the role of rational argument, striking back after last episode where the elephant was getting all the attention versus the rider. Rod deftly brings up solid facts to show how the rational approach is how minds can be changed. Lesley, calmly champions the power of emotions to really get someone behind an idea. The debate plays out...who will win. You must listen to find out.
2021-07-3028 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-49 - The Elephant and the riderIn this episode, Rod and Lesley explore the concept of the elephant and the rider that was popularized by Chip and Dan Heath and developed by Jonathan Haigt. The Elephant is your emotions, and the rider is your logic brain that tries to get the big elephant of emotions. Good luck with that. As always, they shine different light on concepts and come up with an important new interpretation - it is not about trying to keep the rider in total control, it is about finding the balance for both be part of the whole. References made to Chip and Dan...2021-07-1626 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-48 - REPLAY - The 5% Better rule to making change happenIt is a long weekend and we are taking the weekend. This time, not celebrating Canada Day as much as reflecting more on Indigenous History.
This episode is a replay of Episode 19 - The 5% Better rule for making change happen
In this episode, Rod and Lesley build on the conversation last week about Nathaniel Branden's Six Pillars of Self-Esteem. As part of his work, Nathaniel Branden pioneered a technique to get people to think in baby steps. Rod puts Lesley on the spot with questions on how she can make her life 5% better. From 5% improvements, Rod shares another book's idea of...2021-07-0731 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-47 - Should you seek advice, or notIn this episode, Rod and Lesley talk about what to do with advice. Is it helpful if you seek it? What should you do if you receive it unsolicited? Why do some seek advice more than others? This is an episode that gets into the small ball (i.e., the nuances) of what we all do when we are considering change or confronted by it.
2021-06-3031 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-46 - Interview with Paul Haigh to honour Indigenous Heritage MonthIn this episode, Rod and Lesley interview Paul Haigh to honour and discuss Indigenous History. This episode is the most powerful and gripping one yet as Paul shares his history as an indigenous person and his work at Council Fire in Toronto. No short synopsis can capture the breadth of the conversation and the important topics. A few important links that Rod and Lesley are exploring and encourage you do as well. • The Truth and Reconciliation Commission - http://www.trc.ca. Paul recommends you read through the 94 recommendations - here. https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/2091412-trc-calls-to-action Rod suggests you go throu...2021-06-2140 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-45 - The Fear of SuccessIn this episode, Rod and Lesley discuss the fear of success and how that stops people from making good change in their lives. Like many good tips, the way to get around this type of fear has three steps. Three is the magic, along with visualization and the right kind of positive self talk.
2021-06-1732 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-44 - Fake it until you make itIn this episode, Rod and Lesley spend some time in the 80s to understand a saying that is still active today. That is 'Fake it until you make it'. References to 80s movies and some more recent books, plus sprinkled in stories, make this episode an interesting one. The insight discussed here is to be wary of the expression and use with caution and a clear mind. Like everything, the answer is nuanced.
2021-06-1031 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-43 - Head, Heart, and Gut - an interview with Mary MunroIn this episode, Rod and Lesley conduct their second interview with Mary Munro. If you follow someone on instagram, and not sure who they are but are mesmerized by their posts of fermenting things, baking, discovery plants. Well, that is probably Mary. In this discussion, Mary shares her view on on the interconnection of the head, heart, and gut. The gut seems to get the most attention in this talk because there is food and drink involved. The theme connecting it all together is Mental Health as we come to the end of Mental Health Awareness month of May, 2021.
Check out Ma...2021-06-0226 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-42 - Replay of Ep6 - Every day, in every way, I‘m getting better and betterIt is a long weekend and we took a break to refresh. This episode is from our early days. Here is Episode 6!
We hit our stride in this episode. We dive into self-talk and auto-suggestion. References to 100 year old French guys, and 1990s SNL skits are part of our exploring whether positive self-talk matters. Lesley reveals that she thinks 'getting to a higher vibrational place' is a good thing, and Rod confesses that despite being a skeptic, it was the book 'Think and Grow Rich' that sparked his interest in psychology.
2021-05-2631 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-41 - Change leadershipIn this episode, Rod and Lesley take a concept that is common in their professional lives of change management, and projects it into non work situations. Change leadership is about owning and leading through a change, which is kind of the point of this podcast. They share more stories and related work jargon to real situations.
2021-05-2031 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-40 - What you seek is seeking you...or is it the other way around?In this episode, Rod and Lesley grapple with seeing thinks differently. All starting with a poem and moving to a gum commercial, they discuss their different points of view, and their reactions to the difference. The quote from the poem is 'what you seek, is seeking you' by Rumi. The gum commercial is the Extra one making the rounds.
Rod takes this one outside with the birds in the backyard and so chirping can be heard.
Also mentioned in this episode is Lesley's favourite spots for buying important things such as fridge magnets and sayings written on signs. Aptly named 'Any...2021-05-1430 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-39 - Much ado about not needing to change at allIn this episode, Rod and Lesley build off of last week's discussion to acknowledge, that many times all the angst on needing to change leads to the realization that you don't need to change at all. When they talk about the RAIN model, or the power of labelling how you are feeling to move through it. The essence is that you are ok to be who you are or to feel how you do. With that pressure off of worrying about changing 100 things, you can relax a little and think about a smaller number of habits or behaviours you would lik...2021-05-0630 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-38 - Languishing, and how labelling helps to get over itIn this episode, Rod and Lesley talk about something that is happening a lot in COVID times - and probably happened a lot before too. The feeling that we are languishing or stuck. Inspired by Lesley's fanboy Adam Grant and his recent NY Times article, we talked about the feeling of 'meh'. While Rod isn't yet signing up to the fan list for Mr Grant, he did admit to being well practised in the art of languishing. The big insight that Lesley had after reading the article is what is really interesting. It wasn't an 'a-ha' moment, it was the feel...2021-04-3030 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-37 - You think you have it bad...well, I have it worseIn this episode, Rod and Lesley talk about winning at suffering. You think you have it bad, well... let me tell you. To get in the mood, they suggest you start with an old Monte Python clip about old English guys lamenting about how good it was when it was so bad. Lesley reveals that it was the moment that she saw in herself that she was winning at suffering that she decided to win at happiness instead. Rod quizzes Lesley and they get at a few tips. If you find you are being one-upped on the suffering scale, recognize your...2021-04-2131 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-36 - When you need a change but don‘t realize itIn this episode, Rod and Lesley take an experience with figuring out a vaccine registration portal to talk about when you need a change but don't realize it. Like the fish who doesn't realize they are in water, we as humans don't realize we needed a break until we take the break. Or, we didn't realize how crappy the stress was, until we are free from the stress. In an ironic twist, both Rod and Lesley realize that there is a way (even though they didn't see it at first). And that way is to leverage the RAIN approach (Recognize, Al...2021-04-1629 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-35 - Apply change management in our own lives...In this episode, Rod and Lesley consider if the old adage of the cobbler's kids having bad shoes applies to change managers. Following their intuition, it doesn't. In fact, it seems that once 'change management' is into your essence, it is hard not to focus on others when trying to make a change happen. This causes a little crisis of ethics...but only for a moment. Listen to hear what Rod and Lesley both do when trying to get family members to adopt their ideas.
2021-04-0831 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-34 - What to do when every day is the same - a life absent of changeIn this episode, Rod and Lesley take on a new challenge - what do you do when there is no change in our lives. When every day is the same! They talk about how we now have to plan ahead for surprise moments. Yes, it might take the spontaneity out of it, but novelty in our day to day is still a good thing. They also reflect on how we have all changed to adapt to this Groundhog Day life, and that it will be a change process again when this eventually ends.
2021-04-0128 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-33 - Why tough decisions help you understand yourselfIn this episode, Rod and Lesley talk about how they are polar opposite on decision making. Rod, mulls over decisions in-depth. Lesley, makes them with ease. Tough decisions, of course, are moments where we make change happen in our lives. One benefit of thinking about, and learning about tough decision making is that it reveals the gift that it can give you. When tough options are difficult to compare on a pro and con list, how you make the decision is a way to express who you are as an individual.
For anyone who is like Rod and...2021-03-2630 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-32 - Anything change for you this past (COVID) year?In this episode, Rod and Lesley mark the one year anniversary of COVID lockdown with a reflective discussion on what it was like a year ago, and how we have changed since. To the surprise of no one, Rod reveals himself as a worrier, and Lesley thinks buying a few extra cans of soup makes her a prepper. Discussion touches briefly on the space time continuum and reveals that Lesley can't wait to get back to giving awkwardly long hugs to people (to the surprise of no one).
2021-03-1731 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-31 - International Women‘s Day - choose to challengeIn this episode, Rod and Lesley honour International Women's Day March 8, 2021 with with an open and genuine conversation about what it means to choose to challenge. Lesley shares great insight and personal stories on how she has changed her view on what it means to be involved in Women in Leadership initiatives. This is their longest podcast to-date, but there was much to discuss and share.
#ChooseToChallenge #IWD20212021-03-0743 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-30 - R.A.I.N. helps in the mind as well as the gardenIn this episode, Rod and Lesley share the R.A.I.N. mindfulness based model, developed by Tara Brach as a way to help when feeling overwhelmed with fight or flight emotions. You'll hear Lesley share her fan-girl crush for podcaster Laurie Santos (Happiness Lab) along side her mental block with A. (yes, the letter A).
Rod admits to be decent at Recognizing emotions but not much more than that. Sharing the common challenge we all have to resist trying to fix our, and other's, problems.
Find out more about R.A.I.N. at h...2021-03-0332 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-29 - Amina Charles interview - literacy learner, advocate, and business ownerIn this episode, Rod and Lesley do their first interview! In honour of Black History Month, they invited Amina Charles to join them and share her experience of change in her life. And what a story it is! Rod and Lesley were left in awe listening to such a courageous and positive personality. Amina shares her story of coming to Canada at 12 to being in an adult literacy learner, to participating in her first protest, to starting her own business.
Reference links
•MTML (Metro Toronto Movement for Literacy) www.mtml.ca
•Amina's online business True Tranquillity that sells crystal infused candals...2021-02-2134 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-28 - Dealing with disappointment - The anti-Valentines showIn this episode, Rod and Lesley talk about dealing with disappointment. And leave it to these two to bring this topic up on Valentine's Day. It wasn't heart-break that motivated this topic though, it was the cancelation of March Break !
This discussion picks up in many ways from the New Year's episode (Episode 22) discussing Hope and Optimism for 2021 in the time of Covid. They knew then that s*** would happen, but it always seems like a surprise when it does.
Ps - Next week will be a surprise episode with something we've never done before.
2021-02-1831 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-27 - Trying again with changing your friendsIn this episode, Rod and Lesley - like so many people - take another crack at trying to change their friends and family. In this case, it is about trying to convince someone to change their mind when you think they have a crazy belief. The big topics are covered. (yes, vaccinations. QAnon).
You'll hear Rod and Lesley refer to this NY Times opinion article from Adam Grant called 'The Science of Reasoning With Unreasonable People' --> https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/31/opinion/change-someones-mind.html?smid=url-share
2021-02-1031 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-26 - Let‘s talk about mental healthIn this episode, Rod and Lesley contribute to the discussion on mental health, in honour of Bell's Let's Talk day that was earlier in the week. Rod and Lesley share how they have seen the stigma of mental health play out and change over time. They both take a sidebar to gush over the word segue (as in linking thoughts, not, as in hands free scooter).
Some helpful links.
The Bounce Back program that is available in Ontario - https://bouncebackontario.ca
The 'Five Areas' model - five areas assessment model - Google Search
2021-02-0132 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-25 - Happiness Part 3 - Finding FlowIn this episode, Rod and Lesley pick up the conversation on happiness by diving into the concept of flow (see Episodes 7 & 8 for parts 1 & 2). Think of 'being in the zone', or the times when you get so absorbed in what you are doing that you lose track of time. That is flow. According to the researcher who developed it (Mihaly Csikszentmihályi), it is in flow states that we are the most happiest. Since much of the books/research/thinking on how to make changes to our lives to increase happiness refer to this concept, it is worthwhile to spend a littl...2021-01-2733 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-24 - The grass seems greener over at the JonesesIn this episode, Rod and Lesley talk about keeping up with the Joneses. This is discussion is somewhat an extension of Episode 02 - The challenges of perfectionism. This time, Rod and Lesley explore the topic through the light of comparisons we make of ourselves against others. It used to be that the grass was always greener, but now it is that the social media posts are always cooler.
Lesley shares some great insights, so much so that towards the end you'll that Rod is totally stumped. What could he say after Lesley lays down the best question of all time you...2021-01-2134 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-23 - F is for fairness... a discussion about week 1 of 2021In this episode, Rod and Lesley use the SCARF (by David Rock) model again to talk about why we all reacted emotionally to what we witnessed this week out of the US. The F in SCARF stands for Fairness. When we see fairness we have a reward response, and we we see unfairness we have a threat response. This week, the US saw a protest go right into the capitol buildings which has huge political implications. But many people picked up on how the protestors were treated differently than Black Lives Matter protesters earlier in the year, and how unfair it...2021-01-1330 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-22 - Hope and optimism for 2021In this episode, Rod and Lesley ask, should we have hope, or optimism, for 2021. You'll hear that hope has its place, and optimism is based on realism. Rod wonders if Star Wars could have considered 'A new optimism', but Lesley says if she was part that that pitch, it would have be 'A new hope' all the way. Rod describes that optimism has some interesting layers that help understand when we fall into pessimism. Lesley astutely points out that in a year of uncertainty that is certainly ahead, it is a mix of hope and optimism (realism) that will bring us t...2021-01-0733 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-21 - New Year ResolutionsIn this episode, Rod and Lesley talk about resolutions in honour of the New Year. Rod is a New Years resolution kind of guy, where Lesley is resolution at her birthday. Rod shares his over the top history of trying different resolutions, and through the discussion they come to a nice simple set of suggestions.
Happy New Year listeners! Best wishes in 2021.
2020-12-3131 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-20 - What you can do about self limiting beliefsIn this episode, Rod and Lesley dive into self-limiting beliefs. They start by sharing some of their own and explore the nuances. Rod shares a Nathaniel Branden quote as he still can't get him off his mind (listen to episode 18 and 19) and Lesley highlights the most important action to take. Rod talks through a three step process to help working limiting beliefs that he read somewhere - and warns to be careful of the internet advice out there today as it can get complicated and mis-guided. Happy holidays everyone!!
2020-12-2334 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-19 - The 5% better rule to making change happenIn this episode, Rod and Lesley build on the conversation last week about Nathaniel Branden's Six Pillars of Self-Esteem. As part of his work, Nathaniel Branden pioneered a technique to get people to think in baby steps. Rod puts Lesley on the spot with questions on how she can make her life 5% better. From 5% improvements, Rod shares another book's idea of making change through tiny steps. BJ Fogg's book 'Tiny Habits' gets some love for the great ideas on how to Lesley out of the house and walking three times a week.
2020-12-1731 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-18 - Nathaniel Branden‘s Six Pillars of Self-EsteemIn this episode, Rod shares a story about Nathaniel Branden and his book, the Six Pillars of Self-Esteem, and keeps a surprise at the end for Lesley. Rod and Lesley go over the six pillars and discuss how they are a good foundation for being able to make change happen. Listen to learn about practices that make up the six pillars. Lesley points out that the pillars interrelate and come together as a set of good advice. Now, where did Nathaniel Branden come from, who did he have relationships, and how did a libertarian theorist influence his thinking? You'll have to lis...2020-12-1436 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-17 - Taking the edge off triggersIn this episode, Rod and Lesley discuss triggers that get us to react, feel bad, and generally wish didn't happen. Triggers are those things that people do, or situations that occur that 'trigger' a reaction in us. Often, we regret, or feel bad, about our reaction after the fact and want to avoid the situations. This discussion is all about exploring what we can do to be in control of what we do next, rather than leaving the next step to our reactions.
If you notice an audio different, it is because Rod tries a new technique with recording.
2020-12-1232 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-16 - Importance of your tribe to help you through changeIn this episode, Rod and Lesley look outward and explore the importance of the people around you to help you make sense of and navigate life changes. People in our tribe help us make sense of the world and give us a safe space to be who we are. Rod and Lesley have talked a lot about what we can do and better understand about ourselves, and in this episode we make the powerful connection to how this happens with those around us. Lesley shares the CS Lewis quote "Friendship ... is born at the moment when one man says to ano...2020-12-0832 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-15 - Setting boundaries to help you keep balanceIn this episode, Rod and Lesley explore the concept of boundaries. Boundaries are the limits that you set in terms of how much time, effort, caring, thinking you give to something. As well, they are how far you allow yourself to go off track when you are moving forward with a change in your life (you'll need to listen to know what that means). Lesley shows that math is in her blood with risk analysis thinking. Rod asks 'do we need to commit to others to help us keep our boundaries?' Rod and Lesley discuss how boundaries are needed, but m...2020-12-0532 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-14 - What do you think other people would say?Rod and Lesley would be trying on each other's shoes in this episode if they were allowed to see each other. Instead, it is a phone call on perspectives and what you think other people would say. How can you do more of take the other person's perspective? Avoid assumptions. Be curious. Form hypotheses. Explore. Repeat.
Lesley points out that many of the concepts that have discussed relate to taking different perspectives. Trust the process, let go of being perfect, allow yourself to learn from others (growth mindset), and more.
Also in this episode, our first audio difficulty and the awkwa...2020-12-0233 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-13 - The scary halloween Covid editionIn this episode, Rod and Lesley pick a scary subject to mark the recording on November 1 - the day after Halloween. And, what is more scarier than Covid? You can tell through this episode that Rod has a few gripes about how our powers that be are trying to change our behaviours. Gripes are translated into advice and it all does end up making sense as to why 'The Change Room' has something to say about techniques used to shift public behaviour. Lots of tie backs to ideas from previous episodes in a unifying theory kind of way.
And only, afte...2020-11-1535 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-12 - Trust, what we all should strive forIn this episode, Rod and Lesley explores the concept of Trust, and why it is important for people going through change. Rod tries to show Lesley that he is good at math too by talking fancy with a Trust equation. From Rod's mr smarty pants and some book ideas, Lesley takes us on a path of that makes them both think of trust differently.
At the beginning, the audio producer (Rod) tries a new idea by starting with a clip, before the audio intro.
2020-11-1233 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-11 - How we got into Change Management?In this episode we share our stories about our paths to working in the field of Change Management, and why have much to say about the human condition of dealing with change. Rod reveals that he was a teenage fan of Tony Robbins and that the words of wisdom came on a cassette (google that if you don't know what a cassette is). Lesley explains how she can see energy move around the room (that isn't CGI'd) and how after getting the opportunity to work on a transformation, she was hooked on change. In an attempt to relate to Lesley's sto...2020-11-0933 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-10 - When you think your friends should changeIn this episode, we continue to get philosophical and talk about what to consider when it comes to desiring to change your friends. Lesley confronts the age old question 'do you tell your girlfriend not to date that guy'. Rod even gets into shakier ground by daring to use political philosophical points of view to prove a point about personal change. Again, both Rod and Lesley see the light in the space between, finding some sense and logic in the balanced perspective.
2020-11-0631 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-09 - Why we called the podcast ‘The Change Room‘It was time to step back and remind ourselves and our listeners, how do our discussions tie together and relate to our theme - Change. We attempt a unifying theory and try to practice a little of what we preach - giving ourselves permission to be who we are and not so hard on ourselves. To quote Lesley (who quoted a friend) "You gotta be in you and all your youness". Like any good reflection, more insights emerged. Real gems come out when Rod and Lesley share core beliefs that shape their view on things related to change.
2020-11-0232 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-08 - Happiness Part 2Into episode two on happiness, we move from the Empire Strikes Back to Return of the Jedi. We talk about the good habits we've learned about and practice that help with keeping the dark at bay, and lightness close by. You'll hear Rod try to show off (again) with dropping author names and even bringing a book to the podcast. Aristotle gets some serious shout out, and Lesley sings a tv theme song from the...let's just say, way back.
2020-10-3034 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-07 - Happiness Part 1In this episode we take on the subject of happiness and then find that we got a little dark and so nicknamed our 'Empire's Strikes Back'. Some personal stories are shared to explain how reframing and reappraisal with a mix of intent, can help lead towards happiness. One of our discussions where we recognize how change happens over a loooong time, through effort, tears, smiles, and support.
2020-10-2731 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-06 - Every day, in every way, I‘m getting better and betterWe hit our stride in this episode. We dive into self-talk and auto-suggestion. References to 100 year old French guys, and 1990s SNL skits are part of our exploring whether positive self-talk matters. Lesley reveals that she thinks 'getting to a higher vibrational place' is a good thing, and Rod confesses that despite being a skeptic, it was the book 'Think and Grow Rich' that sparked his interest in psychology.
2020-10-2431 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-05 - More on growth mindset and expectationsThe conversation continues on growth mindset and how expectations become self fulfilling prophecies. We get into the importance of setting goals and venture into some philosophical questions.
2020-10-2127 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-04 - Growth MindsetIn this episode, we share our point of view on the popular concept of Growth Mindset by Carol Dweck. We demonstrate again that we like things in moderation, even something like a growth mindset. Rod and Lesley agree, at the end of the day, don't be too hard on yourself and embrace the fact that we learn from the fixed mindset moments as well as growth moments. Also in this Episode, Rod seems to get over his umm and ahhs from previous episodes and starts to string a few sentences together.
2020-10-1835 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-03 - New perspectives on Introversion and ExtroversionIn this episode, we talk about introversion and extroversion. Much is revealed, like Rod hates labeling people, and Lesley refers to Google as the Googles. New theories are proposed and the shared belief of Rod and Lesley comes out that things aren't black and white, and rather different shades of grey. This is the last episode where Lesley's meditation bell is used to chime us in.
2020-10-1626 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-02 - The challenges of perfectionismIn this episode, we talk about perfectionism after a winding journey through system 1 and system 2 thinking, and having standards.
2020-10-1535 minThe Change Room with Rod & LesleyS1-01 - Fight or flight and what to do about itThis is our very first episode of the Change Room. We introduce ourselves and talk about the fight or flight reaction to stress and how it affects us and is important to understand as we go through life changes.
2020-10-0926 min