Shows
Therapist Voices @ ReachLinkTherapist Voices @ ReachLink | Wendy WollnerWelcome to the seventh episode of Therapist Voices, a new podcast from @reachlinkusa spotlighting the people behind mental health care. In this episode, Jessica Hurwitz, ReachLink’s Network Manager, sits down with Wendy Wollner, Founder and CEO of Balancing Life's Issues (BLI) for an open and insightful conversation about therapy, counseling, and the evolving world of telehealth mental health services.Together, they explore what it means to support clients in today’s digital landscape, the importance of accessible and ethical mental health care, and how professionals navigate work in virtual settings. Wendy shares her perspective as a mental hea...
2026-02-2338 min
Balancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowUnscarred at Work: Rethinking Tattoos as Healing, Art, and Identity (with Elise Jaffe)What if the tattoo you’re judging is actually part of someone’s healing? And what’s a leader’s job when unconscious bias shows up in dress codes, hiring decisions, or everyday workplace reactions?In this episode of This Is Your Job Now, Wendy Wollner sits down with Elise Jaffe—Executive Producer, filmmaker, and owner of Big Teeth Productions—to explore a powerful reframe: tattoos aren’t just “style.” For many people, they’re healing, reclamation, and self-authorship after trauma, illness, or loss. Elise shares the story behind her documentary-in-progress, Unscarred, and explains why leaders, manager...
2026-01-2610 min
Balancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowWe Choose Hope: Bill Doherty on Bridge-Building in a Polarized TimeWhat if the goal isn’t to change minds about issues—but to change minds about each other? Episode Overview Host Wendy Wollner talks with Bill Doherty, family therapist, professor emeritus, and Co-Founder of Braver Angels, about practical ways leaders, teams, and clinicians can repair trust across deep political divides. Bill shares ground rules that make hard conversations possible, the difference between optimism and a choice for hope, and how therapists can serve as “citizen bridge-builders” at work, at home, and in their communities. What You’ll L...
2025-11-0719 min
Balancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowLeading Without Burnout: Dr. Marsha Gordon on Humility, Resilience, and the Power of CommunityWhat does it take to lead with purpose, grace, and energy — for decades — without burning out?Episode Overview:In this inspiring conversation, host Wendy Wollner sits down with Dr. Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of The Business Council of Westchester. A trailblazing leader who transformed a struggling local chamber into one of the most influential business organizations in New York State, Marsha reflects on her decades of leadership, the power of humility and gratitude, and how she continues to lead with joy, curiosity, and connection. From surviving tough early years to winning the...
2025-10-2714 min
Balancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowCreative Endurance: How Fast Company’s Mike Schnaidt Leads with Autonomy and HeartHow do you lead creative teams at the speed of change—without losing the human touch? Fast Company’s Creative Director Mike Schnaidt shares how to protect originality in an AI-saturated world while building confident, energized teams.Host Wendy Wollner sits down with Mike Schnaidt, Creative Director at Fast Company, to unpack what modern creative leadership looks like in 2025: empowering designers with autonomy, embracing “a brand without a brand,” and keeping individuality front and center as AI transforms creative work. Mike opens up about confidence earned through failure, honest check-ins, and the practical growth frameworks that he...
2025-10-1315 min
Balancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job Now30 Reasons to Keep Going: Kath Koschel on Choosing Kindness After TraumaEpisode Overview:What does it mean to choose kindness—even when life breaks your back? Literally. In this powerful episode, Kath Koschel, founder of Kindness Factory and former elite athlete, shares her remarkable journey through physical trauma, grief, and unimaginable loss… and how small acts of kindness pulled her through. Her story is a testament to the human spirit, the science of kindness, and why leaders need empathy now more than ever.What You’ll Learn:How Kath turned her rock bottom into a global kindness movementThe neuroscience behind giving and receiv...
2025-09-0207 min
Balancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowThe Hormone-Intelligent Workplace: Why Women’s Health is a Leadership Issue with Dr. Mariah Prince-AllenWhat if the key to retaining top talent and improving workplace performance lies in understanding women’s hormones? In this episode, we explore why women’s health—especially in perimenopause and menopause—isn’t just a medical issue, but a leadership and public health priority.Wendy Wollner sits down with Dr. Mariah Prince-Allen, board-certified nurse practitioner, TEDx speaker, and founder of Telehealth for Her. Dr. Mariah shares her mission to help high-achieving women balance hormones, heal their gut, achieve sustainable weight loss—and feel like themselves again. Together, they unpack the history of women’s health resea...
2025-08-1417 min
Balancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowBLI the Podcast LIVE: The Real Cause of Burnout & How to Fix It with Krystal Taylor (Ep 45)This BLI the Podcast Live episode features wellness expert Krystal Taylor leading an engaging and interactive conversation on burnout—what it is, what causes it, and how to fight back. With warmth, humor, and plenty of practical wisdom, Krystal breaks down the clinical definition of burnout and helps us recognize the emotional and physical symptoms before they spiral. Listeners will gain access to real-world solutions, both personal and organizational, that can help build resilience and create a more sustainable work culture.Whether you're feeling emotionally exhausted, unsure of your role, or overloaded by digital de...
2025-07-3142 min
Balancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowFinding Your Values Compass: A Guided Exercise for Fathers with Dr. Jason Frishman (Ep 43)In this special follow-up to our conversation on redefining fatherhood Jason S. Frishman, PsyD, founder and lead guide at JourneyMen Foundation, invites you to slow down and reconnect with what really matters — through a guided Values Compass exercise designed especially for fathers, but relevant to anyone navigating life’s daily challenges.This episode is your chance to step away from the noise, breathe, and reflect on the core values that shape how you show up — at home, at work, and in your community. Jason’s approach combines mindfulness, intentional action, and self-reflection to help you move from vague ideals to...
2025-07-2316 min
Balancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowNever Let a Good Crisis Pass By (S2 Ep 3)In this powerful episode of This Is Your Job Now, host Wendy Wollner sits down with Dan Bolger, a foreign policy and development expert, and Matthew Weiller, a retired Department of State leader, to explore what it really means to lead through the tough stuff.Together, they dig into why great leaders today can’t afford to hide behind “it’s not my job.” They break down how to balance IQ and EQ, how sidebars and real check-ins build psychological safety, and why the root of crankiness, disengagement, or poor performance is often not work-related at all.
2025-07-0916 min
Balancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowNavigating Childhood Cancer: Caring for the Total Individual (EP 40)This emotional episode of This Is Your Job Now explores one family's journey through childhood cancer—and what it means to truly care for the total individual. When their youngest son, Vaughn, was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer at just two years old, Amy and Tony’s world changed overnight. With the added weight of a global pandemic, they faced not only medical and logistical hurdles, but also profound emotional and psychological challenges.Amy, a licensed mental health counselor, and Tony, a dedicated husband and pool builder, share how they managed to survive the chaos—sometimes...
2025-06-2314 min
Balancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowWhy Visibility at Work Still Matters—A Pride Month Conversation with John Ebron, Master Mindset Life Coach & VeteranWhy should leaders care about visibility?In this powerful and personal conversation, Wendy Wollner sits down with John Ebron—a retired Army combat veteran, leadership coach, and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community—for a candid talk about the toll of hiding your identity at work, and the transformation that comes when you finally feel seen.Wendy opens with a vulnerable story from her own past—a prom night moment that shaped how she thinks about authenticity, empathy, and psychological safety in the workplace. From there, John shares his lived...
2025-06-1211 min
Balancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowAnnouncing Season 2 of Balancing Life's Issues the Podcast "This Is Your Job Now"Announcing season 2 of Balancing Life’s Issues the Podcast "This Is Your Job Now"Because leadership means showing up—especially when it’s uncomfortable.Hosted by Wendy Wollner, CEO of Balancing Life’s Issues, This Is Your Job Now helps leaders navigate the hardest parts of managing humans—burnout, mental health, DEI fatigue, grief, and more. With expert voices, real stories, and zero corporate jargon, this show asks the only question that matters: Why should you care?If you’re leading people today, this is already your job.
2025-06-0401 minBalancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowAl for Growth: Empowering Your Training, Coaching & Consulting PracticeLeveraging AI for Business Growth with Wendy Wollner & Alex Golimbievsky Hosted by Wendy Wollner, CEO of Balancing Life’s Issues In this insightful episode, Wendy Wollner and Alex Golimbievsky, an experienced business coach and growth strategist, explore how AI can revolutionize business operations. With over 300 businesses coached, Alex shares real-world applications of AI that help companies streamline workflows, optimize marketing, and increase revenue. AI isn’t just a trend—it’s a powerful tool for business growth. Whether you’re looking to refine your customer profile...
2025-03-2754 minBalancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowThe Power & Persistence of DEI with Ruchi JallaIn this thought-provoking episode of Balancing Life’s Issues, Wendy Wollner sits down with Ruchi Jalla, a leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), to explore the challenges and triumphs of integrating DEI into organizational culture, particularly in the healthcare sector.Ruchi shares her personal journey into DEI, the misconceptions that often lead to resistance, and the resilience required to push forward in a politically charged climate. She highlights why DEI is essential for both business success and societal progress, emphasizing that the work must continue despite setbacks.From ta...
2025-02-1313 minBalancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowFinding Your Voice with Terry SzuplatIn this powerful and insightful episode, Wendy Wollner, CEO of Balancing Life’s Issues, sits down with Terry Szuplat, former senior speechwriter for President Obama, to explore the art of communication, leadership, and storytelling.Terry shares his fascinating journey from writing speeches for the President to helping others find their own voice. He discusses: The challenges and triumphs of public speakingHow to connect with audiences through shared values and humorThe importance of practice and embracing imperfectionsThe collaborative nature of speechwriting and how great speeches come to lifeLessons from the White House and how th...
2025-01-311h 14
BCW Podcast Network*BCW Podcast Network - Episode 101 BONUS Episode 1- Special Episode focusing on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Practice with Host Dr. Marsha Gordon & featuring Wendy Wollner, Marissa Borzykowski, Michael Cush, Ken Jenkins, Maria SamuelsBCW Podcast Network - Special Episode focusing on Diversity, Equity Inclusion, and Belonging in Practice with Host Dr. Marsha Gordon & featuring Wendy Wollner, Marissa Borzykowski, Michael Cush, Ken Jenkins, Maria Samuels
2024-11-0732 minBalancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowThe Resilience of Kindness: A Journey with Kath KoschelIn this powerful episode of Balancing Life's Issues, host Wendy Wollner welcomes Kath Koschel, founder of the Kindness Factory, to share her extraordinary journey of resilience, hope, and the life-changing power of kindness. From surviving personal loss and physical adversity to sparking a global kindness movement, Kath’s story is a testament to the strength found in compassion. Together, Wendy and Kath discuss the science of kindness, the courage required to choose optimism, and how small acts can transform lives.Key Takeaways:The Science and Impact of Kindness: Kath shares insights on what ha...
2024-11-0520 minBalancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowWhat We Can Still Learn from AlexWelcome to Season 2 of Balancing Life's Issues!In this heartwarming episode Wendy Wollner sits down with Alex and his mother, Val, whose famous letter to President Obama touched millions of hearts. Wendy, Alex, and Val dive into the power of empathy, raising children who believe in the magic of life, and how to maintain hope and inspiration amidst cynicism. Together, they explore how we can uncover life's miracles, even in the smallest gestures.Key Takeaways:Empathy Starts Early: Alex's story reminds us how important it is to raise...
2024-09-2629 min
Boundless B PodcastShowing Up: The Power of Accountability in the Hemophilia Community🎙️ Episode Title: Accountability and Community: A Conversation with Wendy Wollner🩸 Podcast: Boundless B - The Hemophilia B Podcast👥 Guest: Wendy Wollner, CEO of Balancing Life Issues🌟 Episode Overview: In this episode of Boundless B, we’re honored to be joined by Wendy Wollner, the CEO of Balancing Life Issues and a devoted advocate for the hemophilia community. Wendy's connection to this community is deeply rooted, as her father lived with hemophilia, making this cause profoundly personal to her.During our conversation, Wendy shares her invaluable insights on the importance of accountability—both to oneself and to ot...
2024-08-0107 minBalancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowWhy Science & Data Need to Come From the Heart with Dr. Jen HubertyWelcome to Balancing Life’s Issues the podcast! On today’s episode "quirky and perky" CEO of BLI Wendy Wollner, dives deep into the secrets of business success by inviting renowned expert and founder of FitMinded, Dr. Jen Huberty (https://www.jenhubertyphd.com/about). They discuss the pivotal role of data in your business, the consistent challenges of being a female business owner, and how to address imposter syndrome as a CEO. Discover how leveraging data can transform your decision-making processes, enhance your strategies, and ultimately help your business thrive. Whether you're a seasoned entre...
2024-06-2619 minBalancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowHow to be an Entrepreneur LIVEIt's our first live episode! Join hosts Kai and Wendy for an honest discussion on what it means to be an entrepreneur today.Got an idea for the show? Email kai@balancinglifesissues.com
2024-06-1229 minBalancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowCelebrating Women's History Month "It's Time to Be Something Different"Today we're here to continue the celebration of Women's History Month by sharing the stories of inspiring women and honoring the choices that they've made throughout their lives. Today Wendy invited national speaker, trainer, and Toastmasters graduate Rah Kalon onto the podcast. Rah got their bachelor's in strategic communication from the University of North Texas and claimed their master's in clinical counseling from UNT Dallas. They went on to found their own emotional intelligence consulting company in 2020.
2024-03-0612 minBalancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowCelebrating Women's History Month - What's Your Story?Whats' Your Story?Balancing Life's Issues CEO Wendy Wollner kicks of Women's History Month with a message about honoring your choices.This is Balancing Life's Issues the Podcast. Got an idea for the show? Email kai@balancinglifesissues.com
2024-03-0106 minBalancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowCelebrating Black History Month - Representation in the Tech IndustryBlack people make up 12 percent of the US workforce but only 8 percent of employees in tech jobs. That percentage is even smaller further up the corporate ladder (https://www.mckinsey.com/bem/our-insights/how-to-close-the-black-tech-talent-g). As we continue the celebration of Black History Month, we will be sharing the story of someone we at BLI work with every single day. His name is Michael Havis, and he is a Technical Project Lead at Soliant Consulting. A company that is vital to the success of the day-to-day operations at BLI. Michael is Black and...
2024-02-2210 minBalancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowKyte Baby...Really?! AND a 5 Buckets PreviewKai and Wendy discuss the viral news around Kyte Baby CEO (Ying Liu) who denied the work remote request of an employee who wanted to be with their premature child in the NICU...9 hours away from their Dallas home.https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/21/business/kyte-baby-ceo-apology-marissa/index.htmlhttps://www.cbsnews.com/news/kyte-baby-tries-to-fend-off-boycott-over-firing-of-new-mom/AND we're talking "The 5 Buckets"! BLI's flagship class that teaches us how we can have it all. Join us on Friday Jan 26th at 1pm EST for a FREE live webinar on this very...
2024-01-2309 minBalancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowBeing a Leader in Uncertain Times (5 Tips)Wendy has been across the country, virtually and in-person, delivering the seminar "Leading and Living in Uncertain Times". It has been so successful that we had to bring that message to the podcast as we close out 2023 and look to 2024. So here are the 5 tips you need to lead in uncertain times.
2023-12-1316 minBalancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowUnburdening Yourself with Megan Andrews (Masters Social Work & Critical Incident Stress Management)On May 14th, 2022 Megan Andrews was faced with the unthinkable. A shooter drove to her community of Buffalo, NY and killed 10 Black people in a racist massacre at a supermarket in a predominantly black neighborhood.(Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/28/nyregion/buffalo-shooting-guilty-plea.html)What happened next for Megan was the culmination of 30+ years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Megan and her team were sent to the scene to provide immediate, on-site support for anyone in need in that moment. However, it was the support they provided...
2023-11-2920 minBalancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowAddressing the Rise in AntisemitismAntisemitism is on the rise. Not only in this country, but across the world. What's our role in confronting hate head on? How do we talk about it with our families, friends, and loved ones?The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has recorded a dramatic increase in U.S. antisemitic incidents following the Oct. 7 Hamas massacre (https://www.adl.org/resources/press-release/adl-records-dramatic-increase-us-antisemitic-incidents-following-oct-7).To help us navigate this recent surge in hate, Kai and Wendy welcome long time friend Rabbi Jennifer Jaech to the podcast. Rabbi...
2023-11-0827 minBalancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowCheck-In, Double Down, & Do Something FunThe brutality of what we are seeing on the news is overwhelming and there is nothing you can do. Evil exists in the world and you can't control it. You can control how you respond though.So, how are you managing your mental health today?Wendy and Kai are connecting first thing this morning to Check-In, Double Down, & Do Something Fun.
2023-10-1708 minBalancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowSupport Small Businesses in Jerusalem with MATI Part 2Kai and Wendy welcome the Director of the Finance and Business Consultation Department at MATI, Akiva Ganz. Akiva is joined by a small business owner in Jerusalem to talk about how donations to MATI directly affect their business during this time.To donate to MATI's Jerusalem's Emergency Campaign please go to https://tinyurl.com/3mappd6x MATI Jerusalem’s Emergency CampaignOver the last few days, the magnitude of the disaster that has befallen the State of Israel and the residents living near Gaza has...
2023-10-1307 minBalancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowSupport Small Businesses in Jerusalem with MATIKai and Wendy welcome Zvia Shelly and Uri Gordon from the MATI Jerusalem Business Center to talk to us about the importance of supporting a small business during a time of war. To donate to MATI's Jerusalem's Emergency Campaign please go to https://tinyurl.com/3mappd6x MATI Jerusalem’s Emergency CampaignOver the last few days, the magnitude of the disaster that has befallen the State of Israel and the residents living near Gaza has been revealed.Many resi...
2023-10-1213 minBalancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowGetting Back 2 SchoolSummer is almost over and you know what that means...It's time to get ready to go back to school!With so much excitement it's easy to forget that there's a lot of anxiety and pressure about getting back into that school rhythm. Re-establishing sleep rhythms, shopping, and prepping lunch are all things that may have been replaced with the flexibility of those glorious summer days.Not to mention the mental health crisis we are in as a result of the last few years...
2023-08-2217 minBalancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowLazy Girl Jobs‘Lazy girl jobs’ might just be the secret to work-life balance is trending on tik tok.https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/lazy-girl-jobs What does it mean to "coast" in a role and take advantage of a lack of oversight?Is it really that lazy to be totally OK with sticking to an administrative role knowing that will bring better work/life balance?If you run a company and there’s a role that has no actual responsibilities...who's fault i...
2023-08-0816 min
Business Council of Westchester - Beyond The PanelBeyond the Panel - Wendy WollnerWendy Wollner (Founder + CEO of Balancing Life's Issues) joins the podcast to discuss the current state of the workplace and ways in which employers can better attract and retain talent. "Beyond The Panel" is brought to you by Balancing Life's Issues, The Business Council of Westchester and Westchester’s Ultimate Headhunter, the Headless Horseman.
2023-05-1514 minBalancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowThe Day After: NashvilleIn this episode, we explore the difficult topic of tragedy and how we can cope and bounce back.Wendy Wollner provides valuable insights on the "why" and "how" of bouncing back from yet another school shooting. Sharing her experiences and offering practical advice on how to move forward.This episode offers a compassionate and hopeful perspective on a difficult topic, and provides valuable insights for anyone looking to cope with pain and trauma.Got an idea for the show? kai@balancinglifesissues.com
2023-03-2810 minBalancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowWomen's History Month - Your North Star with Rain HendersonJoin CEO of Balancing Life's Issues, Wendy Wollner, as we continue the celebration of Women's History Month.Who is your north star?Friend of the podcast Rain Henderson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rainhenderson/) joins the show to talk about navigating her career as a woman and how she used (and continues to use) her "north star" to navigate difficult career decisions.
2023-03-2213 minBalancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowBalance The Issue - Your FICO Score and the Bank CrisisLet's Balance The Issue.Do you know your FICO score? CEO of Balancing Life's Issues Wendy Wollner discusses the importance of knowing your score and why we should all be talking about it. As we continue to gather news concerning the bank crisis, what's your role in understanding where your money is as an investor? As an employee, what questions should you be asking your manager(s) to make sure payroll is safe?Care to comment? Reach out to kai@balancinglifesissues.com
2023-03-2009 minBalancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job NowWomen's History Month - Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories with Amy SiskindWe debut the Balancing Life's Issues Podcast in celebration of Women's History Month. Join CEO of Balancing Life's Issues Wendy Wollner, as she looks back on women's roles with her mom, Monica. In addition we've invited Amy Siskind (https://amysiskind.com/about/) for a deeper conversation into what Women's History Month means and how women can be an ally for one another as we move forward.Podcast Referenceshttps://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/pill-mrs-america-womens-roles-1950s/#:~:text=A%20common%20stereotype%20was%20that,woman%20than%20a%20college%20degree.
2023-02-2318 min
People On PurposeWendy WollnerWendy Wollner is the Founder and CEO of Balancing Life’s Issues (BLI). With over 25 years of experience she has built and overseen a network of over 1,500 BLI trainers who bring work/life balance programs to corporations, not-for-profit organizations, employee assistance programs, and educational institutions. BLI trainers create custom-tailored curriculum for programs that focus on topics that include: emotional intelligence, managing stress with humor and health and wellness. https://balancinglifesissues.com
Wendy passes her honest, straight forward approach combined with her high energy and sense of humor, through to her trainers who encourage program participants to think di...
2019-09-0929 min
Support is Sexy135: Count It All Joy!"Count it all joy, my [sisters], when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." -- James 1:1-4 Whether Christian or not, religious or not, you can likely find inspiration in this scripture from the English Standard version of the Bible -- especially if you're an entrepreneur. You have undoubtedly faced many trials along the way to creating the business of your dreams. (And if you haven't y...
2017-01-0606 min
Support is Sexy134: Wendy Wollner, CEO of Balancing Life's Issues, on Work-Life Balance, Learning to Laugh and Living Out LoudWendy Wollner has always been loud and loving. Yes, it's possible to be both. As one of few women CEOs whenever she's in the room negotiating with Fortune 500 companies on behalf of her corporate training business, Balancing Life's Issues, Wendy has learned over the past three decades of being an entrepreneur that "For me to be taken seriously, I learned I had to be a little loud." Another thing that the Westchester, New York, native says is possible: Work-life balance. In fact, it was her pursuit of work-life balance as a divorced mom of three 30 years ago...
2017-01-0552 min