The Unbroken Place with Eddy Paul Thomas

Episode 21 - Giving Back to your Community in 2024

Summary
In this special Unbroken Streams Crossover episode, Eddy Paul Thomas and Dave Capozzi discuss the topic of giving back to your community in 2024. They explore the challenges of philanthropy in the current landscape, including the decline in charitable donations, the rise of crowdfunding, and the decline in organized religion. They also discuss the lack of trust in big organizations and the difficulty in choosing where to donate. They highlight the importance of connecting with local communities, forming partnerships with existing organizations, and using individual talents to make a difference. The conversation explores the importance of giving back and ways to get involved in the community. It emphasizes that giving back doesn't have to be limited to traditional settings like schools or churches, but can also be done in one's own neighborhood. The conversation highlights the need for people to connect with their self-interest and understand how their resources can align with their personal motivations. It also discusses the challenges faced by nonprofits and the importance of understanding their limitations and the impact they have on communities. The conversation encourages individuals to reflect on their own relationship with money and their community, and to find ways to contribute their time, skills, and passion to causes they care about. It emphasizes the need for empathy, curiosity, and understanding when evaluating and supporting nonprofits.
Takeaways
Charitable donations in 2024 are at a 30-year low, with Americans giving only 1.7% of their disposable income to charity.
There is a decline in trust in big organizations, including churches and nonprofits, leading to a desire for more grassroots and crowd-sourced approaches to giving.
People are overwhelmed by the number of worthy causes and struggle to choose where to donate.
Forming partnerships with existing organizations and connecting with local communities are effective ways to make a difference.
Using individual talents and skills can also contribute to giving back to the community. Giving back can be done in various settings, including one's own neighborhood.
Connecting with one's self-interest and understanding personal motivations can lead to more meaningful and impactful giving.
Nonprofits face challenges and limitations, and it is important to understand their work and impact on communities.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background04:22 The Changing Landscape of Philanthropy07:15 The Decline in Charitable Donations and Trust09:02 The Rise of Crowdfunding and Individualized Giving11:51 Forming Partnerships and Connecting with Local Communities14:31 Using Individual Talents to Make a Difference26:40 Giving Back in Your Own Neighborhood29:35 Aligning Resources with Self-Interest34:52 Understanding the Work of Nonprofits42:31 Curiosity and Solutions for Community Needs
Give to The Black Missions Museum: https://givebutter.com/blackmissionsmuseum

Episode 20: Building an Excellent Team Culture

Summary
Jason Kae discusses building and maintaining excellent team culture using the metaphor of a rainforest. He emphasizes the importance of trust, communication, autonomy, and shared purpose as foundational elements. He also highlights the significance of conscious leadership and being aware of stakeholders. Jason shares strategies for leaders facing toxic team cultures, including listening, observing, and setting new expectations. He emphasizes the need for genuine communication, accountability for results, and fostering joy, enthusiasm, and purpose at work. Jason also discusses mentorship, coaching, and maintaining a positive team culture during times of change and disruption.
Takeaways
Trust, communication, autonomy, and shared purpose are foundational elements of building an excellent team culture.
Conscious leadership involves being aware of stakeholders and creating a business that benefits all parties involved.
In toxic team cultures, leaders should listen, observe, and set new expectations.
Maintaining a positive team culture requires genuine communication, accountability for results, and fostering joy, enthusiasm, and purpose at work.
Mentorship involves learning from someone who knows how to do the job, while coaching involves asking questions to guide individuals to find their own solutions.
During times of change and disruption, leaders should empathize, communicate transparently, and provide support and space for employees.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and the Rainforest Metaphor03:04 Building an Excellent Team Culture08:23 Dealing with Toxic Team Cultures14:57 Fostering Joy, Enthusiasm, and Purpose at Work18:08 The Importance of Mentorship and Coaching23:56 Maintaining a Positive Team Culture During Change and Disruption

Episode 19: Building Nonprofit Community

Summary
In this conversation, Eddy Paul Thomas interviews Kathy Rogers, an expert in building nonprofit communities. They discuss the importance of community and collaboration in nonprofit work. Kathy shares her experiences in successfully managing Mental Health America of Central Carolinas and highlights the significance of building partnerships and engaging with the community. She also talks about the challenges and rewards of opening a free counseling center and the importance of trust and cultural representation in mental health care. Kathy emphasizes the need for nonprofits to be adaptable, focused on outcomes, and to foster a culture of collaboration within their organizations. She also discusses the role of government and the private sector in community building. In this conversation, Kathy Rogers and Building Community discuss the importance of collaboration and building strong community relationships in the nonprofit sector. They highlight the positive outcomes that can be achieved through partnerships and share examples of successful collaborations. They emphasize the need for empathy and understanding when working with diverse communities and the importance of treating individuals with dignity. They also discuss future trends in nonprofit work, including the increasing need for collaboration and the importance of storytelling and marketing in attracting support. Kathy Rogers shares her expertise and offers advice for nonprofit leaders looking to build strong community relationships.
Takeaways
Building community and collaboration are essential in nonprofit work.
Partnerships and engagement with the community are key to success.
Trust and cultural representation are crucial in providing effective mental health care.
Nonprofits need to be adaptable and focused on outcomes.
Government and the private sector play important roles in community building. Collaboration and partnerships are essential in the nonprofit sector to achieve positive outcomes and address community needs.
Treating individuals with empathy and dignity is crucial in building strong community relationships.
Nonprofit leaders should invest in marketing and storytelling to attract support and raise awareness about their work.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:40 Kathy's Background and Inspiration for Nonprofit Work05:41 The Importance of Building Community and Collaboration10:30 Addressing Mental Health Care and Stigma15:34 Collaborating with Government and Other Organizations20:41 Fostering a Culture of Collaboration in Nonprofits28:34 Fostering Collaboration within Organizations34:07 The Need for Increased Donations and Collaboration36:50 The Power of Collaboration and Partnerships40:02 Lifting Communities: Examples of Successful Collaborations40:11 Empathy and Dignity in Nonprofit Work45:47 Future Trends in Nonprofit Work51:49 Proactive Partnership Building

Episode 18: Self-Empathy

Summary
In this conversation, Eddy Paul Thomas and Dani Sumner discuss the importance of empathy for oneself. They explore how empathy allows for a deeper understanding of oneself and others, and how it can lead to more compassionate and meaningful relationships. They also touch on the role of spirituality in maintaining empathy and the importance of being honest and vulnerable in relationships. In this conversation, Dani and Eddy Paul Thomas emphasize the role of vulnerability, accountability, and community in developing empathy. They also explore how empathy can be nurtured in relationships, including marriage and parenting. Dani shares insights from her work as a spiritual director and life transformation coach, highlighting the need to unlearn unhealthy rules and embrace self-compassion. They discuss the challenges of navigating overwhelming emotions and offer advice for cultivating self-empathy. The conversation concludes with a call for employers to embrace empathy in the workplace and for individuals to embark on a journey of self-empathy.
Takeaways
Empathy for oneself is essential in order to have empathy for others.
Understanding and accepting one's own flaws and struggles is a key part of developing self-empathy.
Empathy allows for a deeper understanding of oneself and others, leading to more compassionate and meaningful relationships.
Spirituality can play a role in maintaining empathy and providing a sense of grace and compassion for oneself.
Being honest and vulnerable in relationships allows for open communication and the ability to support and empathize with one another. Empathy is essential for developing deep and meaningful connections with others.
Cultivating self-empathy is a lifelong journey that requires patience and self-reflection.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background02:40 The Power of Empathy08:17 Understanding and Accepting Your Flaws13:46 Empathy as a Path to Deeper Relationships18:17 The Role of Spirituality in Maintaining Empathy21:08 Honesty and Vulnerability in Relationships36:07 The Power of Empathy and Vulnerability39:07 Teaching Empathy to Children46:26 Unlearning Unhealthy Rules and Embracing Self-Compassion53:54 Navigating Overwhelming Emotions with Curiosity and Self-Compassion58:14 Embracing Empathy in the Workplace01:02:11 Embarking on a Journey of Self-Empathy

Episode 17: The Deep Work of Spiritual Reclamation

Summary
David Bryant, a missionary, shares his experience as a Black missionary and the challenges he faced in the missions field. He discusses the lack of representation and recognition for Black missionaries and the impact of white supremacy within the mission field and church. He highlights the importance of including all cultures and ethnicities in missions history and training to prevent self-hatred and enable support for minority missionaries. He also emphasizes the need for open and honest conversations about racism and white supremacy to bring healing and change. The conversation explores the challenges and experiences of racial justice and equality within the church, particularly in the context of missions work. It highlights the importance of understanding and addressing racial adversity and the need for healing and biblical perspectives in missions. The discussion also touches on the harmful effects of a consumer mindset in missions and the pressure to show tangible results. The speakers emphasize the significance of doing missions in a way that aligns with biblical principles and the leading of the Holy Spirit. The purpose of this podcast is empathy, and the conversation emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in addressing issues. It is not about criticism or comparison, but about caring for and respecting each other. The conversation highlights the need to master empathy before jumping into compassion, as empathy helps us truly understand the problem at hand. Mentorship plays a crucial role in the journey of both mentors and mentees, and it is important to be authentic disciples ourselves before leading others. The church can better support minority missionaries by changing structures, embracing relationships, and redefining missions as a calling rather than a box to check. Missions work is not limited to overseas, but can be done in our own communities. It is about serving the unserved and healing those who have been broken by the church. Missionaries can start by praying faithfully and responding in obedience to God's call.
Takeaways
Black missionaries often face unique challenges and lack representation in the missions field.
White supremacy and racism exist within the missions field and church, leading to self-hatred and discomfort for minority missionaries.
Including all cultures and ethnicities in missions history and training is crucial to prevent exclusion and promote support for minority missionaries.
Open and honest conversations about racism and white supremacy are necessary for healing and bringing about change in the missions field and church. Understanding and addressing racial adversity is crucial for achieving racial justice and equality within the church.
Healing and biblical perspectives are necessary for effective missions work and maintaining spiritual health in the face of racial challenges.
A consumer mindset in missions can be harmful and hinder the true purpose of missions.
The focus should be on doing missions in a way that aligns with biblical principles and the leading of the Holy Spirit, rather than seeking tangible results.
The pressure to show results and the reliance on financial support can distort the true purpose and impact of missions. The purpose of this podcast is empathy, and empathy is crucial in addressing issues and understanding each other.
Mastering empathy before jumping into compassion helps us truly understand the problem at hand.
Mentorship is important for both mentors and mentees, and being authentic disciples ourselves is essential before leading others.
The church can better support minority missionaries by changing structures, embracing relationships, and redefining missions as a calling.
Missions work is not limited to overseas but can be done in our own communities, serving the unserved and healing those who have been broken by the church.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:41 Encountering God's Love and Calling to Missionary Work
04:26 The Challenges Faced by Black Missionaries
07:36 Representation and Diversity in Missions
12:07 Ministering to Marginalized Communities
14:47 Challenges Faced by Black Missionaries in the Field
15:55 The Importance of Diversity and Equity in Missions
21:19 Addressing Racism and White Supremacy in the Church
35:43 The Problematic Financial Aspects of Missions
39:30 Maintaining Spiritual Health in the Face of Racial Adversity
41:05 Healing and Deepening: The Foundation for Effective Missions
47:35 Addressing Historical and Cultural Dynamics in Missions
52:27 Authenticity and Genuine Discipleship in the Missionary Field
57:41 Empathy and Compassion: The Key to Effective Missions
01:01:10 The Destructive Impact of Traditional Missions
01:01:11 The Need for Relational Discipleship
01:04:17 Supporting Minority Missionaries
01:09:58 Missions Work: Not Limited to Overseas

Episode 16: Becoming a Deep Listener

Summary
In this conversation, Eddy Paul Thomas interviews Melissa Burnell, a therapist, about the importance of deep listening. Melissa shares her background in psychology and how she transitioned into mental health counseling. They discuss the challenges of deep listening, including distractions and the tendency to listen with preconceived assumptions. They also explore the impact of deep listening on relationships and resolving complex issues. Melissa explains how trauma can affect an individual's ability to listen deeply and offers strategies for supporting trauma survivors. They touch on the role of deep listening in addiction counseling and working with diverse communities, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and checking biases. Deep listening is measured by the presence of compassion and empathy in communication. It is a feeling that someone truly understands and reflects back what is being said. Deep listening can be practiced in various contexts, such as sales and leadership, by understanding and valuing what motivates others. It is important to eliminate distractions and be fully present in conversations. Cultural competency plays a role in deep listening, as different cultures have different communication styles. Mindfulness and emotional intelligence are key resources for developing deep listening skills.
Takeaways
Deep listening involves setting aside preconceived assumptions and truly hearing the perspective of the other person.
Distractions, such as technology and constant busyness, can hinder deep listening.
Trauma can make deep listening challenging, but it is important to create a safe space for individuals to be heard.
Deep listening plays a crucial role in addiction counseling and supporting families affected by addiction.
Cultural sensitivity and curiosity are essential for effective deep listening in diverse communities. Deep listening is measured by the presence of compassion and empathy in communication.
Understanding and valuing what motivates others is crucial in practicing deep listening.
Eliminating distractions and being fully present in conversations is essential for deep listening.
Cultural competency is important in deep listening, as different cultures have different communication styles.
Mindfulness and emotional intelligence are key resources for developing deep listening skills.
Chapters
03:15 The Intersection of Communication and Mental Health06:04 Improving Relationships and Resolving Complex Issues08:07 Challenges and Strategies for Deep Listening15:27 Deep Listening and Trauma18:46 Deep Listening in Addiction Counseling22:21 Cultural Sensitivity and Deep Listening24:13 Curiosity and Checking Biases28:29 Measuring Progress in Deep Listening30:20 Motivation and Deep Listening in Sales and Leadership32:20 Being Fully Present in Conversations35:13 Cultural Competency in Deep Listening39:07 Developing Deep Listening Skills with Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence
Get in Touch with Melissa:
Email: meburnell@gmail.com 
Resources
How to Listen with Intention: The Foundation of True Connection, Communication, and Relationships (How to be More Likable and Charismatic)
Emotional Intelligence 2.0
You're Not Listening

Episode 15 - Incarceration, Fatherhood, and Empathy

Summary
In this conversation, Dr. Michael Guynn discusses his personal journey into fatherhood and how it has shaped him as a person. He emphasizes the importance of responsibility, provision, protection, and support in fatherhood. Dr. Guynn also highlights the significance of empathy in the role of a father, both in personal relationships and in his work as a social worker. He shares insights on the challenges and rewards of being a father and offers advice to other fathers. The conversation explores the importance of empathy in fatherhood and the challenges faced by fathers in maintaining relationships with their children. The speaker emphasizes the need for active listening, consistency, and following through on commitments. He also discusses the emotional journey of fatherhood and the importance of addressing the emotional needs of fathers. The speaker shares strategies for cultivating empathy within families, including being transparent, acknowledging mistakes, and building trust. He also highlights the role of support groups in helping fathers navigate their challenges and reconnect with their families. In this part of the conversation, the focus is on the challenges of reentry for incarcerated fathers and the barriers to empathetic fatherhood in society. The guest, Michael Guynn, shares his insights and experiences in supporting fathers in their reentry journey. He emphasizes the importance of rebuilding trust, gaining stability, and finding one's place in the world after incarceration. The barriers to empathetic fatherhood discussed include pride, boundaries with the mother, and being prepared for difficult questions from the children. Michael also shares a story of how empathy helped resolve a challenging situation for a father he was supporting.
Takeaways
Fatherhood is transformative and requires a higher level of responsibility and care for another life.
Empathy is crucial in the role of a father, both in personal relationships and in working with others.
Being a father involves providing, protecting, and supporting the child and their mother.
Fatherhood requires constant learning, growth, and adaptation.
Effective communication and teamwork with the child's mother are essential in parenting.
Fatherhood is a continuous journey of self-reflection, improvement, and making a positive impact on the child's life.
Empathy helps fathers understand and meet the needs of their children and create a nurturing environment.Fatherhood requires balancing personal and professional responsibilities and making sacrifices for the well-being of the family.
Reconnecting with family requires humility, forgiveness, and taking corrective action.
The journey of fatherhood involves both good times and challenges, and fathers need to be present and engaged in their children's lives. Reentry for incarcerated fathers involves rebuilding trust, gaining stability, and finding their place in the world after incarceration.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Family Background03:27 Personal Journey into Fatherhood11:44 Understanding True Manhood and Responsibility17:16 The Protective Nature of Fatherhood26:24 The Role of Empathy in Fatherhood29:20 Balancing Personal and Professional Responsibilities33:29 Creating a Nurturing Environment through Empathy36:26 Continuous Learning and Growth in Fatherhood41:36 The Importance of Empathy in Fatherhood45:24 The Emotional Journey of Fatherhood57:22 Strategies for Cultivating Empathy within Families01:05:48 Addressing the Emotional Needs of Fathers01:14:25 Supporting Fathers: The Role of Support Groups01:21:30 Reconnecting with Family: Challenges and Strategies01:23:57 Introduction to Reentry Challenges01:25:09 Barriers to Empathetic Fatherhood01:32:25 The Power of Empathy in Resolving Challenges01:38:08 Supporting Fathers in Their Reentry Journey01:40:27 The Importance of Empathy in Fatherhood
Book Resources Recommended by Dr. Michael Guynn:
The Invisible Ache: Black Men Identifying Their Pain and Reclaiming Their Power by Courtney B. Vance
New Visions for Black Men by PhD. Na'im Akbar
Self-Care for Black Men: 100 Ways to Heal and Liberate by Jor-El Caraballo
How God Makes Men: Ten Epic Stories. Ten Proven Principles. One Huge Promise for Your Life by Patrick Morley
Learn more about the Unbroken Place Podcast at: www.eddypaulthomas.com/unbrokenplace
Discover the transformative power of empathy in both our personal lives and the workplace with the following resources:
Ok...On Second Thought newsletter on Linkedin.
Ok...On Second Thought articles.
Ok...On Second Thought Resources for the Workplace.
Brought to you by Elevate 1 Consulting.
Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.
Music: "Open Door" & "I Dare You" by Little Glass Men from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.
 

Episode 14: Building Trust Through Storytelling

Summary
Neena Sebherwal discusses her journey into mental health and how she discovered her passion for storytelling. She emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in storytelling and how it can build trust and empathy. She shares a personal story about connecting with an Uber driver over their experiences in therapy, highlighting the power of shared humanity. Neena also addresses the challenges of storytelling on social media, including the prevalence of controversy and the overwhelming number of brands competing for attention. Neena Sabherwal shares her experience of building trust through storytelling. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and connecting with people through storytelling. Neena believes that storytelling can inspire hope and uplift others. She also discusses the challenges of balancing storytelling and marketing best practices. Neena highlights the limitations of AI in storytelling and the importance of human touch in creating emotional connections. She advises individuals to listen to others, stay present, and explore their own stories to become better storytellers. Neena recommends following Jonathan Carrington and Awaken Pittsburgh for inspiring and impactful storytelling.
Takeaways
Vulnerability and authenticity are key in storytelling, especially in the context of mental health.
Storytelling can build trust and empathy by connecting people through shared experiences.
Social media can be a powerful tool for storytelling, but it also presents challenges such as controversy and competition from numerous brands.
Listening with an open mind and seeking to understand others' perspectives is essential for empathy and compassion.
Sharing personal stories can have a significant impact on individuals and create a sense of connection and support.
Authenticity and connecting with people through storytelling can build trust.
Storytelling can inspire hope and uplift others.
Balancing storytelling and marketing best practices can be challenging.
AI has limitations in storytelling and human touch is important for emotional connections.
Listening, staying present, and exploring personal stories can improve storytelling skills.
Follow Jonathan Carrington and Awaken Pittsburgh for inspiring and impactful storytelling.
Chapters
00:00 Neena's Journey into Mental Health and Content Creation15:29 Defining Storytelling in the Context of Mental Health and Well-being28:05 The Impact of a Meaningful Story on the Audience35:22 Balancing Engagement and Authenticity in the Marketing World35:51 Balancing Authenticity and Marketing47:39 Common Mistakes in Storytelling51:49 Becoming a Better Storyteller54:47 Inspiring LinkedIn Profile: Jonathan Carrington
Learn more about the Unbroken Place Podcast at: www.eddypaulthomas.com/unbrokenplace
Discover the transformative power of empathy in both our personal lives and the workplace with the following resources:
Ok...On Second Thought newsletter on Linkedin.
Ok...On Second Thought articles.
Ok...On Second Thought Resources for the Workplace.
Brought to you by Elevate 1 Consulting.
Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.
Music: "Open Door" & "I Dare You" by Little Glass Men from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

Episode 13: A Very Special Announcement from Say Some Thing Studios

Summary
Say Something Studios is launching two new podcasts: 'E1 at Work' and 'The Doctorate Life.' 'E1 at Work' will focus on conscious leadership and building business growth, while 'The Doctorate Life' will bridge the gap between academia and business. Both shows will feature conversations with industry leaders and experts, as well as resources to help listeners advance their careers or businesses. The hosts of 'The Doctorate Life' have a Doctorate of Business Administration and aim to create a community of practice for doctors across industries. They will discuss the challenges and celebrations of post-grad life and provide support and encouragement to listeners.
Takeaways
Say Something Studios is launching two new podcasts: 'E1 at Work' and 'The Doctorate Life'.
'E1 at Work' will focus on conscious leadership and building business growth.
'The Doctorate Life' will bridge the gap between academia and business.
Both shows will feature conversations with industry leaders and experts.
Listeners will have access to resources to help advance their careers or businesses.
'The Doctorate Life' aims to create a community of practice for doctors across industries.
The hosts will discuss the challenges and celebrations of post-grad life.
Listeners will receive support and encouragement from the hosts.
Learn more about the Unbroken Place Podcast at: www.eddypaulthomas.com/unbrokenplace
Discover the transformative power of empathy in both our personal lives and the workplace with the following resources:
Ok...On Second Thought newsletter on Linkedin.
Ok...On Second Thought articles.
Ok...On Second Thought Resources for the Workplace.
Brought to you by Elevate 1 Consulting.
Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.
Music: "Open Door" & "I Dare You" by Little Glass Men from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.
 

Episode 12: Trauma and Grief in the C-Suite Pt 3

Summary
The conversation explores the importance of peer support and creating a culture of empathy in the C-suite. It emphasizes the need for leaders to prioritize their mental health and well-being. The stigma around mental health in the C-suite is discussed, and proactive steps for leaders to take care of themselves are highlighted. The importance of finding a support system, having authentic conversations, and changing the narrative around mental health are emphasized. The conversation concludes with information on how to follow the speakers' work.
Takeaways
Leaders in the C-suite should prioritize their mental health and well-being.Creating a culture of empathy and support is crucial in the workplace.There is a stigma around mental health in the C-suite that needs to be addressed.Leaders should find a support system and have authentic conversations about their mental health.Proactive steps for leaders include taking care of their physical health, finding a work-life balance, and seeking therapy if needed.Changing the narrative around mental health and creating a culture of self-care is essential.
Chapters
00:00 Peer Support and Vulnerability in the C-Suite02:55 Creating a Healthy Work Culture40:05 2024 Episode Cover The Unbroken Place Outro Cover for Youtube with Music Final.mp440:41 Elevate 1 Audio Commercial Spring 2024 Final Video.mp442:20 Say Some Thing Studios Closing.mp442:28 twitchy_logo_170059_original.mp442:34 2024 Eddy Paul Thomas Logo Outro.mp4