The Drop the Needle Podcast

Ep. 8 - I Believe the Children Are Our Future | Tairi Grace, LCSW

In this episode of the Drop the Needle podcast, host Jim Alstott interviews Tairi Grace, a guest with a background in law enforcement and counseling. Tairi shares her journey from being a juvenile probation officer to starting her own private practice and opening a school that prioritizes mindfulness and empathy. The school incorporates yoga and other life skills into the curriculum, providing a balance between academic rigor and emotional well-being. Tairi emphasizes the importance of teaching students to be emotionally balanced and self-sufficient, preparing them for success in the real world. In this conversation, Jim Alstott and Tairi Grace discuss the importance of personalized education and the impact of traditional schooling on individual growth. Jim shares his personal experiences of feeling stifled and unchallenged in the public school system, which led to behavioral issues. Tairi emphasizes the need for an educational approach that focuses on mindfulness, empathy, and spiritual growth. They discuss the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit and how it influences an individual's life and career choices. Tairi also highlights the importance of curiosity, problem-solving skills, and self-awareness in education.
 
This week's Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0uZWiV8UW8cP8I0bqHfFcG?si=5b038ea3361e449a
 
Takeaways
 
Tairi Grace started her career as a juvenile probation officer before transitioning into private practice and opening a school that prioritizes mindfulness and empathy.
The school incorporates yoga and other life skills into the curriculum, providing a balance between academic rigor and emotional well-being.
Tairi believes in teaching students to be emotionally balanced and self-sufficient, preparing them for success in the real world.
The school encourages students to engage with nature and offers non-traditional seating options to promote movement and creativity. Traditional schooling can stifle curiosity, energy, and creativity in students, leading to behavioral issues.
Personalized education that emphasizes mindfulness, empathy, and spiritual growth can have a positive impact on an individual's life and career choices.
The interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit is crucial for holistic development.
Curiosity, problem-solving skills, and self-awareness are essential for personal and professional growth.
Alternative learning approaches that focus on individual needs and interests can provide a more fulfilling educational experience.
 
Chapters
 
00:00 Introduction and Background
00:30 Terry's Career in Law Enforcement and Counseling
04:22 Incorporating Yoga into Counseling Practice
06:08 Founding a School with a Focus on Mindfulness and Empathy
09:27 Defining Mindfulness and Incorporating it into the School Curriculum
13:43 Incorporating Yoga into the School Day
27:17 Balancing Academic Rigor and Emotional Wellbeing
35:18 The Importance of Individualized Education
36:05 Customizing the Educational Experience
37:13 The Three Parts of Education
38:17 The Luxury of Customized Education
39:17 The Importance of Practice and Application
40:14 The Interconnectedness of Mind, Body, and Spirit
43:13 Long-Term Effects of Mindfulness, Empathy, and Spiritual Growth
44:38 Lessons Learned from an Immersive Education
46:16 The Interconnectedness of Mind, Body, and Spirit
47:38 The Importance of Mindfulness and Empathy
50:19 Lessons Learned and Embracing the Present
53:26 The Challenges of Starting a School
56:03 Promoting the School and Support
59:15 Wrap up

Ep. 7 - Jennifer Grace, Life Coach

In this conversation, Jennifer Grace discusses the importance of creativity in business and how it can help individuals and organizations thrive in times of disruption. She explains that creativity is not limited to artists and emphasizes the need for individuals to trust themselves and tap into their authentic selves. Jennifer also highlights the significance of vulnerability, connection, and collaboration in building high-performing teams. She shares examples of how her program has helped companies improve employee well-being, increase sales, and foster a culture of innovation. Jennifer concludes by encouraging individuals to redefine their beliefs about creativity and embrace it as a tool for problem-solving and growth. In this conversation, Jennifer Grace discusses her new ventures, including starting a book publishing company called Raven and Grace Press and organizing a local event called Rhythm and Rhyme. She emphasizes the importance of listening to the needs of her community and creating opportunities for others to shine. Jennifer also shares her favorite songs and artists, including Taylor Swift, Chris Stapleton, and Jelly Roll.
 
Takeaways
Creativity is essential in business and can help individuals and organizations navigate and thrive in times of disruption.
Creativity is not limited to artists and should be embraced by everyone in the business world.
Vulnerability, connection, and collaboration are key in building high-performing teams and fostering a positive work culture.
Creativity and mindfulness practices can help individuals overcome fear and anxiety, leading to increased well-being and improved performance. Jennifer Grace has started a book publishing company called Raven and Grace Press, which focuses on hybrid publishing and helps authors get their books distributed through major publishing houses.
She is also organizing a local event called Rhythm and Rhyme, where participants can share songs, stories, or spoken word performances based on a specific theme.
Jennifer believes in the power of giving back and donates all the proceeds from collective books published by Raven and Grace Press to a charity chosen by the authors.
She is inspired by her community and listens to their needs, creating opportunities and solutions to help them achieve their goals.
 
Jennifer Grace’s classes / programs
https://www.canva.com/design/DAFXrrecP94/EaFkCiYFHRjmGdzDE2eRaA/view?utm_content=DAFXrrecP94&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor
 
You can find Jennifer Grace at www.jennifergrace.com
 
Episode 7 Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5R4qqM2AuOIrZBYIeBuKxk?si=e4b37976f6c442b9
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Friendship
01:23 Inspiration for CIJ Culture Catalyst Program
04:02 Importance of Creativity in Business
06:47 Overcoming Barriers to Creativity
07:51 Authenticity and Connection in the Workplace
09:42 Misconceptions about Creativity in the Workplace
11:33 Encouraging Collaboration and Cross-Functional Teamwork
31:23 The Impact of Culture Catalyst
32:22 Creating a Culture of Change
33:13 The Importance of Buy-In and Vocabulary
34:13 The Rebirth of Organizational Culture
35:36 Breaking Free from Traditional Workplace Norms
36:14 The Exponential Return of Investing in Personal Growth
37:33 Work-Life Integration
38:22 Starting a Book Publishing Company
39:18 Hybrid Publishing and Supporting Authors
40:45 Giving Back and Making Room for Others to Shine
42:41 Favorite Songs and Artists
53:40 Reflecting on the Conversation

Ep. 6 - Put yourself in balance with Xanadu | Tina Lopez, Wellness Coach

In this conversation, Tina Lopez, a healthy lifestyle coach, discusses the importance of daily practices and boundaries in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. She emphasizes the significance of morning and bedtime routines, as well as the need to unplug and wind down before bed. Tina also highlights the connection between physical well-being and other aspects of life, such as relationships and work. She encourages individuals to prioritize self-care and treat themselves well every day. Additionally, Tina shares various tools and techniques, including breathwork and journaling, to help individuals center themselves and manage stress. The conversation touched on several themes, including the importance of finding balance between work and personal life, the pressure to constantly strive for success, the challenges faced by women in leadership roles, the need for self-examination and personal growth, the power of music to evoke emotions and inspire, and the value of coaching and support in achieving personal goals.
 
We invite you to visit www.healthylifephases.com to check out the available offerings of Coach Tina Lopez. You can also keep up to date with Tina on Instagram @healthylifephases.
This episode's Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3wpAatgvZ6BbbmBrVF6Wlq?si=57de1ed6f3d4424f
 
Takeaways
 
Establishing daily practices and boundaries is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Morning and bedtime routines play a crucial role in setting the tone for the day and promoting better sleep.
Physical well-being is interconnected with other aspects of life, such as relationships and work.
Self-care and treating oneself well are key to achieving personal goals and improving overall well-being.
Tools like breathwork and journaling can help individuals manage stress and center themselves. It's important to create space for personal life and not let work consume everything.
Constantly striving for success can lead to burnout and a loss of purpose.
Women in leadership roles often face unfair stereotypes and expectations.
Self-examination and reflection are necessary to determine what we truly want in life.
Music has the power to evoke emotions and inspire us.
Coaching and support can help us achieve our goals and bring out the best in us.
 
Chapters
 
00:00 Introduction
01:18 Defining a Healthy Lifestyle and Work-Life Balance
04:15 Importance of Bedtime Routines
05:33 Creating a Daily Routine for Clients
06:52 The Interconnectedness of Mind, Body, and Spirit
08:26 Personal Journey to Understanding Healthy Lifestyles
09:24 Challenges in Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle and Work-Life Balance
11:47 Managing Work Pressure and Boundaries
13:08 The Benefits of Fewer Work Hours
14:36 The Importance of Focus in Work
16:24 Stress-Busting Techniques for Overwhelm
19:19 The Sweet Spot of a Healthy Lifestyle
21:10 Professional Benefits of Working Out
23:39 Overcoming Overwhelm and Stress
26:06 Stress-Busting Techniques in a Crowded Office
27:58 Breath Work and Mindfulness Practices
29:20 Reflective Writing and Success Journals
30:44 The Stigma of Journaling
31:20 Catering to Clients
32:25 Balancing Work and Life
34:32 The Pressure of Success
36:01 Reevaluating Success
37:18 Identity and Work
39:40 Challenges for Women in Leadership
43:34 The Role of Coaching
45:45 Taking the First Step
49:14 The Power of Music
52:31 Changing Musical Tastes
53:24 Favorite Songs and Karaoke
54:04 Songs that Describe You or Your Company
55:08 Songs that Speak to You
55:49 Music for Different Moods
56:25 Comparisons and Body Positivity
57:12 Expressing Love and Endearment
58:31 Contact Information
59:57 Closing Remarks / End of Show