The importance of how we connect our stories is ever-changing, especially with the way our lives, both personally and professionally, can interact with such changes. How we respond to what life throws at us in order to maintain our momentum in creating such stories means that we may need to respond to tough times with positive energy, the willingness to be an example to others, and even be a "strong rock" for others when they are unable to do the same. Today's guest, the founder of herstories.com, Elaine Benfield, shares her career path leading from marketing and other areas into what she does to captures the stories of transformational women, but how her own transformation could have easily changed the trajectory of her overall life situation. Her ability to be able to create meaningful conversations and dialogue have even come close to home, which she shares in this episode. The power of our stories can not only lead to meaningful morals, but also create an abundance of energy that will help us become the best versions of ourselves, no matter what gender you are, in more ways than one.Guest BioElaine Benfield is an experienced software leader with over 20 years of expertise in marketing. Following significant life changes during her 50th year, Elaine embarked on a mission to share inspiring stories of remarkable women, crafting narratives that empower and motivate. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, she actively participates in Pride & Human Rights Campaign initiatives and dedicates her time to volunteering with dog charities. Outside of her professional pursuits, Elaine cherishes moments of travel alongside her family and friends. @inspiringherstories on InstagramYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdd5hmVcmPlCBtS-FLslMvQWebsite: https://www.herstories.com/Visit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/Visit Our Business Website: https://www.yourspeakingvoice.bizSupport The Mission Of The Business! Donate Here: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/supportIntro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

The value that we have inside of ourselves is always at state of wanting to do more and achieve more. While it is always an empowering opportunity for us to create meaningful relationships and connection with this, the real catalysts of these opportunities are when we are left with no choice but to become better than we may have ever imagined. In other words...dates matter! Continuing our series of episodes this month that feature guests that have made positive contributions to starting Your Speaking Voice LLC, and the podcast Speaking From The Heart, John Schuchman, podcast host and founder of the real estate mastermind Real Estate Survival Guide, shares his drive to help others think outside of the box, but why relationships truly matter the most, especially when life and death are at stake. This emotionally charged episode reminds us of the power of what purpose is, but what more is at stake when being there at the right place, at the right time, even when it may not have been the best timing or place to be before.WARNING: Portions of this episode discuss suicide, which we strongly encourage seeking help when you are feeling depressed, have thoughts of wanting to harm yourself or others, and are feeling empty inside. If in the United States, please call 988 to seek assistance, or 911 if it is a true emergency. For those outside of the USA, please consult your nearest resource in the country you reside in.Guest BioJohn is a successful realtor with eXP Realty in Central Pa. Formed under the John Schuchman & Maddison Berrios Group, John helps his clients buy and sell their homes and other types of properties. Struggling with various careers before his calling in real estate, John was able to, in a mere year, triple his income, transforming his venture into a lucrative six-figure real estate empire. By challenging the conventional norms of lead generation and marketing tactics, he achieved this remarkable feat instead of resorting to traditional, often intrusive methods. In addition, he helps other relators through The Real Estate Survival Guide, originally starting as a podcast and evolved into a mastermind and coaching network to help resolve a variety of different situations in the industry. John’s refreshing approach emphasizes authenticity and empathy, and has reinvented the industry. John and loving wife Valerie have two children, a boy and a girl, and reside in Lancaster, PA.Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/JohnSchuchman/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/TheRealEstateSurvivalGuide@therealestatesurvivalguide on InstagramNational Suicide Lifeline (988) (https://988lifeline.org/) - This dedicated webpage talks about the various amount of resources that are available when dealing with a mental health crisis of any kind. DO NOT DO IT ALONE! Find resources in your area (even outside of the United States) if you need assistance with a crisis.Website: https://www.therealestatesurvivalguide.comVisit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/Visit Our Business Website: https://www.yourspeakingvoice.bizSupport The Mission Of The Business! Donate Here: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/supportIntro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

Have you ever had a conversation or situation feel that the other person that is involved with it, whether directly or indirectly, was full of “kidding around”, instead of “I am around”? Did you ever feel isolated as a result, making you feel that they do not take you seriously and damaging important relationships to move forward in the future conversations that you may have? Today’s episode examines the importance of not only sharing what is on your mind, but how to diffuse the “kidding around” into positive results that you set out to have. It’s OK to have fun moments, but to also know when it is time to get down to business, and how to engage in meaningful conversations going “off the rails” is important to distinguish.Visit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/Visit Our Business Website: https://www.yourspeakingvoice.bizSupport The Mission Of The Business! Donate Here: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/supportIntro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

We have the choice as to whether we live with our pain, or if we consistently push forward to create new opportunities from our pain. However, when it affects not only you, but others around you, it can be so easy to be defeated by the constant amounts of struggle that is associated with it, pulling ourselves into a feeling of unworthiness, along with not feeling that we have the ability to change our negative energies towards it. Today's guest, Jenn Fredericks, owner of Prosilience Coaching, however, tells an upbeat, positive, different story when faced with chronic not only with herself, but her daughter as well. Today's episode shares the important lesson of having resilience and consistency (called "prosilience" by our guest), and how we can adapt a mindset that even when the going gets tough, it is still perfectly acceptable to smile.Guest BioJenn has overcome immense adversity and emerged as a beacon of resilience and hope for others. Her experience as a patient with a life-threatening, chronic illness spanning three decades and caregiver for her daughter with a life-threatening diagnosis speaks volumes about her strength, determination and compassion. As a Prosilience Coach, she guides her clients towards a new perspective on life. Her approach of cultivating self-awareness while honoring and integrating both the highs and lows of the human experience creates renewed confidence, calm and contentment in life. By empowering them to build Prosilience (proactive resilience), she enables them to move from uncertainty, fear and confusion to experiencing more ease and contentment in life, fostering a greater sense of well-being. She knows how hard it is to wait until things are better to live better... Why Wait?Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/JennFredericksProsilienceCoach@jfredwi on InstagramWebsite: https://prosiliencecoach.comVisit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/Visit Our Business Website: https://www.yourspeakingvoice.bizSupport The Mission Of The Business! Donate Here: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/supportIntro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

With any new endeavor comes reservations, fears, and uncertainty about the unknown. Finding our ability to persevere and fully embrace our passions, even if there is no model to turn to, can be quite challenging, and requires a level of commitment that takes time to cultivate the passion, the skillsets required to be successful, but more importantly, to contribute your "voice" in this ever-changing world. Continuing our episodes celebrating the individuals that made positive contributions to the podcast and to the business, Your Speaking Voice LLC, Michael Dugan, who has been featured since Episode 2 as our intro/outro voice of the show, joins us. Michael's contributions to not only this podcast, but to the overall world of giving awareness to mental health and daily challenges of chefs, explores the possibilities of getting started today with the support and encouragement of other strong mentors. By challenging yourself, the unknown can be turned into the "known" through positive contributions and enduring opportunities to be seen in this ever-changing world, even if it is with your voice.Guest BioMichael holds degrees in Culinary Arts and Hotel & Restaurant Administration, which initially steered him towards a career in the hospitality industry in Seattle, WA, and Napa Valley, CA. However, in 1995, he transitioned to a successful career in technology while still maintaining his fervor for exceptional culinary experiences and admiration for the skilled chefs who guided him. In May 2021, he shifted gears from the kitchen to the studio and introduced The Voice4Chefs Podcast, aiming to bridge connections with pioneering chefs and imaginative culinary artists where listeners can tune in for an enjoyable, insightful, and flavorful podcast experience.Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/voice4chefs@voice4chefs on InstagramYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Voice4ChefsWebsite: https://www.voice4chefs.comToastmasters International (https://www.toastmasters.org)- Toastmasters is an international organization that has allowed many of my guests to be on the show through personal and professional connection, combining all kinds of different types of communication and leadership development. Learn more about this organization at the link provided, plus check out the "Find A Club" option where you can locate an in-person or virtual club closest to you and your likings!Melissa's TEDx Talk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8XEF_X6GK8) - During today's episode, the TEDx talk Michael references is located at this link to watch & listen to.Cooks Who Care Non-Profit Link (https://linktr.ee/CooksWhoCare?lt_utm_source=lt_share_link#306526359) - Towards the end of the interview, Michael shared about the Cooks Who Care Non-Profit, located in the Philadelphia area, that provides assistance in a variety of ways to those struggling in the restaurant industry. Check out this link and contribute to them to continue their enduring mission!Visit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/Visit Our Business Website: https://www.yourspeakingvoice.bizSupport The Mission Of The Business! Donate Here: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/supportIntro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

There is a misconception that a coach should be brought on when things go “south”; in other words, when an emergency arrives and there are no other options. While some companies can find someone to hire to assist with their complex problems, what do smaller companies, individuals, and all others do when the going gets tough? This episode explores the concept of a short term engagement coach that serves in a fractional nature. This revolutionary concept, which stems from past guests on the show that perform these types of services, can help in a pinch to assure that you are not caught in a problem that can severely cripple progress or, in a worst case scenario, demotivate and deescalate the ability to become the best versions of ourselves.Visit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/Visit Our Business Website: https://www.yourspeakingvoice.bizSupport The Mission Of The Business! Donate Here: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/supportIntro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

The number of different situations that we endure, whether they are physical, mental, social, cultural, or other means, can be taxing. They can consume not only women, but under the radar, men have always been told to not discuss such subjects, even if they are suffering, in fear of being retaliated against as not being strong enough. Today's guest, however, challenges the status quo of what it means to open up as men. Simon Rinne, founder and owner of Mindful Men, shares his story of transformation as he has undergone these types of pressures in terms of struggle, but how it has been turned into his social worker background in helping others to overcome their own similar struggles. The importance of being able to share what you are going through is important, not only in the sense of community, but to help meet you wherever you are and to find a path towards restoring yourself to be the best that you are, regardless of what you identify as.Guest BioSimon is a social worker and founder of Mindful Men, a therapy practice that is dedicated to supporting men with mental illness and disability. Simon’s passion for mental health comes from living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Depression, Anxiety, and burnout throughout the last 30 years. During this time, he struggled in silence; believing that boys and men can’t cry, all whilst using alcohol as a way to feel “normal”. At the age of 28, Simon finally reached out for help, and ever since has been on a journey of healing. By sharing his story, Simon hopes to inspire others to believe that they can turn their pain into purpose, and move from surviving to thriving.Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mindful.men.aus/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2050441875316594/@mindful.men.aus on InstagramYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbXBNQmbj4ZQj3rzFAZALTAWebsite: https://www.mindful-men.com.au/Visit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/Visit Our Business Website: https://www.yourspeakingvoice.bizSupport The Mission Of The Business! Donate Here: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/supportIntro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

During the month of June, we are celebrating all of the individuals/businesses that have helped our podcast host become the best version of himself through the variety of mentorship, business partnerships, and overall support that they have provided! Kicking off our very special set of Wednesday episodes is the reinforcement of having not only great business relationships with others that help to support you, but to also be there where normally, mid-size or large-size corporations cannot be. Brittany and Corey Hart, owners of Enzo Digital LLC, share their start of their comprehensive set of marketing/social media/website services, and why it is important to them to work with individuals & small businesses that need to maximize their marketing to their fullest potential. Finding your voice does not necessarily mean finding clients or customers, but learning the essence of listening, respect, and creating consistency delivery of materials & services that represent who you are.Guest BioEnzo Digital, a family-owned business, is owned by Corey and Brittany Hart, a dedicated husband-wife team rooted in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Leveraging a combined 10+ years of marketing experience, their joy stems from aiding fellow business owners in achieving their goals while mutually advancing towards their own. Their services cater to small businesses, offering specialized expertise in social media management, marketing material design, and comprehensive website design and development. Their focus revolves around crafting unique content, creating custom graphics, and fostering active community engagement.Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/[email protected] on InstagramWebsite: https://www.enzodigitalllc.com/Visit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/Visit Our Business Website: https://www.yourspeakingvoice.bizSupport The Mission Of The Business! Donate Here: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/supportIntro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

Much difficulty of achieving goals can easily be attributed to making goals way too broad, not realistic, not time bound, not measurable, and even relatable. Using the SMART Method, however, is not the end all, solve all solution that will help you achieve what is necessary. What are you doing to not only hold yourself accountable, but what can you do to break down the tasks into manageable, bite-sized pieces to show that you can, and were, making progress? This episode explains the problems in today’s busy world with managing big endeavors, but to demystify this process to create, engage, and deliver on what you set up for yourself.Visit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/Visit Our Business Website: https://www.yourspeakingvoice.bizSupport The Mission Of The Business! Donate Here: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/supportIntro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

The power of being in relationships, whether personal or professional, is unwavering and has been covered in many different facets on our podcast. However, when the relationship is overly demanding, does not respect you throughout, and it provides no opportunities to keep growing and moving forward, it is time to move on. How do you proceed with ending such a relationship, especially a narcissistic one, that can be toxic in nature and also be dangerous? Attorney and survivor of two narcissistic relationships, Stephany Ann, joins the show to share her in-depth perspective, along with tips as to become the "star of your own story" again through her emotional freedom technique (EFT), along with sharing sound advice for those that may be struggling to regain their voice. It all starts with your belief in yourself, and that you deserve to have better not only in your relationships, but in what you are able to accomplish and not be held back from anymore.WARNING: This episode may be triggering for some as it discusses narcissistic relationships and describes in-depth details as it relates to being in one. For those that are sensitive to this subject, although very educational, please keep this in mind when listening to this episode and seek help for yourself (and others) that may be trying to escape such a relationship.Guest BioStephany is an extraordinary woman, an attorney, recipient of the Governor's Award for Advocacy With Survivors of Domestic Violence, and international best-selling author who triumphed over narcissistic abuse. With two marriages to narcissists behind her, she’s harnessed the transformative power of the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to guide others on their path to healing and personal growth. Her transformation came when she shifted from “why me” to “for me”.Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092716308108&mibextid=LQQJ4dVisit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/Visit Our Business Website: https://www.yourspeakingvoice.bizSupport The Mission Of The Business! Donate Here: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/supportIntro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs