Podcast
Make Life Less Difficult
Hosted by Lisa Tilstra · EN
"What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other?" - mary anne evansThis quote summarizes my life purpose. Life isn't easy. It's complex, filled with the unexpected, and sometimes really hard. While life is full of challenges, I believe there are myriad things we can do to help make life less difficult for each other.On this podcast we'll share stories, struggles, and successes that help us know we're not alone. And knowing we're not alone is one way to make life less difficult.
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Russ Watts & Lisa Hope Tilstra: Soul Space, Story, and Pilgrimage
3d ago01:12:51Tap to summarizeSend us a message!Today my conversation is with Russ Watts. Russ co-hosts and guest-hosts here on the podcast, so his is a familiar voice to many of you. Russ and I have been co-creating and co-facilitating storytelling experiences since 2019.It was such a delight to sit down with Russ and dive into a conversation today. We made no plans, just pressed record and started sharing.Our hope is that as we explore the ideas of soul space, story, pilgrimages, as we share some of our own recent experiences and stories, as we ponder with awe and enchantment, that you would be inspired to connect with matters most, listen to what your soul is saying, be curious about the experiences of now. Where can enchantment be reawakened in your life?Russ, as always, thank you for jumping into the flow of conversation. Thank you for sharing your stories, your wisdom, your questions, and your curiosity. Thank you for joining us for this conversation. May you enjoy the free flowing conversational river of exploration and curiosity.If you are in the Washington DC area, Russ and I will be hosting a day of Soul Space on Monday July 20. There's a link below with more information about that. And if you miss this one, there will be more in the future!July 20 - Soul Space: http://makelifelessdifficult.com/soul-spaceSupport the showMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra
Transcribe →Derrek Cooper: Embracing the Fulfillment (and Terror) of Big Transitions!
1w ago01:09:12Tap to summarizeSend us a message!My guest today is Derrek Cooper.Derrek is an executive coach and had a masters in applied positive psychology. If his name is familiar, you may have heard his conversation here on the podcast with Russ. Today, Derrek and I get to have a great conversation that I think you'll find very inspiring, especially if you find yourself in some kind of transition. We talk about positive psychology, the power of vulnerability, the idea of bouncing forward after setbacks or failures. Derrek shares pieces of his own story of transition out of his corporate career into his own business venture. One of the things I love most about how Derrek shares this story is how it is an extremely fulfilling experience AND it's terrifying too! I can really relate to this!Ultimately, Derrek encourages us to find our thing and to do more of whatever that is! Derrek, thank you for this thought-provoking conversation! Thank you for sharing your stories vulnerability and authentically. Your wisdom add so much value to the world!To learn more about Derrek and the work he does, you'll find links below:Connect with Derrek: https://derrekcooper.co/Support the showMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra
Transcribe →Niki Mathias: Helping the World Better Understand Orchids (HSPs)
3w ago01:04:03Tap to summarizeSend us a message!My guest today is Niki Mathias.Niki is an author who is helping the world better understand what it means to be a highly sensitive person. Her upcoming book, Derby and the Dandelions, explores this through the unique lens of a teenage girl and her best friends.I'm very excited to share this conversation because I learned so much from talking with Niki. Her stories and sharing come from firsthand experience and hard-earned wisdom. She shared the framework of understanding people's nervous system processing as Dandelions, Tulips, and Orchids. If you have never heard these terms in relation to Highly Sensitive Persons, you are in for an enlightening listen.Niki's book is in the publishing process so we don't know exactly when it will be available, but believe me, you'll want to pre-order it!Niki, thank you so much for sharing these pieces of your story, journey, and wisdom! I'm so grateful to be connected with you and seriously can't wait to read your book!Find more about Niki and her work: https://nikimathias.com/Support the showMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra
Transcribe →Lisa Lewis Daniels: Journeying Through the Messy Middle
May 2500:57:01Tap to summarizeSend us a message!My guest today is Lisa Lewis Daniels.Lisa is a returning guest and you can hear my first conversation with her on episode 265.Lisa is the founder and CEO of Lionheart Society. She helps her clients find their identity, purpose during life transitions. Today, Lisa shares more about her own transition, more about her time in what she calls the Messy Middle (a phrase I know I relate to!), and what can happen when the messy middle extends for longer than we might want and/or have anticipated!Lisa, thank you for sharing more of your story and journey today. Thank you for your courage and strength to stay in the messy middle of this life transition and inviting us to be encouraged by your experience along the way.You'll find links below to be in touch with Lisa and learn more about her and her work:Lisa's Website: https://www.thelionheartsociety.com/Lisa on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thelionheartsocietyllc/Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisalewisdaniels/Support the showMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra
Transcribe →Kenny Leahman: Re-finding Purpose with Bold Vulnerability
May 1001:00:07Tap to summarizeSend us a message!My guest today is Kenny Leahman.Kenny is retired from the Central Intelligence Agency after a 24-year career. He now is a coach, educator, and consultant who helps others discover what really matters by focusing on values-based living and leadership. Kenny says, “Make choices based on what matters. If it doesn’t matter, let it go.”Kenny was a guest on Episode 215, and if you haven't listened to that episode, I highly recommend doing so either right now or immediately after listening to this one!Today, Kenny shares pieces of his journey that include some significant and unexpected disruptions over the past year. He has had to work hard to re-find his purpose and his contributions to the world. Kenny shares how through this, he has grown in his courage and tenacity to share his stories with incredible vulnerability. Kenny offers a number of amazing workshops including a new workshop: Everyone Lives a Cover — The impact on authentic living and leading, and when and why to drop cover. Here's a snapshot of Kenny's story and what he shares in this brilliant workshop: "Until I came out at 48, I lived two covers; one as an undercover CIA officer, and a second as a gay, married Mormon husband and father. While movies and books often glamorize undercover spies, cops, FBI and DEA agents, “cover” isn’t just the stuff of thrillers—it’s a reality that shapes lives in subtle and profound ways. So, what exactly is “cover”? Why do we use it? And when does it serve us—or harm us? All of us live a cover. Yet, we often believe we’re the only ones hiding, because most of us are so practiced at masking our truths. Many covers are born from fear or shame, designed to keep our real selves safely hidden from those around us. In this workshop, I’ll share my personal journey of navigating cover—and reveal the why, when, and how I decided to drop cover. You'll see firsthand how dropping cover can open the door to living and leading with greater joy, impact, and depth. I’ll equip you with effective tactics, tools, and procedures (TTPs)—including the Johari Window—to help you gain clarity and feel empowered, supported, and ready to choose meaningful change."You’ll find links below to Kenny’s website and the article where I first read about him. Kenny's website: https://www.kennyleahman.com/Connect with Kenny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennyleahman/Article from YahooNews!Song: Say So by Dan and Shay: https://youtu.be/YuF6eZROXIw?si=3eWZem7iWvumgPhsSupport the showMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra
Transcribe →Dr. Tony Cerella: Wandering -- You Can Move Without Knowing
May 400:58:21Tap to summarizeSend us a message!My guest today is Tony Cerella.Tony is a returning guest and if you haven't listened to our previous conversations, please check them out. They are a series of 3 conversations about Tony's transition into retirement after 23 years in the US Army.Now, 2 years post retirement, Tony shares about a recent experience he had: wandering. Going places without knowing.Here are several phrases that came up for Tony during this trip:You can move without knowing.You can honor the past without living inside it.You can say no.You can hold grief and joy in the same body.You can leave home and still be moving toward it.Connect with Tony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonycerella/Support the showMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra
Transcribe →Derrek Cooper: You at Your Best!
Apr 2800:56:59Tap to summarizeSend us a message!Today's guest is Derrek Cooper. Russ Watts is hosting this conversation!Derrek brings a rare blend of lived experience, leadership insight, and academic rigor to his coaching. From serving aboard submarines in the U.S. Navy to leading global teams as a software executive, his 25+ year career has spanned industries, continents, and complexity. With a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering and decades of experience partnering with some of the world’s largest manufacturing companies, he understands what it takes to lead in high-pressure environments.Relentlessly curious, Derrek returned to school to earn a Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania, deepening his expertise in resilience, well-being, and leadership. He also completed the Executive Certificate in Leadership Coaching from Georgetown University and holds the Associate Certified Coaching (ACC) credential from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), reflecting his commitment to professional excellence and ethical coaching practice. Derrek's website: https://derrekcooper.coConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrekcooper/Support the showMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra
Transcribe →Jason Frohnmayer: Permission to Fail!
Apr 2301:07:42Tap to summarizeSend us a message!My guest today is Jason Frohnmayer.Jason is a retired U.S. Diplomat, having served his country in a variety of capacities at overseas posts and in Washington D.C. Throughout his career at the U.S. Department of State, he managed grants and drafted media products to ensure accurate information dissemination on global initiatives. He also created content surrounding community-building projects. Additionally, Jason co-managed a multimillion-dollar budget to drive programs in the public health, higher education, environmental conservation, and sustainable development domains in the Lower Mekong region. Jason worked diligently to maintain lasting PR and media relationships by serving as the media spokesperson. This also involved creating press briefs, driving press and media strategies, and arranging for pre- and post-event media.If you’re looking for someone who specializes in advancing organizational branding and executing environmentally sustainable projects, Jason can be reached via email: jasonfrohnmayer@yahoo.com.Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-frohnmayer-84906a1/Support the showMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra
Transcribe →Tom Bohinc: Lead as the Person You Are (The Prometheus Project)
Apr 1200:56:19Tap to summarizeSend us a message!Our guest today is Tom Bohnic. Russ brings this beautiful conversation to us in today's episode.Tom spent most of his professional career leading business transformation and service innovation at scales from Fortune Global 50 to Start-ups from both consulting and internal executive-level positions. It was the challenges of real-world engagement in complex business challenges that focused Tom’s attention on social and personal dynamics that enable or constrain movement in teams, groups, organizations, and communities. These real-world contexts are the foundation of Tom’s work as a thought leader and facilitator of collective learning in the leadership industry through The Prometheus Project’s research and its community.In Tom’s view of leadership, leading is a choice open to each of us at any moment, and it is a shared responsibility in any organization. The path to effective leadership is overcomplicated by many factors, but all of us need a more clear and hold more accessible relationship to the factors that open our capacities to lead and that characterize the actions of leading. This is why The Prometheus Project has the mission ‘to make leading clear and leaders common”. And, this is why all of the Prometheus IP is shared without cost. Tom founded The Prometheus Project in January 2019. He was the lead author in peer-reviewed published research with Jonathan Reams Ph.D. and Richard Claydon Ph.D. on The Leadership Commons Framework. That was published in August 2020. Version 2.1 of that framework was published in Dec 2021. Version 3.0 of that framework is being released in parts over 2023.Tom works full-time for The Prometheus Project and has limited availability for executive and development coaching. Learn more about Tom and his work: https://theprometheusproject.info/Support the showMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra
Transcribe →50 Days of Climbing: Lisa's 50th Birthday Adventure
Apr 701:05:28Tap to summarizeSend us a message!In today's episode, my good friend, Titus Mott, asks me about my recent 50 days of rock climbing adventure for my 50th birthday. It's amusingly intimidating to be the guest on my own podcast and I'm so grateful to Titus for taking the time to do this episode with me!Thanks to everyone who supported me from near and far for this epic life adventure!See picture here: https://makelifelessdifficult.com/lisas-50th-birthdaySupport the showMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra
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