Episodes

In this special Women’s History Month episode of *This Is Your Job Now*, Wendy Wollner invites listeners into a deeply personal and powerful reflection. Rather than naming specific historical figures, Wendy challenges you to build your own roster of women leaders—CEOs, doctors, activists, artists, grandmothers, single moms—who shape how you show up in the world. From corporate boardrooms to motherhood to volunteerism, Wendy shares why women need multiple mentors for multiple roles—and why we mus...

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 lo...

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 Learn Why polarization blocks solutions—and how “res...

What 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...

How 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 ...

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 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 t...

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...

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 ...

In this heartfelt Part 1 episode, Jason S. Frishman, PsyD, founder and lead guide at JourneyMen Foundation, shares his insights on what it means to redefine fatherhood as part of real leadership and community care. He explains why supporting fathers’ mental health is vital for family and organizational well-being. Guided by Kai Sorensen, Director of Podcasts, and Greg Baldwin, Multimedia Specialist—both fathers themselves—this conversation unpacks how challenging traditional norms of masculinity...

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, disengagem...

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.

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.

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 peop...

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 profiles, enhance website conversion, or scale your marke...

In 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 b...

In 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.

In 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 ...

Welcome 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 stor...

Welcome 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 pro...

Welcome to Balancing Life's Issues, the podcast and today, we're celebrating Pride Month and asking the essential question: why do we celebrate Pride Month? As we discuss this, it's crucial to acknowledge the challenges still faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. Currently, the ACLU is tracking 516 anti-LGBTQ bills in the U.S., encompassing curriculum censorship, healthcare restrictions, facility bans, sport bans, and even forced outing in schools. The journey for LGBTQIA+ rights has been filled wi...

It'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

Meet BLI trainer Garrett Sorensen! Today he joins us to discuss the trainings he specializes in as well as the psychological impacts of financial stress that we all carry - often through our whole lives. We chat the importance of budgeting and planning, and how financial education can serve as a powerful tool for mental health improvement. https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-sorensen-mw/ Garrett is a Consultant, Financial Planner, and Army Veteran. He develops and nurtures client relationships...

Welcome to Balancing Life's Issues the podcast! I'm your host Kai and today we are celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month which runs May 1st through 31st. And it comes at a time when suicide rates continue to increase. Suicide and suicidal behavior are influenced by negative conditions in which people live, play, work, and learn. It's deeply personal and it's not happening in a silo. It's happening right in front of us. We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free a...