Derek Arden and Shelley Bridgman - Stand Up and Stand Up

Negotiators Podcast

Welcome to Monday Night Live Embracing Authenticity: Shelley Bridgman's Journey of Transformation and Resilience In this week's episode of Monday Night Live, host Derek Arden engages in a compelling conversation with Shelley Bridgman—an award-winning stand-up comedian, actor, scriptwriter, professional speaker, and psychotherapist. Shelley shares her remarkable journey of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation, offering profound insights into embracing one's true identity. A Multifaceted Career Rooted in Authenticity Shelley's diverse career spans the entertainment industry and psychotherapy. Her work as a stand-up comedian and actor has been celebrated for its wit and depth, while her role as a psychotherapist allows her to guide others through their personal journeys. This unique combination of professions underscores her commitment to authenticity and personal growth. Navigating Life's Challenges with Courage Shelley's path has been marked by significant challenges, including battling depression, bankruptcy, addiction, and suicide attempts. These experiences tested her resilience and ultimately led her to confront her need to change gender, a pivotal step toward achieving harmony with herself. Her story is a testament to the power of confronting personal struggles and the courage required to live authentically. The Power of Self-Discovery and Acceptance In her book, "Stand-Up For Yourself," Shelley provides an inspiring, no-holds-barred account of her quest to find her true self. She candidly discusses her experiences during the hedonistic sixties, her travels to over sixty countries in the seventies, and the profound challenges of the eighties. Through these narratives, Shelley emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, acceptance, and the pursuit of one's true identity. A Love Story Spanning Over Four Decades Beyond her personal journey, Shelley's story is also a testament to a profoundly touching love story that has lasted over forty years. This enduring relationship highlights the significance of support and understanding in the journey toward self-acceptance and authenticity. Insights into Psychotherapy and Personal Growth As a leading psychotherapist, Shelley offers valuable insights into the process of personal growth and the importance of mental health. Her professional experiences provide a unique perspective on the challenges individuals face when confronting their true selves and the therapeutic processes that can facilitate this journey. A Conversation Filled with Humor and Wisdom Throughout the interview, Shelley's delightful dry humor and candid storytelling create an engaging and insightful conversation. Her ability to discuss complex and often challenging topics with levity and grace makes this episode both enlightening and enjoyable. Derek Arden's Reflections At the conclusion of the interview, Derek Arden reflects on Shelley's journey, remarking, "What a Great Negotiator." This observation underscores the negotiation inherent in Shelley's journey—the negotiation with oneself to embrace authenticity and the negotiation with society to accept one's true identity. A Source of Inspiration for All This episode of Monday Night Live serves as a powerful source of inspiration for anyone facing personal challenges or seeking to embrace their true selves. Shelley Bridgman's story is a reminder of the strength found in authenticity and the profound impact of living a life true to oneself. Derek Arden https://derekarden.co.uk https://negotiationexpert.co NEW https://negotiatorspodcast.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/negotiatingexpert/ Tim Durkin https://www.timdurkin.com