Regulating Your Emotions Practicing Connection podcast

13:16

Send us a text What if every meeting you planned had a clear purpose, a focused outcome, and left everyone energized instead of drained? Today, we’ll show you a simple framework to make every gathering count. Tired of meetings that go nowhere? In this episode of the Practicing Connection podcast, Coral and Jessica reveal how the POP (Purpose, Outcome, Process-plus People and Preparation) framework can transform your meetings from time-wasters into powerful, purposeful gatherings. Jessica walks you through each step of the POPPP approach, shares real-world examples, and explains why starting with purpose changes everything. Whether you’re planning a team meeting, a project kickoff, or just your next agenda item, this episode will help you design meetings that matter. Plus, get a downloadable resource to put the POPPP framework into action right away! Resources to help you have great meetings: Wharton Psychologist Adam Grant: Use the 4 Reasons Rule to Decide If a Meeting Is Worthwhile…

Practicing Connection

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Planning for Possibilities: A Perspective-Shifting Practice 9:46

12 days ago9:46

9:46

Send us a text What if you could quiet the ‘what-ifs’ and help your team face tough decisions with clarity and confidence? Today, we’re sharing a simple scenario planning practice that brings perspective to uncertainty-so you can plan for whatever comes next. Coral and Jessica introduce a practical scenario planning tool: Best, Worst, Most Likely Case. Learn how this perspective-shifting practice, rooted in positive psychology, can help you and your group break out of catastrophizing, validate hopes and fears, and make grounded plans for the future. Jessica walks you through the steps, shares tips for brainstorming, and explains how focusing on what’s most likely can unify your team and boost decision-making. Whether you’re facing a big decision or just want to build resilience, this episode will help you put uncertainty in perspective. Resources to help you run a group brainstorm: "1-2-4-All" "Brainwriting"…

Practicing Connection

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Navigate Transitions with Both/And Thinking 9:42

19 days ago9:42

9:42

Send us a text Are you feeling stuck in an either/or mindset during challenging transitions? Discover how both/and thinking can help you lead with flexibility and compassion. In today's practice, Coral guides us through a transformative action that can bring more connection and possibility into your daily life. Co-hosts Jessica and Coral explore the concept of both/and thinking—a mindset that allows for multiple truths to coexist. This practical exercise will help listeners move beyond binary thinking, especially during times of tension or uncertainty. Learn how to embrace complexity, foster connection, and find a better path forward with both/and thinking. Plus, we invite you to share what's inspiring you right now!…

Practicing Connection

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Build Team Cohesion with "Hippopotamus Days" 10:23

26 days ago10:23

10:23

Send us a text What if a single phrase could transform your team’s understanding and support for each other on tough days? Discover how “Hippopotamus Days” can build connection, understanding, and trust - one inside joke at a time. Building team cohesion isn’t just about big events or trust falls - it’s about the small moments of understanding that bring people together. In this episode of Practicing Connection, Coral and Jessica introduce the concept of “Hippopotamus Days,” a playful, team-created code word that signals when someone’s having an off day but still wants to be present. Learn how developing a shared language and group norms can foster empathy, reduce misunderstandings, and make your team stronger - even on the toughest days. Tune in for practical steps to create your own team phrase and see how humor and honesty can become powerful tools for connection.…

Practicing Connection

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Temperature Checks for Change: Staying Grounded Through Uncertainty 9:53

5 weeks ago9:53

9:53

Send us a text When change is the only constant, how do you keep yourself - and your team - grounded and connected? In this episode, we explore simple, powerful check-in practices that help leaders and teams navigate uncertainty with empathy, awareness, and trust. Transitions and uncertainty are part of every leader’s journey. In this episode of Practicing Connection, Coral introduces "Temperature Checks for Change," a practical two-part check-in routine designed to help you stay present and responsive - both as a leader and as a team. Discover how quick self-reflection and intentional team check-ins can build trust, foster alignment, and create space for authentic connection, even when answers are unclear. Whether you’re leading through a big transition or just facing everyday challenges, these tools will help you and your team feel seen, supported, and ready for what’s next. Practicing Connection worksheets…

Practicing Connection

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Leading Through Change: How to Stay Aligned and Present 6:08

6 weeks ago6:08

6:08

Send us a text Are you leading your team the way you truly want to? Or just reacting to the pressures of the moment? Discover how a simple reflection can help you align your intentions with your actions and become the emotionally intelligent leader your team needs. How we show up as leaders shapes our team’s experience, trust, and success. In this episode of the Practicing Connection podcast, Coral and Jessica explore the power of alignment and presence in leadership. Jessica introduces the “Leadership Alignment Reflection,” a practical, step-by-step exercise that helps you examine how you’re currently leading versus how you aspire to lead. Learn how regular reflection can boost your self-awareness, close the gap between intention and action, and help you lead with greater impact. Tune in for actionable insights and a practice you can start using right now! Practical links from this episode: The Art of Coaching Teams, by Elena Aguilar Practicing Connection worksheets…

Practicing Connection

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Adventure-Ready: Strengthening Military Families Through Teen Camps 41:14

7 weeks ago41:14

41:14

Send us a text Looking for a way to empower military families while fostering resilience and connection? Join us as we explore the transformative Military Teen Adventure Camps, where service member parents and teens bond through adrenaline-pumping activities like ziplining, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing. Discover how these camps are creating lifelong memories and strengthening family ties. In this episode of Practicing Connection , host Jessica Beckendorf and special co-host Kristen Jowers welcome Dr. Kerri Ashurst and Tyrone Atkinson from the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service to discuss Military Teen Adventure Camps. These camps provide military families with unique opportunities to strengthen parent-teen relationships through thrilling outdoor activities like whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and ziplining. Learn how these adventure-based programs build resilience, improve communication, and foster teamwork among military families. Info on 2025 Summer Camps: 2025 Camp 1: Ocoee Whitewater Rafting and Outdoor Quest Dates: July 11-14, 2025 Number of Participants: 80 per session (40 parent/teen teams) Primary Activities (i.e. camping, hiking, kayaking, etc.): whitewater rafting, tubing, rock climbing, lake activities 2025 Camp 2: ACE Whitewater Rafting, Climbing, Rappelling and Outdoor Adventure Dates: July 25-28, 2025 Number of Participants: 54 (27 parent/teen teams) Primary Activities (i.e. camping, hiking, kayaking, etc.): Whitewater Paddling, mountain biking, zipline and canopy tour Note - families from any state and branch are welcome to register, including active duty, reserve, guard, retiree families. Practical links from this episode: Kentucky Military Teen Adventure Camps (MTAC) Kentucky MTAC Facebook group University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Further MTA Camps nationwide…

Practicing Connection

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A Compass for Building Compassion Resilience 10:09

8 weeks ago10:09

10:09

Send us a text Today's practice is such a simple reflection, but is also really powerful and eye-opening when you notice those areas where you are feeling fatigue, and can identify what to do about it. Coral joins Jessica in this episode to conclude our three-part series on compassion resilience, by discussing the Compass Model for Wellness. Jessica shares her experience with this model, and a practice inspired by it that aids in assessing and improving resilience. The Compass Model, derived from the work of Dr. Scott and Holly Stoner, is comprised of four elements: heart, mind, spirit, and strength. Jessica explains each element, and encourages you to reflect on your own resilience in these areas. Practical links from this episode: Rogers Behavioral Health Compassion Resilience Toolkit: https://eliminatestigma.org/compassion-resilience-toolkit/ The Compassion Resilience Toolkit : https://eliminatestigma.org/compassion-resilience-toolkit/ The Reflection Worksheet: https://eliminatestigma.org/wp-content/uploads/Schools_Section2_Reflection.pdf Practicing Connection LinkedIn community: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/practicingconnection…

Practicing Connection

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Policy, Practice, and Compassion in Mental Health, with Dr. Keita Franklin 35:32

9 weeks ago35:32

35:32

Send us a text How can policymakers and frontline providers collaborate to transform mental health care for service members and veterans? Dr. Keita Franklin is here to share 25 years of insights - from data-driven policy to personal resilience practices. National policy leader Dr. Keita Franklin joins host Jessica Beckendorf and special guest co-host Kalin Goble Mathis to discuss the evolving landscape of mental health for service members and veterans. This important conversation explores the intersection of research, community partnerships, and self-care for service providers. Dr. Franklin reveals how listening to lived experiences, leveraging data, and fostering collaboration can drive meaningful change - plus, her personal practices for sustaining resilience in demanding work. Practical links from this episode: Dr. Franklin at Leidos Dr. Franklin on LinkedIn…

Practicing Connection

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Say Yes to Yourself: Build Compassion Resilience with Healthy Boundaries 8:18

10 weeks ago8:18

8:18

Send us a text Struggling to balance caring for others with caring for yourself? In this episode of Practicing Connection , we explore how setting compassionate boundaries can help you maintain your well-being while supporting military families effectively. In the second installment of our compassion resilience series, Jessica delves into the art of setting compassionate boundaries. Learn about different types of boundaries, understand their connection to empathy, and discover practical tips for establishing and maintaining healthy limits in your professional and personal life. Practical links from this episode: Rogers Behavioral Health Compassion Resilience Toolkit: https://eliminatestigma.org/compassion-resilience-toolkit/…

Practicing Connection

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Building Your Compassion Resilience 7:48

11 weeks ago7:48

7:48

Send us a text Do you sometimes feel drained by the emotional demands of your work? In this episode of Practicing Connection , we explore compassion resilience - the ability to care deeply while protecting your own well-being. Learn what it is, why it matters, and a simple practice to start building it today. Service providers often face emotionally demanding work, which can lead to compassion fatigue or burnout. In this episode, Jessica introduces the concept of compassion resilience: maintaining empathy and strength while supporting others. You’ll learn key strategies to build resilience and a practical reflection exercise to help you process your day, celebrate small wins, and prioritize self-care. Practical links from this episode: Rogers Behavioral Health Compassion Resilience Toolkit: https://eliminatestigma.org/compassion-resilience-toolkit/ Compassion Fatigue Cycle PDF: https://eliminatestigma.org/wp-content/uploads/Schools_CompassionFatigueCycle.pdf We’d love to hear what’s inspiring you! Share your thoughts using the “Send us a text message” feature or email us at practicingconnection@oneop.org .…

Practicing Connection

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More than a Meal: Building Community and Resilience, with Chef Mary Long 41:38

12 weeks ago41:38

41:38

Send us a text Do you ever wonder how a kitchen can become a hub for resilience and connection? In this episode of Practicing Connection , Jessica is joined by special co-host Bethany Daugherty, who both sit down with Chef Mary Long, a culinary expert and instructor at the U.S. Army North Vogel Resiliency Center in San Antonio, Texas. Discover how her innovative cooking classes are transforming lives, fostering mindfulness, and building community through food. Plus, Mary shares a popular recipe and tips for starting similar programs in your own space. Join us for a conversation that’s as nourishing as the meals she creates! Practical links from this episode: Vogel Resiliency Center OneOp webinar on building community and resilience Chef Mary Hummus Recipe! We’d love to hear what’s inspiring you! Share your thoughts using the “Send us a text message” feature or email us at practicingconnection@oneop.org .…

Practicing Connection

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Achieve Your Goals With WOOP 7:32

13 weeks ago7:32

7:32

Send us a text Do you ever struggle to stick to your goals? Discover the WOOP method, a powerful tool that uses obstacles as stepping stones to success. Discover WOOP, a science-backed goal-setting practice that helps you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. Learn how to apply this simple yet powerful tool to transform your habits and improve your well-being. Practical links from this episode: https://woopmylife.org/ https://woopmylife.org/en/practice We’d love to hear what’s inspiring you! Share your thoughts using the “Send us a text message” feature or email us at practicingconnection@oneop.org .…

Practicing Connection

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How to be Present for Others in their Grief 12:02

14 weeks ago12:02

12:02

Send us a text This episode was the second in a series of three practicasts from 2024 centered around "holding space," a concept we learned from Heather Plett, author of "The Art of Holding Space." Our co-creator for this series was our OneOp colleague, Kristen Jowers. In this episode, Kristen shares two practices to help us prepare to hold space for someone experiencing grief. Some of the practices we recommend on this show are more quick and simple, and some take a bit more time, intention, focus and determination. "Holding Space" falls into the latter category. You can start working on it immediately, but it will take building the habit and muscle memory to really start seeing the impacts. Which is why we decided to republish this episode from a year ago, to check in with you on how you are doing with this practice, and give us all a chance to revisit it. We'll be back again next week with a brand new episode and fresh practice. Until then, keep practicing! We’d love to hear what’s inspiring you! Share your thoughts using the “Send us a text message” feature or email us at practicingconnection@oneop.org .…

Practicing Connection

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Leveraging Forgiveness as a Strength 9:19

15 weeks ago9:19

9:19

Send us a text **Leveraging Forgiveness as a Strength** Forgiveness is a powerful character strength and skill that can appear deceptively difficult to master. When we feel hurt by someone, or upset at ourselves, how do we move past the emotions of the moment to understand what is really happening in that situation? In this episode of *Practicing Connection*, Jessica Beckendorf shares with co-host Coral Owen and our listeners a process that helps build muscle memory for forgiveness, and understand why it's so important: to turn the negative into a positive for both you and the other person. We’d love to hear what’s inspiring you! Share your thoughts using the “Send us a text message” feature or email us at practicingconnection@oneop.org .…

Practicing Connection

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Reframing Mistakes as Learning Opportunities 8:43

16 weeks ago8:43

8:43

Send us a text **Reframing Mistakes for Growth** In this episode of *Practicing Connection*, Coral Owen provides co-host Jessica Beckendorf and listeners with a practical guide to reframing your mindset when you make a mistake. Drawing inspiration from her two-year-old toddler's ability to move past errors effortlessly, Coral contrasts this with the adult tendency to analyze mistakes deeply. Coral introduces a simple, two-step approach that fosters grace and understanding, helping to turn mistakes into opportunities for personal growth. This method encourages building a healthy habit of self-compassion and learning over time. We’d love to hear what’s inspiring you! Share your thoughts using the “Send us a text message” feature or email us at practicingconnection@oneop.org .…

Practicing Connection

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Move on From Mistakes with the 10-10-10 Rule 11:04

17 weeks ago11:04

11:04

Send us a text In this episode, hosts Coral and Jessica explore the 10-10-10 Rule, a simple yet powerful technique for gaining perspective on mistakes and decision-making. Jessica explains how this tool can be used to reflect on and move through errors without spiraling into panic. Tune in to learn how asking three simple questions can help you and your team navigate challenges with a clearer mindset. Don't forget to share what's inspiring you by using the "Send us a text message" feature or emailing practicingconnection@oneop.org .…

Practicing Connection

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Boost Your Productivity with Co-working 12:46

18 weeks ago12:46

12:46

Send us a text Boost your productivity and stay connected with others through the power of co-working! In this episode of Practicing Connection, learn how structured co-working sessions can enhance focus, provide accountability, and create a sense of community—whether in person or virtually. Jessica shares a simple, step-by-step approach to implementing this practice, including the use of timed work intervals and background ambiance to boost motivation.…

Practicing Connection

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The 1-Minute Agreement 9:37

19 weeks ago9:37

9:37

Send us a text In this episode of Practicing Connection , we explore the "one-minute agreement," a simple yet powerful practice for building consistency and overcoming inertia. Coral shares how this approach can help tackle big goals by breaking them into bite-sized, manageable steps.

Practicing Connection

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Habit Stacking 11:05

20 weeks ago11:05

11:05

Send us a text In this episode of Practicing Connection , Coral talks about Habit Stacking, a practice that can help you adopt new habits by pairing them with existing ones. Learn more about this adaptable practice that can help you change your behavior.

Practicing Connection

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Easy Priority Setting with the Wheel of Life 14:04

21 weeks ago14:04

14:04

Send us a text In this episode of Practicing Connection , Jessica introduces the Wheel of Life as a simple tool to help set priorities and find balance by identifying areas that need attention. Discover how this practice encourages intentionality, making it easier to focus on what matters most to you each month.…

Practicing Connection

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New Year, New Co-host 12:41

22 weeks ago12:41

12:41

Send us a text In this episode, Jessica Beckendorf introduces Coral Owen as the new co-host of Practicing Connection. They reflect on their journey working together, share insights into the podcast’s evolution, and discuss the importance of consistent small practices for personal and professional growth.…

Practicing Connection

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Strategies for Navigating Challenging Conversations 16:05

23 weeks ago16:05

16:05

Send us a text In this episode of Practicing Connection, Bob and Jessica discuss the importance of navigating challenging conversations. Jessica introduces a practical activity designed to help manage emotions and foster constructive dialogue, whether in personal or professional settings.

Practicing Connection

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Letting Go to Make Room for Growth 13:58

24 weeks ago13:58

13:58

Send us a text In this practicast, inspired by Heather Plett’s book The Art of Holding Space, Bob Bertsch shares a practice for letting go of something to create space for new possibilities. Our co-creator for this episode was our OneOp colleague, Kristen Jowers.

Practicing Connection

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The Power of Connection, Reflection, and Evolution with Bob Bertsch 28:02

25 weeks ago28:02

28:02

Send us a text In this episode, Jessica Beckendorf and Bob Bertsch reflect on Bob’s time as co-host and his transition to a new role as national project leader for OneOp. Together, they revisit key moments from the Practicing Connection podcast, share insights from their collaboration, and explore practices that support personal and professional growth.…

Practicing Connection

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Reflections on Connection, Collaboration, and Finding Inspiration 25:45

26 weeks ago25:45

25:45

Send us a text This is our annual Reflections episode, where we invite some of our podcast collaborators from the past year to share their reflections with us. Why? Because at the heart of meaningful connection, communication, and collaboration is the ongoing journey of self-awareness, learning, and growth. Regular reflection helps us stay grounded, inspired, and ready for the challenges ahead. In this episode, co-hosts Jessica Beckendorf and Bob Bertsch reflect on the year that’s passed, highlighting the importance of finding inspiration in the midst of everyday moments and in collective efforts to support others. We also hear from two special guests who share their reflections on resilience, collaboration, and the power of community: Nicola Winkel, Project Director, Arizona Coalition for Military Families Kristen Jowers, Program Coordinator, OneOp (University of Kentucky) Tune in as they share how they've found inspiration through difficult work, the beauty of small moments, and the strength of community connection during challenging times.…

Practicing Connection

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Inviting Innovation Through Creative Destruction 12:15

27 weeks ago12:15

12:15

Send us a text Explore how inviting creative destruction can pave the way for innovation. In this practicast, Jessica shares a fun and insightful practice inspired by the Liberating Structures TRIZ activity, guiding listeners to identify and eliminate counterproductive behaviors to make space for new ideas and better outcomes.…

Practicing Connection

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The Power of Listening to Cultivate Deep Respect for People 12:40

28 weeks ago12:40

12:40

Send us a text Explore practical ways to cultivate deep respect in your personal and professional interactions. This practicast introduces “1-2-4-All,” a practice rooted in community development principles, designed to amplify every voice and promote meaningful collaboration. Learn how genuine listening and collective reflection can empower individuals and create stronger connections within groups.…

Practicing Connection

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The Welcome Wagon: Cultivating a Welcoming Environment 16:21

29 weeks ago16:21

16:21

Send us a text Discover practical ways to create more welcoming and inclusive environments in your personal and professional life. The episode introduces "The Welcome Wagon," a simple practice inspired by community development principles, offering steps for personal reflection and group collaboration to foster a culture of belonging. Explore insights on the power of connection and small actions that can lead to meaningful change.…

Practicing Connection

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Strengthening Military Community Connections with Amy Rodick 19:01

30 weeks ago19:01