Grow Further

Change Equals Opportunity

In this episode of the Grow Further podcast, Mel and Chris dive into the whirlwind of change that we all face, both at work and at home. They challenge you to shift your mindset and become the CEO of Change, transforming discomfort into opportunity. Tune in for insights on how to lead yourself and others through the ever-evolving landscape of life! Also in this episode: Discover the importance of empathy and communication during times of change. Learn how to help your team to “think, feel, and d...

The Resilience Reset

Feeling drained as the year ramps up for holidays and other end-of-year activities? In this episode, Chris and Mel flip the script on resilience, revealing why intentional recovery—not just grit—separates the burnt out from the best. Join us for practical tips, relatable stories, and a fresh metaphor that’ll have you recharging smarter, not harder. Also in this episode: Discover why elite athletes (and you) need to recover during the “game,” not just after Learn the science behind micro-breaks a...

Continuous Feedback, Continuous Growth

Time to take the fear out of feedback! Join Chris and her new co-host Melissa as they dive into the transformative power of continuous feedback! Discover how regular check-ins can boost performance, build trust, and keep everyone engaged—especially during times of change. Get ready to rethink feedback and learn a simple framework to make it a habit! Also in this episode: Explore the SBII framework for effective feedback. Learn why frequent feedback leads to higher employee engagement. Hear examp...

The Power of Colleague Appreciation: More Than Just a Thank You

In this episode, Mel Schreibstein returns to help Chris explore how meaningful appreciation can transform workplace culture. From a simple "thank you" to public recognition, they break down the science behind why showing gratitude matters and how you can make it a daily habit. Whether you're a leader or teammate, this episode will help you boost engagement, morale, and collaboration—one shout-out at a time. Also in this episode: Why appreciation is one of the most effective (and underused) engag...

Angela Patterson (Part 2 of 2) - Check Your Engine Light - Preventing Burnout

Is your “check engine light” on? In this episode of Grow Further , Angela Patterson, Chief Nursing Officer at CVS Health, returns to explore the critical importance of self-care for caregivers. From navigating burnout to recognizing your "check engine light," Angela shares practical advice and an incredible personal story. Also in this episode: A prescription for good self-care hygiene from yoga to mindfulness and more. How caregivers can spot burnout early and respond with resilience strategies...

Angela Patterson (Part 1 of 2) - The Importance of Not Playing Small

On this episode of the Grow Further podcas t , Chris Muñoz welcomes Angela Patterson, Chief Nurse Officer for CVS Health and a trailblazer in nursing leadership. Angela shares how stepping out of her comfort zone and embracing transformational leadership shaped her 30+ year career in healthcare, inspiring others to "stop playing small" and unlock their full potential. Also in this episode: The Nelson Mandela quote that changed Angela’s mindset. The transformative leadership framework and how it ...

Grow Further - 2025 Trailer

Embracing a Growth Mindset

Are you a Know-It-All or a Learn-It-All? In this episode, the hosts dive into the concept of a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset, drawing on Carol Dweck's research. They define a growth mindset as the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort, while a fixed mindset views these traits as static. Also in this episode: The importance of fostering a growth mindset for personal and professional success. Why we should strive to be “Learn-It-All’s.” How curiosity can be...

The Trust Triangle 4 – Put Your Phone Down & Empathize

We’re on the final leg… of Francis Frei’s Trust Triangle, that is! In this episode, the hosts explore the concept of empathy. They define empathy within the context of personal and professional relationships and discuss its critical role in building trust. Also in this episode: Why you should minimize distractions and be present in conversations. Why high-achieving leaders often struggle with empathy. How mastering empathy leads to stronger, more connected relationships....

The Trust Triangle 3 – Authentically You

Are you being the True You? In this episode, the hosts revisit the concept of the Trust Triangle, specifically focusing on the element of authenticity. They discuss the challenges and complexities of being one's true self in different settings and the importance of authenticity in building trust. Also in this episode: How evolutionary and social pressures make authenticity difficult Why Chris didn’t feel like she could be her true self when working for the military. How authenticity can enrich y...

The Trust Triangle 2 - The LOGICal Next Step

You go to the gym to make your body strong, but how do you strengthen your logic? In this episode, we’re back in the Trust Triangle. This time, the hosts dive deep into logic, one of three drivers of trust. They discuss how trust can wobble due to issues in the quality of logic, communication of logic, and your track record. Also in this episode: A recap of what the Trust Triangle is. Practical tips for strengthening logic. Where our hosts think they wobble most....

The Trust Triangle

Where do you wobble? In this episode, the hosts discuss the crucial topic of trust and its significance in professional and personal life. The hosts delve into the Trust Triangle concept by Harvard Professor Frances Frei. They explain the three core drivers of trust: authenticity, logic, and empathy, emphasizing the need for balance among them to avoid eroding trust. Also in this episode: A life update from Chris. Where trust can wobble. Where the hosts think they wobble when it comes to trust...

The Big 5-0

In this special episode of the Grow Further podcast, the hosts are joined by Eva and Jed, our behind-the-scenes members of the podcast crew, to share their favorite moments from the first 50 episodes. Listen in to celebrate the big 5-0 with us! Listen to the full episodes mentioned: When in Self-Doubt, AIR it Out: https://share.transistor.fm/s/81578509 The Stories We Tell Ourselves: https://share.transistor.fm/s/5f3f1f9f The Gift of Good News: https://share.transistor.fm/s/a7ebf255 Shining Light...

Fit in or Belong?

Grow Further is celebrating episode 5-0, and we’re bringing our authentic selves and hope you will, too! In this longer-than-normal episode, the hosts discuss the wisdom of Brené Brown, unpacking the idea that true belonging means embracing your authentic self, not just fitting in. Also in this episode: The struggle to fit in, in the age of social media Personal stories of navigating identity and authenticity in personal and professional settings Making sure you foster environments where individ...

Practice Makes Permanent

Do you strive for perfection or permanence? In this episode, the hosts challenge the notion of “practice makes perfect” and introduce a fresh perspective. Perfection is unattainable, but practice can help you grow further in many areas of your life. Also in this episode: Where did “practice make perfect” come from How practicing habits can lead to lasting changes in your life Why you should practice everything from presentations to tough conversations and even making sourdough bread!...

Start with a Win

Could making your bed be the key to a better day? In this episode of the Grow Further podcast, the hosts delve into the quote, "How you do anything is how you do everything." They explore its implications, drawing insights from Martha Beck and Admiral William McRaven, and emphasize the power of small wins in fostering motivation and success. Additional topics covered: The significance of starting the day with a small victory. The connection between physical environment and mental clarity. How fo...

Do the Right Thing

Are you ready to do the next right thing? How do you know if it's the right thing? Join the hosts as they dive into the age-old dilemma of choosing between the easy path and doing what's right. From Mark Twain to Frozen, they explore the complexities of decision-making and offer insights on how to navigate these challenging moments. Also in this episode: Ways to make decisions by thinking about the good and bad sides of a situation. Why it's important to give and receive feedback, even when it f...

Give Yourself Goosebumps

When is the last time you did something that really thrilled you? Join the hosts as they uncover the secret to managing energy: chasing goosebumps! Learn how to navigate your day to prioritize joy and recharge your batteries. Also in this episode: Identifying activities that energize versus drain you throughout the day. Finding joy in small, everyday moments, even in mundane tasks. The importance of actively seeking out experiences that bring excitement and fulfillment to your life....

Be the CEO of Change

Change is inevitable, even for the Grow Further podcast! As we kick off a series of shorter episodes, the hosts dive into how to handle change like a boss. In this episode: How a real-life CEO's embrace of change influenced Ellie. Big news for Chris that brings some big change for her personal life. A tip on how to look at change in a new way this year.

Share More (Joy) in 2024

It's easy to focus on the negative, but how often do you share the good things in your life with your friends? In this episode of the Grow Further podcast, the hosts explore the importance of sharing joy in relationships and challenge you to prioritize sharing joy with others this year. They discuss the vulnerability associated with sharing joy and how it can be hindered by factors like negative comparison, guilt, and fear of seeming braggadocios. Also in this episode: What is Freudenfreude and ...

The Joy Prescription

Having trouble finding joy in your life? We have the prescription for you! In this episode of the Grow Further Podcast, the hosts discuss the concept of finding joy as a means of improving overall well-being and health. They explore the benefits of positive emotions, emphasizing the interconnectedness of joy and gratitude. Also in this episode: The difference between joy and gratitude. How positive emotions can counteract negative emotions and enhance resilience. Tips for finding joy in your lif...

Bonus Episode: Revisiting Diana Nyad

You may have seen Nyad on Netflix. But before her life hit the big screen, Diana Nyad shared her story and her passion for storytelling with the Grow Further podcast. Was it natural talent, her con artist father, or her principal asking her to give an impromptu speech that made Diana Nyad a storyteller? Diana also shares how her love of cinema inspired her. Chris and Ellie also talk to Diana about: Why we pursue our natural talents Being authentic and avoiding cliches Tips for better storytellin...

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

Is your outlook a bit dark right now? Don’t worry, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. In this episode of the Grow Further podcast, the hosts explore the important and universal topic of hope. They discuss how hope can help us weather life's storms, both big and small, and combat hopelessness. They encourage listeners to be intentional about seeking and nurturing hope, both for themselves and those they care about, as it plays a vital role in one’s mental health and personal growth. Also,...

When in Self-Doubt, AIR It Out

Are you being seduced by negative self-talk? Need to come up for AIR? In this episode of the Grow Further podcast, the hosts delve into the fascinating realm of self-talk and its impact on confidence. They share personal experiences of negative self-talk, highlighting how we often become our harshest critics. The hosts offer a practical technique called "AIR" (Aware, Interrupt, Replace) to combat that negative speak. Also in this episode: How to become their own advocate The power of affirmation...

The Stories We Tell Ourselves

We all have thoughts throughout the day (about 70,000 to be precise). Some of these thoughts are positive. Some are negative. These thoughts become stories which truly impact our reactions to every day stressors. In this episode of the Grow Further podcast, the hosts dive into an essential ingredient of resilience: self-awareness. They emphasize that resilience isn't just about maintaining a positive attitude but rather having productive and helpful thoughts when facing setbacks. Also in this ep...

The Recipe for Resilience

What is resilience and what goes into it? That’s what the hosts are cooking up in this episode of the Grow Further podcast. They discuss how being resilient is not just about bouncing back from difficulties but also thriving in the face of setbacks. They also discuss the importance of connection and optimism in driving resilience. Also in this episode: What is post-traumatic growth. Why being resilient doesn’t mean you’re a superhero. How to be more optimistic....

The Value of Validation

How good does it feel to be seen, heard and appreciated by your colleagues, family and friends? In this episode of the Grow Further podcast, the hosts unpack the value of validating others. They discuss how validation is an essential component of empathy, which is crucial for building strong connections and relationships. The duo also debunks the myth behind validation with an important message- you don’t have to agree with someone’s perspective in order to acknowledge that their feelings and op...

Speaker Series - Dr. Michael Foale (2 of 2) - Rising to the Challenger

How do you get an entire organization back in orbit? In this episode of the Grow Further podcast, former astronaut Dr. Mike Foale returns to talk about joining NASA after the Challenger explosion. He tells the hosts about the cultural transformation as they underwent and boldly shares how creating a psychologically safe environment could have prevented some of their most notorious disasters. Also in this episode: The importance of giving everyone a voice when making decisions The role we each pl...

Speaker Series - Dr. Michael Foale (1 of 2) - Out-of-This-World Resilience

If at first you don’t succeed, double down on your interests. That’s one of many lessons former NASA astronaut, Michael Foale, gives the hosts in this cosmic episode of Grow Further. Our hosts explore Michael’s journey from being laughed at because of his boyhood dream, to being viewed as a spy by the Russians, to ultimately achieving his goals and the successes and failures along the way. Also in this episode: -Michael shares his greatest accomplishment and how it helped him with empathy -The i...

The Coach Approach

We all want to be there for the people we love, lead or serve- yet sometimes we don’t show up for them in the way they need. In this episode, hosts the hosts are joined again by certified coach Melissa Schreibstein to explore how we can “listen, empathize and ask” when others come to us with challenges or struggles. The trio will share how adopting a Coach Approach in all relationships can help build or strengthen connection and trust. In this episode: The power of empathy and the Platinum Rule ...