Stop Digging! - podcast cover

Stop Digging!

A-Squared Lamp Group
First, put your shovel down and listen to our monthly community podcast, Stop Digging! Only YOU can decide how to move through whatever pile of dirt your life or work struggles have put in your way. But we can help. Explore various pain-point topics with our nonprofit's podcast team that hosts engaging conversations with real people. We focus on three main community pillars: 1. Health & Relationships 2. Learning & Leadership 3. Organizations & Growth Each pillar aligns to our nonprofit’s individual member levels (wellness, career, leadership & solopreneurship), which are considered tax-deductible donations that support our work to develop people and organizations for success. We need the community to partner with us to fund Stop Digging!, and you can donate directly toward the $1150 we need annually by going here: https://buy.stripe.com/5kA4gCaOd0qBaFq28c Otherwise, sit back and enjoy our discussions with experts and experienced people who share their expertise and stories, who often provide resources, information, and connections to build up the purpose, passion, and pursuits of listeners’ Life Work. Share your own story of personal or professional development and what has helped you best by posting in our Stop Digging! self-development LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14209768 If you have a unique story about your Life Work transition, transformation, discovery, and notable success, you might be a good guest for our next show. We typically schedule six months in advance. Visit us here to apply: asquaredlamps.org/stop-digging
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Episodes

Goal Setting, Accountability and Success: Top 100 Podcaster Shares| S03 | 2025 | Episode 28

This month hosts Susan and Chris talk to special guest Kevin Palmieri from Next Level University discuss the importance of self-development, goal setting, and accountability. Kevin shares his personal journey from superficial success to finding fulfillment through self-awareness and consistent effort. The conversation highlights practical steps for setting and achieving meaningful goals, leveraging accountability, and maintaining personal growth.

Aug 05, 202558 minEp. 28

Scaling Success: NFL Athlete into Life Work Impact | S03 | 2025 | Episode 27

In this episode of Stop Digging! your hosts delve into the transferable skills from athletics to business with former NFL player Glenn Parker. Glenn shares insights into building habits, setting higher aspirations, and fostering team loyalty. He also discusses his transition from the NFL to broadcasting and family life, emphasizing the values of teachability and discernment.

Jul 01, 20251 hr 7 minEp. 27

Global Gaps in Dynamic Leadership Training | S03 | 2025 | Episode 26

In this episode of the Stop Digging podcast, the focus is on global leadership with special guest, comedian and board member Chris Knierim, who shares his insights on the importance of effective leadership. The discussion covers the significant impact of proper leadership training, the difference between good and great leaders, and personal stories about leadership experiences. Emphasis is placed on actionable tips and the role of mentorship in developing and inspiring new leaders.

Jun 03, 20251 hrEp. 26

Business Storytelling that Bends Your Destiny | S03 | 2025 | Episode 25

In this episode, host Susan interviews Dr. Danny Brassel, a renowned speaker, trainer, and coach, known as the 'Jim Carrey with a PhD.' They discuss the importance of storytelling in personal and professional growth, share insights on public speaking, and highlight how coaching can transform lives. Dr. Brassel also offers a free resource, the 'Free Story Guide,' for crafting impactful presentations.

May 06, 20251 hr 1 minEp. 25

How One Successful Serial Entrepreneur Broke out of Unhappiness | S03 | 2025 | Episode 24

In this episode of the Stop Digging Podcast, host Susan discusses the theme of Global Works and highlights issues of success and happiness in today's workforce. Joined by bestselling author and serial entrepreneur Betsy Pepine, the conversation delves into the metaphorical boxes that bind us and how to dismantle them for a more fulfilling life. Key topics include emotional intelligence, entrepreneurial mental health, and practical strategies for breaking free of societal and personal constraints...

Apr 01, 202550 minEp. 24

How To Use Conversational Intelligence to Create a Non-Toxic Culture | S03 | 2025 | Episode 23

In this episode of the Stop Digging Podcast, host Susan discusses global toxic work environments and the impact on mental health with guest Maria Escobar Borden, president of the Creating We Institute. They delve into Conversational Intelligence (CIQ), a methodology based on neuroscience, that transforms workplace conversations and relationships to foster trust and reduce stress. The discussion highlights the importance of self-regulation and effective communication in creating healthier and mor...

Mar 04, 202553 minEp. 23

Discussing Challenges & Unique Opportunities in the Navajo Nation | S03 | 2025 | Episode 22

In this episode of the Stop Digging podcast, host Susan and guest Chuck Harper from the organization Across Nations discuss the impacts and challenges faced by Navajo and other Indigenous communities. They explore the work of non-profits, focusing on faith-based initiatives, gap year programs for youth, and small business incubators to foster entrepreneurial skills. The conversation highlights the crucial role of relationship building and meaningful work in creating sustainable change and opport...

Feb 04, 202559 minEp. 22

Discover Safer Aethetic Medicine Practices | S03 | 2025 | Episode 21

In this episode of the Stop Digging podcast, we introduce the new Global Works theme and discuss the growing niche of aesthetics in the healthcare industry with Dr. Robert Tracy. Dr. Tracy, a board-certified family doctor with a passion for regenerative medicine, explains various non-invasive aesthetic procedures and their benefits for both men and women, emphasizing the importance of proactivity in skincare and hair care.

Jan 07, 202558 minEp. 21

From Suicide Watch to Empowering Other Veterans | S02 | 2024 | Episode 20

In this episode, veteran and veteran's advocate Garret Biss shares his transformative experience transitioning from military to civilian life, facing mental health challenges, and finding support through coaching and mentorship. The discussion highlights the complex struggles veterans face, including PTSD, addiction, and identity crises, and emphasizes the importance of connection, authenticity, and meaning in recovery.

Dec 03, 202458 minEp. 20

How to Heal, Recover, & Cope Post-Trauma | S02 | 2024 | Episode 19

In this episode, Nancy and Susan introduce their new series on coping with health challenges, focusing on PTSD and workplace stress. They welcome Reverend Linda-Taleo Hope from New Zealand, who shares her personal experiences with spiritual trauma and provides insights on healing, community support, and achieving a '10 space' of well-being.

Nov 05, 202447 minEp. 19

Not-So-Funny Signs, Symptoms, & Coping With Hearing Loss | S02 | 2024 | Episode 18

Nancy and Susan discuss the impact of hearing loss with guest Jenny Carrick, sharing statistics from the World Health Organization and the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. They explore the causes, challenges, and solutions, including the latest technology in hearing aids and the importance of early detection. Jenny shares her personal journey with hearing loss, workplace accommodations, and advocacy efforts. Practical tips for protecting hearing health and utiliz...

Oct 01, 202445 minEp. 18

ADHD Coach Shares Tips for HS & College Students | S02 | 2024 | Episode 17

In this episode of the Stop Digging podcast, hosts Susan and Nancy dive into the topic of ADHD and executive functioning skills. They discuss statistical insights, common challenges, and strategies for coping with ADHD. Special guest Kelly Kruger, an ADHD and executive functioning coach, shares her expertise on working with high school and college students, offering evidence-based strategies to foster effective study habits, organization, and a growth mindset. The conversation highlights the imp...

Sep 03, 202451 minEp. 17

Health Grief Struggle: Mother & Daughter (& Dog) Talk Advanced MS & Going Blind | S02 | 2024 | Episode 16

This episode is about health challenges and redefining success. Guests Jennifer and Lexi share their compelling stories about navigating life with multiple sclerosis (MS) and retinitis pigmentosa, respectively. Jennifer discusses her sudden onset of MS symptoms and the impact on her daily life, relationships, and coping mechanisms, while Lexi talks about her HK1 gene mutation and legal blindness, detailing her challenges and how she finds support through various communities and activities. The e...

Aug 06, 202442 minEp. 16

How to Inspire Employees & Build Trust Using Cultural Exchange | S02 | 2024 | Episode 15

In this episode of Stop Digging Podcast, hosts Susan and Nancy interview Rhodie Fisher, a podcast host and inspirational leader with a rich multicultural background. The discussion centers on fostering diversity and creating meaningful connections through cultural interactions and shared experiences. Rhodie shares her journey, emphasizing empathy, trust, and the power of breaking bread together to strengthen relationships both in the workplace and beyond. Her insights provide valuable lessons on...

Jul 02, 202449 minEp. 15

My First Time Overseas Travel Experience In Japan | S02 | 2024 | Episode 14

In this episode, Susan and Nancy from A-Squared discuss their organization's bi-annual international learning trips, focusing on the recent journey to Japan and Alaska. They welcome first-time traveler Nick Ciocco, who shares his transformative experiences and newfound appreciation for different cultures. The conversation delves into the planning and execution of these educational trips, the unique experiences of team members, and the value of cultural immersion. With engaging personal anecdotes...

Jun 18, 202439 minEp. 14

How Intercultural Care and Connection with Students Changed a Town| S02 | 2024 | Episode 13

Join the Stop Digging podcast for this interview with Chasity Malatesta, an educator and equity advocate in Bainbridge Island, Wa. You will learn about the benefits of diversity and the best ways of achieving them. Get your Stop Digging free development worksheet & join the free online podcast group to interact directly with host, co-host, & guests at asquaredlamps.org/podcast .

May 22, 202453 minEp. 13

From Uninspired Engineering Student to World-Renown Sculptor | S02 | 2024 | Episode 12

In this episode of Stop Digging! , Nancy and co-host Susan delve into art and culture's impact on society through an engaging conversation with renowned sculptor Gerard Basil Stripling. The dialogue explores the importance of art in reflecting society's beliefs, rituals, and social interactions. Gerard shares his journey from dabbling in fashion design to becoming a celebrated sculptor, finding his artistic calling in the supportive community of Laguna Beach. The episode highlights Gerard's pass...

Apr 02, 202445 minEp. 12

How I Used the Foods of My Heritage to Change a Community | S02 | 2024 | Episode 11

In this episode of the Stop Digging podcast, hosts Nancy and Susan kick off a new series on cultural diversity, featuring serial entrepreneur Aida Camelich Lowe. Aida shares her journey from a corporate design job to starting her own food business, Aida Food Company, outside Eugene, Oregon. She discusses the importance of food in expressing culture and how she experiments with various recipes, focusing on authentic and fusion Mexican cuisines. Aida also talks about the challenges she faced in st...

Mar 05, 202445 minEp. 11

Celebrate Wins with A2LAMPS: Let Go, Move Forward, Be the Real You | S02 | 2024 | Episode 10

It's 2024 and that means it's time to reflect on the year that is now behind us and to celebrate the wins! In this episode, hosts Nancy Trader and Susan Zytnik-Künzler discuss the things that made 2023 special: professional successes with A-Squared Lamp Groups, personal resolutions and the amazing guests featured on the Stop Digging! podcast. This is a debrief you won't want to miss! Get your Stop Digging free development worksheet & join the free online podcast group to interact directly wi...

Feb 12, 20241 hrEp. 10

Non-Evil AI (We Promise) | S02 | 2024 | Episode 09

This month's guest is entrepreneur Lukas Thern Lovén who joins Nancy and Susan to discuss a hot topic: Artificial Intelligence! They discuss this technology's implications for various industries, such as supply chain and content creation, and its potential to replace human tasks in the near future. For a deep dive on the rise of AI, its various types, and its impact on the global workforce, look no further than this episode of Stop Digging! (00:29) - Understanding Artificial Intelligence: Fears...

Jan 02, 202441 minEp. 9

Statistics on the Birth of a Business: Christmas Edition | S01 | 2023 | Episode 08

The holidays are upon us: a time to reflect on the year that is almost over and look forward with optimism to the new one to come. For entrepreneurs, this is especially important! Join Nancy and Susan for a cozy, empowering discussion about small business in America in beyond: trends, principles, ideas and experiences. Drawing from academic studies and a recent A-Squared Lamp Groups survey, our hosts touch on themes including: establishing solid business foundations, adapting to market needs and...

Dec 05, 202350 minEp. 8

From Double Lung Transplant Survivor to Thriver Entrepreneur & Speaker | S01 | 2023 | Episode 07

What does it mean to be a leader? To be resilient? When faced with a life-threatening situation, is it possible to not only survive, but thrive? These questions and more are explored on this month's episode of Stop Digging , presented by A-Squared Lamp Groups. The guest is Mark Rodriguez , a stonemason, double lung transplant survivor, motivational speaker and man of faith. Mark's incredible story of dogged perseverance and resilience in the face of (almost) certain death will inspire anyone fac...

Nov 07, 202353 minEp. 7

How We Manage Complex Relationships as Musicians | S01 | 2023 | Episode 06

Relationships: we all want 'em but sometimes we can't handle 'em! But relationships are not always romantic, family or work-based. Sometimes they're something else, a kind of blend of all the above. One such example is the relationship between members of a band. In this month's episode of Stop Digging , hosts Nancy Treder and Susan Zytnik-Künzler talk to Paul Mata and Jay Abuan, two musicians with years of experience playing in bands. They discuss how to maintain and strengthen relationships wit...

Oct 03, 202353 minEp. 6

How to Navigate Difficult Conversations with Haters | S01 | 2023 | Episode 05

Are you tired of the political rancor that seems to engulf every conversation these days? So is this month's guest, Elizabeth Doll. That's not because she doesn't have political opinions of her own. Doll is a conservative living in a very blue area of Washington state, a political minority in her community. She's also the director of Braver Politics within Braver Angels, an organization working to bridge the political divide in the United States by helping people re-learn how to love and respect...

Sep 05, 202353 minEp. 5

From Drug Addict to Empowered Citizen | S01 | 2023 | Episode 04

What does it mean to be a good citizen? Obeying the law, respecting civic institutions and exercising your democratic right to vote are elements of good citizenship that come to mind. But good citizenship is more than that. It's about positive engagement in your community. It's about thinking global and acting local. Greg Nance is a shining example of a good citizen. He is an entrepreneur, non-profit leader, political candidate, distance runner, substance abuse survivor and mentor to many. He is...

Aug 01, 202352 minEp. 4

How Toxic Organizations become Healthy | S01 | 2023 | Episode 03

Is your organization healthy? Organizational health is about more than just profitability. Turnaround, openness, clarity of corporate values and many other factors are just as important, and contribute to an organization's ability to bring in revenue. Perhaps most important of all is culture. A healthy corporate culture is only possible when members are able to identify and address those problems that everyone knows are plaguing the organization but are too afraid or too complacent to do so. In ...

Jul 04, 202359 minEp. 3

How the Developmentally Disabled Learned to Be Differently-Abled | S01 | 2023 | Episode 02

In this episode, we are joined by individuals from The Roland Center, a service-based non-profit that helps members of the disabled community in California to access education, training and employment. Our conversation centers around the importance of providing opportunities to all, the value of education and the role of non-profit in providing human services. Listen to this inspiring conversation, complete with stories of people overcoming obstacles and achieving their goals. Get your Stop Digg...

Jun 06, 202348 minEp. 2

Go from Overweight to Strong & Fit | S01 | 2023 | Episode 01

In this first episode of "Stop Digging!", we're joined by Adriana Medina Cagan, a bodybuilder and personal trainer ( fuentefitness.com ). Our conversation centers around the importance of physical fitness in empowering oneself and improving mental health. We delve into how fitness can help build self-discipline, resilience, and confidence. Adriana also shares her personal journey of how fitness has helped her overcome challenges and achieve her goals. Join us for an inspiring discussion on how t...

May 02, 202356 minEp. 1

Introducing: Stop Digging! | Trailer Episode

Introducing: Stop Digging, a podcast hosted by Nancy Treder and Susan Kunzler. Only you can decide how to move through whatever pile of dirt your life or work struggles have put in your way. But we can help. Explore pain-point topics of health, learning, relationships, and organizations with Nancy Treder and Susan Kunzler through engaging panel conversations and interviews. Then get practical tools and resources to create your own unique success plans so that they work for you. Serious change ma...

Apr 01, 20232 min
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