Beacons of Bravery Podcast

The Power of Perspective: You Can Overcome any Obstacle and Live Your Life Wholeheartedly instead of Half-Heartedly

Welcome today's Beacon, Jenny Lisk!  She's a woman who has overcome devastating life circumstances and lives to inspire others to do the same.  She is an author, a podcaster and a consultant to other aspiring authors.  This is a must listen episode for everyone--because at some point in life, we all go through adversity.
In today's episode we delve into the her story which has been largely impacted by the her late husband's battle with terminal brain cancer--and how to parent through that.  Not only that, but how to find perspective and meaning for life moving forward.  And ultimately how she has learned to overcome procrastination.
We cover sooooo many important topics, some of which include:
-how to start over when your corporate job no longer works for you (she went from an IT corporate job to an author and podcaster)
-how to support children of a parent who is terminally ill, or who has died
-how to gain perspective: when you've done the most difficult thing imaginable...anything else that seems hard really isn't that hard
-how to not live your life half-heartedly after you've lost someone or something
-how to not compound a tragedy by destroying the rest of your life
-how to think on this:  if your life is the same 5 years from now as it is today, would you be OK with this?  If the answer is no, then now is the time to do something about that
-ask yourself:  what situations bring out your discipline and focus, and then..
-ask yourself: what situation bring out your procrastination?
-how to write a memoir
Her book:  "Future Widow: Losing My Husband, Saving My Family, Finding my Voice" is available on all bookselling websites.
Her podcast: "The Widowed Parent" is available on all podcast apps.
Things Jenny mentions in this episode that you'll want to check out:
-Los Olas Surfing--a retreat in Mexico whose motto is " We make girls out of women."
-Book:  "The Anatomy of Story" by John Truby
-Book: "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl
-Quote by Ghandi: "Be the change you wish to see in the world,"
Please connect with Jenny and tell her how her story impacted you!
On all social media @Liskjenny
Her main email is: jenny@jennylisk.com
Her main website is: jennylisk.com
She has a downloadable document available free of charge:
Jennylisk.com/topten (for the top ten tips she's learned form over 100 interviews with people dealing with loss)
And as always, you can connect with me on social media--share this episode and tag Jenny and I and tell is what it meant to you.
on IG @ cari.normand on FB @Cari Yocom Normand, or you can email me at beaconsofbravery@gmail.com.
If you, or someone you know would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to me.
I'm always looking for Beacons to shine your light and inspire me and my listeners!

Your treasure lies within the cave you fear

Welcome to today's show!  If you've ever had to make a big decision (who hasn't?) this show is for you.
In this solo episode, we delve into what it takes to make a decision in your life that "goes against the grain."  And how this can ultimately help you from having regrets on your death bed--referencing Bonnie Ware's work on the 5 regrets of the dying.  
#1 of which is:  "I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me."
Some other quotes referenced in this show:
"The cave that you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek." --Joseph Campbell
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference."--Robert Frost
"Curiosity will conquer fear even better than bravery will."--James Stephens
We go back in time to historical examples of bravery:  Christopher Columbus, George Washington Carver and Daniel from the Karate Kid movie.
I would love to hear from you if you connect with anything in this episode. On IG @ Cari.Normand, on FB @ Cari Yocom Normand or via email @ beaconsofbravery@gmail.com
Subscribe to this podcast if you want to hear at least another 70 episodes!  Share and tag me on social.  Love you Beaconators! 
 

Live Your Vision by Challenging the Status Quo: Leadership, Service, Adventure and Following Your Soul's Calling

Welcome today's Beacon, Tony Frazier.  Talk about a true inspiration! Tony currently serves as the director of the Kroc Center in Salem, Oregon, USA.  He describes the mission of the Kroc Centers as providing fun, healthy and educational settings for lower income families.  Tony also runs the White Boards Consulting company.
This wasn't his first venture into helping others and his passion is to help at-risk youth.  He has accomplished this is many ways including teaching construction trade skills with Habitat for Humanity, proctoring them at home with his wife and leading a workforce project.  To him, its personal, and he tells us about it in his story.
Through it all, his vision to help and inspire others through challenging the status quo has remained clear.  Even when it meant taking pay cuts, beating the streets and knocking on doors to get funding for the projects.  
Some inspirational quotes from Tony in this episode:
"When you know who you are, what you're driven by and how you want to do life, people come around the campfire."
"Once you understand what's driving you, you've got to go do it or life doesn't feel right."
"Search your soul and decide who you want to be."
"When you feel stuck, realize everything is a choice and what do you want to choose?"
"If you really want something in life, help someone else get it."
"There's no greater joy in life than living out who you are and giving yourself to the world in that space."
"Don't aspire to be a leader but aspire to be a person who can lead."
Please show Tony some love if you were inspired by him today!  You can contact him via email at:  Tonyfrazier2017@gmail.com or whiteboardcp@gmail.com (his consulting company).
Don't keep Tony's vision and mission to help others to yourself.  Share this episode with a friend or on social media.  Tag me on social when you do so that I can give you a shout out.
On IG @Cari.Normand  on FB @ Cari Yocom Normand or on LinkedIn @ Cari Normand.
A message like Tony's deserves to be spread so that like-minded individuals can come together and change the world!
 

Our Inner Critics: How to Understand, Embrace and Resolve

We're all are our worst critics.  We may have voices on the outside that tell us we aren't good enough, but they don't hold a  candle to the voices on our inside.  Welcome to this solo episode where I delve into our inner critics...the voices in our heads that tell us negative thoughts on repeat.  
In this episode we will learn that our critics were meant to protect us for a time, but that now they're tired and holding us back.
Learn the story of the "Two Wolves." inside your mind.
This is an ever evolving process, because our inner critics can be strong.  
Referenced in this episode: 
Dr. Ethan Cross's book: "Chatter" 
Amber Lilyestrom's podcast featuring Xavier Dagba titled "Making Peace With our Inner Critic." dated 3/23/21.  
The Story of the Two Wolves.  Google it, because its referenced many ways

Do I Want to be in Fear? or Do I Want to be in Service? Jaguar mentality

Meet today's Beacon, Trish Bishop.  She has an amazing journey to share with you.  Trish authored a book called "The Question Journey" plus she's a speaker, leader, observer and innovator.  She will inspire you in so many ways.  If you need an injection of inspiration and enthusiasm, stay tuned.
Her life hasn't been a fairy tale, she talks openly about struggles and fears that she's faced along the way.  She's relatable, fun and inspiring.
Some of the things we discuss in this episode:
-how to lead with intuition
-you don't NEED a university degree to be successful
-there are angels among us (the people who turn up in the right place at the right time)
-how medical emergencies can wreak havoc and fear on family members
-how to overcome limiting beliefs when you feel that people don't want to hear what you have to say
-how being alone and comfortable with yourself can be a super-power
-how to develop "rockstar" skills
-how to develop a jaguar mentality
-"The Question Journey" book--how to stop looking outside yourself for the answers
Her book recommendation:
"The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success" by Deepak Chopra
A quote she loves:
"Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart" by Carl Jung.
You can connect with her:
Thequestionjourney.com (to get a copy of her book)
Trishbishop.com
on IG@questionjourney
twitter @ questionjourney
FB @thequestionjourney (she has a FB page there)
 

How to overcome and thrive in your life, no matter the obstacle.

Meet today's Beacon, Kelsie Whittington.  She's a dynamic and happy young woman who has overcome significant physical obstacles and is now living her best life.
Kelsie went through a major life change in her teenage years which would have sidelined most people.  Not her.  She beams a dynamic spirit, and with the love of a special man (James) she has gone on to be a happy, full-filled person.
You will want to tune into this show if you need a dose of inspiration, especially if you have faced physical limitations in anyway.
Her favorite quote:
"Don't ask God to move your footsteps if you're not willing to move your feet."
Who she likes to follow on social media:  Walnelda Farmer on Facebook
After you listen to Kelsie's story, please reach out to her and let her know how she inspired you.  You can connect with her on Facebook@ Kelsie Gagnard Whittington.  Or her Facebook group:  Catching up with Kels.  Or follow her on TikTok @kelsiewhit
I would also love your feedback.  If you have questions, comments, or future podcast guest suggestions, please email me at: beaconsofbravery@gmail.com.  or DM me on IG @ cari.normand or message me on FB @ Cari Yocom Normand.  Your feedback is what keeps this show going!
 
 

Recognizing money mindset blocks and how they hold you back from the success you desire

In today's solo episode, I discuss your money mindset, and the "thermometer" you might have set which keeps you from achieving your goals.  
We specifically discuss the money block, but it pertains to any area in your life where you may feel stuck.
Do you have a fear of success?  Do you sabotage yourself and always return to the same set level?  Me too.  I give a personal example about this relating to my medical device patent.
Referenced in this episode is the following podcast:
Epic Success with Dr. Shannon Irvine.  
(any discrepancies in the details of her story are my own)
I hope this gives you a window of insight into your brain and that you can change patterns that hold you back--so that you can go out there and be the Beacon you were born to be!
 

These are a few of our favorite things...

Welcome today's Beacons Jodi Murphy and Jennifer Denny--my two sisters.  We have a chat about some of our favorite things.  Yes, the "Sound of Music" soundtrack should be playing through your head at this point :)
What you will get from this episode:  TONS of good ideas, links and conversations.  The things mentioned will help keep you organized, keep your feet safe and comfortable, and wow your friends with an amazing rice crispy treat recipe.  
Links are listed below for the things we mention in this episode.  I have no affiliates with any of these companies (meaning we don't get paid for mentioning them).  This is all in good fun.  Enjoy!
Jenni's Favorites: (and special recipe)
Magnolia Network on Discovery+ Johnnyswim, Home On the Road, Zoe Bakes, Magnolia Table, The Lost Kitchen
5 Year Journal -One Line a Day - 
Brooks athletic running  socks
Every Dollar Budgeting App
Weekly meal & schedule- adapted from The Neat Little Nest Weekly Reset 
Meat browning utensil thing - Ground beef chopper 
Olive & June Nail Polish 
Spotify Playlists- from instagram and podcasters blogs White Farmhouse, Lazy Genius,  Bri McKoy and The Nester
Christos Pizza
Escape to the Chateau on HGTV for current episodes  and all episodes on Peacock TV 
Brown butter deluxe rice crispy treats
Delux Brown Butter Rice Crispy Treats
¾ cup butter - divided
16 oz bag of marshmallows
1 t vanilla
¾ t  kosher salt- if using unsalted butter
5 cups rice crispies
5 cups corn flakes
1 cup choc chips
In dutch oven or stew pot brown 1 stick (½ cup) butter. For details on brown butter, check this out on  Allrecipes  Turn off heat and stir in ½ stick (¼ cup) butter until melted. Over low heat add bag of marshmallows and stir to melt and combine completely. Turn off heat and add vanilla.  Add rice crispies and cornflakes. Gently fold in to cover cereal completely. Add choc chips. Gently stir. Add to lightly greased 9x13 pan. Lightly tap treats in pan with wet hands- keep loose. Let cool and cut into squares and enjoy. Can add sea or pink salt to the top before serving. 
Jodi's Favorites:
School/Office SuppliesTUL pens
Full Focus Planner (Michael Hyatt)
Power Sheets
Black Butte Ranch
Wooden puzzles like these
Curly-ish hair products/routineWet hair
Sun Bum 3 in 1 Leave In 
TIGI Catwalk “Curls Rock Amplifier”
Blow dryer with diffuser
Book relatedGoodreads for tracking reading books
Library ToolsLibby and Hoopla for audio
Placing books on hold, especially before they are released so you’re at the top of the list
Recent Helpful ReadThe Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Strategies for Putting Technology in Its Place - Andy Crouch
AllRecipes (ex. lemon bundt cake)Can search by a lot of different variables
See how others rated a recipe
People give tweaks that are also voted on that help fine tune recipes
PodcastsThe Alisa Childers Podcast
Every Little Thing (lots of random info)
FBI Retired Case File Review
Office Ladies
YouTube Channel: The Minimal Mom
Cari's Favorites:
1. Brooks Running Shoes:  https://www.brooksrunning.com
2. Tillamook Cheese:  www.tillamook.com
3. Canva (design app):  www.canva.com  also an app in the apple app store
4. Navaris Magnetic Dry Erase Board.  https://www.amazon.com/Navaris-Magnetic-Dry-Erase-Board
5. SonXtronic Running Headphones: https://www.amazon.com/SONXTRONIC-Xdr-8000-Vertical-Ultralight-Headphones
6. The Book:  "Someday is not a day of the Week:  10 Hacks to Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of your Life."  by Sam Horn.  Available on Amazon.  Also follow her on LinkedIn
7. Audacity--free opensource audio software.  Record and edit your audio. https://www.audacityteam.org/
8. Salt & Straw Ice Cream:  https://saltandstraw.com
9. Powel's Books: https: www.powells.com
If you enjoyed this episode, let us know about it!  (and if you want more episodes like this).
Jenni is on IG @: jennidenny
Jodi is on IG @: clive4ever
I'm on IG @: cari.normand
You can also email me at beaconsofbravery@gmail.com
 

How to revive your dreams and desires

Today's  Beacon is Bessie Coleman, who was a Beacon over a hundred years ago.  Her light is still shining.
This episode is for you because it focuses on helping you remember your dreams and desires...what lights you up.
Many of us have let our dreams go by the wayside when we became "responsible adults," or when our dreams see too far fetched.
If you're not inspired by Bessie's life, you might want to check your pulse.
Your desire is in your for a reason, and I hope this episode lights the spark to help you go pursue your dreams.
 

How to pursue joy in life, beyond your achievements

Meet today's Beacon, Tara Roberts.  She is an extraordinary human who has achieved very high levels and she has faced her share of personal and family struggles.  Many of you will relate-- what someone's life looks like from the outside isn't usually what it looks like from the inside.  Tara has been a mentor, motivator and cheerleader to me and I know she'll inspire you as well.
Some of the topics we cover in this episode are:
-how a person (and especially a woman) can be confident and not have to apologize for it
-how its your reaction to your circumstances, not the circumstances themselves, that can change your perspective on life--even in the midst of family addiction, miscarriage, bankruptcy and illness.
-how God is always pursuing you, even when you're not pursuing Him
-how we are all perfectly imperfect
-how to keep what is good in your life, honor what was hard and commit to changing what you can
-how being passionate about what you do can give you confidence
-how we can't do it alone.  Let your friends help you.
She drops a golden social media nugget:  before you post, pause, because the moment is fleeting but what you put out there is forever.
Her book recommendations include:  "The Shack" by William P. Young.  "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" by John Mark Comer and "Greenlights" by Matthew McConaughey
Some of her favorite quotes are:  "Smile where you are...God is."  and "Don't let your blessings become your burdens."
Give Tara a shout on social media if you enjoyed what she shared on the show.  On IG @ta_joy_ra  or on Twitter @ taratroberts1 or on FB @ Tara Amos Roberts.
You can connect with me on IG @ cari.normand or on FB @ Cari Yocom Normand, or you can email me @ beaconsofbravery@gmail.com
Now...go out there and be brave (and confident) today!