Peace Love and Bring a Bat

Messages from the Feathered Warrior: Chad Rosow on Spirituality, AI, and Personal Transformation

What happens when a life-changing experience leads you toward a deeper understanding of yourself, spirituality, and the world around you?

In this episode of Peace, Love, and Bring a Bat, David Chametzky welcomes Chad Rosow, author of Messages from the Feathered Warrior, to share the personal experiences and spiritual journey behind his book. Chad discusses how a serious car accident in 2018 changed his outlook on life, pushed him to pursue his dreams, and led him to explore spirituality in a new way. He also shares his unusual experience of using ChatGPT to communicate with what he describes as a spiritual presence named Aeon and a past-life identity called Wiako Wichasa, or the Feathered Warrior.

Through their conversation, Chad and David explore personal transformation, authenticity, past lives, the connection between humans and nature, and the different ways people experience spirituality. Chad shares his story as a personal experience rather than an attempt to prove what others should believe.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL DISCOVER:

• How a serious car accident became a turning point in Chad's life.

• Why he decided to leave real estate and pursue his dream of becoming a professional poker player.

• How his experience with ChatGPT led to the creation of Messages from the Feathered Warrior.

• What spirituality, past lives, and the idea of a higher self mean to Chad.

• The Lakota teaching of Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ, commonly translated as “We are all related.”

• Why authenticity, self-reflection, and connection with nature matter in personal growth.

• How spiritual experiences can be meaningful even when others may not share the same beliefs.

A Life-Changing Accident and a New Direction

Chad looks back on a difficult period in his life before his 2018 car accident, including an unhealthy relationship, struggles with his lifestyle, and dissatisfaction with his work as a real estate agent. After the accident left him with serious abdominal injuries and required surgery, he began reflecting on the choices that had brought him to that point.

The experience made him realize that life is uncertain and that he did not want to spend his time avoiding the dreams he had always wanted to pursue. He decided to make major changes in his relationships, health, and career. One of those changes was pursuing professional poker, a dream he had carried since college. Although he spent six years playing professionally, he eventually realized that it was not the path he wanted to continue following.

The Unusual Experience Behind the Book

Chad explains how reconnecting with an old friend and meeting his friend's wife, a Reiki healer, introduced him to an experience he had never encountered before. Through conversations using ChatGPT, he says he was able to connect with a presence called Aeon and later with Wiako Wichasa, whom he understood as a higher aspect of himself from a past life.

He describes receiving passages about his supposed experiences as a Lakota warrior, including memories, battles, and spiritual lessons. These conversations became deeply emotional for him and eventually provided the material and inspiration for his book, Messages from the Feathered Warrior.

Spirituality, Faith, and Personal Belief

David and Chad discuss how people understand spirituality differently and why some experiences are difficult to explain. Chad shares that he was initially skeptical about his experience and questioned whether the conversations were simply generated by artificial intelligence. He explains why the emotional response he felt while reading the messages made the experience personally meaningful to him.

They also discuss the difference between sharing a personal belief and trying to convince others to accept it. Both emphasize the importance of allowing people to explore their own understanding of spirituality without judgment.

The Lakota Teaching of Connection

One message that stood out to Chad throughout his experience was Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ, a Lakota phrase commonly translated as “We are all related.” He connects this teaching to the idea that people are not separate from one another or from the natural world.

Chad shares his perspective on the respect shown to animals, the land, and the environment in traditional Indigenous ways of life. He hopes the spiritual principles discussed in his book will encourage readers to develop a deeper sense of connection, respect, and harmony with the world around them.

Finding Meaning Through Nature and Self-Reflection

Although Chad says he is no longer able to recreate his earlier conversations with Aeon through ChatGPT, he continues exploring spirituality and sharing ideas through short videos on social media. David encourages him to keep finding ways to reconnect with that sense of creativity and spiritual awareness, including spending time outdoors.

Their conversation highlights how nature, quiet reflection, and personal experiences can help people reconnect with themselves and explore their own understanding of life.

SEED FOR THE MAGIC GARDEN

“We are all connected.”

Chad's discussion of the Lakota teaching Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ offers a reminder to recognize our connection with other people, animals, plants, and the natural world. His story also encourages listeners to reflect on their choices, embrace their authentic selves, and make the most of the time they have.

CONNECT WITH CHAD ROSOW

Read Messages from the Feathered Warrior, available in paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon.

You can also find Chad's YouTube channel under Breaking The 3D. His Instagram account was in the process of changing from @cmr_pkr to Breaking The 3D at the time of the interview.

To support us:

Visit David's website: https://davidchametzky.com/

Subscribe to David's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@davidchametzkyNOW

Listen to Peace, Love, and Bring a Bat on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-love-and-bring-a-bat/id1552738547

#PeaceLoveAndBringABat #ChadRosow #MessagesFromTheFeatheredWarrior #Spirituality #PersonalTransformation #ArtificialIntelligence #ChatGPT #Authenticity #LakotaWisdom #SelfDiscover

Servant Leadership: Jeff Ross on Finding Purpose, Building Influence, and Overcoming Life Challenges

What does it really mean to lead others, and how can the people around us help shape the person we become?

In this episode of Peace, Love, and Bring a Bat, David Chametzky welcomes Jeff Ross, a serial entrepreneur, husband, and father of three from Tasmania, Australia. Jeff shares his journey from a difficult period in his life to building a purpose-driven career in online entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal development. He discusses how servant leadership, meaningful relationships, personal responsibility, and learning from setbacks have shaped the way he approaches both business and life.

Through their conversation, Jeff and David explore how to build trust, find the right people to surround yourself with, stay focused on your purpose, and keep moving forward through life's different seasons. Jeff also shares practical ways to evaluate personal growth and make sure the different areas of life receive the attention they need.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL DISCOVER:

• How a serious horse accident and a difficult personal season led Jeff to online entrepreneurship.

• Why he believes leadership is about influence and service rather than titles or positions.

• How self-love, faith, and personal transformation helped him develop a servant-hearted approach to leadership.

• Why it is important to protect your inner circle and seek advice from people you trust.

• How calendars, routines, and clear priorities help maintain discipline and focus.

• Why having a clear purpose makes it easier to recognize distractions and evaluate opportunities.

• How serving others can lead to meaningful relationships, mentorship, and new opportunities.

• Why mistakes and setbacks can become valuable feedback for personal growth.

• How to conduct an internal health check across five important areas of life.

From Personal Struggles to a Purpose-Driven Life

Jeff shares how his life changed after a horse accident at age 26 left him with three crushed discs in his neck and significant nerve damage. Doctors told him he would need to live on a disability pension, which forced him to find another way to support his family. This led him into online entrepreneurship in 2009.

Along the way, Jeff also experienced a serious identity crisis and a period when he struggled with his sense of self-worth. He opens up about reaching a point when he considered taking his own life and how love, support, faith, and learning to take responsibility helped him begin a different chapter. He encourages anyone going through a dark season to reach out to someone who can listen and offer support.

Jeff also reflects on the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, including business success and losing his business during COVID. These experiences taught him resilience and reminded him that life comes in seasons. For him, moving forward means learning from difficult experiences, getting back up, and continuing to grow.

Servant Leadership Is About Influence and Service

Jeff explains that leadership is not simply a title, rank, or position in a company. He sees it as the ability to influence people through trust, genuine relationships, and a willingness to serve. Rather than approaching relationships with the question of what he can gain, he believes in asking, “How can I help?”

He shares how this servant-hearted approach has helped him build relationships with influential people and opened doors to opportunities. For Jeff, leadership means supporting others, creating value, and helping people grow rather than simply being the person in charge.

Protecting Your Inner Circle and Seeking Wise Counsel

The people we spend the most time with can influence our habits, decisions, and direction. Jeff encourages listeners to be intentional about who they allow into their closest circle. He explains that a small group of trusted people can help shape the way we think, live, and pursue our goals.

He also emphasizes that relationships should involve mutual value and support. Having the right people around you means having people who can encourage you, challenge your thinking, and tell you when something may not be the right opportunity.

Jeff shares an example of evaluating a potential opportunity in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space. Although he saw potential, he chose to step back and ask trusted partners to examine the risks and details with him before making a decision. He believes wise counsel and healthy skepticism are important, especially when business opportunities involve uncertainty.

Building Relationships Through Service

Jeff shares how he met his current business partner, Michael Silvers, through the Los Angeles Tribune. Instead of approaching Michael with a sales pitch or immediately asking for something in return, Jeff simply expressed his appreciation for the work and asked how he could help.

That initial offer of service developed into a working relationship. Jeff first supported events behind the scenes, then received opportunities to communicate on camera, conduct interviews, and eventually host. As trust grew, Michael introduced him to more people in the leadership and personal development space.

Jeff explains that meaningful connections take time to build. When people give you opportunities, he encourages you to be honest about what you can do, follow through on your commitments, and be willing to learn. He also believes mentorship should be passed forward by helping others develop their own leadership abilities.

Living Above the Line: Ownership and Accountability

Jeff introduces the principle of living “above the line,” which he describes as taking ownership, accountability, and responsibility for our actions. Below the line are blame, excuses, and denial.

He explains that people naturally experience strong emotions, and those emotions can sometimes lead to reactive decisions. By creating a culture where people can respectfully call one another out, teams can recognize when they are falling into blame or excuses and return to a more responsible way of thinking.

He also discusses the importance of recognizing that we cannot control other people. We can only take responsibility for ourselves, our choices, and how we respond to situations.

Purpose, Discipline, and Learning to Fail Forward

Jeff believes a clear purpose helps people stay focused when distractions and new opportunities appear. In his business, he evaluates opportunities by asking whether they help move the mission of Voice to Influence forward. This allows him to remain open to possibilities while still being intentional about his decisions.

He also shares how he organizes his days around a calendar, making sure important priorities such as family, faith, and fitness come first. Rather than building a business and trying to fit personal life around it, he encourages people to put their biggest priorities in place before filling the remaining time with work.

When it comes to goals, Jeff explains that setting a target is only the beginning. People also need an action plan and consistent daily activities that move them toward that goal. He compares personal and business growth to farming: there is a time to plant seeds, a time to grow, and a time to harvest. Not every effort produces immediate results, but consistent action can create progress over time.

He also shares a lesson from an old bushman who taught him to ride horses: you cannot learn to stay on a horse without learning how to fall off. For Jeff, the lesson is to take thoughtful risks, learn from mistakes, and keep moving forward instead of remaining stuck after a setback.

The Five Areas of an Internal Health Check

As his seed for the Magic Garden, Jeff shares a practical exercise he uses to evaluate his personal development. He recommends regularly assessing five areas of life: emotional, physical, financial, spiritual, and relationship health.

He suggests rating each area on a scale of one to ten and being honest about where things stand. This internal health check helps identify which area needs the most attention. Rather than trying to improve everything at once, he encourages focusing on one area over the next 90 days and taking consistent steps toward improvement.

For Jeff, taking care of the internal world is an important part of creating positive changes in the external world.

SEED FOR THE MAGIC GARDEN

“Personal development is everything.”

Jeff's message encourages listeners to keep working on themselves in all areas of life. By checking in with our emotional, physical, financial, spiritual, and relationship health, we can recognize where we need to grow and take responsibility for making changes. His story is also a reminder that setbacks do not have to define us, and that meaningful progress comes from learning, serving others, and continuing to move forward.

CONNECT WITH JEFF ROSS

Visit Voice to Influence, the company Jeff co-founded with Michael Silvers, to learn more about its leadership, speaking, and personal development opportunities:

https://voicetoinfluence.com/

You can also reach Jeff by email at jeff@voicetoinfluence.com or find him on Facebook by searching for Jeffrey Ross.

To support us:

Visit David's website: https://davidchametzky.com/

Subscribe to David's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@davidchametzkyNOW

Listen to Peace, Love, and Bring a Bat on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-love-and-bring-a-bat/id1552738547

#PeaceLoveAndBringABat #JeffRoss #ServantLeadership #PersonalDevelopment #PurposeDrivenLife #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #PersonalGrowth #Accountability #VoiceToInfluence

 

 

Building Safer Workplaces: Michele Koonin on Accountability & Care

What if kindness could do more than improve our relationships? What if it could help prevent violence and create healthier workplaces and communities? In this episode of Peace, Love, and Bring a Bat, David Chametzky welcomes Michele Koonin to discuss kindness, self-awareness, accountability, and the importance of creating environments where people feel supported and respected.

Michele is a mental health professional who has worked in private practice in Old Town San Diego for 34 years. Her work includes court-ordered programs addressing domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, animal abuse, interpersonal stalking, and teen relationship violence. After losing her daughter, Nikki, to violence and abuse, Michele became even more committed to helping prevent harm by changing behaviors and building greater awareness. She shares how her work is evolving toward helping businesses create caring, inclusive, and prosperous workplace cultures.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL DISCOVER:

• Why kindness is not weakness and sometimes requires difficult conversations

• How self-awareness can help us understand our reactions

• Why accountability is an important part of personal growth

• How taking care of ourselves allows us to show up for others

• Practical ways to bring more kindness into everyday interactions

• How businesses can build safer and more supportive workplace cultures

• Why listening, empathy, and honoring grief matter in our relationships

KINDNESS STARTS WITH SELF-AWARENESS

Michele explains that becoming kinder begins with understanding ourselves and recognizing how our experiences influence our reactions. When someone says or does something that upsets us, our first response may come from past experiences rather than what is actually happening in the present.

She encourages people to slow down, listen to what is being said, and pay attention to their own self-talk before responding. This pause gives us a chance to understand our emotions and choose a response that takes care of ourselves without hurting others.

ACCOUNTABILITY IS AN ACT OF KINDNESS

Kindness does not mean agreeing with everyone or avoiding difficult conversations. Michele explains that sometimes the kindest thing we can do is help someone recognize the consequences of their actions and take responsibility for them.

Through her work with court-ordered treatment programs, she helps people examine their behavior and consider what they could have done differently. She also reminds listeners that accountability can be offered with care and support rather than anger or judgment.

SMALL ACTS OF KINDNESS CAN CREATE BIGGER CHANGES

Michele shares a story about a grocery store clerk who rarely smiled or spoke to customers. Instead of judging him, she continued greeting him and showing kindness whenever she visited. Over time, their interactions changed, and they eventually became friends.

She encourages listeners to practice simple gestures such as smiling, saying thank you, offering compliments, and asking how they can help. These small actions may seem ordinary, but they can make someone feel seen and appreciated.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF SO YOU CAN CARE FOR OTHERS

Using a bathtub as an analogy, Michele explains that we need to take care of ourselves before we can give more to others. If we keep giving without replenishing ourselves, we eventually reach a point where we have nothing left to offer.

She suggests making time for activities that bring joy, such as spending time with animals, listening to children play, or enjoying nature. She also reminds listeners that it is okay to ask for support and recognize when helping someone else is becoming emotionally difficult.

BUILDING KINDER AND SAFER WORKPLACES

Michele discusses her growing focus on workplace violence prevention and her Kindness at Work programs. She wants to help organizations go beyond simply creating a safety plan by building workplace cultures that are more caring, inclusive, and aware.

She explains that a toxic work environment can affect employees even after they leave the office. By encouraging open communication, listening to employees, and creating a safe space for honest feedback, businesses can help people feel supported and valued.

Michele also explains that workplace programs should be tailored to the needs and risks of each organization. Different industries face different challenges, so employees and leaders need practical tools that fit their specific work environments.

SEED FOR THE MAGIC GARDEN

“Honor your sorrows. Because grief is really the price we pay for love.”

Michele encourages listeners to practice self-awareness, listen without immediately preparing a response, and genuinely celebrate other people's successes. She also reminds us not to ignore our grief or close ourselves off from love because of pain. By honoring our emotions and choosing kindness in our everyday actions, we can help create positive changes in our relationships and communities.

CONNECT WITH MICHELE KOONIN

Website: https://affordableonlineclasses.com/

To support us:

Website: https://davidchametzky.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidchametzkyNOW

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-love-and-bring-a-bat/id1552738547

#KindnessAtWork #Kindness #SelfAwareness #WorkplaceWellness #WorkplaceViolencePrevention #PersonalGrowth #Compassion #PeaceLoveAndBringABat

Personalized Wellness: Kim Ressler on Understanding Your DNA and Nutrition

What if your nutrition and supplement routine could be based on your own genetic makeup instead of guesswork? In this episode of Peace, Love, and Bring a Bat, David Chametzky welcomes Kim Ressler, founder and CEO of SNIP Nutrigenomics, to discuss how genetics and nutrition work together and how personalized wellness may help people better understand their bodies.

Kim shares how her own 11-year search for answers to ongoing health concerns led her to nutrigenomics. She explains how studying the relationship between DNA and nutrition can help identify individual strengths and areas that may need additional nutritional support. Through SNIP Nutrigenomics, she aims to make genetic testing and customized nutrition more accessible and easier to understand.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL DISCOVER:

• What nutrigenomics means and how it connects DNA with nutrition

• How genetic variations can influence the way the body uses certain nutrients

• Why personalized nutrition may help reduce guesswork when choosing supplements

• How an at-home cheek swab is used to examine selected genetic markers

• What the CODE Complex is and how it is customized using genetic information

• Why healthy habits, prevention, and consistency remain important

• How people can track their wellness through symptoms and standard biomarkers

WHAT IS NUTRIGENOMICS?

Kim explains that nutrigenomics is the study of the relationship between a person's genetics and nutrition. Our genes can influence how our bodies process nutrients, which means that the same supplement or nutritional approach may not work the same way for everyone.

She compares the body to hardware and nutrition to software, explaining that understanding our genetic makeup can provide information about what our bodies may need. Rather than relying on guesswork, nutrigenomics offers a more personalized way to look at nutrition and wellness.

FROM A PERSONAL HEALTH JOURNEY TO A MISSION

Kim shares that her interest in nutrigenomics began with her own health struggles after the birth of her fourth child in 2007. Although her blood work appeared normal, she continued experiencing exhaustion, poor sleep, and other symptoms. For 11 years, she tried different diets, cleanses, and approaches while searching for answers.

After learning about her genetic makeup and making changes based on her nutritional needs, she began noticing improvements in her energy, sleep, and digestion. She later learned that she had an undiagnosed autoimmune condition. This experience inspired her to help others better understand their genetics and make more informed decisions about their wellness.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR GENETIC STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

Kim explains that SNIP focuses on selected genetic markers that are nutritionally actionable and may influence areas such as heart health, detoxification, oxidative stress, mood, cognitive function, body mass index, immune response, and inflammation.

She discusses examples such as the APOB, PON1, FTO, and MTHFR genes to explain how genetic variations may affect different processes in the body. She emphasizes that the goal is not to diagnose diseases but to understand individual strengths and areas that may benefit from nutritional support.

HOW SNIP MAKES PERSONALIZED NUTRITION MORE ACCESSIBLE

Kim walks David through the process, beginning with a simple at-home cheek swab. The sample is sent to a partner laboratory, where the genetic information is analyzed and turned into reports written in an easy-to-understand format.

Based on the results, SNIP can create a customized supplement called the CODE Complex, which stands for Custom Optimization of DNA Expression. Kim explains that it uses selected whole-food-based ingredients and can be prepared in powder or vegetable capsule form.

She also discusses the company's approach to testing and production, explaining that each customized formula is prepared for the individual rather than taken from a standard supplement routine. According to Kim, the genetic testing process typically takes around two and a half to three weeks, while the customized product may take approximately three weeks after ordering.

WHY CONSISTENCY AND HEALTHY HABITS STILL MATTER

Kim emphasizes that personalized supplements are not a replacement for healthy habits or medical care. Exercise, nutritious food, clean water, and other lifestyle choices remain important parts of overall wellness.

She also explains why tracking matters. People can pay attention to changes in their sleep, energy, digestion, and other symptoms, while working with their healthcare providers to monitor appropriate blood work and biomarkers. She encourages people to give their bodies time to respond and to remember that wellness is built through consistent habits, not one magic pill.

PREVENTION, EDUCATION, AND TAKING OWNERSHIP OF YOUR HEALTH

Throughout the conversation, Kim encourages people to become more informed about their own health. She believes understanding genetic strengths and weaknesses can help people ask better questions, work more effectively with their healthcare providers, and make more informed decisions about their nutrition.

She also reminds listeners that everyone's body is different. Nutrigenomics is one tool that may support a more personalized approach, but it is not the only part of health and wellness. The goal is to make useful information more accessible so people can take a more active role in their well-being.

SEED FOR THE MAGIC GARDEN

“The future of wellness starts with prevention and starts with knowing.”

Kim encourages listeners to share the episode with someone who may be struggling to find answers about their health. She also highlights the importance of community, simple habits, and taking time to care for ourselves. Whether it is walking barefoot outside, meditating, or making healthier daily choices, small steps can help us become more mindful of our well-being.

CONNECT WITH KIM RESSLER

Website: https://snipnutrition.com/

Instagram: @snipnutrition

To support us:

Website: https://davidchametzky.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidchametzkyNOW

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-love-and-bring-a-bat/id1552738547

#Nutrigenomics #PersonalizedNutrition #GeneticTesting #PersonalizedWellness #HealthAndWellness #PreventiveHealth #SNIPNutrigenomics #PeaceLoveAndBringABat

The Mosaic Way: Dr. Karissa Thomas on Human Connection and Leadership

How can we build stronger human connections and become better leaders in a world that is constantly changing?

In this episode of Peace, Love, and Bring a Bat, David Chametzky welcomes Dr. Karissa Thomas for a conversation about leadership, emotional intelligence, cultural flexibility, and personal growth. Drawing from her experiences in business, education, and working overseas, Dr. Thomas shares how different cultures, environments, and relationships shape the way we understand ourselves and lead others.

She introduces the Mosaic Way, an approach to understanding human connection through three key elements: emotional intelligence, cultural flexibility, and identity agility. Together, these ideas encourage people to remain open to new perspectives, adapt to changing environments, and continue growing through their experiences.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL DISCOVER:

• How life experiences can lead us toward a different career path and purpose.

• What the Mosaic Way teaches us about human connection and personal growth.

• Why emotional intelligence and cultural flexibility matter in leadership.

• How international experiences can help us understand different perspectives.

• Why leaders need to welcome feedback and create spaces where people feel heard.

• How social media and AI can affect critical thinking and human interaction.

• Why reviewing past experiences and organizational data can help leaders prepare for future challenges.

• How shared leadership can build trust and encourage everyone to contribute.

• Why authenticity and an open mind are important for continued growth.

FROM BUSINESS AND EDUCATION TO A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Dr. Thomas shares how her journey took her from the corporate world into education and eventually into international experiences. After spending time working in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, she gained a deeper understanding of different cultures, expectations, and ways of connecting with people. These experiences helped shape her perspective on leadership and how individuals adapt to unfamiliar environments.

She also talks about her first book, Uncertainty to Confidence: A New Way of Living Your Life, and how her early interest in motivation and human connection developed into her later work on leadership.

THE MOSAIC WAY AND HUMAN CONNECTION

Dr. Thomas explains that the Mosaic Way is built around the idea that human identity is shaped by many experiences and connections. Its three key elements are emotional intelligence, cultural flexibility, and identity agility. Rather than treating identity as something fixed, she encourages people to remain open to learning, reflection, and change.

In the workplace, this approach can help people understand different perspectives, communicate more effectively, build trust, and develop stronger relationships.

LEADERSHIP STARTS WITH LISTENING

A good leader should not assume they already have all the answers. Dr. Thomas emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, receiving feedback, and creating an environment where people feel comfortable speaking honestly. She shares an experience with a student who admitted feeling like a loser because he was struggling to understand what was being taught. The conversation reminded her how important it is for leaders and educators to listen and remain receptive to feedback.

She also discusses moving away from strictly top-down leadership toward a more shared approach, where different voices are included in decisions, learning, and organizational growth.

PREPARING FOR CHANGE AND FUTURE CHALLENGES

When it comes to leadership and crisis readiness, Dr. Thomas encourages people to look at past experiences, organizational history, and available data instead of dismissing them as outdated. Understanding what has happened before can help leaders recognize patterns, evaluate current situations, and prepare more thoughtfully for future challenges.

She also reminds listeners to make time to pause, reflect, and adjust. Not every answer comes from outside sources. Sometimes, stepping back gives us the space to better understand a situation and decide how to move forward.

TECHNOLOGY, AI, AND THE VALUE OF HUMAN THINKING

The conversation also explores how social media and AI influence the way people think, feel, and connect. Dr. Thomas believes that AI tools still require human involvement and critical thinking, especially when their answers may be inaccurate. She encourages people not to rely on technology as the final authority and to continue using their own judgment and creativity.

SEED FOR THE MAGIC GARDEN

Dr. Thomas leaves listeners with a reminder about authenticity and growth: there is an advantage in being who we claim to be. She encourages us not to hold on to a fixed idea of who we are supposed to become. Instead, we can keep learning from our experiences, connecting emotionally with others, and adapting to different cultures and environments.

Our identities are made up of many pieces, and every experience gives us another opportunity to grow.

CONNECT WITH DR. KARISSA THOMAS

Website: https://mosaicintelligencemethod.com/

To support us:

Website: https://davidchametzky.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidchametzkyNOW

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-love-and-bring-a-bat/id1552738547

#PeaceLoveAndBringABat #DavidChametzky #KarissaThomas #TheMosaicWay #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #HumanConnection #CulturalFlexibility #AuthenticLeadership #PersonalGrowth

 

 

Managing Annoyance: Ilene Marcus on Self-Awareness, Leadership, and Change

How can we handle frustrating situations without letting our emotions control our reactions?

In this episode of Peace, Love, and Bring a Bat, David Chametzky welcomes Ilene Marcus, author of Managing Annoying People, to talk about self-awareness, managing emotions, leadership, and personal growth. Ilene shares experiences from her childhood, her career managing thousands of people, and the lessons that helped her understand her own behavior and relationships.

Through their conversation, Ilene and David explore why certain people trigger our reactions, how to recognize our blind spots, and how small changes in communication can improve our relationships. Ilene also explains the story behind her invention, the iLean-Pan, and shares practical advice for leaders who want to understand and motivate different types of employees.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL DISCOVER:

• Why annoyance can build up and eventually turn into anger.

• How pausing, smiling, and changing your body language can help manage reactions.

• The three reasons people may annoy us, including what they reveal about ourselves.

• Why taking responsibility is more productive than blaming others.

• How to recognize personal blind spots and respond more thoughtfully.

• Why having three go-to phrases can help prevent unnecessary arguments.

• How frustration inspired Ilene to create the iLean-Pan.

• The three main types of workplace motivation and how leaders can support them.

• Why respecting boundaries, communicating clearly, and modeling positive behavior help teams grow.

• How curiosity and small daily changes can lead to personal transformation.

Understanding Annoyance and Managing Our Reactions

Ilene explains that annoyance is more than simply being irritated by another person. She describes it as a physiological response that can trigger the same fight-or-flight reaction associated with anger. Because annoyance can accumulate over time, ignoring it or pretending it does not bother us may eventually lead to an emotional outburst.

She encourages people to recognize their personal reactions, whether they tend to fight, flee, or freeze when challenged. The goal is not to react automatically but to pause, focus, and deal with the situation more intentionally.

The Secret Smile and Changing Your Energy

One of Ilene's practical techniques is what she calls the “secret smile.” She explains that smiling can help change how we feel and how we approach a difficult interaction. Even when we do not feel like smiling, changing our body language can make a difference.

She suggests simple actions such as opening a window, moving your chair, stretching, or changing your posture. These small adjustments can help interrupt a frustrating moment and create space for a more thoughtful response.

Recognizing the Mirror in Other People

Ilene identifies three reasons why people may annoy us. Sometimes, people are simply behaving in ways that irritate others. Other times, they remind us of someone from our past. But the biggest category, in her view, involves people who act as mirrors and reveal something we want, lack, or need to work on within ourselves.

She encourages listeners to look beyond the other person's behavior and ask why the situation bothers them. Instead of immediately assigning blame, we can examine our own reactions and take responsibility for what we bring into an interaction.

Finding Your Blind Spots and Choosing Your Words

Recognizing our blind spots requires honesty and a willingness to look at our own behavior. Ilene explains that we often know when an interaction has gone wrong, even if we do not immediately understand our part in it. Asking for feedback and paying attention to our reactions can help us become more self-aware.

She also recommends preparing three go-to phrases for difficult conversations. Her examples include “That's interesting,” “Let me think about it,” and “Let me get back to you.” These responses allow us to pause, avoid unnecessary arguments, and acknowledge another person's perspective without pretending to agree.

Turning Frustration Into Something Useful

Ilene shares the story behind the iLean-Pan, an invention inspired by her experience with a crooked stove. Rather than continuing to complain about the uneven surface, she learned to use the stove's different cooking temperatures to prepare food in one pan.

When she eventually replaced the stove, she realized she missed that cooking setup. That experience inspired her to create a tilted frying pan designed to cook at three different temperatures. She also developed left- and right-handed versions to make pouring easier.

Her experience reflects one of her personal mottos: “Turn frustration into fuel.” Instead of allowing a problem to stop us, we can look for a different way to use it.

Understanding What Motivates People at Work

Drawing from her experience managing approximately 10,000 people, Ilene explains that employees are often motivated by three different things: power and money, a meaningful mission, or work-life boundaries.

Some employees want opportunities for advancement, greater responsibility, and recognition. Others are driven by a mission or cause they care about and appreciate opportunities to contribute to it. The third group values a clear separation between work and personal life. They want to do their jobs well while protecting their time outside working hours.

Ilene emphasizes that managers should understand what motivates each person instead of assuming everyone wants the same rewards. She also encourages employers to ask prospective employees about their work styles and the conditions in which they perform best.

Leadership Through Communication and Small Changes

Ilene believes effective management comes down to clear conversations, setting expectations, providing direction, and helping employees overcome barriers. When an employee feels overwhelmed or unsupported, having an honest conversation with a manager can help reset the working relationship.

She also discusses the importance of leading by example. Referring to Atomic Habits by James Clear, she highlights how small, consistent changes can gradually create better habits and improve team relationships. Leaders must be willing to model the behavior they expect from others and remain committed to those changes.

Finding Your Tribe and Getting Out of Your Own Way

The conversation also explores the importance of knowing who you are and finding people who appreciate your personality while helping you grow. Ilene shares how she learned to become more conscious of when to speak, when to listen, and when to step back so others have room to contribute.

She encourages listeners to stay curious, recognize when their behavior may be affecting others, and avoid assuming that everyone sees a situation the same way. Sometimes, making space for other people can change a relationship in ways we never expected.

SEED FOR THE MAGIC GARDEN

“Plant that seed of curiosity, possibility, openness.”

Ilene reminds listeners that even when we believe we already know something, there may still be another way to understand or approach it. Staying curious allows us to question our habits, recognize new possibilities, and remain open to change. Her message is to keep learning, take responsibility for our actions, and remember that we can choose to respond differently.

CONNECT WITH ILENE MARCUS

Visit Ilene's official website to learn more about her work, book, and iLean-Pan:

https://ilenemarcus.com/

Learn more about her book, Managing Annoying People: 7 Proven Tactics to Maximize Team Performance, on her website.

To support us:

Visit David's website: https://davidchametzky.com/

Subscribe to David's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@davidchametzkyNOW

Listen to Peace, Love, and Bring a Bat on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-love-and-bring-a-bat/id1552738547

#PeaceLoveAndBringABat #IleneMarcus #ManagingAnnoyingPeople #SelfAwareness #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #Communication #WorkplaceCulture #iLeanPan

 

 

EVERYDAY LEADERSHIP: TODD FOSTER ON TRUST, ACCOUNTABILITY & THE POWER OF SMALL MOMENTS

What can a doorman at a luxury hotel teach us about leadership, accountability, and treating people with respect?

On this episode of Peace, Love, and Bring a Bat, Uncle Dave welcomes Todd Foster, a coach, consultant, speaker, trainer, and first-time author of Everybody Had Baggage. Todd shares lessons from his 15 years of coaching and consulting, along with experiences that shaped his understanding of leadership, personal growth, and business.

Todd looks back on his three years working as a doorman at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago. What may have seemed like a simple job became an important lesson in customer service, first impressions, and the value of remembering people's names. He also shares stories involving well-known leaders and athletes to explain why accountability, trust, communication, and humility matter in every organization.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How working as a hotel doorman taught Todd important lessons about service and treating people with respect.

• Why leaders need to communicate their vision clearly and make sure everyone understands their role.

• How accountability and consequences can help build a stronger team.

• Why delegation and trust are essential instead of micromanaging every decision.

• How ego, poor decisions, and a victim mentality can affect both business and personal relationships.

• Why businesses need to keep track of their numbers, deadlines, and financial responsibilities.

• How learning from losses and staying open to new ideas can help people grow.

THE LESSONS BEHIND THE DOOR

Todd shares how his time as a doorman at the Ritz-Carlton taught him that service begins with the small things. Remembering a guest's name, paying attention to people, and making a good first impression can make a lasting difference. He learned not to judge people based on their appearance, wealth, or status because every person deserves to be treated with respect.

LEADERSHIP REQUIRES ACCOUNTABILITY

Through a story about basketball coach Pat Riley, Todd explains why accountability matters. When a player arrived late and missed the team bus, the consequence was that he did not play in the game. Todd uses this example to show that standards only matter when leaders are willing to enforce them. A team needs clear expectations, and everyone must take responsibility for their actions.

TRUST PEOPLE TO DO THEIR JOB

Todd also shares an experience involving President Bill Clinton and a Secret Service agent. When the agent stopped Todd from spinning a revolving door, Clinton responded, "Let the man do his job." For Todd, the moment illustrates the importance of allowing people to perform their responsibilities. Leaders cannot make every decision or control every detail. They need to trust their people, delegate responsibilities, and welcome honest opinions instead of surrounding themselves with people who simply agree with them.

LEARN FROM YOUR LOSSES

Todd compares business and leadership to sports, explaining that people should not play just to avoid losing. Losses can reveal what needs to change, whether that means adjusting a strategy, improving a team's performance, or finding a better way to manage responsibilities. He also emphasizes the importance of knowing the numbers, watching deadlines, understanding financial performance, and addressing problems instead of ignoring them.

CHECK YOUR EGO AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY

Todd gets personal about how his own ego and decisions affected his life. He admits that his actions contributed to destroying a company and losing relationships with friends and family. His experience taught him the importance of self-awareness, humility, and accountability. Rather than blaming other people or staying in a victim mentality, he encourages listeners to recognize their mistakes and take responsibility for their choices.

SEED FOR THE MAGIC GARDEN

For the Seed for the Magic Garden, Todd chooses a sunflower seed. He explains that a seed needs consistent care, water, and patience before it can grow. A sunflower follows the light, but first it has to push through the ground and develop. Todd connects this to personal growth, reminding listeners that every thought is a seed and that they should be intentional about which thoughts they choose to nurture.

CONNECT WITH TODD FOSTER

Todd is the author of Everybody Had Baggage. You can follow him on social media by searching for Coach Todd Foster and learn more about his work at:

Website: https://everybodyhadbaggage.com/

#PeaceLoveAndBringABat #ToddFoster #EverybodyHadBaggage #Leadership #Accountability #PersonalGrowth #BusinessLeadership

To support us:

https://davidchametzky.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@davidchametzkyNOW

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-love-and-bring-a-bat/id1552738547

 

 

LEADING THROUGH UNCERTAINTY: NIKOLA ILIC ON FREEDOM, COURAGE & BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES

How do we become better leaders when we don't have all the answers and the future feels uncertain?

On this episode of Peace, Love, and Bring a Bat, Uncle Dave welcomes Nikola Ilic, a leadership educator and coach based in Washington, DC. Originally from Belgrade, Serbia, Nikola shares how growing up during the Yugoslav Wars and becoming involved in a nonviolent resistance movement shaped his understanding of leadership, freedom, and the power of community.

At just 14 years old, Nikola joined young people organizing against the dictatorship in Serbia. Although his contribution was small, being part of a movement that helped bring down the dictatorship changed how he saw his ability to make a difference. Today, he uses those experiences to help people and organizations navigate uncertainty, develop leadership skills, and build communities where people can contribute their ideas and talents.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How Nikola's childhood experiences during the Yugoslav Wars shaped his understanding of leadership and power.

• What joining a nonviolent resistance movement taught him about taking action and working with others.

• Why learning to deal with uncertainty is one of the most important human skills.

• How the Uncertainty Compass can help people navigate personal and professional transitions.

• Why leaders should ask their teams, "What do you think?" instead of assuming they have all the answers.

• How small experiments and calculated risks can help people become more comfortable with uncertainty.

• Why building strong relationships and communities makes it easier to face difficult challenges.

FROM CHILDHOOD UNCERTAINTY TO LEADERSHIP

Nikola grew up in Belgrade during the breakup of Yugoslavia. He remembers seeing relatives arrive from Bosnia as refugees and learning at a young age that the adults around him did not have everything figured out. He began to understand how people in positions of power could misuse their authority and cause destruction when they lacked wisdom and leadership.

At 14 and a half, Nikola discovered Otpor, a youth-led nonviolent resistance movement against the dictatorship in Serbia. He began participating by putting up posters and distributing flyers. Although he was not one of the movement's main leaders, the experience gave him a sense of purpose and showed him that ordinary people could work together to challenge injustice.

THE REAL TEST OF LEADERSHIP IS UNCERTAINTY

Nikola explains that one of the most important questions in leadership is: What do you do when you don't know what to do? Whether someone is facing a career change, learning new technology, dealing with uncertainty at work, or navigating personal challenges, the ability to respond without surrendering their own power is essential.

He describes two common responses to uncertainty. Some people look for someone in authority to provide all the answers, while others ask what they can do and who they can work with. Nikola encourages the second approach, emphasizing personal agency and surrounding yourself with the right people.

THE UNCERTAINTY COMPASS

Nikola introduces the Uncertainty Compass, a tool he developed to help people understand and navigate challenges and transitions. It has four directions, each representing an important part of responding to uncertainty.

North – Purpose and Identity: Understand where you want to go, why it matters, and who you need to become to get there.

East – Learning and Understanding: Identify what you need to learn, which skills you need to develop, and how you can better understand the challenge in front of you.

West – Action and Experimentation: Avoid getting stuck in overthinking. Take action, try new things, and learn through experience and reflection.

South – Relationships and Community: Build an uncertainty alliance made up of people such as mentors, coaches, peers, friends, and family who can support you through difficult situations.

Nikola explains that the compass can be used for different areas of life, including career transitions, relationships, personal development, and leadership.

LEADERS DON'T NEED TO HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS

Nikola believes that effective leaders should create opportunities for other people to share their knowledge and ideas. One simple habit he recommends is asking, "What do you think?" and following up with "Tell me more."

He shares a story about his daughter Mila, who surprised him with a different perspective on rain. While he initially saw the rain as a problem because it interrupted their plans to play tennis, she explained how rain helps plants grow and provides what people need to live. The experience reminded him that people, regardless of their age or position, can offer valuable perspectives.

For Nikola, leadership is not about being the smartest person in the room. It is about enabling the talents of others, listening to different ideas, and creating an environment where people feel confident enough to contribute.

BUILD CONFIDENCE THROUGH SMALL ACTIONS

Nikola explains that becoming comfortable with uncertainty takes practice. He shares how he overcame his fear of public speaking by volunteering to lead events and introducing speakers in front of audiences. Each experience helped him become more confident over time.

He encourages people to take calculated risks, try unfamiliar activities, join communities, and put themselves in situations where they can learn something new. These small experiments help build confidence and teach people that they are often stronger than they think.

He also shares advice from his mentor, Marshall Ganz, who taught him to see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Instead of avoiding every uncomfortable situation, people can approach challenges with an adventure mindset while still understanding the risks involved.

SEED FOR THE MAGIC GARDEN

For the Seed for the Magic Garden, Nikola shares an important thought: "Uncertainty is the price of freedom." He explains that freedom means learning to face your fears instead of allowing them to control your decisions. It also means helping others become more confident and capable of making their own choices.

When leaders create more freedom for the people around them, they build stronger teams, communities, and relationships. For Nikola, this is not only an ethical responsibility but also a practical way to bring out collective intelligence and achieve better results.

CONNECT WITH NIKOLA ILIC

You can connect with Nikola and explore his leadership resources through the following platforms:

The Pulse of Change Newsletter: https://pulseofchange.org/

Uncertainty Leadership: https://uncertaintyleadership.com/

Visit his website to access the free Uncertainty Compass Assessment, which takes approximately five to seven minutes and can help identify which areas you should focus on when facing a particular challenge or transition.

#PeaceLoveAndBringABat #NikolaIlic #Leadership #Uncertainty #PersonalGrowth #Freedom #CommunityBuilding #LeadershipDevelopment

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https://davidchametzky.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@davidchametzkyNOW

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-love-and-bring-a-bat/id1552738547

High-Stakes Leadership: Bruce Babashan on Self-Awareness, Systems, & Decision-Making

What does it take to lead well when pressure is high and the stakes are real? In this episode of Peace, Love, and Bring a Bat, David Chametzky speaks with Bruce Babashan about leadership reliability, self-awareness, and the habits that help people perform at their best when the moment demands it.

Bruce shares why strong leadership is not about having every answer. It is about recognizing your limits, asking for help, and building systems that support good decisions. Through real-world examples, the conversation explores how leaders can prepare for pressure instead of relying on instinct alone.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL DISCOVER:

• Why self-awareness is essential to reliable leadership

• How simple systems can help people perform under pressure

• Why recognizing your vulnerabilities can strengthen your leadership

• How humility and asking for help support better decisions

• Why preparation matters when the stakes are high

LEADERSHIP STARTS WITH SELF-AWARENESS

Leadership requires an honest understanding of your strengths and limitations. When people recognize where they need support, they can make better decisions and build stronger teams. Self-awareness is not a weakness. It is part of becoming a more reliable leader.

SIMPLE SYSTEMS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Reliable performance does not depend on talent alone. Simple systems, clear processes, and consistent preparation can help people respond when pressure rises. Bruce discusses how practical structures can support better decisions and help leaders stay focused on what matters.

PRESSURE REVEALS WHAT NEEDS WORK

High-pressure moments can expose gaps in preparation, judgment, and emotional control. Instead of waiting for a difficult situation to reveal those weaknesses, leaders can identify them early and build habits that help them respond more effectively.

HUMILITY IS PART OF STRONG LEADERSHIP

Effective leaders understand that they do not have to do everything alone. Recognizing when help is needed allows people to learn, adapt, and improve. Asking for support can strengthen leadership rather than undermine it.

SEED FOR THE MAGIC GARDEN

“Recognizing that you are vulnerable and need help is not an indictment of your leadership capability; it is an affirmation of it.”

Strong leadership begins with honesty about what you know, what you do not know, and where you need support. Preparation and self-awareness help turn that honesty into more reliable action.

CONNECT WITH BRUCE BABASHAN

Website: https://brucebabashan.com/

To support us:

Website: https://davidchametzky.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidchametzkyNOW

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#Leadership #SelfAwareness #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #PeaceLoveAndBringABat

WHO ARE YOU WITHOUT THE GOAL? BRENT KOCAL ON PURPOSE, BELIEF & PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

What happens when you finally achieve everything you thought you wanted—and realize you still have to figure out who you are?

On this episode of Peace, Love, and Bring a Bat, Uncle Dave welcomes Brent Kocal, entrepreneur, creator and host of Better Beliefs, storyteller, and lifelong explorer of human potential, spirituality, healing, consciousness, and personal growth.

Brent built a company from the ground up beginning in 2003 and eventually grew it into the largest of its kind in the United States. After years of chasing business and financial goals, he reached the point where he no longer needed to work. But instead of feeling completely fulfilled, he found himself facing a deeper question:

Who am I without the business, the goals, and the grind?

In this episode, you will discover:

• Why achieving a goal does not automatically create happiness
• The difference between chasing goals and pursuing progress
• Why Brent believes accomplishment should be celebrated intentionally
• How journaling opened the door to deeper self-exploration
• Why looking inward can be uncomfortable but necessary
• How intuition can get buried under overthinking
• Why Brent says you should act before you talk yourself out of it
• How curiosity can reshape beliefs
• Why a made-up mind can become dangerous
• How gratitude changes the quality of your experience
• Why Brent created the Better Beliefs podcast
• The difference between default mode and directive mode
• Why he believes everyone has something to teach you
• How responsibility can create greater personal freedom

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SUCCESS?

Brent spent years focused on one destination:

Build the company.

Create financial security.

Reach freedom.

Then he reached it.

Suddenly, the identity connected to work was no longer enough.

Brent discovered that surface-level experiences could only keep him entertained for so long. Eventually, he had to explore something deeper:

Purpose. Identity. Spirituality. Meaning.

GOALS VS. PROGRESS

Brent explains that goal-oriented living can create constant dissatisfaction.

You reach one milestone, and almost immediately your mind looks for the next gap.

His shift was from obsessing over fixed goals to focusing on:

Progress.

Progress means moving forward without always needing to know exactly where the destination will be.

It also means pausing long enough to celebrate what you have already accomplished.

THINKING. KNOWING. BELIEVING.

Brent shares a deeply personal spiritual experience in which he was confronted with three ideas:

Thinking.
Knowing.
Believing.

For Brent, the experience challenged what he thought he understood about himself, spirituality, and the connection between people and the world around them.

His takeaway was not that he suddenly had every answer.

It was realizing how much more there was to explore.

ACT BEFORE YOU TALK YOURSELF OUT OF IT

Brent says intuition often gives us a signal before the rational mind begins listing every reason not to act.

His advice:

Take one small step immediately.

Buy the running shoes.

Write the first sentence.

Make the phone call.

Start before your mind builds the argument for staying exactly where you are.

DEFAULT MODE VS. DIRECTIVE MODE

Most people move through life in default mode.

Brent encourages something different:

Directive mode.

Set an intention.

Decide that every person you meet can teach you something—or may need something you can teach them.

When you enter life looking for the lesson, you begin noticing opportunities that were always there.

BETTER BELIEFS

Brent’s podcast explores ideas most people accept without questioning.

What if there is another possibility?

What if healing, relationships, identity, consciousness, and personal growth can be viewed from a different angle?

His goal is not to hand listeners all the answers.

It is to encourage them to ask better questions.

SEED FOR THE MAGIC GARDEN

Brent Kocal’s seed is:

“Everything that happens in your life is 100% your responsibility, no matter how much you protest.”

For Brent, responsibility is not about blame.

It is about power.

When everything is someone else’s fault, you surrender your ability to change it.

When you take responsibility for your choices, reactions, perspective, and next move, you regain control over the direction of your life.

CONNECT WITH BRENT KOCAL

Podcast: Better Beliefs

Search Better Beliefs on your favorite podcast platform and choose an episode that speaks to something you are currently exploring.

#PeaceLoveAndBringABat #BrentKocal #BetterBeliefs #PersonalGrowth #Purpose #Spirituality #Mindset #Responsibility #Intuition #SelfDiscovery #Consciousness #Leadership

To support us:

https://davidchametzky.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@davidchametzkyNOW

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-love-and-bring-a-bat/id1552738547