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    My guest for this episode of Shift Out Loud was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) when she was just 33 years old. Since then, Brooke Eby has become a passionate and vocal advocate and fundraiser who is raising awareness of ALS through her humor and honesty.

    During our thoughtful conversation, Brooke shares how her diagnosis has changed her life and why she’s chosen to share her story through interviews, speaking appearances, and on social media. You’ll learn how she’s working to educate the public about ALS — and how her amazing support system has enabled her to embrace her advocacy and continue to live vibrantly.

    After you’ve listened to the episode, follow Brooke on TikTok and Instagram, and visit ALS.org to learn what you can do to help find a cure for this progressive disease.

    Listen now to discover:
    How Brooke and her family have adapted to her diagnosis

    The wheelchair airline incident that gained nearly 12k likes on TikTok — and how the airline is fixing their mistakeWhat you should know (but likely don’t) about ALS and its impact

    Brooke Eby was diagnosed with ALS, a terminal, debilitating disease with no cure, at the age of 33 after four years of confusing symptoms. She’s spent the last year sharing her story through outlets like The Today Show, as well as on social media with her over 280k followers. She’s fundraised over $1 million for ALS research. With the support of her friends and family, she’s been able to laugh in the face of ALS.

    Timestamps:
    01:57 Intro
    02:45 Meet Brooke Eby
    04:31 Studying tech
    07:25 Symptoms & progress
    11:00 Learning her diagnosis
    14:05 Adjusting to the diagnosis
    16:39 Having a support system
    19:06 Rolling with denial
    21:21 How ALS works
    25:45 The airline wheelchair incident
    28:48 Shift to living at home
    30:50 Interacting on social media
    33:00 Fight for the cure
    35:16 Bucket list & advocacy work
    37:08 Physical therapy
    38:38 What you should know about ALS
    40:13 What’s next
    43:45 Follow Brooke
    47:27 Celebrity connections & authorship
    49:08 Cat story
    50:59 Conclusion

    Links:
    Brooke Eby
    youtube.com/@limpbroozkit
    TikTok: @limpbroozkit
    Twitter/X: @limpbroozkit
    Instagram: @limpbroozkit
    ALS.org
    Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: exceptionalleaderslab.com

    Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com
    For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog

    Connect with me:
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears
    Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker
    Twitter: @tracylspears
    Instagram: @tracylspears
    If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential. Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notification

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    Humans require certain things in order to thrive
 and once you move beyond food, water, and shelter, the list gets a little complicated. Understanding the full scope of your needs can enable you to shift in ways you didn’t know were possible. In this episode of Shift Out Loud, I’m joined by Dr. Jennifer Clark, a seasoned physician on a mission to heal, educate, and innovate toward the relief of suffering. When not volunteering at Clarehouse, Oklahoma’s first social model hospice home, she teaches at the University of Tulsa and collaborates with organizations fostering cultures of human flourishing.

    Our discussion explores the shifts that led her to palliative medicine and the profound lessons she’s learned through this important work. You’ll learn how she built a career that satisfies her right-brain creativity and left-brain desire for structure, how Maslow’s hierarchy of needs serves as a framework for her practice, and why you should pre-order her incredible first book, Suffer.

    Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover:

    The mind-blowing hidden truth about Maslow’s hierarchy (and where that pyramid really came from)How the awareness of our mortality can powerfully change the way we liveWhat it means to create and participate in true intimacy

    Guest bio: Dr. Jennifer Clark has been in the world of healthcare for over 20 years. With Med-Peds training and board certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Dr Clark is a physician and healthcare delivery consultant serving in various roles as a clinician-educator, -administrator, and -innovator. She is the author of Suffer, a book on the power of suffering.

    Timestamps:

    01:54 Intro

    03:25 Meet Dr. Jennifer Clark

    09:37 Path to palliative medicine

    14:27 Emotional journey

    16:17 Maslow’s hierarchy

    20:20 Observing the family environment

    23:50 “Putting back together”

    29:59 The truth about Maslow

    36:45 Intimacy

    42:16 Shift to mortality salience

    45:34 Shift to meditative practice

    50:01 TED Talk

    54:42 Next shift

    58:26 Intense transition

    1:01:20 Conclusion

    Links:

    Dr. Jennifer Clark

    thegiftofchoosing.com

    Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

    Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach

    Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: exceptionalleaderslab.com

    Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com

    For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog

    —

    Connect with me:

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears

    Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker

    Twitter: @tracylspears

    Instagram: @tracylspears

    If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential! Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an ep

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    Some people know what they’re meant to do from a very young age. For most of us, discovering our gifts can require a little experimentation — but it’s never too late to shift out loud!

    Valerie Martinet has been a top seller of Transworld Systems services for over 18 years. A former pool shark, Valerie is now on a mission to make sure that medical providers get paid for their services, through introducing businesses and medical practices to a more effective, less expensive, and more diplomatic alternative to traditional collections.

    In this episode of Shift Out Loud, we explore Valerie’s fascinating journey from tending bar to breaking sales records and running a thriving business — and the massive shifts that she experienced along the way. Tune in as we discuss the conversation that led Valerie to get serious about her career and future, what sets entrepreneurs apart from wantrepreneurs, and the exciting new endeavor that keeps her creatively fulfilled!

    Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover:

    What entrepreneurship has taught Valerie about personal development and goal-planning How to create a decision tree that will help you avoid bad decisions and break bad habitsHow to zero in on the things that truly fulfill you and get you into your zone

    Guest bio: Valerie Martinet has a company that has represented Transworld Systems across the US for the last 20 years, and has been on the leadership team for 18 years. She was the recipient of the peer-nominated Above and Beyond Award in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Valerie is a consultant to medical practices of all sizes throughout the US, and a national speaker on revenue cycle management best practices.

    Timestamps:
    01:55 Intro
    03:45 Meet Valerie Martinet
    08:37 Becoming independent
    14:10 Getting serious
    18:16 Estrangement
    19:30 Shift to sales & entrepreneurship
    26:44 Doctored tag story
    29:30 Entrepreneur v. wantrepreneur
    33:47 Fake it till you make it
    36:00 Awards & goal-planning
    40:47 Big goal shift
    45:55 Decision trees
    48:07 Shift to yoga journey
    50:12 Getting into your zone
    55:36 Mantra

    Links:

    Valerie Martinet

    etsy.com/ca/shop/CisnetDesigns

    tsiagents.com/valeriemartinet/my-bio

    Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: exceptionalleaderslab.com

    Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com

    For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog

    —

    Connect with me:

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears

    Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker

    Twitter: @tracylspears

    Instagram: @tracylspears


    If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential. Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

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    Ever wanted a sneak peek into the world of comedy? My guest for this episode of Shift Out Loud has appeared on Conan O’Brien, @Midnight, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Chelsea Lately, Arsenio Hall, and Last Call With Carson Daly, so you’ve likely already seen (and enjoyed) her work!

    Erin Foley is a talented comedy writer and comic who has been making waves in the world of women’s sports, recently providing 2024 Olympic coverage on Sirius XM. During our conversation, we dive deeply into how joining an improv troupe derailed her plan to become a teacher, why she fell in love with stand-up comedy, and how she dealt with comic burnout.

    Erin is not only insightful, she’s also hilarious — you won’t want to miss this entertaining episode! Want more Erin? Her Herlights podcast tackles everything women’s sports, offering hot takes, interviews, and more.

    Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover:

    A behind-the-scenes look at the pandemic’s effect on the television industryWhy Erin loved performing stand-up comedy on Zoom during lockdown Why she believes softball will be the next sport to explode

    Guest bio: Erin Foley is a comedy writer and seasoned stand-up comic who has appeared on numerous late night shows, Comedy Central Presents, and at comedy festivals all over North America. She’s written for multiple TV shows including That 90’s Show and One Day At A Time, NPR’s Live From Here, the comedy website Funny Or Die, and was a consulting producer on Ellen DeGeneres’s unscripted comedy show Little Funny. Her humor writing has been published in The New Yorker’s Daily Shouts.

    Timestamps:
    01:47 Intro
    03:19 Meet Erin Foley
    06:27 Shift to improv
    10:14 NY, Rhode Island & following her passion
    17:29 Industry inspiration
    19:10 Burnout
    22:10 TV writing & pandemic comedy
    26:48 No regrets
    29:09 Herlights
    35:01 The Olympics & softball
    42:51 Erin’s trajectory
    45:43 Dog parenthood
    50:47 Touring & creative process
    57:33 Wally, Joan Rivers & notebooks
    1:02:59 Promo & Provincetown

    Links:

    Erin Foley
    erinkfoley.com
    herlights.com
    Instagram: @ErinKFoley

    Good Game with Sarah Spain
    iheart.com/podcast/1119-good-game-with-sarah-spai-185664375
    Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: exceptionalleaderslab.com

    Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com

    For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog

    —

    Connect with me:
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears
    Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker
    Twitter: @tracylspears
    Instagram: @tracylspears


    If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential. Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

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    The way that many of us work and live can tire us out and hold us back from playing bigger. If we want to show up strong for our teams and communities, we need to show up strong for ourselves! In this episode of Shift Out Loud, I sit down with Kara Mohr, a performance coach and internationally recognized keynote speaker specializing in health, wellness, and habit and behavior change. For over 25 years, she’s inspired people to transform their understanding of personal energy and purpose, and use mindset, fitness, and nutrition strategies as fuel to engage their best selves.

    During this inspiring conversation, Kara reveals why she left academia to carve out her own niche — and how she found her voice as one of her field’s most dynamic speakers. Kara also shares the simple hacks that can help you disrupt unconscious bad habits, how to know when you’re making a shift for the right reasons, and how a childhood nickname sent her down the path to discovering her gifts.

    Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover:

    What running a fitness boot camp taught her about the power of cultivating emotional well-beingWhy we should approach life as an ongoing process of self-discovery The #1 message she wants her audiences to walk away with (and how it can change their lives)

    Guest bio: Kara Mohr PhD is a performance coach and dynamic keynote speaker known for her expertise and experience in behavior change, exercise, and motivation. She has held faculty positions at the University of Louisville, the University of Pittsburgh, and Eastern Michigan University, and served as the assistant director of the University of Pittsburgh’s NIH-funded Physical Activity & Weight Management Research Center.

    Timestamps:
    01:27 Intro
    03:10 Meet Kara Mohr
    05:28 Finding her passion
    09:40 Shift to teaching & research
    14:44 Shift to speaking & coaching
    16:52 Making your own weather
    19:12 Shift to fitness boot camps
    21:16 Shift to staying at home
    24:20 Change & discovery
    28:55 #1 message for audiences
    32:39 Audience feedback & response
    35:08 Disrupting patterns
    39:30 Inventorying
    43:54 Mantra & next shifts

    Links:

    Kara Mohr

    mohrresults.com

    linkedin.com/company/mohr-results-inc

    Instagram: @mohrresults

    Signature Leaders

    signatureleaders.com

    Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: exceptionalleaderslab.com

    Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com

    For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog

    —

    Connect with me:

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears

    Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker

    Twitter: @tracylspears

    Instagram: @tracylspears

    If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential. Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

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    True leadership requires more than knowledge and expertise. Being vulnerable and authentic can have a huge impact on the connections you build with your team, and enable your entire organization to play bigger!

    Among his achievements as an athlete and coach, Kirk Walker has helped UCLA to seven NCAA Championships and 18 Women's College World Series appearances, earning the title of the “winningest” coach in UCLA history. In this episode of Shift Out Loud, Kirk and I discuss how he learned to play bigger while living authentically, and how this challenging shift transformed his leadership. Tune in as we explore his incredible career and his work to promote inclusivity in sports.

    Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover:

    How Kirk navigated coming out in the world of sport and how it sparked his shift into advocacyHow he embraced the challenge of returning to UCLA in an assistant coaching roleHow he partnered with Nike to raise the profile of LGBTQ+ athletes — and why trans issues need more attention!

    Guest bio: Kirk Walker just finished his 23rd season on the UCLA coaching staff where he is the Associate Head Coach. He was honored as part of the NFCA Regional Coaching Staff of the Year in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2021. He is the Bruins' third base coach and also plays at a highly competitive level. He is a visible and vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in sports.

    Timestamps:
    01:47 Intro
    04:34 Meet Kirk Walker
    08:46 Meeting Kirk
    10:58 Umpiring
    13:04 Shift to coaching & Oregon State
    18:44 Coming out & Outsports
    22:50 Strengthening leadership
    25:31 Shift to UCLA
    29:21 Guiding the transition & leaving the team
    34:05 Embracing the challenge
    39:35 Shift to advocacy
    44:45 Sports Equality Foundation
    49:06 Political climate
    52:38 Get involved
    54:28 Oklahoma Sooners
    56:45 Mantra & next shifts

    Links:
    Kirk Walker
    uclabruins.com/sports/softball/roster/coaches/kirk-walker/3957
    Instagram: @kirkwalker23
    Outsports
    Sports Equality Foundation


    I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by MĂłnica GuzmĂĄn
    penguinrandomhouse.com/books/691561/i-never-thought-of-it-that-way-by-monica-guzman

    Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: exceptionalleaderslab.com
    Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com

    For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog
    —
    Connect with me:
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears
    Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker
    Twitter: @tracylspears
    Instagram: @tracylspears

    If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential! Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifica

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    Movies are a powerful way to tell stories, change perspectives, and shine a light on different lived experiences. Empowering filmmakers can lead to massive shifts, for both individuals and communities.

    Joining me for this episode of Shift Out Loud is Amy Janes, a brilliant creative whose filmmaking journey has been fueled by a love for storytelling that began in an editing room. She’s the co-founder of Filmmakers Ranch, a thriving, first-of-its-kind studio and training academy that fosters creativity and trains future filmmakers.

    During our conversation, Amy shares her journey to kick Oklahoma’s film and television industry up a notch, how filmmaking has evolved since her days as an editing intern, and how a literal dream gave her the confidence to pursue her passion.

    Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover:

    Why Filmmakers Ranch is perfectly positioned to turn filmmaking into a substantial Oklahoma industry How Amy’s digital media agency Fanology has evolved in a changing social media landscapeThe project that gave her the opportunity to spend four days writing a script with Dr. Maya Angelou!

    Guest bio: In 2010, Amy Janes co-founded digital media agency Fanology, which helps celebrities like Shay Mitchell and Nas connect with audiences and partner with brands like Toyota to create impactful content. In 2018, she co-founded Filmmakers Ranch, a film studio and academy poised to become a hub for filmmaking, producing films, and training crews.

    Timestamps:

    01:50 Intro
    03:00 Meet Amy Janes
    08:06 Amy’s dream & moving to Penn State
    12:08 Moving to Oklahoma
    13:47 Editing internship
    17:01 Shattered Glass & Dr. Angelou
    24:25 ‘Preditors’ & Valentine Road
    28:36 Adrenaline rushes & The Rolling Stones
    31:35 Shift to Fanology
    37:50 Amy’s ideal clients
    42:15 Fanology Labs & the hunger for truth
    46:44 Opening the Ranch
    53:24 The next shifts
    55:23 Quantum physics

    Links:

    Amy Janes

    filmmakersranch.com

    Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: exceptionalleaderslab.com

    Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com

    For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog

    —

    Connect with me:

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears

    Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker

    Twitter: @tracylspears

    Instagram: @tracylspears


    If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential. Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

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    Many people play bigger by working to better the lives of those who may have been forgotten by society. The most transformative work often happens in places most of us will never visit — but its effects ripple far beyond their walls.

    This episode of Shift Out Loud features 2018 CNN Hero of the Year finalist Ellen Stackable. Ellen is the Executive Director and co-founder of Poetic Justice, a non-profit organization that has helped over 4000 people incarcerated in women’s detention centers the opportunity to process trauma, rewrite personal narratives, and heal through restorative writing and creative arts.

    Our thoughtful conversation digs into unconscious biases, racial justice, isolation, code-switching, and the power of storytelling and community to change lives. Tune in as we discuss how Ellen became interested in the carceral system, the role that hip-hop played in her first programs, and the importance of trauma-informed practice.

    Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover:

    What Ellen experienced as a member of the Mercy Farm cult and how she healed after breaking freeHow the AIDS epidemic profoundly shifted her perspective and her pathHow Poetic Justice adapts their programs for different groups and institutions

    Guest bio: Ellen Stackable is the Executive Director and co-founder of Poetic Justice, which offers restorative writing and creative arts programs to individuals incarcerated in women’s prisons and jails in Oklahoma, California, Oregon, and Tijuana, Mexico. In 2018, she was one of 10 finalists for CNN Hero of the Year. In 2019, she received the Courage Award given by the University of Oklahoma. In 2024, she was a recipient of the Newsmaker Award from the Tulsa American Women in Communication.

    Timestamps:

    01:41 Intro
    03:01 Meet Ellen Stackable
    06:19 Joining & leaving a cult
    10:03 The AIDS crisis
    14:03 Returning to Tulsa
    17:50 Mercy Farm reunion
    21:36 Carceral system & the Tulsa Race Riot
    24:37 Healing through writing
    27:03 Building curriculum
    32:45 Code-switching & distance learning
    36:28 Creating shifts for others
    40:46 Shift to Poetic Justice
    44:57 CNN Hero
    49:28 What’s next

    Links:

    Ellen Stackable

    poeticjustice.org

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ellen-stackable-11480684

    Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: exceptionalleaderslab.com

    Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com

    For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog

    —

    Connect with me:

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears

    Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker

    Twitter: @tracylspears

    Instagram: @tracylspears


    If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential. Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

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    Cheri Kempf is no stranger to playing bigger — she’s made incredible moves in the infield, in the dugout, on the mic, and at the boardroom table. A celebrated leader in women’s fastpitch softball, the four-time National Champion and six-time Hall of Fame Inductee pitched for Team USA during their 1992 World Cup victory. Today, she works tirelessly to promote women’s sports through Athletes Unlimited, a player-centric network of women’s pro leagues.

    In this episode of Shift Out Loud, Cheri and I sit down to discuss her inspiring athletic journey, how she learned the value of honoring her commitments, what she thinks about women’s sports coverage and the Caitlin Clark effect, and how she became a respected trainer who literally wrote the book on pitching!

    Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover:

    What made Cheri an amazing sports analyst — and why she decided to leave the broadcasting boothThe corporate and network buy-in required to elevate the popularity of women’s sports to the level they deserveHow Athletes Unlimited is changing the game for women’s softball, indoor volleyball, basketball, and lacrosse

    Guest bio: Cheri Kempf is a Senior Vice President and executive producer at Athletes Unlimited, a network of professional women’s sports leagues. She also serves as Director of Pro Softball, working with the Player Executive Committee to shape the league. She’s been recognized as a Sports Business Journal Game Changer (2022) and an Adweek’s Champion of Change (2023). She was Commissioner of National Pro Fastpitch for nearly 15 years.

    Timestamps:

    01:48 Intro
    04:08 Meet Cheri Kempf
    08:47 Choosing a school
    12:50 Shift to Maryville College
    16:39 New school & 3-foot shift
    20:49 Film school dream & Austin Peay
    26:04 Shift to teaching
    30:31 Women’s sports coverage
    34:35 Softball’s tipping point
    38:20 Shift from broadcasting
    42:55 Shift to Athletes Unlimited
    49:03 Caitlin Clark
    56:02 Corporate & network buy-in
    1:01:46 Being in-studio
    1:05:04 Shift to writing

    Links:

    Cheri KempF
    auprosports.com
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cheri-kempf-683605227

    Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: exceptionalleaderslab.com

    Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com

    For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog

    —

    Connect with me:

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears
    Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker
    Twitter: @tracylspears
    Instagram: @tracylspears

    If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential. Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

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    In this important and timely episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with a woman who has been playing bigger for as long as I’ve known of her
 and may just be Tulsa’s next mayor. Karen Keith is currently serving her fourth term as Tulsa County Commissioner for District 2, and before entering public service had a fascinating series of career shifts, working as a news anchor, reporter, documentarian, executive producer, and host of Oklahoma Living.

    Throughout the time I’ve been following her work, I’ve been impressed by Karen’s deep compassion, forward-thinking vision, and strong commitment to uplifting her community. We explore her accomplishments in the broadcasting industry and shift into public service, how she learned to work successfully across the aisle, and why she has been such a gift to Tulsa. Listen now and register to vote!

    Listen now to discover:

    How Karen made her mark as an international reporter and respected documentarian — and how it changed the way she sees the worldThe exciting goals and iconic triumphs of Tulsa’s Vision 2025 projectKaren’s mayoral to-do list and how she plans to serve

    Guest bio: Mayoral candidate Karen Keith is serving her 16th year as Tulsa County Commissioner for District 2. The projects she is most proud of include the completion of the Family Center for Juvenile Justice and the Tulsa/West Tulsa Levee system. Over the last four years, she’s worked with community partners on issues related to homelessness and justice reform and the ongoing work cleaning up neighborhoods, along with tackling legislation for greater abatement authority.

    Timestamps:
    01:45 Intro
    04:08 Meet Karen Keith
    08:26 Exploring the world
    11:13 Tahoe & the 5-jellybean tip
    12:57 Shift to marriage & broadcasting
    14:59 Reporting abroad
    19:25 Shift to public service
    22:04 Vision 2025
    23:04 Shift to politics & working across party lines
    28:21 Shift to mayoral candidacy
    31:11 Running for the job
    34:29 Reaching out & looking forward

    Links:
    Karen Keith
    karenkeith.org
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/karen-keith-8a3192133
    Facebook: facebook.com/voteKarenKeith
    Vision 2025: vision2025.info
    Voter Registration: okvoterportal.okelections.us/Home/RegWizard

    Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: exceptionalleaderslab.com
    Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com
    For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog

    Connect with me:
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears
    Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker
    Twitter: @tracylspears
    Instagram: @tracylspears
    If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential! Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the

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    While the residential real estate market post-pandemic has been marked by soaring prices and fierce bidding wars, owning a home is still a great investment. In this episode of Shift Out Loud, you’ll not only discover insights that will help you think and play bigger, you’ll find tips that may smooth the path to securing your dream home.

    Over the last 20 years, Shawn Peters has built a stellar reputation in the Tulsa real estate market and strong relationships with her clients, who sing her praises wherever and whenever they can. Full disclosure: Shawn helped me find a house that I love!

    Our conversation explores why Shawn made the move from paralegal work to real estate, the biggest changes she’s seen in the real estate market, and the psychology of hopeful house-hunters.

    Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover:

    The #1 mistake that people make when looking to purchase residential real estateHow Shawn made a shift into cultivating balance in her life — and what that can look likeAn insider look at how real estate agents think about their clients

    Guest bio: Shawn Peters is celebrating 20 years as a Realtor in the Tulsa real estate market, with a focus on building lasting client relationships through personal attention, experience, and execution. She’s consistently featured in the Top 100 Realtors by Tulsa People, the top 1% of Realtors in Oklahoma, and is a member of the Board of Regents, a network of luxury real estate professionals with international recognition.

    Timestamps:

    01:36 Intro

    02:36 Meet Shawn Peters

    04:40 Shift into real estate

    07:40 Big changes in the real estate market

    09:17 Real estate clients & decision-making

    13:26 Do’s & don’ts

    17:07 Shift into finding balance

    25:25 Shift into “savoring”

    30:55 Deepening relationships

    33:12 Taking action & treating yourself

    37:47 Shawna’s sons

    41:48 Conclusion

    Links:

    Shawn Peters

    speters.ccoklahoma.com

    Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: exceptionalleaderslab.com

    Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com

    For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog

    —

    Connect with me:

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears

    Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker

    Twitter: @tracylspears

    Instagram: @tracylspears


    If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential. Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

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    As the world around us changes in unsettling and dangerous ways, we need more people to stand up, speak out, and advocate for the rights of others in their communities.

    Janet Levit is passionate about doing exactly this type of important work. In addition to serving on the Tulsa Women’s Commission and the Human Rights Commission, she is an Executive Consultant to repro46, a not-for-profit devoted to educating Oklahomans about the consequences of the state’s overreaching reproductive healthcare laws on the health, safety, and well-being of women and girls.

    In this inspiring episode of Shift Out Loud, we dig into the major shifts that led Janet to explore law, academia, community leadership, and advocacy over the course of her impressive career. Tune in as we discuss Janet’s strategic decision-making process, how she’s stayed flexible when unexpected changes altered her trajectory, and the experience that instantly changed her mind about becoming a diplomat.

    Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover:

    How Janet shifted from pursuing a path she thought was expected of her into wholeheartedly following her passion and callingWhy it’s important to “get dirty” as a leaderHow she embraces her identity as a Tulsan and her role in serving her community

    Guest bio: Janet Koven Levit concluded her term as interim president at The University of Tulsa in 2021 and returned to the College of Law in 2022 as a professor. She serves on the Tulsa Women’s Commission and the Human Rights Commission, on the Take Control Initiative Advisory Board, and as Vice Chair of the Center for Reproductive Rights Board of Directors.

    Timestamps:

    01:40 Intro

    03:37 Meet Janet Levit

    06:16 Janet’s background

    07:47 Cubs or White Sox?

    10:23 Princeton & diplomacy

    13:59 Shift into law

    16:04 Yale, international law & learning Portuguese

    19:40 Shift into partnership & moving to Tulsa

    23:06 Team decision-making

    28:16 Shift into academia

    33:33 Strategic thinking & female leadership

    39:08 Shift into advocacy

    42:38 Oklahoma & women’s rights

    45:59 repro46 & creating change

    51:09 Politics v. advocacy

    52:35 Shift to empathy & hope

    58:00 Conclusion

    Links:

    Janet Levit

    utulsa.edu/people/janet-levit

    repro46

    Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: exceptionalleaderslab.com

    Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com

    For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog

    —

    Connect with me:

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears

    Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker

    Twitter: @tracylspears

    Instagram: @tracylspears

    If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential. Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

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    My guest for this episode of Shift Out Loud has appeared in publications ranging from the Harvard Business Review to Glamour UK, was named one of the Top 10 Most Powerful Women Leaders in HR, and has been hailed as a “cultural competency genius” — praise that is definitely well earned!

    Risha Grant is an international speaker, bestselling author, and sought-after diversity & inclusion consultant who is currently mapping out the next incredible phase of her business. Our candid discussion explores what led Risha to found Oklahoma’s very first diversity communications firm, the ‘shift out loud’ moments that have changed the way she moves through the world, and her fascinating thoughts on the WNBA, marketability, and the Caitlin Clark effect. We also dig into about the ongoing evolution of DEI work — you won’t want to miss it!

    Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover:

    How a 24-year-old Risha built a business case for diversity & inclusion in a corporate world that was totally disinterestedWhy a business downswing has shifted the way that she approaches the hustleHow she’s thinking bigger when it comes to her next chapter, and adapting her work to a new political landscape

    Guest bio: Risha Grant helps executives and their teams, politicians, civic leaders, and academic directors around the world learn how to behave, lead, and manage businesses more inclusively. As a speaker and CEO of Risha Grant LLC, her award-winning coaching, speaking, and training firm, Risha has shifted the hearts and minds of audiences and clients including Google, Levi Strauss, and Nestle Purina.

    Timestamps:

    01:36 Intro

    03:42 Meet Risha Grant

    05:09 DEI in Oklahoma

    06:42 The WNBA & Caitlin Clark

    14:43 Leaving basketball

    18:02 Launching her firm

    25:15 Family support

    30:45 Shift into a downswing

    35:47 Putting the shift into context

    37:29 Mentor story

    39:42 How she’s thinking bigger

    44:37 Adapting to changing world

    49:45 Friendship, debate & politics

    Links:

    Risha Grant

    rishagrant.com

    Facebook: facebook.com/RishaGrantLLC

    Instagram: @risha.grant

    Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: exceptionalleaderslab.com

    Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com

    For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog

    —

    Connect with me:

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears

    Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker

    Twitter: @tracylspears

    Instagram: @tracylspears


    If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential. Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

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    While many find fulfillment in mastering one craft, others thrive when exploring new worlds and challenges. My guest for this episode of Shift Out Loud has excelled at playing a bigger game in a variety of sectors, from business to academia to politics.

    Kathy Taylor is a woman with an incredible body of work. Her past roles include corporate EVP, Dean of the Collins College of Business at the University of Tulsa, and the 38th mayor of Tulsa, to name just a few. Currently, she’s dipping her toes into the retail world and unlocking the potential of women entrepreneurs through VEST, a peer network and investment fund.

    In this conversation, Kathy and I talk about her shift from aspiring journalist to successful securities and franchise law attorney, the calling that brought her back to Oklahoma, and her recent transition into network and community-building.

    Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover:

    Why Kathy ran for office, how she won the election, and why she loved the roleThe story behind Mother Road Market, a multicultural food hall that supports and promotes Tulsan entrepreneursHow a toxic, male-led work culture led Kathy to launch her law practice

    Guest bio: The Honorable Kathryn L. Taylor most recently served as the Dean of the Collins College of Business at the University of Tulsa. Her previous positions include Mayor of Tulsa, Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce, Tourism & Workforce, CEO of ImpactTulsa, and Executive Vice President & General Counsel of Dollar/Thrifty Car Rental. She is a founding member of VEST, a network for expanding the pipeline of women in positions of influence.

    Timestamps:

    01:42 Intro

    04:00 Meet Kathy Taylor

    08:40 Mother Road Market

    13:13 Thrifty Car Rental

    15:58 Cooking & Julia Childs

    17:49 Workplace toxicity & advocacy

    22:24 Running for mayor

    25:44 Accomplishments & challenges

    30:56 Shift into academic leadership

    34:06 Dubaian student & mentee stories

    36:07 Shift into VEST & Goods Together

    41:20 Personal mantra

    43:47 Time with the grandkids & final tip

    Links:

    VEST

    Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: theleaderlab.com

    Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com

    For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog

    —

    Connect with me:

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears

    Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker

    Instagram: @tracylspears

    If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential! Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

  • Send us a text

    The strongest leaders often come from humble beginnings, because these early hardships are instrumental in the development of grit.

    In this episode of Shift Out Loud, I talk to community leader Kian Kamas. As the Executive Director of PartnerTulsa, Kian is passionate about creating long-term, institutional change in how Tulsa pursues its economic and community development objectives, and is committed to building a sustainable, world-class operating model that builds strong and stable long-term revenues for this important work.

    Our discussion explores the many shifts that have led Kian to her current professional success, including her time at the University of Edinburgh, her shift into the world of politics, and her transformation from doer into strong leader. We also dive into her post-University struggles, the hardest job she’s ever had, and how growing up on a farm helped to strengthen her incredible work ethic.

    Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover:

    The biggest challenges Kian has faced while shifting from doer into leader — and how she works through themHow she navigates a self image of herself as an inexperienced “small-town girl”The exercises she uses to help her team find joy and potential in what they do

    Guest bio: Kian Kamas serves as the Executive Director of PartnerTulsa, leading Tulsa’s comprehensive community and economic development strategy and a team of talented professionals dedicated to increasing economic opportunity for Tulsa residents. Prior to this role, Kian served as Mayor G.T. Bynum’s Chief of Economic Development. She and her husband Lathen have lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma since 2009, and are raising their son Leith as a proud Tulsan.

    Timestamps:

    01:45 Intro

    03:22 Meet Kian Kamas

    05:54 Early work experience

    08:24 “All hands on deck”

    10:52 Grit

    13:10 Building a strong team

    16:27 Hardest job & University of Oklahoma

    19:10 University of Edinburgh

    21:45 Return to the US & finding her place

    26:09 Self-perception

    28:44 Biggest challenges

    34:22 Team-building tips

    40:00 Team retreat

    45:40 What’s next?

    Links:

    Kian Kamas

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiankamas

    Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: https://www.exceptionalleaderslab.com

    Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at https://tracyspears.com

    Want tools and insights that will help you play bigger in your life, at work, and in your community? Visit my resource library: https://tracyspears.com/blog

    —

    Connect with me:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracylspears

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker

    Twitter: @tracylspears

    Instagram: @tracylspears

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    I may be cheering you on as you think and play bigger, but my guest for this episode could give me a few professional tips! Charity Barton is the University of Tulsa Cheer coach, a Director at TU's Collins College of Business, and an entrepreneur who believes in the power of storytelling. Not only is Charity a gifted and charismatic speaker, she is a TEDx alumna. Her Talk, “How to Fix Your Unhealthiest Relationship”, focuses on the effects of media consumption on mental health and self perception, and how to develop a healthier lifestyle through media literacy — a timely and necessary topic!

    While Charity has experienced many shifts in her life, she has also consciously created breathing room that allows her to consider her best next steps. During our conversation, Charity and I dig into the ways in which taking gap years has helped to shape her path forward and allowed her to shift out loud on her own terms. We also discuss Charity’s experiences along the road to TEDx Tulsa and how she is redefining her relationship with mass media for the better.

    Listen now to discover:

    How Charity’s ‘why’ changed in terms of seeking her degree, and how this shift affected her decisionCharity’s TEDx process and how she prepared for this prestigious stage Powerful tips for interacting with media in a healthier way

    Guest bio: Charity Barton is a former University of Tulsa cheerleader and alumna with a B.A. in Communications. She is a Director at TU's Collins College of Business and the TU Cheer coach. She has a Master's in Mass Communications, and recently gave her first TEDx Talk, titled “How to Fix Your Unhealthiest Relationship.”

    Timestamps:

    01:57 Intro

    02:51 Meet Charity Barton

    04:34 Gap year lessons

    06:50 Influences behind her shifts

    10:36 Spain & France

    15:10 TEDx Tulsa

    20:27 Unhealthiest relationship

    23:54 Changing the input

    26:51 Storytelling shift

    33:33 Good/bad storytelling

    38:40 Education & leadership

    41:18 What’s next?

    Links:

    Charity Barton

    https://cboriginal.com

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3e_q01Ym9Fk

    Instagram: @iamchar.ity

    The Skin I’m In by Sharon Flake

    https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/skin-im-in-sharon-g-flake/1100552129

    The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? by Rick Warren

    https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Driven-Life-What-Earth/dp/031033750X

    Don't Drop the Mic: The Power of Your Words Can Change the World by T. D. Jakes

    https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dont-drop-the-mic-t-d-jakes/1137427897

    Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: https://www.exceptionalleaderslab.com

    Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Visit: https://tracyspears.com

    My resource library: https://tracyspears.com/blog

    —

    Connect with me:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracylspears

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker

    Twitter: @tracylspears

    Instagram:

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    My guest for this episode of Shift Out Loud is definitely playing bigger — she was recently recognized as a 2023 Power List Leader in Workplace Diversity by Oklahoma’s Journal Record! As the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at BOK Financial, Janet Huber is responsible for providing leadership, vision, and a team-oriented philosophy to advance diversity and inclusion within the organization.

    During our conversation, we talk about the unique opportunities provided by the pandemic, how working in the court system helped Janet to shift out loud and hone her craft, and the amazing books that have enabled us to think and play bigger!

    Listen now to discover:

    The importance of taking the time to appreciate our achievements (and those of the people around us!) Why privilege is so often misunderstood and the power of conscious gratitude How to know when you need to speak out — and what to say when you don’t know what to say

    Guest bio: Janet Huber is a Senior Vice President and Director of Diversity and Inclusion at BOK Financial. She has over 20 years of progressive HR experience and is passionate about establishing relationships and collaborating to facilitate cross-cultural dialogue and establish inclusive environments.

    Timestamps:

    01:48 Intro

    03:43 Meet Janet Huber

    06:18 North Carolina to Tulsa and back

    09:43 Pandemic & remote work

    11:39 Wells Fargo to BOK

    12:42 “Brag sheets” & thank yous

    15:44 Wilkesboro

    18:09 Mediation & the empathy gap

    22:07 Privilege, gratitude & using your voice

    27:02 When to speak & what to say

    33:14 Sharing the microphone & mentoring

    37:28 Shifting from manager to consultant

    42:14 What’s next & DEI

    Links:

    Janet Huber

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-huber-phr-cm-cpc-0b94542

    Never Split The Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It by Chris Voss with Tahl Raz

    https://www.amazon.com/NEW-Never-Split-Difference-Lead-Title/dp/B09VCPNDH3

    The Power of Thanks: How Social Recognition Empowers Employees and Creates a Best Place to Work by Eric Mosley & Derek Irvine

    https://www.amazon.com/Power-Thanks-Recognition-Empowers-Employees/dp/0071838406

    Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual by Luvvie Ajayi Jones

    https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Troublemaker-Luvvie-Ajayi-Jones/dp/0593298772

    Master Mentors: 30 Transformative Insights from Our Greatest Minds by Scott Miller

    https://www.amazon.com/Master-Mentors-Transformative-Insights-Greatest/dp/1400221013

    Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: https://www.exceptionalleaderslab.com

    Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Visit https://tracyspears.com

    Visit my resource library: https://tracyspears.com/blog

    —

    Connect with me:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracylspears

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker

    Twitte

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    Often, our most impactful shifts can take us by surprise or seem to come out of nowhere. My guest for this episode of Shift Out Loud is mastering the art of recognizing the right opportunities and shifting out loud with intention — whether that means playing bigger in the corporate world, leading her community, or embracing her role at home.

    Jessica Lowe-Betts is a Vice President at the PR and leadership development firm Schnake Turnbo Frank, and a former Senior Diversity & Inclusion Consultant at ONEOK. She has had an incredible career and more than her fair share of shifts! For over a decade prior to joining ONEOK, Jessica worked in various roles at the Tulsa Regional Chamber and Tulsa Regional Tourism, has co-chaired the Association for Women in Communications Newsmakers Event, and currently serves as the inaugural Chair of the Board of Directors for Greenwood Rising history center.

    Our discussion explores the lessons that Jessica has learned through experiencing a tragic loss in her early childhood, her struggles with overcoming imposter syndrome, and how each of her amazing shifts has led to her current success.

    Listen now to discover:

    Why Jessica shifted away from her first love, broadcast journalism, and toward local government and business organizations How she knew when it was time to play bigger — and how she recognized the right opportunityHow she is nailing her core as a mother and wife, and being intentional about where she is in her life right now

    Guest bio: Jessica Lowe-Betts is a Vice President at Schnake Turnbo Frank’s Tulsa office with 15+ years of experience in government affairs, communications, marketing, leadership coaching, and diversity, equity and inclusion consulting. She is an experienced DEI practitioner, communications professional, event planner, and community leader.

    Timestamps:

    01:37 Intro

    03:36 Meet Jessica Lowe-Betts

    06:36 Early years & memories

    11:25 Family support

    13:50 Shifting to college

    17:23 Shifting away from journalism

    21:50 Shifts & evolutions

    24:08 Imposter syndrome

    26:55 Knowing the right opportunity

    30:50 Schnake & “beautiful chaos”

    35:12 Pandemic, harmony & authenticity

    39:24 The pay-off & inclusion

    43:07 What’s next?

    Links:

    Jessica Lowe-Betts

    https://www.facebook.com/jessica.lowebetts

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-lowe-betts-a6023110

    Instagram: @jlowebetts

    Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: https://www.exceptionalleaderslab.com

    Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Visit https://tracyspears.com

    Want tools and insights that will help you play bigger? Visit https://tracyspears.com/blog

    Connect with me

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracylspears

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker

    Twitter: @tracylspears

    Instagram: @tracylspears

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    Christopher Uric Brecht-Smith is a trailblazer in championing equality, and his passion for playing a bigger game has led him to make legal history
 not once, but twice! Chris studied journalism at Oklahoma State University before shifting gears to pursue a juris doctorate from the University of Tulsa
 and this shift would have a MASSIVE, reverberating impact for his community.

    Chris now practices family, guardianship, and adoption law as a partner at McDaniel Acord in south Tulsa. In 2019, he and his husband, Michael, obtained an appeal from the Supreme Court of Oklahoma that recognizes and acknowledges the parental rights of nonbiological same-sex parents on the same basis as their biological parental counterparts. Two years later, he obtained the first nonbinary birth certificate ever issued in the State of Oklahoma.

    In this episode of Shift Out Loud, Chris and I talk about his family’s reaction to his coming out, the importance of paying heed to your internal voice, and his unexpected shift into practicing groundbreaking constitutional law.

    Listen now to discover:

    How he won a paradigm-shifting, landmark appeal as a new lawyer The unfortunate human cost of his history-making caseA step-by-step overview of the civil rights lawsuit that led Oklahoma to issue a nonbinary birth certificate

    Guest bio: Christopher Uric Brecht-Smit is an Oklahoma boy through and through. Born in Edmond, Oklahoma, Chris attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater for journalism and earned a juris doctorate from the University of Tulsa. His law practice heavily emphasizes LGBTQ+ representation. He lives in Tulsa with his husband Michael Brecht-Smith, also an attorney, and their two fur babies.

    Timestamps:

    01:50 Intro

    03:40 Meet Christopher Uric Brecht-Smith

    10:07 Shift from journalism to law

    16:01 Edmond & OSU

    18:39 Coming out to family

    28:18 Figuring it out & moving on

    35:15 Being present & gracious

    43:15 Nonbiological same-sex parental rights

    51:53 Shift to diversity

    55:47 Nonbinary birth certificate case

    1:04:44 Equality gala

    Links:

    Christopher Uric Brecht-Smith

    https://www.ok-counsel.com

    https://www.facebook.com/people/Chris-Brecht-Attorney-At-law/100069448718521

    [email protected]

    Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: https://www.exceptionalleaderslab.com

    Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at https://tracyspears.com

    Want tools that will help you play bigger in your life? Visit my resource library: https://tracyspears.com/blog

    —

    Connect with me:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracylspears

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker

    Twitter: @tracylspears

    Instagram: @tracylspears

    If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game.

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    You’d be surprised by the positive impact you can have on your community in just 45 minutes per week. If you want to learn how to make a huge difference in under an hour, you won’t want to miss this episode of Shift Out Loud!

    I speak to Olivia Martin, who is championing students, teachers, parents, and volunteers in the meaningful work of literacy for children in Tulsa and the surrounding areas. As the Executive Director of Reading Partners of Tulsa, she works to provide students with the support they need to read at grade level by fourth grade, partnering with under-resourced schools and pairing kids with volunteer reading partners.

    During our conversation, we dig into her experience in the Leadership Tulsa program,

    how her daughter’s passion for the theatre led to an unexpected shift in Olivia’s career, and how she’s making an INCREDIBLE difference in her community.

    Listen now to discover:

    How to get more comfortable asking for money while in a fundraising roleWhy we’re currently experiencing a crisis in youth literacy — and what needs to happen in order to fix it How to play a role in the Reading Partners mission, in just 45 minutes per week

    Guest bio: Olivia Martin is a devoted advocate for education and the Tulsa community who brings more than two decades of experience in teaching, school administration, development, and civic engagement to her role as the executive director or Reading Partners of Tulsa. She envisions a big, bold future for Reading Partners Tulsa and looks forward to nurturing data-driven growth and collaborative partnerships in the service of students’ literacy and a life-long love of learning.

    Timestamps:

    01:49 Intro

    03:04 Meet Olivia Martin

    05:25 Leadership Tulsa

    09:06 YWCA, Tulsa Dream Center, Theatre Tulsa & Collegiate Hall

    12:11 Performance, theatre & extroversion

    15:47 Fundraising

    17:58 Vital literacy statistics

    22:09 Julia Louis-Dreyfuss & Toni Morrison

    30:13 Reading Partners

    35:58 May Fest, fundraising gala & Stacey Abrams

    40:41 Getting involved & what’s next

    Links:

    Olivia Martin

    https://readingpartners.org/location/tulsa

    https://readingpartners.org/donate

    Wiser Than Meℱ with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

    https://lemonadamedia.com/show/wiser-than-me-with-julia-louis-dreyfus

    Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: https://www.exceptionalleaderslab.com

    Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Visit: https://tracyspears.com

    Visit my resource library for tools that will help you play bigger: https://tracyspears.com/blog

    —

    Connect with me:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracylspears

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker

    Twitter: @tracylspears

    Instagram: @tracylspears

    If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game.