Category Archives: Audio Podcast

Janet and Nathan

Q&A: “(How) Do You Ask People to Share Their Journal Writing?”

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Janet and NathanLeslie, a friend and co-facilitator of journaling workshops in Thousand Oaks, California asks, “When leading a journal workshop, should you read your own private journal as a way to invite others to share their own writing?”

A journal-writing workshop is an ideal place to discuss the context and content of your own journal. On one hand, it’s engaging for the participants when you are vulnerable yourself; it provides a real-life example; and it contributes to creating a safe space for connection through sharing. On the other hand, “oversharing” could trigger unexpected or undesired reactions from the students, derailing the intention of the course.

Janet “Wizzy” Wiszowaty of Family Connekt is my co-host this episode. We share our tips, resources and personal examples about encouraging people to share, without letting people’s personal issues overshadow the content of the course.

Your turn to answer: Are you a learning to become a journaling facilitator? Do you read your own journals to people in your workshops? If you are an experienced facilitator, what are some other ways that you encourage participants to share their writing, without risking the course turning into a “therapy circle”?  Please post your responses at the bottom of this webpage, in the comments section.

You may email your own journaling question to be featured on a future episode of JournalTalk. Or, pick up the telephone and leave a voicemail with your question at 1-805-751-6280. When your question is featured, we will send you a thank-you gift for sharing your voice! (JournalTalk Q&A, Episode #37, January 19, 2016)

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To Listen Now: Click on the “play” button > at the top of this article.

Six Steps to a Miracle Morning

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In December of 2012, a remarkable book hit the virtual shelves of Amazon.com, called The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM). In it, author, success coach, and keynote motivational speaker Hal Elrod explains the benefits of a powerful morning routine. This book continues to be a wonderful wake-up call for personal growth.

If you haven’t already heard the story of Hal Elrod’s amazing physical and emotional recovery from what was considered a fatal car accident, you can listen to it here. In this episode of JournalTalk, Hal shares the six key habits he cultivated to redefine himself and his career. (Yep, one of them is journal-writing!) I asked Hal how to develop a life-changing morning routine, even if you are not a “morning person.” This hour is jam-packed with great advice, a few laughs, and as always, a valuable journaling prompt!

The Miracle Morning, by Hal ElrodExclusive Offer for JournalTalk Listeners:  For a limited time, Nathan is offering JournalTalk listeners a full week of customized journal-writing exercises, tailored for their unique concern or situation at a discounted rate. Get details here. (JournalTalk, Episode #66, January 12, 2016)

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Janet and Nathan

Q&A: “How Can Journaling Help Me Get My Book Finished?”

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Janet and NathanPublishing for a public audience and keeping a private journal are two spheres of a Venn diagram that do, in my opinion, have a very interesting intersection. This episode, long-time JournalTalk listener Nestor asks, “How can journaling help me through the process of publishing my book?”

Janet Wiszowaty, a Jack Canfield success trainer, joins me in sharing tips and ideas about using a private writing practice to further the publishing process.

I’ve also interviewed several writers on previous episodes of this program, so I offer this list of related conversations which highlight different ways that journal-keeping have helped people succeed in the writing process:

Nestor also mentioned how transcription might help with the authoring process, and I’ve heard people experience great success with Dragon Dictation.

Your turn to answer: Has journaling helped you to complete a novel or other writing project? Does your diary deserve some credit for anything you’ve published?  Post your responses at the bottom of this webpage, in the comments section.

You may email your own journaling question to be featured on a future episode of JournalTalk. Or, pick up the telephone and leave a voicemail with your question at 1-805-751-6280. When your question is featured, we will send you a thank-you gift for sharing your voice! (JournalTalk Q&A, Episode #36, January 5, 2016)

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Jinny Ditzler, author of Best Year Yet

Journaling for My Best Year Yet

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Jinny Ditzler, author of Best Year YetMy favorite year-end tradition is a private ritual I learned from my 11th grade English teacher: writing my future self a “year in review” letter.

Just like a time capsule, I open the letter from last year sometime after Halloween (sometimes the letters are like ghouls from the past!) and before January, I make the time to compose a new letter, expressing my excitement, disappointments and advice for the coming months.

With ten simple-yet-probing questions, my guest this week has authored a proven method for making those annual letters truly phenomenal. Jinny Ditzler is the author of the twenty-year bestseller, Your Best Year Yet, a guide to getting results in business and in life. She is also creator of the “Best Year Yet” year-long coaching system (for individuals or teams). She firmly believes we each possess a deep and trustworthy well of wisdom that we can tap for strength, healing, and guidance. Jinny’s passion is to help people plug into those inner resources easily, in a way that brings fulfillment, purpose and power in life. (JournalTalk, Episode #65, December 26, 2015)

Your Best Year YetExclusive Offer for JournalTalk Listeners:  Jinny would love to connect with you personally, and send you the new articles she writes for the Huffington Post. In addition, she will send you (absolutely free!) a 35-page PDF that outlines the first three steps for making this your best year yet. Listen to this week’s episode for Jinny’s personal email address. 

To Join our Community: Please post comments and questions below, to further the dialogue. And connect with other JournalTalk friends in our private Facebook group. 

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Laura Probert

Journal-Writing for the Warrior’s Soul

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Laura ProbertMeeting extraordinary people like Laura Probert is my favorite part of producing these JournalTalk podcast episodes.

A black belt in taekwondo, Laura is trained in physical therapy, and calls herself a warrior healing expert. She wrote about her own healing journey in Living, Healing and Taekwondo, and today, she is a teacher for people who are fed up with pain and fear. She is the owner of Bodyworks Physical Therapy (her own private physical therapy practice), and Soul Camp, a company that helps you redefine healing. I enjoyed our conversation about the interconnectedness of all things, especially our mind and body! I learned a few things about myofascial tissue and acupuncture.

You’ll love the journal-writing and body awareness activity that Laura shares. For me, it was a reminder that writing is not only a thinking activity, but also a doorway into our whole body-mind awareness. Writing can be just as much a connection to ourselves at it is a release of ourselves.

Warrior Soul book coverI was deeply moved by “Quantum Leap”, the poem Laura wrote which launched a series of beautiful, printed journal notebooks that contain awe-inspiring artwork and poetry from a variety of authors. She even inspired me to contribute my own poem, which appears in the third book of the series, Warrior Soul.

Exclusive Offer for JournalTalk Listeners:  Just for being a JournalTalk listener, Laura is making available a free digital copy of her favorite journaling prompts. Click here to get those now. (JournalTalk, Episode #64, December 16, 2015)

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Dima Dupere on JournalTalk

Journal-Writing with Your M.O.S.S.

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Dima Dupere on JournalTalkDima Dupéré introduces a beautiful acronym (M.O.S.S.) to help us remember that journal-writing includes a vast, multi-dimensional, array of options.

Passionate about the therapeutic value of words and art, Dima is a social worker who engages creatively to help people thrive. Whether conducting a community workshop, training professionals or offering individual counselling, her focus is on the stories people tell others and themselves, since that is the place where healing begins.

Dima has recently updated and re-released her book, Feeling, Writing, Empowering: A guidebook for helping professionals. We had a stimulating conversation about the many benefits and techniques of journaling, including:

  • Journal-writing as simply an exercise in “checking in” with ourselves,
  • Tracking gratefulness,
  • Keeping lists; including to-do’s, and long-term “bucket lists”,
  • Dialoguing with people, places, things, and ideas (real or imaginary; past, present or future!)
  • Recording milestones and accomplishments,
  • You can always just S.W.Y.P.E.!
  • …and much, much more!

MOSS journal promptsExclusive Offer for JournalTalk Listeners:  For a limited time, Dima is offering to send any JournalTalk listener a custom journal-writing exercise, tailored for their unique concern or situation. Or, she will send you a PDF copy of her book! Listen to the podcast for details on how to receive this for free. (JournalTalk, Episode #63, December 1, 2015)

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Journaling Questions & Answers

Q&A: “How Do You Keep Your Journal Secret?”

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Journaling Questions & AnswersOne of the deepest fears people have about keeping a journal is having their privacy violated.

And rightly so. For most of us, privacy ensures safety. And only in a space of complete safety can we allow ourselves to be vulnerably honest. Journal-writing is valuable only to the degree we are willing to honestly explore ourselves and our most precious desires.

Whether you’re hiding your notebook, or password-protecting your computer, how can you be sure that your journal is secret? Jayde Gilmore and I discuss our tips and tricks (while also revealing some embarrassing phases of of our own paranoia!) for maintaining privacy, on this episode of JournalTalk Q&A.

Your turn to answer: Do you ever worry someone is reading your journal? How do you keep your journal private? Or, are you okay with your journal being an “open book”?  Post your responses at the bottom of this webpage, in the comments section.

You may email your own journaling question to be featured on a future episode of JournalTalk. Or, pick up the telephone and leave a voicemail with your question at 1-805-751-6280. When your question is featured, we will send you a thank-you gift for sharing your voice! (JournalTalk Q&A, Episode #35, November 24, 2015)

Credits:
Audio Editing: Netrix Marketing
Music: Pond5.com
Voiceover: Thomas Gerrard

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Stephen van Vugt

Journal-Writing for the Storyteller’s Soul

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Stephen van VugtWhen I first started keeping a journal in 1985, I had not anticipated its profound impact. By simply recording miniature stories of my daily drama, I unknowingly conjured to life a supportive, consistent voice for the interpretations of my experience. This compassionate narrator offered me a sense of friendship with myself, which was both powerful and healing. It allowed me to connect even the smallest details of my day to a larger, more meaningful story, filled with adventure and purpose. I imagine this is what Anne Frank  experienced when she wrote of her own diary, “So far, you truly have been a source of great comfort to me … and I can hardly wait for moments when I can write in you.”

In this episode, my guest is Stephen Van Vugt, IT Manager, singer, Toastmaster, storyteller, and a long-time friend of Write4Life. Steve has spent years telling stories for museums, charitable foundation events, and storytelling concerts. Twice, he organized a World Storytelling Day Concert for his hometown storyteller’s guild in Ontario, Canada. I enjoyed learning more about him, and the role that storytelling plays in creating a connection with our community, our work, our culture, and ourselves.  (JournalTalk, Episode #62, November 11, 2015)

Exclusive Offer for JournalTalk Listeners:  In this episode, Stephen generously offers JournalTalk listeners a special audio file he’s recorded, of a story called “Untold Stories,” which underscores the importance of each person sharing their own stories. Listen to the podcast for details on how to receive this for free. 

Additional Resources on Storytelling:  I have been enjoying these other resources which emphasize the power of storytelling:

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JournalTalk Q&A Journal Writing Coach

Q&A: “What if I Hate to Write?”

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JournalTalk Q&A Journal Writing CoachThis episode is dedicated to my brother Dan, and his Number One Reason for not taking my journal-writing suggestions. He’s my biggest fan, but admits, “I hate writing!”

Kim Ades with Frame of Mind Coaching joins me with a response to Dan (and all those who say “thanks but no thanks” to journaling). The key is to stay focused on the practical accomplishments and desired outcomes.

Your turn to answer: Do you like the idea of journaling, but can’t seem to force yourself to write? How do you bring yourself to the blank page? What are the most inspiring goals you have for yourself right now? Post your responses at the bottom of this webpage, in the comments section.

You may email your own journaling question to be featured on a future episode of JournalTalk. Or, pick up the telephone and leave a voicemail with your question at 1-805-751-6280. When your question is featured, we will send you a thank-you gift for sharing your voice! (JournalTalk Q&A, Episode #34, October 27, 2015)

Credits:
Audio Editing: Netrix Marketing
Music: Pond5.com
Voiceover: Thomas Gerrard

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Linda Peterson on JournalTalk

Journaling to Reconnect Military Families

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Linda Peterson on JournalTalkThis week’s journal-writing expert brings a rich, wide spectrum of tools and experience to the table! Dr. Linda Peterson-St. Pierre is a Medical Psychologist who spent 35 years teaching at the University of Nevada Medical School. At the same time Linda held a full time clinical practice and testified for military families in the court system. Stressed by the University’s “publish or perish” mindset, Linda found personal insight/peace when writing in her private journal, without any rules. She has a passion for helping others find their own inner wisdom, through writing, EMDR, Emotional Freedom Techniques, Native American Healing Circles, Guided Imagery, and Feng Shui. Linda is certified as a presenter for the Progoff Intensive Journal and Kay Adams’ Journal to the Self, which form the basis for her two books: Write Out Loud! Reconnecting Military Families; and Clear Vision: The Power of Story to Heal. She is married to an Air Force combat veteran and pilot who has improved PTSD, using EMDR!

In this episode, we discuss several issues related to the psycho-social and emotional effects of combat on soldiers, their families, and on the American psyche, with comments on the movie American Sniper. I am so delighted to share how journal-writing can assist with post-traumatic stress disorder. I stated back in Episode #4, why I am convinced journaling is a low-cost, effective ancillary treatment for PTSD.

Dr. Peterson-St. Pierre is one of two journal-writing therapists who volunteered at last year’s Independence Fund Retreat. The Indy Fund (a non-profit dedicated to helping wounded warriors regain mobility, receive treatment and more) contacted Write4Life to find journal-writing experts to volunteer to work with wounded veterans and their caregivers. (JournalTalk, Episode #61, October 13, 2015)

Write Out Loud: Reconnecting Military FamiliesExclusive Offer for JournalTalk Listeners:  In this episode, Linda shares excellent advice for anyone wanting to use journaling to work with those who have faced life-or-death situations, or put their lives on the line. She also offers a six week workshop developed through the Therapeutic Writing Institute, called “Write Out Loud!” which she will make available to JournalTalk listeners who email her directly.

 

 

Credits:
Audio Editing: Netrix Marketing
Music and Voiceovers: Music Radio Creative

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Write as Rain Therapy on JournalTalk

The Pen Pal Therapist

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Write as Rain Therapy on JournalTalkDaughter of two bookworms, Jenna Mayhew cofounded an international counseling clinic called Write As Rain. She treats clients all over the world, using evidence-based methods of written word therapy. In other words, she is something like a Pen Pal Therapist!

Warning: This conversation is another of those which became fun to the point of giggly! Jenna and I weaved through the interview discussing our personal writing practice, the importance of consistency, keeping true to your goals without sacrificing sanity, Craigslist ads for coaching, digital journaling, and believe it or not, therapy sessions via instant messenger and SMS texting! 

Jenna was among of the first participants in the 30-Day Digital Journaling Challenge sponsored by Easy Journaling. She is one of the many people who completely changed her journal-writing habits because of it. (JournalTalk, Episode #60, August 18, 2015)

Mindful Goal Setting by Write As RainExclusive Offer for JournalTalk Listeners:  In this episode, Jenna makes a special offer to JournalTalk listeners. Get a copy of her evidence-based goal achievement program (pictured here) along with a thirty-minute coaching session, completely for free!  (Together, a value of over $80.00!)  Listen to this week’s episode for instructions to take advantage of this generous offer.

Credits:
Audio Editing: Netrix Marketing
Music and Voiceovers: Music Radio Creative

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JournalTalk Q&A Journal Writing Coach

Q&A: “What Makes Journaling So Powerful?”

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JournalTalk Q&A Journal Writing CoachWe’ve heard the 101 reasons to keep a journal, and all the benefits of journal-writing: mental clarity, emotional balance, even physical healing. Today’s question addresses HOW journaling can provide all these benefits.

Kim Ades from Frame of Mind Coaching helps me deconstruct the journaling process, and identify what it is about capturing thoughts that makes journaling so powerful. In short, we agreed that trapping our ideas into an inescapable storyline helps us to frame our experience in a useful way.

Soul of Success bookThis episode was the inspiration from which I wrote a chapter that got published into Jack Canfield’s newest book, “Soul of Success”. The chapter is titled, “The Secrets of Expressive Writing,” and explains why journaling helps people grow. You can order your copy of “Soul of Success” here.

Kim also advised how important journaling is to the results of any coaching relationship, and made a bold guarantee for her Frame of Mind Coaching program. For taking an online coaching assessment, you will receive a free coaching session that she guarantees will produce results. Let Kim know you heard about this on JournalTalk!  (JournalTalk Q&A, Episode #32, August 4, 2015)

Credits:
Audio Editing: Netrix Marketing
Music: Pond5.com
Voiceover: Thomas Gerrard

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Police Chief Sanchez on Journaling for Leadership

Write Your Way from Manager to Leader

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Police Chief Sanchez on Journaling for LeadershipDid you know that journal-writing can be used to further your career and develop valuable leadership skills?

In this episode, meet Gina Rae Hendrickson, a friend and colleague whose company, Genius Leadership Tools, helps bring out the genius in you and your team. Together, we interview the Santa Barbara Chief of Police, Camarino Sanchez.

Chief Sanchez shares how journaling has helped him keep emotionally balanced, focused on what’s important, gain clarity and insight, deal with different people and difficult situations, and more. The Chief has been an icon of leadership in the California police force for several decades. He also explains why he encourages his entire staff to keep a private journal.

Write Your Way (From Manager to Leader) WorkshopThis interview is one snippet of a larger workshop series that Gina Rae and I are conducting on Journaling for Managers later this year. You are welcome to join us to learn powerful yet simple exercises that promote healthy leadership skills, including decision-making; prioritization; and crafting a message with authenticity, collaboration and trust. (JournalTalk, Episode #59, July 28, 2015)

Credits:
Audio Editing: Netrix Marketing
Music and Voiceovers: Music Radio Creative

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Journaling Questions & Answers

Q&A: “How Can We Use Journaling for Healing After Community Tragedy?”

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Journaling Questions & AnswersThe traumatic student shooting in Columbine, Colorado (April 1999). Racial tragedies such as those in Charleston, South Carolina (2015) and Ferguson, Missouri (2014). The Los Angeles race riots of 1992. The World Trade Center collapse of 9/11.  Events so profoundly sad and far-reaching inspire many people turn to their journals for reflection, prayer, grieving, and hope. Is it possible that journal-writing can offer healing on a community level? This precious question came from a member of Kay Adams’ Journal-to-the-Self community. For those who advocate a healthy journaling practice, how can one use their knowledge and training to bring strength and peace to entire communities of people in their time of need?

Jayde Gilmore and I discuss several ideas and resources, such as James Pennebaker’s Writing to Heal, John Evans’ work, and Lynda Monk’s Writing Alone Together. I am delighted that there are people both skilled and caring enough to bring this work to communities of people, and this episode will hopefully encourage more to prepare to do the same.

Your turn to answer: How can journal-writing be offered to communities who have suffered? Or, to mend the relationship between two groups of people? What ways have you shared the healing of power of words on a community level? Post your responses at the bottom of this webpage, in the comments section.

You may email your own journaling question to be featured on a future episode of JournalTalk. Or, pick up the telephone and leave a voicemail with your question at 1-805-751-6280 (only normal toll charges may apply). When your question is featured, we will send you a thank-you gift for sharing your voice! (JournalTalk Q&A, Episode #31, July 21, 2015)

Credits:
Audio Editing: Netrix Marketing
Music: Pond5.com
Voiceover: Thomas Gerrard

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