Podcast

The Power of Unconditional Generosity

Host Dana Skaggs sits down with Abagail McKiernan, founder of the nonprofit HelpLink, to uncover the deeply personal story that inspired her mission. What began as a moment of isolation became a movement rooted in unconditional generosity. Together, they explore how giving without expectation can restore dignity, forge authentic community, and remind us that the…

Read More

Beyond Forgive and Forget: The Real Secret to Letting Go

In this episode of Phoenix and Flame, host Dana Skaggs sits down with three-time bestselling author and forgiveness coach Katharine Giovanni to talk about the idea of forgiveness—we’re told to do it, but rarely taught how. Katharine explains that forgiveness isn’t about excusing someone’s behavior or even reconciling with them; it’s a tool for your own…

Read More

Why Traditional Masculinity Is Failing Modern Relationships

In this episode, host Dana Skaggs sits down with Kristal Desantis to talk about why traditional masculinity is struggling in modern relationships. Kristal describes what she calls the “broken script,” where old-school roles of men as sole protectors and providers clash with today’s need for emotional partnership. This leaves a lot of men caught in…

Read More

Finding Purpose After Relational Trauma

In this episode, host Dana Skaggs is joined by fellow boundaries coach Barb Nangle, who shares her journey of navigating what she calls “relational trauma.” She reveals how trauma can take the form of a quiet, ongoing pattern of emotional invalidation, not just a sudden, explosive moment. Through 12-step recovery, Barb discovered a path to…

Read More

Adapt or Drown: Finding Your Life Raft in the Modern Workplace

Join host Dana Skaggs and organizational researcher Craig Mattson as they dive into the pressures of the modern workplace. Using powerful metaphors like “the wave” of digital overwhelm and the “life raft” of coping strategies, they explore why remote work often feels confusing and detached. The conversation tackles the big question: “Should I quit if…

Read More

How Your Survival Brain is Sabotaging Your Happiness

In this episode, Matt O’Neill reveals how to achieve “conscious happiness” even when life feels chaotic. He explains that the common belief of “I’ll be happy when…” is a deceptive trap that keeps us constantly striving but never satisfied. Matt reframes negative moods not as personal flaws, but as predictable functions of our “survival brain”…

Read More

Why Neurodiversity is Important in the Workplace

In this episode, Dana Skaggs is joined by neurodiversity advocate Khushboo Chabria, who shares her journey to empowerment after a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis. Khushboo explains why feeling misunderstood isn’t a personal failure but often a sign of a workplace culture that lacks true acceptance. She introduces a powerful mindset shift: replacing judgment with “compassionate curiosity.” Learn…

Read More

From Fitting in to Flying Out with Arnold Beekes

In this episode, Dana is joined by coach Arnold Beekes to talk about his journey from a rigid upbringing rooted in extreme conformity to a life of authenticity. Arnold shares how most of us are “conditioned” from a young age, losing sight of what we truly want and living to meet other people’s expectations. He…

Read More

How Unresolved Trauma Is Ruling Your Life

In this episode, Brad Chandler shares his journey of overcoming unresolved childhood trauma. Brad reveals how his subconscious belief of “not being enough” led to two divorces, millions in business losses, and struggles with anxiety and addiction. He explains that these negative behaviors were not flaws, but outdated survival mechanisms created by his brain in childhood….

Read More

Stop Winging It: A Leader’s Guide to Resilience

In this episode of Phoenix and Flame, Dana Skaggs welcomes Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier, psychologist, executive coach, and author of The Resilience Plan, to discuss the critical role of mental health and resilience in high-performing professionals. Together, they explore why winging it doesn’t work when it comes to stress, how leaders often overlook their own mental…

Read More