Ready to turn awkward into your advantage? Andy Vargo empowers individuals and organizations to lead with authenticity through coaching, keynotes, and courses.
👉 Explore how you can Own Your Awkward: https://awkwardcareer.com

🎙️ Today’s Guest: Dr. Melissa Hughes
Dr. Melissa Hughes returns to the show to dive deep into psychological safety, the power of vulnerability, and how to manage personal biases. Melissa blends neuroscience with practical strategies to help people and organizations create environments where authentic conversations thrive.

✨ Support & Connect with Dr. Melissa Hughes:
🌐 Website: melissahughes.rocks
📘 Book: Store | Neuro Nugget
📱 LinkedIn: @melissahughesphd
📱 Instagram: @melissahughesphd

✨ In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why the illusion of psychological safety can be more harmful than obvious risks

• How imposter syndrome and your inner critic feed self-doubt

• The difference between true psychological safety vs. forced conformity

• The science behind emotional contagion — and how kindness rewires the brain

• Practical steps to foster meaningful conversations across differences

🔗 More Ways to Own Your Awkward:
🛒 Grab merch, join a course, or book Andy to speak: https://linktr.ee/OwnYourAwkward

#podcast #authenticity #psychologicalsafety #impostersyndrome #leadership #coaching #leadershipdevelopment #emotionalintelligence #authenticity #growthmindset

Dave is from Ontario Canada. He has been chased by a Moose, been in 3 tornadoes, heard himself on the radio, Dave wonders why people love puzzles, and he can’t swim. Dave is fairly sarcastic and his wit makes him slightly dizzy at times. His wife does find Dave mildly entertaining (in small amounts and from a safe distance).

Dave is the host of 8 different podcasts, and over the past 5 years Dave has created content, community and stories - speaking with guests from around the world - everyone has a story! Dave pursues curiosity and coffee in the search for creative people and stories. Dave is an empty nest Dad with 3 adult children. Dave loves his rescued animals, Dave has been an active musician for over 45 years and he has more stories than what can fit into a standard podcast recording.

Dave operates True Media Solutions and supports podcasters by handling podcast editing, growth and promotion.

Find his shows and support Dave Campbell online: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Get merch, join a course and more! Check out all the ways you can support this show and host at: https://linktr.ee/OwnYourAwkward

For more information on how you can Own Your Awkward with Andy Vargo, check out: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/

#podcast #awkward #ownyourawkward #acceptance #authenticity #motivation #inspiration #canada #podcast #howto #voice #music #musician

Amanda Poliak is a talented, award-winning brewer and the owner of Awkward Brewing, a brewery known for its unique flavors and bold brews. She first opened Awkward Brewing in Washington State in 2015 before relocating to the Atlanta metro area, where she re-established the brewery in 2021. While the brewery technically reopened in November of that year, Amanda proudly celebrates March 18th, "Awkward Moments Day," as her official opening day. With a passion for creating a diverse range of beers —from stouts and IPAs to lagers and sours—as well as an inclusive environment. Amanda’s brews have earned recognition, including a medal at the prestigious Great American Beer Festival. Her commitment to quality, creativity, and community has made Awkward Brewing into a family as well as a beloved staple in the craft beer scene.

Please support Awkward Brewing online:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awkwardbrewing/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@awkwardbrewing

www.awkwardbrew.com

Get merch, join a course and more! Check out all the ways you can support this show and host at: https://linktr.ee/OwnYourAwkward

For more information on how you can Own Your Awkward with Andy Vargo, check out: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/

#podcast #awkward #ownyourawkward #acceptance #authenticity #motivation #inspiration #brewery #brewers #breweries #awkward #beer #fayetteville #georgia #atlanta #relocation #beerpodcast