Curious how to handle tough conversations without losing your cool—or your power? We are re-releasing this episode of The Grit Show while host, Shawna, continues her healing from breast cancer surgery.

This episode spotlights internationally acclaimed mediator Hesha Abrams, who shares secrets from decades of resolving high-conflict cases. You’ll hear surprising, practical strategies to “hold the calm,” neutralize workplace tension, and manage challenging relationships—from dealing with difficult bosses to family drama at the dinner table.

Shawna reflects on the life-changing impact Hesha’s tools have had on her own coaching and training. Wondering how to disarm a gaslighter, stop a meeting hijacker in their tracks, or break free from toxic work dynamics? You’ll want to catch the memorable analogies (hint: spaghetti sauce) and actionable tips—like why “calm down” is the worst thing to say in heated situations, and how to lead with curiosity instead of judgment. Ready to upgrade your conflict resolution skills and empower yourself? Tune in!

Hesha Abrams is a professional peacemaker, an internationally acclaimed master attorney mediator, negotiator, and author, known for crafting highly creative settlements and resolutions in very difficult matters. With 30+ years in the trenches of resolving human conflict, she has recently distilled her skills into an easy-to-use tool kit, her new book, "Holding the Calm: The Secret to Resolving Conflict and Defusing Tension." Through stories and examples, she shares her secrets enabling anyone to learn how to approach tense situations to prevent explosions, disarm conflicts, and reduce drama. It is her mission to help make our world, our businesses, and our relationships less acrimonious and more harmonious.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hesha-abrams/

Facebook: Hesha Abrams

Youtube: Hesha Abrams - Holding The Calm

Website: www.holdingthecalm.com

Get your copy of Holding the Calm: The Secret to Resolving Conflict and Defusing Tension HERE

Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 and after launching The Grit Show, soon learned the abysmal fact that women hosted only 27% of podcasts. This led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Podcast Network intent on raising that number by 10% in five years- 37 by 27. Because really, shouldn’t it be closer to 50%? She now focuses on helping purpose driven solopreneurs find their ideal clients through podcasting. She believes that the first step is guesting on podcasts - check out her tip sheet and once you've built your business and are ready for the full-service support for podcasting production and mentoring, she'll help you launch the podcast you were meant for. Diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2025, much of this year will be prioritizing her fight, victory, and healing. If you would like to follow that journey and be one of her warriors you can learn more via Being Honest, and the

Are you someone who prides themselves on being logical, or do you find yourself more in tune with your emotions? In this episode of The Grit Show, Shawna Rodrigues challenges the conventional wisdom around being logical by exploring the often-overlooked counterpart: feelings. Drawing from personal experiences with breast cancer and her background in social work, Shawna explores the balance between intellectualism and emotional expression. If you've ever felt stuck in your head when you need to engage with your heart, this episode is your guide to navigating the complex interplay between thinking and feeling. Tune in to discover why sometimes the most logical step is to allow yourself to simply feel.

Looking for more ways to deepen your resilience in your emotional toolkit? Be sure to check out episode 99- Building Resilience with Dawson Church: Meditation, Tapping, and Growth.

Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 and after launching The Grit Show, soon learned the abysmal fact that women hosted only 27% of podcasts. This led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Podcast Network intent on raising that number by 10% in five years- 37 by 27. Because really, shouldn’t it be closer to 50%? She now focuses on helping purpose driven solopreneurs find their ideal clients through podcasting. She believes that the first step is guesting on podcasts - check out her tip sheet and once you've built your business and are ready for the full-service support for podcasting production and mentoring, she'll help you launch the podcast you were meant for. She still finds a little time for her pursuits as a best-selling author and shares the hosting of Author Express, a podcast that features the voice behind the pages of your favorite book. Find her on Instagram- @ShawnaPodcasts and learn more about the network and other happenings at https://linktr.ee/37by27.

Follow us on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @ShawnaPodcasts

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also purchase the full-size gift worthy Color of Grit Adult Coloring Book here bit.ly/TGSMermaid

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Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.

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Ever found yourself caught off guard by life's surprises? In this engaging re-release of The Grit Show, Shawna Rodrigues explores the phenomenon of turning up the “radio” in our lives to drown out signs that something might be off track. Through witty car analogies, she takes listeners on a journey of self-maintenance—helping identify those pesky “rattling noises” in life that deserve attention.

If you’re looking to enhance personal growth, this episode offers powerful reflections on prioritizing well-being while managing life's distractions. Tune in for Shawna’s personal stories and insightful tips to help you navigate the road ahead.

Want more ways to take care of yourself? Check out our past episodes featuring expert insights from Matt McKinnon:

🔹 Conquer the Stress Cycle & Focus on Your Well-Being – How to Escape Burnout: Part 1 (Ep. 57)

🔹 Actionable Solutions, Blissful Rest & Modern Stressors – How to Escape Burnout: Part 2 (Ep. 58)

Looking for a great fiction read that also makes you think about self-care?

The Me List by Julee Balko is a fantastic book club pick—perfect for reflecting on relationships, self-care, and how we prioritize ourselves. Check it out here:

📖 Amazon | Bookshop.org (Using these affiliate links helps support the podcast!)

Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 and after launching The Grit Show, soon learned the abysmal fact that women hosted only 27% of podcasts. This led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Podcast Network intent on raising that number by 10% in five years- 37 by 27. Because really, shouldn’t it be closer to 50%? She now focuses on helping purpose driven solopreneurs find their ideal clients through podcasting. She believes that the first step is guesting on podcasts - check out her tip sheet and once you've built your business and are ready for the full-service support for podcasting production and mentoring, she'll help you launch the podcast you were meant for. She still finds a little time for her pursuits as a best-selling author and shares the hosting of Author Express, a podcast that features the voice behind the pages of your favorite book. Find her on Instagram- @ShawnaPodcasts and learn more about the network and other happenings at https://linktr.ee/37by27.

Follow us on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @ShawnaPodcasts

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also...

Are you caught in the "sorry syndrome"? In this week's episode of The Grit Show, host Shawna Rodrigues explores a cultural habit that might be undermining your confidence and relationships. Did you know that women apologize significantly more than men, especially in professional settings? Shawna shares insights into the impact of habitual apologies, backed by intriguing research findings. Discover how an overuse of "sorry" can actually be harming how you see yourself and your relationships. This episode promises valuable alternatives to the default apology, offering tools that empower and help reclaim your confidence. Can expressing gratitude or focusing on solutions be more advantageous than a simple "sorry"? Tune in to learn the immediate benefit of using these strategies.

Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 and after launching The Grit Show, soon learned the abysmal fact that women hosted only 27% of podcasts. This led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Podcast Network intent on raising that number by 10% in five years- 37 by 27. Because really, shouldn’t it be closer to 50%? She now focuses on helping purpose driven solopreneurs find their ideal clients through podcasting. She believes that the first step is guesting on podcasts - check out her tip sheet and once you've built your business and are ready for the full-service support for podcasting production and mentoring, she'll help you launch the podcast you were meant for. She still finds a little time for her pursuits as a best-selling author and shares the hosting of Author Express, a podcast that features the voice behind the pages of your favorite book. Find her on Instagram- @ShawnaPodcasts and learn more about the network and other happenings at https://linktr.ee/37by27.

Follow us on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @ShawnaPodcasts

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also purchase the full-size gift worthy Color of Grit Adult Coloring Book here bit.ly/TGSMermaid

Really love us and want to show it??

Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.

Word of mouth builds podcasts - we appreciate your support!!

Curious about what truly makes life fulfilling? Join Shawna Rodrigues for this re-release of one of the earliest episodes of The Grit Show as she challenges the conventional Bucket List mentality with a story that’s both personal and universally relatable. Discover how a potential terminal diagnosis served as a wake-up call to focus on living with intent today, rather than deferring dreams to a distant future. In this episode, Shawna shares valuable perspectives on bridging the gap between aspirations and actions and offers insight on how to prioritize what truly matters. Are you ready to reconsider your approach to life and joy?

Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 and after launching The Grit Show, soon learned the abysmal fact that women hosted only 27% of podcasts. This led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Podcast Network intent on raising that number by 10% in five years- 37 by 27. Because really, shouldn’t it be closer to 50%? She now focuses on helping purpose driven solopreneurs find their ideal clients through podcasting. She believes that the first step is guesting on podcasts - check out her tip sheet and once you've built your business and are ready for the full-service support for podcasting production and mentoring, she'll help you launch the podcast you were meant for. She still finds a little time for her pursuits as a best-selling author and shares the hosting of Author Express, a podcast that features the voice behind the pages of your favorite book. Find her on Instagram- @ShawnaPodcasts and learn more about the network and other happenings at https://linktr.ee/37by27.

Follow us on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @ShawnaPodcasts

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also purchase the full-size gift worthy Color of Grit Adult Coloring Book here bit.ly/TGSMermaid

Really love us and want to show it??

Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.

Word of mouth builds podcasts - we appreciate your support!!

In this heartfelt episode of The Grit Show, join host Shawna Rodrigues as she navigates life's unexpected twists through three pivotal phone calls that redefined her trajectory. With themes of fear, grief, and personal transformation at the forefront, Shawna candidly shares the profound impact of these moments. Ever wondered how life's challenges can prepare you for its biggest battles? This episode explores how to face cancer diagnosis with resilience and hope. Experience the emotional depth as Shawna reflects on her mother's journey with cancer, her own, and how far medical advancements have come. This episode isn't just about Shawna's journey; it’s about understanding our collective experiences with life's curveballs. Tune in to reflect on your own life-altering moments and explore the power of connection and shared stories. A must-listen for anyone interested in personal growth, emotional resilience, and the strength found in community.

If you are moved to help, even in a small way and be part of the community of warriors providing support to allow space for healing- do so here -https://bit.ly/GFMShawna

Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 and after launching The Grit Show, soon learned the abysmal fact that women hosted only 27% of podcasts. This led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Podcast Network intent on raising that number by 10% in five years- 37 by 27. Because really, shouldn’t it be closer to 50%? She now focuses on helping purpose driven solopreneurs find their ideal clients through podcasting. She believes that the first step is guesting on podcasts - check out her tip sheet and once you've built your business and are ready for the full-service support for podcasting production and mentoring, she'll help you launch the podcast you were meant for. She still finds a little time for her pursuits as a best-selling author and shares the hosting of Author Express, a podcast that features the voice behind the pages of your favorite book. Find her on Instagram- @ShawnaPodcasts and learn more about the network and other happenings at https://linktr.ee/37by27.

Follow us on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @ShawnaPodcasts

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also purchase the full-size gift worthy Color of Grit Adult Coloring Book here bit.ly/TGSMermaid

Really love us and want to show it??

Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.

Word of mouth builds podcasts - we appreciate your support!!

What if you could transform your financial future just by changing the way you think about money? In this episode of The Grit Show, Shawna Rodrigues welcomes Christiane David, financial coach and co-founder of Green Wealth Legacy. Christiane passionately discusses how awareness and mindset play crucial roles in financial stability. She shares her journey of building a business with her sisters and their mission to empower other women. Discover actionable tips on budgeting, debt management, and fostering a healthy relationship with money. If you’re looking to achieve lasting financial freedom, this episode is a must-listen!

Christiane David is a dedicated financial coach and co-founder of Green Wealth Legacy, a business she built alongside her three sisters. With a passion for helping high-achieving women gain confidence in managing their money, she blends practical tools with mindset-focused strategies to create lasting financial stability. Her coaching framework, ACCT (Awareness, Clarity, Consistency, and Transformation), empowers clients to embrace financial intimacy and transform their relationship with money.

Through her signature Sapphire Design Program, Christiane David guides clients to build habits, redefine their money stories, and achieve their goals without feeling overwhelmed. She also creates engaging content like courses, blogs, and workbooks to inspire others to take control of their financial future.

Listen to their podcast to gain the clarity, confidence, and strategies you need to take control of your finances. - The Four Sisters Legacy Podcast

LinkedIn: Green Wealth Legacy

Facebook: Green Wealth Legacy

Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 and after launching The Grit Show, soon learned the abysmal fact that women hosted only 27% of podcasts. This led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Podcast Network intent on raising that number by 10% in five years- 37 by 27. Because really, shouldn’t it be closer to 50%? She now focuses on helping purpose driven solopreneurs find their ideal clients through podcasting. She believes that the first step is guesting on podcasts - check out her tip sheet and once you've built your business and are ready for the full-service support for podcasting production and mentoring, she'll help you launch the podcast you were meant for. She still finds a little time for her pursuits as a best-selling author and shares the hosting of Author Express, a podcast that features the voice behind the pages of your favorite book. Find her on Instagram- @ShawnaPodcasts and learn more about the network and other happenings at https://linktr.ee/37by27.

Follow us on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @ShawnaPodcasts

Grab your copy of our Self-Care...

In this powerful follow-up episode, Shawna and Robie continue their intimate exploration of the '20 Questions for a Year Well Loved,' diving into communication patterns and future aspirations. Building on the vulnerability established in Part 1, they demonstrate how sustained dialogue can transform your relationship.

Listeners will hear real examples of how to:

• Navigate difficult conversations with grace
• Express appreciation in meaningful ways
• Plan for future growth together
• Support each other's individual journeys

Robie's candid reflection on his transformation from hesitant participant to advocate for vulnerability provides a compelling roadmap for listeners whose partners might be reluctant to engage in deeper conversations. This episode isn't just about listening to their story - it's about gaining the confidence to start these conversations in your own relationship.

Download the '20 Questions for a Year Well Loved' framework https://bit.ly/YrWellLoved and join countless couples who are using these questions to strengthen their bonds and create more meaningful connections.

Shawna Rodrigues left her award-winning career in the public sector in 2019 and after launching The Grit Show, soon learned the abysmal fact that women hosted only 27% of podcasts. This led to the founding of the Authentic Connections Podcast Network intent on raising that number by 10% in five years- 37 by 27. Because really, shouldn’t it be closer to 50%? She now focuses on helping purpose driven solopreneurs find their ideal clients through podcasting. She believes that the first step is guesting on podcasts - check out her tip sheet and once you've built your business and are ready for the full-service support for podcasting production and mentoring, she'll help you launch the podcast you were meant for. She still finds a little time for her pursuits as a best-selling author and shares the hosting of Author Express, a podcast that features the voice behind the pages of your favorite book. Find her on Instagram- @ShawnaPodcasts and learn more about the network and other happenings at https://linktr.ee/37by27.

Follow us on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @ShawnaPodcasts

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also purchase the full-size gift worthy Color of Grit Adult Coloring Book here bit.ly/TGSMermaid

Really love us and want to show it??

Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.

Word of mouth builds podcasts - we appreciate your support!!