Healing Our Politics

By: Skippy Mesirow
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  • Summary

  • Hello, I’m Skippy Mesirow, host of “Healing Our Politics,” the show that shows you, the heart-centered public servants and political leaders, how to heal our politics by starting with the human in the mirror. Healing Our Politics, “HOP,” is a first-of-its-kind show that provides tools and practices for mental well-being, health, and balance, specifically for public servants so we can do good by feeling good and safe in our jobs. HOP brings together experts, scientists, doctors, thought leaders, healers, and coaches to share their insights in practical, tactical, actionable ways specifically tailored to the public service experience for you to test and implement with yourself and your teams. Episodes feature intimate conversations with global leaders about their self-care practices and personal challenges, providing insights for a more holistic, connected approach to leadership. Whether you're a Mayor, teacher, police officer, or staffer, this podcast will guide you to be the best version of yourself in service to yourself and the world! Sign up for our once-per-month Leader’s Handbook newsletter to receive an actionable toolkit of how-to guides on topics discussed on the podcast that month to test and implement in your life and with your team: https://leadershandbook.substack.com/
    ELC Foundation @2025
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Hygiene & Healthy Living Political Science Psychology
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Episodes
  • The Eight Key Elements to Political Wellbeing: Anna Miley of Locale Learning

    The Eight Key Elements to Political Wellbeing: Anna Miley of Locale Learning
    Jan 30 2025
    Welcome to the Healing Our Politics Podcast!Join Our Community and Receive Free Tools + How to Guides:Join “The Leader’s Handbook” newsletter https://leadershandbook.substack.com/about· Always free· Once per month email· Curated selection of tools, techniques, and practices discussed on this podcast· Delivered in simple to follow how-to-guides· To try and test in your life, and teach your teams.JOIN HERE https://leadershandbook.substack.com/about Guest:Anna Miley is a powerhouse in mindset and mental well-being, working with leaders to create a successful balance in their lives as Lead Coach at Locale Learning, an organization committed to transforming the experiences of Australia’s elected leaders. A graduate of the University of Canberra with degrees in sports science, physiology, and psychology, Anna is also a certified hypnotherapy practitioner, a neuro-linguistic programming expert, an accredited exercise physiologist, and yoga therapist. Anna’s professional mission is to educate on the power of self-care in leadership. She has a deep understanding of the impact of stress on the body and the mind, and how to boost performance and reduce the mental load through mindfulness techniques.About the Episode: In today’s episode, I sit down with Anna Miley, an expert in mindset, mental well-being, and leadership. We dive into her personal journey, starting with a genetic childhood condition that set her on the path to healing and helping others do the same. We cover practical strategies for building your own “mental health first aid kit,” the importance of movement, the “Middle Way,” and how to tackle people-pleasing and perfectionism. Plus, we get into the science behind affirmations and how to use them to amplify your leadership. Anna shares her insight and experiences as lead Coach with Locale Learning, an Australian-based company focused on transforming the experience of elected leaders developing ethical, mindful, and high-performing leaders. Recognized by the Apolitical Foundation as one of 26 international political well-being trailblazers, Locale Learning is revolutionizing leadership development in Australia, mirroring the work of the Elected Leaders Collective here in the U.S. We’ll explore how their Eight step Political Well-Being Framework can help you pinpoint the areas in your life and leadership that need the most growth—and how to take action. It’s a packed episode, so let’s dive in!Key Topics Discussed:· [00:00:58] Epidsode/Guest Intro · [00:04:20] “It’s All Too Hard Basket” · [00:05:55] Our Twin in Australia· [00:07:40] The Mere Mortals Report: A-Political Foundation · [00:09:24] How the Health Journey Began · [00:12:38] Lessons Learned Early · [00:16:02] What was the “Story” · [00:18:30] What was Working? · [00:20:26] The Permission into Self Inquiry · [00:22:13] “Mental Health First Aid” · [00:29:40] 15 Second Meditation · [00:33:00] Anna’s Broad Skill Set: Anna’s Style · [00:35:44] ELC Foundation donors (https://www.electedleaderscollective.com/donate)· [00:38:07] Describing the Work of Supporting our Leaders· [00:40:27] How Anna Got Roped In · [00:42:12] The Stats of Stigma · [00:44:20] A Pharmaceutical Approach: Not Right for Everyone · [00:45:40] The Perks of “The Work”· [00:47:13] High Performance, Passionate People · [00:48:42] Ahead of the Curve(ball) · [00:50:20] Boundaries are Your Job · [00:52:40] Modern Politics · [00:53:55] Prescriptive vs. Self Directed & The Middle Path · [00:56:44] None of this is Easy· [00:57:37] The Transformational Coach vs. The Athletic Coach (YES! AND! ) · [01:00:28] Locale Learning Containers · [01:05:48] Session Methods & Takeaways · [01:08:00] Locale Learning’s Wellbeing Framework · [01:12:12] How to Navigate the Framework: I. Awareness II. Identify III. Adopt Mindset IV. Developing Micro Skills V. Access Resources · [01:13:54] The 8 Core Elements of Political Wellbeing: i. Physical and Mental Health ii. Social Connection iii. Digital Safety iv. Technical Know-How v. Motivation & Attitude vi. Time & Capacity vii. Relationships & Conflict viii. Ethical Action · [01:20:52] Mindsets & Affirmations · [01:23:55] Empowering with Tools of Self Reflection & Action · [01:26:00] Affirmations are Science !!!· [01:28:48] Feedback about the Framework· [01:30:53] Financing · [01:33:15] We’re All Human: Performance is Relative · [01:34:54] Heartlead Work: The Human Side of Politics · [01:36:30] Overcoming People Pleasing & Perfectionism · [01:37:22] Saying No & Taking a Literal Step Back · [01:40:30] Stop Apologizing: Thank & Acknowledge · [01:42:47] Humor in the Work? · [01:44:32] The Best People · [01:45:00] Getting Braver: Letting Go of Inner Doubt · [01:48:45] Final Question: Remind Yourself of Your Purpose · [01:50:00] “The Leader’s Handbook” (https://www.healingourpolitics.com/#...
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    1 hr and 53 mins
  • The Peaceful Warrior and the Three-legged Stool: Paul Andersen and the Huts for Vets Methodology

    The Peaceful Warrior and the Three-legged Stool: Paul Andersen and the Huts for Vets Methodology
    Jan 16 2025
    Welcome to the Healing Our Politics Podcast!Join Our Community and Receive Free Tools + How to Guides:Join “The Leader’s Handbook” newsletter https://leadershandbook.substack.com/about· Always free· Once per month email· Curated selection of tools, techniques, and practices discussed on this podcast· Delivered in simple to follow how-to-guides· To try and test in your life, and teach your teams.JOIN HERE Guest:Paul Anderson is a writer, historian, and humanitarian with a jaw-dropping 40+ years of experience. He’s written thousands of news columns, authored 17 books, and even scripted over a dozen movies and IMAX films. But Paul’s story doesn’t stop there. He’s a changemaker. He founded 'Nature and Society,' a groundbreaking seminar at the Aspen Institute, and 'Huts for Vets,' a nonprofit offering transformative wilderness experiences for veterans in the stunning 10th Mountain Division hut system near Aspen, Colorado. Inducted into the Aspen Hall of Fame just last year, Paul is a force of nature who’s always aiming higher—whether it’s growing 'Huts for Vets' or living by his mantra to give 'meaning to every interaction.' If you’re looking for a masterclass in creativity, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership, you’re in the right place.About the Episode: In this episode, we explore the profound connection between nature, philosophy, and healing. Discover the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or 'forest bathing,' and how immersing yourself in nature can help you reconnect, rejuvenate, and boost performance. We challenge the label of PTSD as a 'disorder,' reframing it as PTS—the body's natural response to life-or-death trauma—to reduce stigma and support healing. We delve into the overlooked issue of sexual trauma in the military and uncover lessons civilians can learn. Our conversation takes us into the world of classic philosophy, examining the links between disconnection—from others, from purpose, and from something greater, and self —and mental health. We unpack the 'Aspen Idea,' exploring the “three-legged stool” of mind, body, and spirit, and share practical ways to cultivate balance in your life. We discuss the transformative power of a “solo”, the ways we shape and are shaped by our environments, and the enduring impact of history and service. Finally, Paul shares his extraordinary journey to founding Huts for Vets, a nonprofit that has touched countless lives.I hope you enjoy this soulful, wide-ranging, and thought-provoking conversation with Paul Andersen.**Content Advisory: Suicide and SA are discussed in this episode. Key Topics Discussed:· [00:02:00] Episode/guest intro · [00:05:35] What is ‘Huts for Vets?’ · [00:06:25] The 10th Mountain Division Huts System· [00:07:03] Why this cause? · [00:08:27] The “Choice” of War for the Solider: The Unavoidable Repercussions · [00:11:03] Huts for Vets origin story · [00:11:53] Authentic, selfless motivation speaks volumes· [00:16:52] What is the Process? · [00:17:30] What is the Aspen Idea? · [00:19:52] The Aspen Idea as a Tripod: Balance· [00:22:03] The Methodology at Huts for Vets · [00:22:45] Shinrin-yoku · [00:26:36] Military Unit as the Family Unit · [00:27:18] It's a ME world, not a WE world.· [00:29:10] What is The Aspen Institute?· [00:30:39] “No man is an island” · [00:32:34] “Thank you for your service" · [00:33:35] What can we do? · [00:35:38] SPONSOR: ELC (https://www.electedleaderscollective.com)· [00:38:05] Huts for Vets in Ukraine· [00:39:02] The Science of Spirit · [00:44:35] Self-realization and the power of a Solo · [00:47:57] Soldiers, Civilians and Enemies all need Healing · [00:48:40] Some Aspen History · [00:49:45] Founders from both sides of the Civil War · [00:50:58] A population primed for violence · [00:53:26] The History of Trauma · [00:54:40] The many names of PTS(D) or Moral Injury · [01:59:55] From Convincing to Waitlisting · [01:02:22] Women in Military Service · [01:03:53] SA prevalence in Military Service · [01:04:55] Offering Tools through a Dialogue· [01:05:48] Other Tools for Coping · [01:06:44] Funding and Facilities · [01:08:35] Can Huts for Vets Expand to Other Wilds? · [01:09:38] How can Leaders use the Huts for Vets Methodology? · [01:10:44] The Power of 20 minutes in Nature · [01:12:50] Transcendence in Nature marks the Leaders of 3 Major Religions · [01:14:18] Your Inner Voice · [01:16:24] Converting “Matter into Spirit” · [01:18:49] Living your Values· [01:22:40] “Let us not live trivial lives” · [01:25:05] “The Leader’s Handbook” (https://www.healingourpolitics.com/#newsletter) Newsletter · [01:26:06] Sponsor: ELC; Coaching for Public Servants (https://www.electedleaderscollective.com)Key References and Resources Mentioned:· [00:06:25] The 10th Mountain Division Huts System · [00:13:20] Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. · [00:17:14] Nature and ...
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    1 hr and 28 mins
  • Feeling to Heal: Emotional Mastery for Leaders w/ Jamie Butemeyer

    Feeling to Heal: Emotional Mastery for Leaders w/ Jamie Butemeyer
    Jan 2 2025
    Join Our Community and Receive Free Tools + How to Guides:Join “The Leader’s Handbook” newsletter· Always free· Once per month email· Curated selection of tools, techniques, and practices discussed on this podcast· Delivered in simple to follow how-to-guides· To try and test in your life, and teach your teams.JOIN HEREGuest:Jamie Butemeyer is a transformational mastery coach + movement facilitator, and former musical theater artist whose coaching practice exists at the intersection of artistry and entrepreneurship. Based in Aspen, Colorado, Jamie’s client roster includes women CEOs, billionaires, and leaders of all kinds, working one-on-one and in group formats. Her signature program, “Leading Lady,” helps women step out of the background and into the main stage of their lives. Jamie is the head female coach for the Elected Leaders Collective and the co-creator of the Body Alive practice at Aspen Shakti, transforming bodies and lives nationwide. She is also a certified breathwork facilitator. Her journey includes achievements as a prestigious University of Oklahoma’s theater program graduate and a Miss Teen Oklahoma title. Jamie’s mission as a coach is to help individuals step into their most authentic, empowered selves through emotional mastery and personal transformation.About the Episode: In this episode, I sit down with the best human I know, my better half and partner in life and love, Jamie Butemeyer. We discuss the intersection of authenticity, leadership, emotional intelligence, and success. We delve into Jamie’s background, growing up in Lawton, Oklahoma, and being on stage as a beauty queen from a young age. We talk about childhood patterns and the unconscious programming she picked up as a little one. Jamie shares where her insecurities and limiting beliefs held her back from becoming the Broadway star in NYC she wanted to be but ultimately planted the seeds of her success. Jamie talks about how making big bets on herself paid off and reflects on how embracing emotions, owning her fear, and cultivating emotional mastery skills freed her to become the world-class coach and leader of leaders she is today —all essential skills for leaders like you in high-stakes environments.We dive into practices like nonviolent communication, somatic awareness, and the power of community to foster healing and connection. Jamie offers unique insights into being a partner to a public servant and what she learned about how you, as a spouse or partner, can contribute to a conscious relationship that safeguards and supercharges the relationship and your service.This episode is a heartfelt invitation to claim your fullest potential by integrating the full human experience into your leadership. Jamie has been right here with me, helping me find the courage, compassion, and authenticity to be here with you today, and I know in her wisdom that you will find more of these things for yourself.**Content Advisory: SA is discussed beginning at [01:06:03] and ending at [01:06:51]**Key Topics Discussed:· [00:01:50] Episode Overview· [00:04:13] Guest Introduction · [00:06:42] Early life in Oklahoma· [00:09:09] Miss Oklahoma· [00:10:53] Young Jamie stood out· [00:13:52] Personas and masks· [00:15:37] When is it time to hang it up? · [00:18:34] Paralyzed by fear· [00:19:39] Kobe Bryant’s keys to success · [00:21:21] The efficacy of unconditional lover · [00:25:46] Lifestyle to support goals · [00:27:42] Learning from my past· [00:29:09] Working with fear· [00:30:53] Knowing what I know now· [00:31:34] Feel it to free it· [00:33:40] Make BIG: bet on yourself· [00:36:51] Are you ready to die?· [00:39:24] What is a transformational coach? · [00:42:10] What does one do in coaching? · [00:43:40] Unconscious emotional suppression· [00:46:00] SPONSOR: ELC · [00:48:25] Avoidant behaviors· [00:51:46] Emotional Indulgence· [00:55:03] Finding Balance· [00:57:45] Owning your fears· [00:59:12] Effective confrontation · [01:00:30] 4 F’s of the nervous system - fight, flight, freeze, faun· [01:03:00] “Poet Lauriet” Macklemore· [01:04:25] Victim to empowerment mindset · [01:05:22] Happening for you, not to you· [01:06:03] Podcast: Suffering to Strength: Ashley Grimmel on Transmuting Pressure into Power, Resilience, and Health· [01:07:16] Caroline Myss; archetype work· [01:08:00] Nonviolent communication framework· [01:11:15] The fire of love· [01:14:25] The partner/spouse of public leaders experience· [01:18:59] Supporting yourself as a partner· [01:20:56] Approaches to support your partner· [01:22:50] “The third entity” - Family first· [01:24:20] Work/life harmony · [01:25:14] Abundant time use· [01:27:12] Closing question: Feel your feelings!· [01:28:40] “The Leader’s Handbook” Newsletter· [01:29:43] Sponsor: ELC Key References and Resources Mentioned:· [00:04:50] Leading Lady · [00:05:07] Body Alive @ Aspen Shakti· [00:05:30]...
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    1 hr and 32 mins

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