The Discomfort Practice explores the value of discomfort in shaping who we are, how we are in the world and how discomfort can be a catalyst for positive social evolution. Betsy speaks to leaders, activists, athletes, creatives and others about comfort zones, having a conscious ‘discomfort practice,’ and the superpowers that lie on the other side of discomfort. Come get uncomfortable with Betsy... You can follow Betsy on: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thebetsyreed/ Twitter https://twit ...
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #90: Dan Schnur on Forging Your Own Path When Everything Shifts
1:07:00
1:07:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:00
In this episode of the Discomfort Practice, I talk with Dan Schnur. We chat about the discomfort of his career trajectory: going from being one of the top Republican political strategists and campaign officials in the US to leaving and not affiliating with any political party. (In a bi-partisan political system where you’ve been a big player, that’…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #89: Selina Donald on Bringing Sustainability To The Event Industry
1:05:51
1:05:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:51
In this episode of the Discomfort Practice, I talk with my former client, friend and general badass Selina Donald. Selina has done so much already in her life, so prepare yourself to be inspired to think differently. She has worked on large-scale events, such as the Olympic and Para-Olympic opening and closing ceremonies and Vivian Westwood’s clima…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #88: Betsy by Herself on Creating Rituals to De-stress and Create Focus
14:25
14:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:25
How can you create habits that support you through times of stress, that help you to create milestones in your day and life, to function optimally? In this solo episode I share ways in which I have created more rituals over the past year and talk listeners through the science-based approach I teach clients to set habits. My intention in recording t…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #87: Leyla Acaroglu on How Design Can Save The World
1:13:13
1:13:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:13
In this episode of the Discomfort Practice, I talk with innovator and designer (among many other things) Leyla Acaroglu. We chat about how small incremental changes are not enough any more to save society from climate change impact, but instead need to change systems and approaches to regenerate our planet, in order to survive. We discuss how impor…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #86: Pilar Garrido on How Leading With Love Benefits Communities
1:00:31
1:00:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:31
In this episode of the Discomfort Practice, I talk with political scientist and economist Pilar Garrido. We chat about her experience leading a sustainable economic development policy in Costa Rica for a green and inclusive economy, as well as designing innovative financial instruments for critical public investment projects. We will also get into …
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #85: Betsy by Herself on Life Transitions and Shedding Skin
16:52
16:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:52
If you’ve listened to some of my recent solos and interviews, you’ll have picked up that I'm on the cusp of entering a new stage of life. I’ve packed up my life in Barcelona, put my things in storage, finished up my academic year as a Professor and am headed to Mexico on a one-way ticket in just a few days. The preparation for leaving one stage of …
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #84: Daze Aghaji on the Power of Love to Create Change
50:43
50:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:43
In this episode, I chat with a young leader who got me excited and optimistic about the future. Daze Aghaji is a climate justice, regeneration & well-being activist with a fascinating story and a skill at delivering it. You are in for a real treat with this interview, as. Daze shares how growing up with an awareness of climate change has shaped her…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #83: Matthew Williams on Being an Inventor and Mastering Public Speaking
46:58
46:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:58
In this episode, I chat with the Founder & CEO of IONATE, inventor Matthew Williams. He is a systems architect by nature, mechatronic engineer by education, design leader and facilitator by passion. Having spent his career in the front seat of global systems-engineering companies, Matthew is equipped with a unique insight on how to build the most e…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #82: Betsy by Herself on Loving All Parts of Yourself
16:01
16:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:01
In this solo episode I 'think out loud' about what has been coming up for me during a time of stress and anxiety, as I transition from one stage of life to the unknown of the next. Prompted by a recent podcast episode by Shaman Durek on 'witnessing all parts of ourselves,' I ask myself and you, the listener, questions like: What do you default to w…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #81: Tiffany Cheng on Swapping Corporate Life for your Passion
1:14:10
1:14:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:14:10
In this episode, I chat with Leadership Coach and Founder of Inspire My Day – Tiffany Cheng. Tiffany shares what she learned from growing up in China and the disappointment she felt from her parents; who left her with her grandparents because she was not a boy. We talk about the work/life culture difference she has found living in Belgium, and the …
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #80: Traver Boehm on Killing The Nice Guy
1:17:58
1:17:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:17:58
In this episode, I am super excited to welcome back, Traver Boehm. This is his second time in this podcast - and that is because he is awesome (which you will discover when you listen). Traver founded the UNcivilized men’s movement, and is inspiring millions of men around the world to shift their experience of masculinity by combining the primal ma…
In this solo episode, I warmly welcome you to Season 4 of the Discomfort Practice podcast. As always, in this new season, you will find conversations with creatives, activists, leaders, scientists and a host of others about conscious discomfort, the role it’s played in their lives and the value of discomfort in us moving forward as a society. But w…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #78: Betsy by Herself On the Discomfort of Being in The Void
16:59
16:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:59
As with all of my solo episodes of The Discomfort Practice, in thise one I share what’s on my mind just now, and it’s the most personal I’ve gotten yet. In fact, I even get a bit weepy.I talk about walking into The Void - the shapeless, undefined unknown in which all things are unclear. It’s a bit anxiety-inducing at times, but it’s also the place …
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #77: Paul Dunn on Connection, Meaning, And Purpose
1:19:48
1:19:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:19:48
In this episode of The Discomfort Practice, I sit are with someone who has truly ‘walked his talk’ - and is still walking it in a very impactful way. Paul Dunnis a four times TEDx speaker and was one of the first 10 People in Hewlett Packard Australia. After starting at HP - one of Australia's first computer companies - he founded the Results Corpo…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #76: Kim Polman on Treating Others and The Planet As You Would Wish To Be Treated
1:03:59
1:03:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:59
In this episode, my guest is someone whose work I have followed for a while and am always impressed by. She's also part of a ‘power couple’ I admire deeply. Kim Polman is an international public speaker, a polymath, and a citizen of the world. She's an American by birth, has lived all over the world and has lived in London (where she’s now based) f…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #75: Betsy by Herself on the Clarifying Power of Uncomfortable Weather
14:06
14:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:06
I've been on a roll with solo episodes, after admitting they are part of my discomfort practice. And then I met the summer 2022 heatwave in Europe. Barcelona summers are usually brutal, but this one has been particularly rough. But it's also been quite clarifying. Having very little energy creates utility: what do I actually want to put my energy i…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Bonus Meditation: What Do You Need To Give Yourself?
9:04
9:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:04
Back due to popular demand, here’s a bonus meditation for you. I lead you through a meditation on the question ‘What do I need to give myself?’ Whether you’re tired and stressed or feeling fine it’s a great question to ask yourself regularly. Because as the great RuPaul says (I love drag queens, so here you go): ‘Honey if you can’t love yourself ho…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #74: Betsy By Herself on What Do You Want To Suck At?
11:49
11:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:49
In this solo episode, I ask ‘What do you want to suck at?’ Because if you want to be good at something, you need to suck at it first. So perhaps ask yourself ‘What have I always wanted to try or to be good at?’ I share my thoughts on trying new things - or not! - because you’re afraid you’re going to suck at it. Oliver Berkman, a great writer, talk…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #73: Matt Peacock on Messing With Comfortable Assumptions to Create Change
1:15:56
1:15:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:15:56
In this episode of The Discomfort Practice, I am joined by a rock star in his industry, Matt Peacock. Matt is currently a partner at a London-based strategic and creative advisory firm called Blurred, where he provides specialist counsel to clients on Environment, Social and Governance (ESG), risk, sustainability, social purpose, and corporate tran…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #72: Shannon Houde on Finding and Making Your Impact In This World
59:24
59:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:24
In this episode, I’m speaking with someone I’ve known for many years - the fabulous Shannon Houde. Shannon is the founder of Walk Of Life Coaching, and for more than two decades, she's mentored and trained over 1000 change leaders, and used over 3000 hours with them to maximize their personal brands to advance impactful careers. She's had her own i…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #71: David Richman on How Cycling 5,000 Miles Helped Him Process Grief and Inspire Others.
1:03:55
1:03:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:55
In this episode, I’m excited to speak to David Richman. David is an entrepreneur, author, public speaker, endurance athlete, and philanthropist who brings the lessons learned in his life to enrich and inspire others. He pushed out of his comfort zone as a sedentary, overweight smoker stuck in an abusive and unhealthy marriage to seek true satisfact…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #70: Betsy By Herself On the Power of Trusting Yourself
17:35
17:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:35
In this solo episode of The Discomfort Practice, I share what’s been on my mind lately, and I hope it lands with you as the listener. I talk about trust. Life really becomes difficult when we can’t trust - it messes with our nervous systems, our relationships, our ability to concentrate, our outlook on the world. It’s not hard to see a massive lack…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #69: Anne Macksoud and John Ankele on Singing About the Dark Times
57:49
57:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:49
In this episode, it is my honour to introduce to you the (amazing people and) filmmakers, Anne Macksoud and John Ankele of Old Dog Documentaries. I first came across them through their film with Joanna Macy: ‘Climate Crisis As A Spiritual Path.’ It has reached international audiences with its powerful message on climate change and reconnection and …
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #68: Blaire Caplan on Finding Our Purpose and Bringing Humanity Back
46:30
46:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:30
In this Discomfort Running Buddies episode, I am joined by an awesome person and friend, Blaire Caplan. Blaire is a certified Life Designer and Mindset Coach. She is a healing presence that serves as a guide on people's personal journeys and helps people manifest their most authentic selves by unlocking answers and unleashing power from within thro…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #67: Jennifer Moss on Burnout and How Discomfort Is Essential to Resilience
1:02:33
1:02:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:33
In this episode of The Discomfort Practice, I speak to Jennifer Moss, a journalist, author, speaker, and strategist driving the conversation towards healthier workplace cultures. She's the award-winning author of Unlocking Happiness At Work and a frequent writer for Harvard Business Review and SHRM. She's also a member of the United Nations Global …
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #66: Aja Barber on Fast Fashion, Choices and How We Can Do Better
1:06:39
1:06:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:39
In this episode of The Discomfort Practice I get the chance to sit and talk to someone I’ve admired for a long time. Aja Barber is a well-known and respected stylist, author and activist who focuses on telling the truth about the human and environmental devastation caused by the fast fashion industry. We talk about the stark facts of fast fashion: …
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #65: Tim Collings on Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders
40:24
40:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:24
In this episode, I talk to Tim Collings, CEO of 4I leadership. Tim is also a leadership coach, guiding on strategy and organizational design to help individual leaders and organizations create a sustainable future. Tim is also a fellow podcast host, producing the “Better World Leaders Podcast”, on which I appeared a few episodes back. On it, he spe…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #64: Betsy By Herself on Finding and Living your Purpose in All Areas of your Life
28:09
28:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:09
In this episode of the Discomfort Practice Podcast, I go solo to talk about one of my favourite topics: finding and living our unique personal purposes in every area of our lives. Knowing what your personal purpose is serves as a beautiful compass to guide you through life. It's something no one can take away from you and can be a lifeline when lif…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #63: Adam Nosal on Agreeing to Disagree
54:38
54:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:38
I sit again with Adam Nosal who was my first guest in season 3. I asked him to help me kick off the season and set the tone as we talked about ‘how to have nurturing, nourishing conversations’ in what turned out to be the first two episodes of this season. Well, he’s back and we chat about consensus and disagreement, with special reference to Joe R…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #62: Rasia Pouncie on Dark Nights of the Soul
1:00:44
1:00:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:44
In this episode of the Discomfort Practice Podcast, I am joined by Rasia Pouncie, who shares insights on how she’s made it through her own ‘dark nights of the soul’. Rasia is a spiritual mentor, coach, and lightworker with a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling. In her work as the Mystical Healing Guide, she weaves together the threads of he…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #61: Meghan Bonhomme on Aligning Goals Through Self-Love
59:29
59:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:29
In this episode, I sit down with Meghan Bonhomme to dive deep into identifying happiness and self-care. Meghan is a professor in Canada, who owns and funds “The Lovely Human School” with a mission to help individuals realize their true potential and take care of themselves. The school offers an eight-week curriculum to provide people with the roadm…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #60: Jane Duncan Rogers on planning for the end of life. *Trigger Warning – Death*
52:21
52:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:21
In this episode of The Discomfort Practice Podcast, I am joined by special guest Jane Duncan Rogers. Jane and I discuss end-of-life preparation. This includes preparing for what happens after you die, but it also includes ensuring measures are in place to make sure your last days are enjoyable. Jane is CEO of "Before I Go Solutions", a non-profit d…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
BONUS Episode: Betsy By Herself on What Happened When She Meditated For Five Days
26:01
26:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:01
In this solo I recorded the first half before heading into five days of intense meditation between Christmas and New Year 2021, and then the second half of the episode afterward, reflecting on what came up. Having done the same retreat in 2020, my 2021experience was entirely different. What came up for me was how I want this coming year to FEEL - a…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #59: Betsy By Herself on The Power of Self-Acknowledgement & Gratitude
22:55
22:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:55
‘Tis the season of joy, giving and reflecting on the year that has been. In this solo episode of the Discomfort Practice, I share my insights on gratefulness and self-care. Since my podcasting journey began, I have realized that interviewing people isn't as difficult as I had thought it would be. In fact, it comes quite easily to me and is a joy. B…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #58: Matisse DuPont on Eradicating Gender Categorization
1:03:48
1:03:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:48
In yet another thought-provoking episode of The Discomfort Practice Podcast, I’m speaking to Matisse DuPont, an artist, educator, and consultant in gender, sexuality, and identity. Matisse has a Master’s degree in Gender and Cultural Studies and has been showcasing their talents/creativity on their informative, delightful, and binge-watchable video…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #57: Kyle Redman on Fixing Democracy
49:23
49:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:23
In this episode, I am in conversation with Kyle Redman, who’s based in Sydney, Australia, where he’s the research and design project manager at New Democracy Foundation. NDF aims to build citizens’ trust in government decision-making. Kyle previously worked with international partners to design democratic innovations in Eupen, Fortaleza, and Madrid…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #56: Judith Favor on finding peace through contemplative practices
1:03:27
1:03:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:27
In this episode of the Discomfort Podcast, I speak to Judith Favor who is an author, former professor of theology, and retired minister from the Quaker church. I admire the Quaker church because it’s grounded in restful practices like contemplation and reflection, which I discuss in-depth with Judith. Judith’s mission is to bring spirituality and w…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #55: Paul Davis on Living Your Best Life by Following Your Intuition (Trigger Warning: discussion of suicidal thoughts)
1:00:01
1:00:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:01
In this episode of The Discomfort Podcast, I talk with one of the people I adore when it comes to intuitive business, Paul William Davis, and together, we took a deep dive into how we can all find our life’s purpose, and how to truly tap into intuition. Paul is an intuitive personal advisor, an entrepreneur, a best-selling author, an award-winning …
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #54: Betsy By Herself on Aligning With Your Purpose and Addressing Energetic Leaks
18:59
18:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:59
In my latest solo episode of The Discomfort Practice, I’m excited to dive into some of my current self exploration as part of my own discomfort practice. I have gotta confess: doing these episodes has been the real edge of my own comfort zone. It is truly uncomfortable - part of my own discomfort practice - to reveal myself on the Internet. Not the…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #53: Razan Ibrahim on How Becoming a Refugee Helped Positively Shaped Her Perspective on Life
55:58
55:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:58
In the latest episode of The Discomfort Practice, it was such a treat to interview journalist and fellow media professional, Irish Syrian journalist and activist, Razan Ibraheem. Razan is a multi-faceted woman with an impressive career. She’s had a high profile, passionate ethos-driven career in journalism, spoken to the UN and worked in a news age…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #52: Kasia Urbaniak on How Taoist Training and Dominatrix Work Helped Her Understand Power
1:07:41
1:07:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:41
In this episode, I was delighted (and a little bit awestruck) to speak to Kasia Urbaniak, the Founder, and CEO of The Academy, a school that teaches women the foundations of power and influence. Kasia's perspective on power is unique. Over the course of nearly 20 years, she has worked as a professional Dominatrix, practiced Taoist alchemy in one of…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #51: Philip Clayton on the Intersection of Faith, Environmentalism and Social Change
1:00:54
1:00:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:54
In this episode, I chat with Philip Clayton, the President of the Institute for Ecological Civilization (EcoCiv.org), which works internationally to support multi-sector innovations toward a sustainable society through collaborations between governments, businesses, policy experts, and NGOs. He’s also president of the Institute for the Postmodern D…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #50: Alina Siegfried on The Power of Story to Transform the World and Ourselves
49:58
49:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:58
In this episode, I had a chat with Alina Siegfried, a New Zealand-based storyteller, narrative strategist, systems change advocate, TEDx speaker, and award-winning spoken word artist whose stage name is Ali Jacs. Alina’s journey in storytelling and communications has taken her through environmental advocacy, political issues campaigning, social ent…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #49: Becky Burchell on Inspiring Imagination and Change Through the Arts
53:18
53:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:18
In this episode, I chat with Becky Burchell, a talented and inspiring Arts Producer and Curator who specializes in “Hopeism” - the idea that sharing stories of hope through the arts can help us to imagine and create a better future. Becky is the founder of CHANGE Festival, a new arts festival in the UK which she created as a platform for inspiratio…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #48: Betsy By Herself on Confronting Her Own Implicit Biases
18:07
18:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:07
In this episode, I’ll break down what implicit biases are, how they cause unconscious discrimination, impact relationships, and how we interact with the world. See how you can discover your own biases (because we all have them) so you can address them and be a bigger and better human. It’s all about conscious awareness of something that is largely …
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #47: Martin Roberts on Impactful Leadership and the Opportunities of Online Education
41:34
41:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:34
In this episode, I’ve interviewed Martin Roberts, the Director of eLearning at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL). Martin leads CISL’s open, customized, and blended digital learning programmes and is an expert in digital education, sustainability, and business leadership. He’s worked in diverse sectors around the world, in…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #46: Ben Bowen on How Bias in Tech Impacts Indigenous Communities
54:00
54:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:00
In this episode, I’ll be sitting down with Ben Bowen, the Co-Founder, and CEO of Shared Path Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation in Australia. Shared Path is a social enterprise that aims to incubate indigenous entrepreneurial talent and business skills. They develop small enterprises and micro-businesses to use as training grounds fo…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #45: Adam Nosal Part II: on how to connect and be truly human online
40:28
40:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:28
This second part of the conversation with Adam covers his tech startup Tula and mission to help people find ways to truly connect via tech platforms. If you haven't checked out the first half of this conversation, go back to episode 44; it really lays the groundwork for this one. It's all about how we manage conversations in which we can disagree w…
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #44: Adam Nosal Part 1: how to disagree on topics like the Covid vaccine and still have a nurturing conversation
1:01:05
1:01:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:05
In this first conversation of Season 3, Betsy & guest Adam Nosal talk about their opposing vaccine decisions & co-host a nurturing conversation in which they disagree, learn some things and still like each other. We hope you find it enjoyable, thought-provoking and productive. Check out episode 45 for the second part of this conversation, focusing …
T
The Discomfort Practice


1
Episode #43: an intro to Season 3 and a focus on the discomfort of change
9:57
9:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:57
After a wee summer break, Betsy is launching a shiny new season. She'll focus specifically on the discomfort of change and how each guest's work is helping to shape, evolve and innovate how we think, act and ARE in creating 'the new human experience,' in which all beings and this planet can truly thrive. Dive into this season, explore past episodes…