The Psychology of Emotional Abuse and Coercive Control: Rebuilding Self-Worth with Deena Korda

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. In this episode of It’s an Inside Job, we take on the often overlooked reality of domestic abuse with Deena Kordt—advocate, author, and podcaster. Drawing on her lived experience of emotional and psychological trauma, Deena explains how non-physical abuse works, why it’s hard to name, and how it can reshape a person’s sense of self and safety. She shares her path from a strict conservative upbringing to surviving an abusive marriage for more than three decades.We talk about the patterns that keep abuse hidden: silence, “invisibility” as a coping strategy, and the slow build of control. Deena breaks down how hyper-vigilance and people-pleasing can become survival habits—and how they often persist even after someone leaves. Her reflections challenge the myth that abuse must be physical to be real, and spotlight the manipulation that makes emotional and psychological abuse so difficult to recognize and describe.Deena also offers practical guidance for supporting someone who discloses abuse: validate what they’re telling you, protect their confidentiality, and show steady, non-judgmental concern. We also address common misconceptions and stigma, including the fact that men can be victims too—and often face additional barriers to seeking help. Deena argues for more open, informed conversations so support becomes easier to access and shame loses its grip.The episode closes with three concrete actions for anyone experiencing—or witnessing—abuse: tell a trusted person, document what’s happening, and build a clear, practical exit plan for when it’s safe. Deena’s message is simple and hard-won: reclaiming your voice starts with recognising your worth, and none of this has to be faced alone.Life Changes Channel Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/7lvBpq6n1Otj42xcKTk5VX?si=6cbe25a55c704260Websites:https://DeenaKordt.com/https://LifeChangesMag.com/Deena Kordt LI profile:https://www.linkedin.com/in/deenakordt/UGlowGRL FB page:https://www.facebook.com/UGlowGRL19/UGlowGRL IG acct:https://www.instagram.com/u.glow_grl/?hl=enLife Changes & Divorce IG:https://instagram.com/lifechanges_divorcemagazine_ca?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng%3D%3D&utm_source=qrLife Changes & Divorce FB Pg:https://www.facebook.com/lifechangesdivorcemagazinecanada/Life Changes & Divorce LI Pg:https://www.linkedin.com/company/divorcemagazinecanada/Life Changes & Divorce YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@U.Glow_GRLShift Happens Talk Show:https://deenakordt.com/shifthappensshowBooks:https://deenakordt.com/makeshithappenSupport the showSign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. “The problem for the future isn’t production. It’s consumption.” - Darrell BrickerGlobal population decline is accelerating faster than anyone expected—and it will reshape economies, politics, and society. In this episode of It’s an Inside Job, I speak with population expert Darrell Bricker about fertility collapse, aging societies, and what leaders must understand to prepare for an “empty planet.”What happens to economies, innovation, and social stability when the world stops having children?Key Takeaway Insights and Tools Global population decline is driven by fertility collapse, not mortality.Declining birth rates—across both developed and developing nations—are the single most important factor shaping future population size.00:04:00–00:05:24Urbanization fundamentally changes family formation.As women gain access to education, careers, and income, partnership and childbearing are delayed—and family size shrinks permanently.00:06:01–00:07:34Below-replacement fertility is now the global norm.China, India, Europe, and the Nordics have all fallen below replacement rate, making long-term population decline mathematically unavoidable.00:10:16–00:12:16Economic growth is threatened more by lack of consumption than production.Aging populations consume less, innovate less, and hold most of the wealth—while younger generations shrink in number and purchasing power. 00:17:02–00:22:24Policy incentives alone do not reverse fertility decline.Even generous childcare, parental leave, and financial support (e.g., Norway, Canada) have failed to meaningfully increase birth rates.00:36:44–00:39:17BioDarrell Bricker is the Global CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs, one of the world’s largest public opinion research organisations. Based in Toronto, he is the co-author of Empty Planet, a bestselling and widely debated book that challenges the long-held belief that overpopulation is humanity’s greatest threat.Call to ActionIf this conversation challenged your assumptions, share the episode with someone who should be thinking about the future of society, leadership, or economics.Support the showSign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. “Confidence is about how you feel. Performance is about what you do.” - Dr. Dana SinclairHow do you perform at your best when pressure is highest? In this episode of It’s an Inside Job, performance psychologist Dr. Dana Sinclair breaks down practical, evidence-based tools for staying focused, calm, and effective when it matters most—without relying on confidence or empty positivity.What if peak performance isn’t about feeling confident—but about knowing exactly what to do when pressure hits?Key Takeaway Insights and Tools Pressure derails performance when attention drifts from task to distractionFears, self-doubt, expectations, and results-thinking pull focus away from execution. The solution isn’t elimination—but rapid redirection.00:10:15–00:10:58“Shift when you drift” is the core performance skillHigh performers anticipate mental drift and pre-plan how to bring attention back to the task—again and again.00:10:58–00:11:15Positive self-talk can hurt performance if it’s vague or unrealisticPlatitudes and affirmations fail when they’re not grounded in facts or relevant to the task.00:11:47–00:12:44Negative self-talk can be useful—if you work with itNegative thoughts can signal what needs adjusting. Reframing or redirecting them is more effective than suppressing them.00:13:30–00:24:56Smart Talk = Facts + Constructive Self-GuidancePerformance self-talk should be built on factual evidence (past successes, competence) and used actively during pressure moments.00:17:49–00:26:24Confidence is unreliable—action is what mattersConfidence fluctuates and doesn’t predict performance. Execution depends on behaviours, not feelings.00:28:30–00:30:48Performance cues anchor attention in the momentOne or two simple, task-relevant cues (posture, listening, mechanics) keep performers grounded and effective.00:33:47–00:37:11Breathing is the fastest way to regain control under pressureA single slow nasal inhale and extended exhale can calm the nervous system and reset focus in seconds.00:38:03–00:41:53Post-performance evaluation accelerates improvementA quick review—rating performance, noting what worked, and identifying one adjustment—builds skill and self-compassion.00:43:01–00:45:49Visualization works best in short, frequent “mental clips”Brief, sensory-rich mental rehearsals strengthen performance readiness without becoming burdensome.00:52:04–00:58:51BioDr. Dana Sinclair is a performance psychologist, clinical assistant professor at the University of British Columbia, and author of Dialed In: Do Your Best When It Matters Most. She works with elite performers across sport, medicine, business, and education—including athletes from the NFL, NBA, NHL, Olympians, surgeons, CEOs, and students—helping them perform under pressure with clarity and control. Call to ActionIf this episode helped you rethink pressure and performance, subscribe to It’s an Inside Job so you don’t miss future conversations on resilience, focus, and leading yourself well.Support the showSign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. “What you are not changing, you are choosing.” - Chris DyerChris Dyer breaks down how to build a strong company culture in remote and hybrid teams using simple, repeatable practices—especially around meetings, team norms, recognition, and psychological safety. You’ll leave with concrete tools (meeting audits, team charter, feed forward) to improve engagement and performance. Key Takeaway Insights and Tools Run a quarterly “meeting audit.” Cut unnecessary meetings, shorten the rest, and fix attendance—meetings shouldn’t eat productivity. (00:12:52) Create a team charter (“rules of engagement”). Decide where you collaborate (Slack/Teams/email), response expectations, and boundaries. (00:14:29) Name meeting types to create clarity. Named formats tell people purpose, roles, optional vs mandatory, and “how to show up.” (00:19:23) Use “Feed Forward” for hard conversations. Ask for a specific future behavior instead of criticizing the past—less defensiveness, more change. (00:24:15) Remote culture check-in: “How are you showing up?” + “How are you leaving the meeting?” It surfaces reality, builds empathy, and confirms whether alignment is real. BioChris Dyer is a globally recognized expert in company culture, leadership, and remote work. As a former CEO managing thousands of employees, his organizations were consistently ranked as “Best Places to Work” and earned placements on the Inc. 5000 list five times. Inc Magazine named him the #1 Leadership Speaker on Culture, and he is the bestselling author of The Power of Company Culture and Remote Work.Chris has been honored as a Top 50 Global Thought Leader, a Top 40 Change Management Guru, and a Top 50 Voice in Leadership. His insights have influenced leaders across industries as he consults, speaks, and trains organizations on how to build high-performance cultures that thrive in hybrid and remote environments.Known for his straightforward delivery, candor, and engaging humor, Chris inspires audiences with practical strategies for improving communication, enhancing culture, and navigating the evolving workplace. His signature 7 Pillar Strategy has helped countless companies unlock higher productivity, stronger team performance, and sustainable growth.Website: https://chrisdyer.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdyer7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrispdyer7Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrispdyer7X (Twitter): https://x.com/chrispdyerYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisDyerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisdyer.comSupport the showSign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. FAFSDSupport the showSign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

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Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. "When we operate from a 'fight' mentality, we are keeping our nervous system in a state of high alert. True healing begins when we move from combat to curiosity." - Kristin Grayce McGaryDiscover how to break free from unconscious childhood patterns and transition from a "fight" mentality to a healing mindset with holistic health expert Kristin Grayce McGary. Learn how integrating emotional awareness with functional medicine can build lasting resilience and transform your physical well-being.Are the survival strategies you developed as a child actually sabotaging your health and happiness today?Key Takeaway Insights and ToolsThe "Whole Person" Diagnostic Approach: Health is not merely the absence of symptoms but the alignment of biochemistry and emotional history. By observing body language and micro-expressions, we can uncover hidden blocks that lab tests might miss. [00:12:30]Deconstructing Childhood Survival Patterns: Many adult habits in relationships and work are actually outdated "safety" mechanisms formed in childhood. Bringing these into conscious awareness allows you to choose which patterns to keep and which to discard. [00:22:15]The Biology of "Fighting" vs. Nurturing: Using combative language (like "fighting" a disease) can create a biologically detrimental stress response. Shifting the focus toward moving toward health rather than resisting illnesscreates an internal environment more conducive to recovery. [00:35:45]Tool: The "Pause and Assess" Strategy: A practical method for building resilience by stopping to evaluate whether your current motivations are driven by past trauma or present-day values. [00:48:20]BioKristin Grayce McGary (LAc., MAc., CFMP®, CST-T, CLP) is an internationally recognised health and lifestyle author, and speaker. She weaves together 29 years of experience, education, wisdom, and compassion to empower you to reconnect, reawaken, and rejuvenate on all levelsShe is an authority on autoimmunity, functional blood chemistry analysis, thyroid and gut health, family healthcare, food as medicine, biohacking techniques, integrating mind/body/spirit in health & soulcare, Authentic Relating practices, and is initiated into several lineages of shamanic practices.She is the author of Holistic Keto for Gut Health: A Program for Resetting your Metabolism and Know Your Blood, Know Your Health; Prevent Disease and Enjoy Vibrant Health Through Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis. Her upcoming book is on Blocks to Healing and how to resolve them quickly.Website:  https://kristingraycemcgary.com/Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/kristingraycemcgaryFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/inspiredpositivehealthInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kristingraycemcgary/Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform to ensure you never miss an episode focused on deep personal transformation and holistic resilience.Content WarningThis episode contains discussions regarding chronic illness,Support the showSign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. “The nervous system runs the show, even when you think you’re in control.” - Louise RellisIn this episode, I speak with Louise Rellis, founder of the ANAM Rural Youth Association, about providing vital mental health support to marginalized youth in Alberta. We discuss the effects of trauma on behavior and practical strategies for emotional regulation, including informal conversation techniques that create a safe space for youth to express themselves.Louise emphasizes the importance of community and the role of compassionate adults in fostering resilience. We explore accessible explanations of polyvagal theory and share stories of hope and transformation through trauma-informed care. This conversation highlights the need for understanding and support to empower young people to overcome challenges and thrive.BIOLouise Rellis is the Founder and Executive Director of Anam Rural Youth Association, a mobile, trauma-integrated support service for marginalized, at-risk and systen-disconnected youth and young adults across Central Alberta. Through Anam, she meets young people where they are-literally and emotionally-removing access barriers and providing one-on-one trauma-integrated care. Anam’s work is grounded in the belief that every young person deserves to recognize their worth and potential, especially those who have been disconnected from traditional systems.Louise is also the founder of Mt. Leinster Consulting, where she provides a non-clinical mental health support for adults who haven’t found success in conventional settings. Her consulting work includes community and workplace traumatology, trauma-integrated workshops, and organizational support rooted in Polyvagal Theory and lived experience.Known for her direct, practical, and deeply human approach, Louise challenges the diluted, buzzword version of “trauma-informed” care and instead champions trauma-integrated practice-an approach that assumes trauma is present and shapes every element of how support is delivered.Her work has been recognised for advancing equitable access to mental health support and amplifying the voices of youth often invisible in traditional research and service design.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-rellis-017a77110/Website:  https://mountleinsterconsulting.ca/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anamruralyouth/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/anamruralyouth/  Support the showSign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday