147 The Dream vs. the Doing: Staying True When It Gets Real

We all start with a vision. A dream. An idea of how we’ll show up, and what it will give us in return. But what happens when reality doesn’t match that vision? When the results don’t come, the motivation fades, or the process is harder than we imagined? In this solo episode, Barb shares two personal stories, a move to Paris and the launch of a new program that didn’t unfold the way she’d imagined. Through these examples, she explores how we romanticize beginnings, how easy it is to judge ourselves too soon, and what’s actually available when we stay the course. If you’re navigating discouragement, unmet expectations, or wondering if you’re on the right track, this is your reminder: you’re not behind, and nothing’s gone wrong. Real progress isn’t always visible, it’s often the quiet act of staying true when things get real.SHOW NOTES[00:00] – The Romantic Vision of Change[05:05] – The Reality of New Beginnings[09:45] – Staying the Course Amidst Disappointment[13:30] – Embracing the Unfolding JourneySHOW LINKSExplore the WebsiteLearn about the upcoming EXPRESS TO EXPAND TrainingFollow Barb on LinkedinLearn more about the podcast: https://barbarapatterson.com/the-dream-vs-the-doing-staying-true-when-it-gets-real/

What if you didn’t need more confidence or mindset work, but a new system? What if the problem isn't you - it's your systems?In this rich and refreshing conversation, Trevor Timbeck joins Barb to explore the power of presence, the intelligence of the body, and why play might be the most practical path to building a thriving business.Trevor shares his journey from certainty to curiosity, from head-centered living to embodied knowing, and how that shift transformed his coaching practice, his life, and his approach to success. Together, they unpack the inner game of business, what it means to operate from wholeness, and why letting go might just be the most productive move of all.Topics include:• The difference between systems and psychology• What it means to "snap out of it" and return to the present• The role of nervous system awareness in creativity and clarity• Why aliveness - not hustle - is the true metric of successSHOW NOTES[00:00] - Introduction and Background[02:42] - The Connection Between Inner and Outer Experiences[05:35] - The Journey of Self-Discovery[08:19] - Transitioning from Corporate to Coaching[11:22] - The Concept of Radical Wholeness[13:39] - The Power of Systems vs. Psychology[31:51] - The Importance of Systems in Personal Growth[46:03] - The Universal System of Understanding[48:39] - Current Insights and AlivenessSHOW LINKSVisit Trevor's websiteConnect with Trevor on LinkedInCheck out Trevor's book The Power of Systems BookLearn more about the podcast: https://barbarapatterson.com/present-alive-whole-trevor-timbeck-on-business-flow-the-power-of-systems/

What if your next great idea is already there, just waiting for you to stop trying so hard?In this solo episode, I share real-time stories from my own life and work that point to a powerful truth: creativity isn’t something you chase or force, it’s something you listen to. Whether you’re navigating the unknown, in the middle of a creative project, or leading a team through challenge or change, this conversation is an invitation to loosen the grip and trust what’s already alive within you.I talk about the difference between reactivity and receptivity, how I got a 4:30AM creative nudge from my TV (yes, really), and what happened when a leadership team dropped their urgency and made space for something new to emerge.Inside this episode:Why trying harder often takes us further from insightThe role of internal spaciousness in creative breakthroughsHow everyday moments hold surprising flashes of clarityAn invitation to let go and let creative intelligence move through youThis one’s for the makers, leaders, creators, and anyone ready to follow their creative nudges and see what’s waiting just beyond the effort.SHOW NOTES[00:00] - Embracing Everyday Creativity[09:56] - Navigating Challenges with Creative Thinking[16:22] - Unlocking Innate ResourcefulnessSHOW LINKSExplore the WebsiteLearn about the EXPRESS TO EXPAND TrainingFollow Barb on LinkedinLearn more: https://barbarapatterson.com/unlocking-creative-intelligence-try-less-see-more/

What happens when someone who swears they’re “not the entrepreneurial type” takes the leap anyway? In this episode, Barbara Patterson sits down with executive coach and global consultant Juliann Wiese to unpack her surprising shift from corporate stability to thriving business owner.Juliann gets honest about what really pushed her out of her comfort zone, the mindset shifts that helped her handle rejection and uncertainty, and how embracing “the wobbles” (those messy, uncertain moments) became her superpower. Together, they swap stories about failing forward, trusting your instincts, and why most of us are more capable than we think—especially when we’re willing to try.You’ll hear lessons from the mountain biking trail, the art of depersonalizing “no,” and practical experiments to build your own resilience and courage—at work or in life.Ready to reimagine risk, break up with self-doubt, and get inspired by a real-life transformation story? Tune in and discover what’s possible on the other side of your comfort zone.SHOW NOTES[00:00] - The Bond of Shared Experiences[02:51] - The Leap into Entrepreneurship[05:21] - Navigating the Early Days of Business[08:16] - Building Resilience Through Rejection[10:43] - The Evolution of Self-Confidence[13:34] - Learning from Failures[19:44] - The Journey of Continuous Growth[25:11] - Lessons from Experience[26:36] - Navigating Conversations and Relationships[29:20] - The Importance of Authenticity[31:17] - Learning from Mountain Biking[34:46] - Embracing Uncertainty[37:43] - Wobbling Through Life[39:18] - Personal Growth and New Challenges[41:23] - Rapid Fire InsightsSHOW LINKSVisit Juliann's WebsiteConnect with Juliann on LinkedinLearn more: https://barbarapatterson.com/no-risk-no-reward-juliann-wieses-journey-from-corporate-comfort-to-entrepreneurial-adventure/

What if most of what you worry about… just doesn’t matter? In this refreshingly real conversation, Barbara sits down with Steve Chandler, legendary coach, bestselling author, and mentor, to explore the freedom that comes when we stop taking ourselves (and our problems) so seriously.Steve shares how hitting rock bottom led to a profound inner shift, and how the power of humor, humility, and letting go of old stories became the foundation for his work and life. Together, they dive into creativity, alignment, and what’s possible when we give ourselves permission to be a little less careful and a lot more human.Expect laughter, candid stories, and practical wisdom you can use right now. Whether you’re navigating business, coaching, or simply longing for more lightness and realness in your life. If you’re ready to loosen the grip of overthinking and rediscover the creative spark that comes when you let yourself off the hook, this episode offers a fresh, playful invitation: Maybe freedom is found when you realize not every thought deserves your attention, and sometimes the most honest answer really is, “it just doesn’t matter.”Show Notes[00:00] – Introduction and Early Influences[02:14] – The Awakening: Realizing Internal Influence[06:00] – Spirituality and Its Role in Recovery[09:34] – The Shift from Reaction to Creation[15:52] – Creativity as a Response to Life’s Challenges[22:13] – The Power of Humor and Vulnerability[32:47] – Alignment and Flow in Creativity[35:46] – Pivoting in Business and Life[51:46] – The Power of Love and AwarenessShow LinksVisit Steve’s WebsiteLearn more about Steve’s book The Power of SystemsLearn more about the podcast at barbarapatterson.com.

Ever feel like traction or getting started is just out of reach, no matter how hard you try? In this solo episode, Barbara Patterson gets real about the invisible forces that keep entrepreneurs, leaders, and creatives feeling stuck.Drawing from her own journey, Barb reveals the three most common (and sneaky) internal blocks that stall progress: overthinking/over-strategizing, uncertainty, and the pressure to be “professional” or “credible.” She shares candid stories, practical insights, and fresh perspectives on how to break free from these hidden habits and step into more authentic action.You’ll learn:How fast decision-making fuels momentum (and why waiting for certainty keeps you stuck)Simple ways to move past perfectionism, paralysis, and self-editingThe surprising power of showing up real, even in professional settingsIf you’re ready to stop circling the runway and start gaining real traction in your business, your creative work, or your leadership, this episode is for you. Plus, Barb shares an invitation to join her and a like-minded community for the Express to Expand 30-Day Challenge—designed to help you break old patterns and step into new possibilities.SHOW NOTES[00:00] - Invisible Forces Holding Us Back[07:26] - Overcoming Overthinking and Decision Paralysis[13:10] - Authenticity Over ProfessionalismSHOW LINKSExplore the WebsiteLearn about the upcoming EXPRESS TO EXPAND TrainingFollow Barb on Linkedin

What happens when you stop trying to follow the rules, and start sharing your voice as it really is?In this lively and inspiring conversation, I sit down with writer, ghostwriter, and community builder Jillian Richardson, whose viral “Make LinkedIn Weird” post reminded thousands that authenticity beats polish every time. We explore the beauty of getting a little weird on purpose, and how that choice can unlock creativity, clarity, and real connection in your business.Jillian opens up about:Rewriting what it means to be “professional”Finding confidence in your creative voice (even when it feels cringy)Letting go of patterns that don’t serve youUsing storytelling as a tool for visibility and self-trustTapping into your natural rhythms (and trusting the slower seasons too)If you’ve been waiting to feel ready, polished, or “clear enough” to share, this episode is your permission slip to start now, make it weird, and make it yours.SHOW NOTES[00:00] – Reconnecting and Reflecting on Past Connections[04:02] – The Birth of a Newsletter and Community Building[05:48] – Evolving Business Paths and Embracing Change[08:41] – Navigating Uncertainty in Professional Growth[11:39] – Finding Meaning in Professional Relationships[14:10] – Redefining Professionalism in a Post-COVID World[18:14] – Standing in Your Own Power and Value[21:43] – The Challenge of Pricing and Self-Worth[23:35] – Embracing Accessibility in Professional Development[26:24] – The Power of Authenticity in Content Creation[30:44] – Vulnerability as a Tool for Connection[34:24] – Navigating Financial Growth and Self-Worth[40:23] – Trusting the Cycles of Life and Work[42:07] – Introduction to Jillian Richardson and Her Journey[42:58] – Overcoming Internal Barriers to SuccessSHOW LINKSVisit Jillian’s WebsiteLearn more about Jillian’s course for LinkedInConnect with Jillian on LinkedIn 

What if the thing that’s been getting in the way is actually just a funny little part of being human… not a flaw to fix?In this episode, I’m joined by Fiona Lukeis—relationship specialist, founder of Relatable, and author of the newly released Funny Little Human. We talk about how seeing our humanness with lightness and love can shift everything—from how we relate to others, to how we move through conflict, to how we soften toward ourselves.This conversation is full of honesty, insight, and real-life examples that bring Fiona’s work to life. Whether you’re navigating a relationship, leading a team, or simply feeling the weight of trying to get it all right, this episode offers a fresh, freeing perspective.SHOW NOTES:[00:00] - Introduction to 'Funny Little Human'[04:38] - The Importance of Humor in Humanity[07:31] - Personal Journey and Self-Discovery[10:24] - The Role of Energy in Relationships[13:38] - Understanding Humaneness and Relationships[16:28] - The Three Key Relationships[19:39] - The Impact of Life's Challenges on Relationships[22:51] - Self-Inquiry and Emotional Availability[25:39] - Creating a Positive Climate in Relationships[28:35] - The Power of Lightness in Communication[31:28] - Seeing the Humor in Everyday Life[34:34] - The Essence of Love and Connection[37:36] - The Invitation to Awareness and Growth[43:16] - Introduction to Fiona Lucas and Her Work[44:13] - Exploring Compassion and Emotional FreedomSHOW LINKS:Visit Fiona's websiteListen to the Relatable PodcastFollow Fiona on InstagramLearn more about Fiona's book Funny Little Human: Transform the Way You See Yourself and the Ones You Love

What if momentum, success, and creativity weren’t something you had to force? In this solo episode, Barb shares a transformative insight that changed the way she approaches business, creativity, and life: we are not the wind—we catch it.Through personal stories, client examples, and reflections from decades of experience, she invites you to stop pushing and start listening. You’ll explore what it means to align with the natural rhythm of life, how to tell the difference between mental momentum and natural momentum, and why “not now” might be one of the most powerful directions you’ll ever receive.If you’re feeling stuck, forcing something that used to work, or unsure whether to keep pushing or pause, this episode offers a compass to realign with what’s alive, true, and meant for you.SHOW NOTES[00:00] - Catching the Wind: A New Perspective[04:08] - Listening to the Natural Momentum[11:36] - The Dance of Creativity and FlowSHOW LINKSExplore the WebsiteLearn about the upcoming IMPACT TrainingFollow Barb on LinkedIn

What if so much of what we think is “real” is actually just imagination?In this conversation, my friend and colleague Dr. Amy Johnson explores the nature of thought, the illusion of self, and the felt truth of what’s here beyond the mind.We talk about the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways we live in imagination—how our minds narrate, label, and interpret life in ways that keep us removed from its raw, direct beauty. Amy shares how her understanding has shifted over the years, moving from helping people with habits and anxiety to now pointing more directly to truth… which, as she says, isn’t really something you can describe—but it can absolutely be felt.Together we explore what it means to follow sensation, allow what is, and surrender to the mystery that’s always here when we stop trying to manage or figure it all out.This isn’t a conversation about concepts. It’s an invitation to be in life, as life. And to rediscover what’s real—not in thought, but in presence.I’m so grateful to share this one with you.SHOW NOTES[00:00] - Introduction and Personal Connection[04:30] - The Nature of Thought and Reality[10:05] - Experiencing Life Beyond Thought[15:46] - The Role of Sensation in Understanding[22:50] - Meeting Emotions Without Resistance[27:38] - Exploring the Concept of No Self[35:01] - The Journey of Inquiry and Curiosity[40:35] - Embracing What Is and Aliveness[51:13] - Exploring the Nature of Reality[52:09] - The Illusion of the Personal SelfSHOW LINKSVisit Amy’s WebsiteFollow Amy on InstagramListen to the Changeable Podcast