PerfectWhelm with Eric Slivoskey: The Podcast That Helps Enhance Your Life

A few things to know about my guests:

Tanner and SaraLi Twigg are the owners of TPT Fitness in Ellendale, North Dakota, where they are passionate about helping people build strength, confidence, and lasting health.

Tanner is a personal trainer, USTAF-certified distance coach, and part-time video game streamer who enjoys empowering others to reach their fitness goals both inside and outside the gym.

SaraLi specializes in helping women find peaceful, natural healing by supporting healthy skin, balanced hormones, and mindset through a holistic approach.

Together, they believe true health extends beyond...

A few things to know about my guests:

Tanner and SaraLi Twigg are the owners of TPT Fitness in Ellendale, North Dakota, where they are passionate about helping people build strength,confidence, and lasting health. 

Tanner is a personal trainer, USTAF-certified distance coach, and part-time video game streamer who enjoys empowering others to reach their fitness goals both inside and outside the gym. 

SaraLi specializes in helping women find peaceful, natural healing by supporting healthy skin, balanced hormones, and mindset through a holistic approach. 

Together, they believe true health extends beyond the...

Before I get into describing part 3, here is a little bit more to know about Ben & Jonna

Benjamin Jones-
Retired 6 year professional football player who played RB / QB
Founder and creator of the LionFactory, personal development company
World Traveling Adventurer.
Travelled all over the world with his family, including 40 + countries, and lived in 6 different countries
Early crypto adaptor, bought his first bitcoin at $200
Husband, father, leader of men
Follower of Christ

Jonna Jones-
Originally from Finland
Mother of 3
Ex-model, co-ran a modeling agency...

First, A Little Bit More About Ben & Jonna:

Benjamin Jones- 

Retired 6 year professional football player. RB / QB

Founder and creator of the LionFactory, personal development company

World Traveling Adventurer.

Travelled all over the world with his family, 40 + countries, lived in 6 different  countries

Early crypto adaptor, bought his first bitcoin at $200

Husband, father, leader of men

Follower of Christ

Jonna Jones-

Originally from Finland

Mother of 3

Ex-model, co-ran a modeling agency in Europe

Director of...

In this short form episode I discuss the three elements of my professional life. I talk about the creation piece, which involves the writing and podcasting content that I design. 

I also share about my stand-up comedy work in clubs, at festivals, and at corporate events. I elaborate about my Infotainment programming where I pair a talk/lecture/engaging presentation/workshop on an educational or personal development topic like communication, leadership, resilience, etc… with a stand-up comedy set to follow as part of the presentation. I talk about how learning can be enhanced when matched with the joy...

First, A Little Bit More About Ben & Jonna:

Benjamin Jones - 

Retired 6 year professional football player. RB / QB

Founder and creator of the LionFactory, personal development company

World Traveling Adventurer.

Travelled all over the world with his family, 40 + countries, lived in 6 different countries

Early crypto adaptor, bought his first bitcoin at $200 

Husband, father, leader of men, follower of Christ

Jonna Jones- 

Originally from Finland

Mother of 3

Ex-model, co-ran a modeling agency in Europe

A Little Bit More About Today’s Guest:

Dr. Julie Merriman is a PhD, licensed counselor, professor, author, and nationally recognized nervous system expert- In fact her work is grounded in a nervous system first framework

In this episode recorded from the town of Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, I start off with a story about our rough 8 hour journey here to the remote Scottish Isles by ferry. To get here, we had to navigate violent seas and strong gales overnight into the heart of the waters of the North Sea.

I share about how travel can transport us straight out of our comfort zones in so many ways and it is in those moments and experiences where the challenges occur that real changes in perspective and transformation can happen.

Some...

In the beginning of Part 2 of my chat with Tom Attig, an author, teacher, speaker, philosopher, and renowned scholar, we continue our discussion on the process of relearning how to live in this life after we've lost someone close to us.

We then discuss how the act of loving someone continues on even after the loss of that person. 

Tom shares about how spiritual expression and  religious belief systems may sometimes influence the response of mourners and also those who are church leaders. 

Tom also talks about how grievers are often surprisingly well pre...

In the beginning of my chat with Tom Attig, an author, teacher, speaker, philosopher, and renowned scholar… we discuss what influenced Tom to get into studying and researching death, dying, and grief. Tom describes what shaped him as a teacher and philosopher. 

We talk about how grieving the loss of a loved one can take our breath away. 

We share about the unfortunate reality that grieving is often met with an underestimation of sorrow. While loss can be extremely devastating in someone’s life, our culture often minimizes how life altering, powerful, and painful losing someon...

To begin the conversation, I chat with Maryia about her passion for adventure and traveling. Maryia has traveled extensively internationally, and she enjoys exploring new places. 

We discuss the importance of putting oneself out there and learning new things. The benefits of facing our fears and overcoming our feelings of being self-conscious can really be realized with activities like dance and travel. 

We talk about her travel design business, and her experiences with the healing components of aromatherapy. Working with essential oils has had a significant positive impact on Maryia and she credits them with he...

To begin the conversation, I chat with Maryia about her early life growing up in Belarus and creative influences that impacted her along the way.

We then discussed Maryia’s love of dance and how the artistry, movements, and music itself has been the source of joy, mental and physical wellness, personal growth, and many social connections in her life. Specifically, Maryia shares about her experiences with Kizomba, a popular partner dance and music genre that originated in Angola in the early 1980’s.

Make sure you also tune in to Part 2 of our conversation that will...

In this episode of PerfectWhelm Podcast, I discuss five insights that are more real to me now at 55 than they were in my earlier years of life.

First, I talk about the significance of seasons in our lives before pivoting into a reflection about the importance of health and wellbeing.

The third idea I share is about how our lives can sometimes feel like they are shrinking as we age and then I discuss the importance of giving ourselves the permission to try new things and fail on the regular.

Lastly, I chat...

In this episode of PerfectWhelm Podcast I talk about how we as a family arrived at a decision to incorporate some solo international trips with each of our children.

I discuss the decision our family made to make certain sacrifices while viewing the investments through the lens of family retirement and the lifelong impacts of these adventures. 

I share about the core values of empathy, compassion, open mindedness, curiosity, and courage that we aimed to develop through these individual journeys. 

There is an opportunity to allow each of the kids to experience the wo...

In this episode, I discuss various roles and creative challenges I’ve encountered as a sports coach, writer, stand-up comedian, and personal development coach and the general chronology of my creative process. 

I discuss how creative pursuits require persistence and the idea that this kind of work is a numbers game.

I talk about important principles for the creator like aiming to be prolific, producing volume, moving with speed, not overthinking, and often being willing to take chances and put prudence in the ground.

I also share regarding some of the self-sabotage hurdles of...

In this episode, I talk about how trauma can stem from a single event or a series of events. Trauma can be channeled through adverse childhood experiences is sometimes imposed on individuals and at other times it may be culturally reinforced, learned from our parents and other personal influences in our lives or even inherited. In terms of the inheritance of trauma, I break down the concept of epigenetics and how trauma can be passed down from previous generations and essentially leave chemical tags on our DNA.

I discuss the negative impacts of cortisol on the mind...

In this episode, I discuss the concept of ACE’s… which are known as Adverse Childhood Experiences. These are essentially traumatic events that can have negative lasting effects on health and well-being and lead to much higher incidences of mental health issues, substance abuse, cancer, heart disease, and obesity in adulthood.

Various types of abuse including emotional, physical, sexual, religious, are commonly associated with ACE’s. Emotional and physical neglect can also lead to Adverse Childhood Experiences.

When an ACE produces trauma in the body, it leads to a dysregulated nervous system, and a sense of a l...

In this weeks episode, I go to the well and share one of my favorite systems for engaging with clients in a group coaching environment.

These questions are powerful, open-ended, and help to bring more clarity, discovery, and actionable items onto the table. 

The first time I was coached in a group setting with these kinds of questions, I felt so energized, inspired, and overwhelmed…but in a positive, motivating, and PERFECTWHELM kind of way!

PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources

- Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my...

In part 2 of this discussion, my co-host Isabel Grueneich and I focus in on some ideas and practices that we believe may be helpful for staying anchored during these challenging times of uncertainty in our world, including all of the divisiveness and intense political polarization. 

PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources

- Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. 

- Email:  eric@ericslivoskey.com

- I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it...

In this conversation, my co-host Isabel Grueneich and I discuss the mess we’re all in. We talk about the contributing factors and realities that reinforce these perilous times including negative newsfeeds, a challenging economic conditions, widespread scams, fast moving news cycles, the influences of social media, and the challenges of living in a divided and polarized society. 

We discuss the importance of identifying strategies and ideas for building community, strengthening our personal resilience, and safeguarding our mental health. 

Towards the end of part 1 of this 2 part series, we dive into the first part of the...

In this episode, I share about how my comedy journey got started and the crazy circumstances surrounding my first big stage open mic at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood, California. 

I talk openly how comedy has taught me that I can do challenging things in my life. Comedy has brought great joy into my world. It has been  cathartic, and it has offered me the gift of connection with myself and those that I’ve been able to engage and share laughs with. 

I speak about the nerves I experience on stage, the fears, the self...

In this episode, my co-host Isabel Grueneich and I continue the second part of our conversation on Toxic Masculinity.  

We pick up with our look at how culture, mass media, and established norms impact the way that men interact and show up in their environments, communities, and the larger society.

PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:

-Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services.

 -Email: eric@ericslivoskey.com

 -I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you thi...

- In this episode, I’m joined by co-host Isabel Grueneich, a social activist and graduate student in the mental health counseling field. We go beyond the surface and ask the challenging questions about the topic of Toxic Masculinity.

- We attempt to define the term, and also dive deep into how culture, mass media, and established norms impact the way that men interact and show up in their environments, communities, and the larger society. 

- Towards the end of this conversation, we begin to explore the biological context of toxic masculinity and how physiological fac...

- In this shorter form episode, I discuss the impact of shame on our lives and how we can identify and confront it.

- During this conversation, I make distinctions between guilt, shame, and conviction.

- I also share about the reality of this life being that many of us will experience shame on the regular. One of the key components to dealing with this obstacle is to focus on the building and development of shame resilience. 

PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:

 -Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more ab...

In this episode, I go back to the roots of the podcast which is built on the 4 cornerstones of Information, Instruction, Inspiration, and Implementation and talk about some ideas and concepts that have been more relevant for me this year. 

As we move towards the end of another year, I share 10 reflections that are centered on personal growth and development and building a better life that aligns with who we are and what we are aiming to become. 

Below are the 10 principles that I discuss. Tune in to get the deeper dive and the more de...

In part 2 of my discussion with Jerald Simon, we discuss key values and the impact of developing a positive and growth oriented mindset. 

Jerald also shares more about his books including his recent release “How To Experience More Peace and Positivity in Life”- the 30 Day Challenge.

More about Jerald's Work:

Jerald Simon is the founder of Music Motivation® and focuses on helping piano students and piano teachers learn music theory, improvisation, and composition. He refers to these areas as: Theory Therapy™, Innovative Improvisation™, and Creative Composition™. Simon is an author and composer and has writ...

In part one of this interview, Jerald and I chat about the ideas of mission and purpose and how it so profoundly impacts us as individuals and others too. 

We discuss the importance of challenging ourselves and aiming to be well-rounded by trying various activities like sports, dance, drawing, singing, and reading.

We talk about the impact that music has played in Jerald’s life, his interest in speaking, teaching, and writing about self-improvement, and also how the subjects of music and motivation connect and intersect throughout his work. 

More about Jerald’s Work:<...

In this special holiday chat and landmark 50th episode of PerfectWhelm Podcast, I talk about the gratitude I have for getting to be a parent in this life.

I share 6 parenting ideals/philosophies that Estalita and I have practiced in raising our three children. Some of these will likely come across as being nonconventional or counterintuitive, so that lines up just fine with many of the nontraditional paths that we have taken.

Some of the key philosophies that I explore include the impact of empowering the kids to be decision makers, teaching values,  focusing on how t...

In this episode, I discuss the idea of Slow Travel. Slow travel is resisting the urge to do or see everything in a single trip or short window of time.

When we learn to travel at a slower pace … it allows for more meaningful experiences and serendipitous moments.

Slow travel to me is eating in the local restaurants, shopping in the markets, walking in the non touristy parts of town, striking up conversations with locals to learn about local history, traditions, culture, everyday life, utilizing the public transportation, and staying put for a little while. 

I think you will gain more than just extra bling in your wallet from this travel episode full of money saving tips.

I talk about the idea of adopting an “everything is negotiable” mindset while out on the road. 

I discuss a community hospitality exchange called Couchsurfing that will allow you to connect with other travelers and stay for free on couches or spare bedrooms of service hosts who share your passion for adventure and travel.

I share how I conserve funds when it comes to my food budget during my travels including groce...

In this, my third installment of Camino adventure episodes, I share my thoughts on why I met so few people Americans who were in my age group who were walking this trail. 

I discuss the three main components of the Camino, which include the bag, the trail, and the pilgrims. 

I finish things up today with a story about my unexpected encounter with a total stranger in Pamplona and how that event impacted the whole Camino experience for me. 

PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources:

-Schedule a free discovery call with me to lea...

In this episode, I give specifics on budget items for my Camino including things like meals and accommodations. I also share openly about the toll that this pilgrimage had on my body and some of the physical pain I had to push through. 

I also discuss how I spent my time on the trail every day and offer I some insight and reflections about many of the things I learned from this adventure. 

Podcast Links & Resources:

-Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services.

...

In this episode, I offer a brief history of the Camino, a 776.2 kilometer storied path that runs through a small part of France and stretches across most of Spain. The Camino is often referred to as “The Way of Saint James” 

There is some anecdotal testimony that James (an apostle of Jesus & the brother of the apostle John) spent a brief period of his life traveling through Spain and ministering to people shortly after the time that Christ dwelled on earth.  James is said to have preached the Gospel along "The Way" before returning to Jerusalem where he was...

In this episode, I share my perspective about the importance of obtaining travel insurance before venturing overseas. 

I have been impacted by my own personal illnesses and also family medical emergencies while overseas. I talk about a few specific incidents where I did have insurance coverage and situations where I did not, and the mayhem that it caused. 

The only thing worse than a claim is not having insurance when you need it. 

My specific travel insurance stories are based on real life experiences I’ve had in Finland, England, India, and Belgium. 

P...

Come along for the ride as I share about my research that labeled excessive travel a psychiatric disorder from the mid 1800’s until the early 2000’s. This condition is called Dromomania, and I’m here to talk more about it. 

I also talk about my friend Cathy Heller’s perspective concerning how choosing to get off the work centered hamster wheel can be so life altering. 

I agree with Cathy’s observations that we so often buy into the lie that life is about work-work-work, that our worth is measured in productivity, and we are misguided by...

In this episode, I talk about the power we have to change our zip code and how spending time in places different from where we’re used to can spark creativity, help us move beyond the expectations of others, and plug into a fresh perspective. 

I share 3 short stories about getting chased by different animals while hiking in the countryside. The first story involves my dog and I being pursued by a bull elk in Big Sky Country. 

In the second account, I talk about the time I encountered an angry German shepherd while hiking the...

In this episode, I talk about my very real fear of flying, and how I literally couldn’t bring myself to travel by plane for a couple of years following the September 11th terrorist attacks. I also talk about the ways I got around air travel and then how Greyhound Bus Lines convinced me to give the skies another try! 

Stepping into my stand-up comedy alter ego, I then pontificate about how personal parachutes would make better seat accessories than personal flotation devices. I also ask the hard question about why we aren’t constructing airplanes out of th...

In this episode, I share more about the values and reasons why I explore so often and travel so much. I talk about the resistance, negative feedback, and pushback I have often received from friends, family, teachers, and colleagues regarding my travel habits.

I delve into the idea that travel is not running away from something. In my life, it represents running towards something that is very life giving, liberating, fun, challenging, and joyful.

I briefly discuss why it is so important that we don’t allow others to choose our life scripts for us.

In this episode, I kick things off talking about my reasons for loving the open road and how my interest in travel has impacted and improved my life. I share about the goodness that exploring and traveling can offer like fun, adventure, freedom, more empathy and understanding about ourselves and others, and personal growth too…because getting out of our comfort zones is seemingly always a positive thing. 

I discuss my earliest travel experiences and memories and one misadventure at the age of four that turned out to be a bit thorny! 

I also reflect on a...

If there ever was an episode where I put awkward honesty and uncomfortable truths out front, this is it!  In this solo episode, I have a very honest and vulnerable conversation with God as I reflect on some very raw thoughts, feelings, and reflections related to recent tragedies involving young Christ followers. More specifically, this podcast is my personal letter of mourning and lament concerning the kids who died in the central Texas floods and the children who were both injured and killed in the school/church shooting at the Catholic school in Minnesota. 

I explore the id...