Dancing in the Discomfort Zone with Anne Bonney

Hosted by Anne Bonney

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Episodes

390

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Let's face it, life is uncomfortable. Whether it's interacting with other humans (or trying to), going after our goals and improving our lives, or understanding other people's perspectives, preferences and proclivities, being able to face the discomforts in life with courage, compassion, confidence and resilience will make life a lot more enjoyable! So join me as we DANCE IN THE DISCOMFORT ZONE! We'll explore new ideas, learn how to build our confidence, courage and resilience, and laugh a little too, because life is serious enough. We need a little cha cha, and a little ha ha every once in a while! Welcome to the Discomfort Zone with Anne Bonney!

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60 recent

June 15, 2026Episode 39146 min

How a College Dropout Ended Up Touring with the Rolling Stones with Scott Scovill

What if the thing standing between you and your dream... is your fear of failing?(Watch the full video interview on YouTube here. https://youtu.be/nEINMa-lDJU)Scott Scovill (www.scottscovill.com and https://tenaciousbook.com/ ) was flunking out of college, waiting tables, and terrified to try when a chance encounter with a touring crew from U2 changed everything. Two years later, he was on tour with the Rolling Stones. (whaaaaat??!) But this isn't a story about fame.It's a story about what happens when you stop letting fear make your decisions...true Dancing in the Discomfort Zone territory.In this powerful conversation, Scott shares how he learned to keep going despite anxiety, rejection, setbacks, and self-doubt, and why tenacity isn't about stubbornly and stupidly banging your head against a wall. It's about refusing to give up on the destination, even when you need a new route. In this episode we talk about: Why fear can be both your greatest enemy and your greatest motivator The difference between being stubborn and being tenacious What the Rolling Stones taught Scott about chasing impossible dreams The fact that successful people fail more often than most people realize How to know when it's time to pivot instead of quit The surprising truth Taylor Swift shared about success and fear Why life is a team sport—and you shouldn't do it alone If you've ever wondered if you should keep going, change direction, or finally take the leap, this episode is for you.Because the dream isn't found in the comfort. It's on the other side of trying. Want more from Scott?Get the book. https://tenaciousbook.com/ Hit his socials: https://www.instagram.com/scottscovillcreative https://www.facebook.com/scottscovillcreativehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-scovill-943a4022/Scott Scovill is an award-winning entrepreneur and creative powerhouse, founder of Moo TV, and author of Tenacious: The Art of Relentlessly Pursuing Your Wildest Dreams. Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

June 8, 2026Episode 39033 min

What Leaders Get Wrong About Work-Life Balance with Amy Vetter

Most people think business success and personal wellbeing live in separate worlds. Amy Vetter thinks that's exactly why so many leaders are burned out.In this fascinating conversation, Amy Vetter https://www.amyvetter.com/ shares her journey from accountant to partner, from burnout to balance, and from classical violinist to electric rock performer. Along the way, she discovered that fulfillment isn't a "soft skill"...it's a business strategy. In this episode, you'll discover: Why work-life balance is actually a leadership issue The surprising connection between fulfillment and business results How burnout often starts long before your career does Why Gen Z isn't "lazy", they just need something different The hidden cost of never disconnecting How learning something new makes you a better leader Why Amy now plays electric violin from the keynote stage If you've ever wondered whether success has to come at the expense of joy, this conversation might completely change your perspective.Because sometimes the path to better leadership isn't working harder—it's learning how to reconnect with yourself first. Want more from Amy?@amyvettercpa - all socialhttps://www.amyvetter.com/https://www.businessbalancebliss.com/Amy Vetter, CPA, CSP, Yogi, Musician, a dynamic keynote speaker and CEO of The B³ Method Institute. She uniquely blends her expertise as a business leader, CPA, yogi, and wellness practitioner. Through her innovative B³ Method®—Business + Balance = Bliss—and Fulfillment ROITM measurement system, she demonstrates how well-being directly drives business success. Drawing from over 25 years of finance and technology leadership experience and her training as a certified health and life coach, Amy empowers organizations to achieve sustainable growth through connected leadership. Host of the Breaking Beliefs podcast and author of "Disconnect to Connect," she continues to transform how leaders create thriving, purpose-driven cultures.Anne Bonney your host is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

May 25, 2026Episode 3899 min

You Can’t Change Until You Accept This

What if the reason you’re stuck… is because you haven’t accepted what’s true?In this month’s wrap-up episode of Dancing in the Discomfort Zone, Anne Bonney pulls together a powerful insight from all 3 May guests:You can’t change anything… until you accept reality.From parenting challenges to toxic relationships to business collapse and reinvention, this episode explores the pivotal moment where everything shifts; the moment you stop resisting, stop denying, and finally face what is.You’ll learn: Why acceptance is the real starting point for change How resisting reality keeps you stuck The identity shift required to move forward What happens when you finally tell yourself the truth Because real growth doesn’t start with action…it starts with acceptance.Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

May 18, 2026Episode 38834 min

Courage Before Proof: The Leadership Skill You Need

What happens when everything you’ve built… disappears overnight?In this powerful episode of Dancing in the Discomfort Zone, Anne Bonney sits down with Lisa Pagotto, founder of Crooked Compass (https://www.crooked-compass.com/) to talk about resilience, reinvention, and the courage to lead when there is absolutely no clear path forward.When the pandemic shut down global travel, Lisa’s entire business came to a halt for nearly three years. No revenue. No team. No roadmap. Most people would have waited it out.Lisa? She learned how to fly… and accidentally built a second business that saved the first.This conversation is packed with real-world lessons on: Leading before there’s proof (and why waiting is a trap) The truth about resilience (hint: it’s NOT “just push harder”) How to recognize burnout before it breaks you Why discomfort, travel, and uncertainty make you stronger The mindset shift that turns crisis into opportunityAnd here’s the truth most people don’t want to hear: 👉 Strength is not about endurance… it’s about knowing when to pause.Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or just trying to figure out your next step—this episode will challenge how you think about risk, growth, and what it really takes to move forward when plans fall apart.Because the people who thrive aren’t the ones with the best plan… They’re the ones willing to move without one.Want more from Lisa? https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-pagotto/https://www.instagram.com/lisapagotto_/https://www.facebook.com/Crookedcompasstravel/https://www.youtube.com/@CrookedCompasshttps://www.crooked-compass.com/Lisa Pagotto is the founder of Crooked Compass, an immersive travel company built on depth, cultural respect, and meaningful experiences in complex destinations. A business owner shaped by uncertainty, she speaks on resilience, leadership, and decision-making when there is no clear roadmap. Drawing from lived experience building, adapting, and reinventing through crisis, Lisa brings grounded insight on risk, reinvention, and what it

May 11, 2026Episode 38738 min

Addicted to Love: When Chemistry Turns Toxic

Why do we ignore red flags… even when we know better?In this raw, revealing, and wildly relatable episode of Dancing in the Discomfort Zone, Anne Bonney sits down with Dr. Stephen Paul Edwards—speaker, spiritual counselor, and author of The Venus Flytrap (https://vft23.com/)—to unpack the messy, magnetic, and sometimes destructive reality of toxic relationships.Stephen shares the true story behind his book. It's about a passionate, chaotic relationship that had everything: intense chemistry, emotional highs, devastating lows… and a whole lot of red flags he chose to ignore. So why do we do that?This conversation dives deep into: 🔥 The real reason we overlook obvious warning signs 🔥 How we slowly lose ourselves in relationships (without even noticing) 🔥 The hidden beliefs—like worthiness, trust, and fear of abandonment—that drive our choices 🔥 Why toxic relationships can feel addictive (yep, literally) 🔥 How to break the cycle and stop repeating the same patterns in a different personStephen doesn’t hold back. He owns his mistakes, shares the uncomfortable truths, and reveals how hitting “enough is enough” became the turning point for real change.And here’s the kicker: You already know the red flags when you see them… you’re just choosing not to listen.This episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and ask: What am I tolerating… and why?Because the real transformation doesn’t happen when you find the “right” person …it happens when you finally face yourself.Want more from Dr Edwards? Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/venusflytrap23_official/?next=%2F]X [https://x.com/vftofficial23?s=21]Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/share/1adJdxdm9D/?mibextid=wwXIfr]LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemiracles/]TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@vft23_official?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc]Website [https://vft23.com/]Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

May 4, 2026Episode 38631 min

When Love Isn’t Enough: A Mother’s Fight, Faith & Fierce Advocacy

How do you keep going when the life you planned is replaced by a daily battle for survival? In this moving episode, host Anne Bonney sits down with Nancy Ferraro—attorney, author of When the Bough Breaks, and keynote speaker—to discuss the raw, unfiltered reality of raising a child with severe disabilities and violent behavioral challenges. Nancy shares her journey of adopting her son, George, from Romania, only to discover he suffered from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and severe attachment disorders. From the "Hurricane George" years of daily violence to the soul-crushing realization that she "could not love the disability out of him," Nancy reveals how she traded shame for strength and became a fierce advocate for her son and her family. In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The "Bough-Breaking" Moment: Redefining parental expectations when "neurotypical" isn't an option. Advocacy as Love in Motion: Why learning the "language of power" (like FAPE and Section 504) is the ultimate act of love. The Power of Community: How a chance encounter in a grocery store shifted Nancy's perspective from "why me?" to "aren't we blessed?". Breaking the Silence: Overcoming the social shame and isolation of traumatic parenting. Securing the Future: Vital legal insights into special needs planning, guardianship, and why "love alone is not enough" when it comes to your child's long-term care. Want more from Nancy? https://www.facebook.com/nancy.annferrarohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ferrarolaw/www.ferrarolawpalmbeach.comNancy Ferraro is an attorney, author, and keynote speaker whose enthusiasm for life and compassion for humanity are hallmarks. A fierce protector, Nancy is passionate about serving and empowering others. With legal expertise in estate planning, probate, and guardianship Nancy shapes futures and builds legacies that fulfill clients’ desires. A lawyer who raised an adopted son suffering from fetal alcohol syndrome, Nancy has unique insights into parenting and decisions affecting children.Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

April 27, 2026Episode 38510 min

Nothing is actually bad...you're just making it that way! (and what you can do about it)

Ever notice how something small can ruin your whole mood… …but something BIG barely fazes you?RIGHT? How weird is that?? In this April wrap-up episode of Dancing in the Discomfort Zone, Anne Bonney connects the dots from three powerhouse April episodes with Alaina G. Levine, Henna Pryor, and Bob Mathers, and uncovers a game-changing insight: It’s not what’s happening… it’s the meaning you assign to it.From getting salty in an airport bag check line (admit it, you've been there) to awkward social moments to life-altering events, Anne breaks down how your brain instantly labels situations, and how those labels shape your entire experience and mood for the day!.In this episode, Anne talks about: Why nothing is “good” or “bad” until YOU decide it is How your brain creates stories that feel true (but aren’t) The hidden reason awkward moments feel so painful How fear gets mislabeled as danger (when it’s usually not) Why shifting your interpretation can instantly change your experience What to do if a bus is coming A simple question to help you reframe ANY frustrating situation Bottom line: The quality of your life isn’t based on what happens, it’s based on the meaning you assign to what happens. Next time something annoys you, ask: “What meaning am I assigning to this… and is it the only explanation?”If you want in on my newsletter, here's the link. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-discomfort-zone-dispatch-7391210402501521408/Subscribe to my E-mail List (same as above, different delivery method!): https://bit.ly/midweek-energizerAnne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

April 20, 2026Episode 38434 min

Why You Feel Stuck (And What’s Actually Holding You Back) with Bob Mathers

What if your life changed overnight… and then quietly went right back to normal?That’s exactly what happened to Bob Mathers, and it forced him to ask a brutally honest question:Am I actually living… or just reacting to fear?In this powerful and refreshingly real conversation, Bob (https://bobmathers.ca/) shares the moment his son’s life-threatening health crisis snapped everything into focus, and the surprising and frightening realization that followed.We dive into what it really takes to break that cycle, from simple daily habits (journaling keeps coming up!) to facing fears head-on (like performing at an open mic sober for the first time.)In this episode we talk about: Why fear of judgment keeps you stuck (and how to break it) The wake-up call most people ignore after life-changing moments How journaling clears mental clutter (even if you think it’s “not your thing”) Why doing scary things once can change everything The balance between pushing yourself… and just being present Bottom line: You don’t need a life crisis to wake up… but you do need to stop waiting.Want more from Bob?https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmathers/https://www.instagram.com/bob_mathers/https://bobmathers.substack.com/The pod: https://growth-mixtape-podcast-with-bob.cohostpodcasting.com/Bob Mathers is a keynote speaker, customer success coach, and podcast host that helps leaders and organizations get off autopilot, rediscover their creativity and become the rockstars they've always been. Bob has over 20 years in services and technology leadership and has worked with some of the world’s largest brands. Then something happened that changed his life forever. It was a text that read, “It’s a mass on his brain.” As his son was rushed into surgery, life stopped. Everything that kept him awake at 3am the night before disappeared. He realized how much of his life had been weighed down by the fear of failure and judgement that paralyzes all of us into living mediocre lives. Today, he shares his story and those of his inspiring podcast guests to help people wake up, take action and start living the life they deserve.Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

April 13, 2026Episode 38333 min

Stop Trying to Be Smooth. It’s Backfiring, with Henna Pryor

Ever replay an awkward moment in your head… for 3–5 years? Me too! And according to communication expert Henna Pryor… you might be doing it ALL wrong.In this laugh-out-loud and wildly insightful episode, Henna (hennapryor.com) breaks down why awkwardness isn’t something to avoid. It’s actually a powerful tool for connection, confidence, and growth.From career pivots to cringey social moments, we dive into how self-awareness, authenticity, and a little willingness to feel uncomfortable can completely change how you show up.We also tackle Henna’s concept of the “signal gap”. Why what you say isn’t always what people hear, and how closing that gap can make you more believable, trustworthy, and impactful in every room you walk into.In this episode we talk about: Why awkwardness is actually a social superpower The biggest lie you tell yourself after a weird interaction How to recover from awkward moments (and look MORE confident because of it) What the “signal gap” is, and why it’s killing your communication Simple ways to build confidence in everyday, low-stakes interactions Why authenticity is the key to trust in a skeptical world Bottom line: Awkward isn’t the problem. Avoiding it is.Chapters00:00 Career Pivots and Personal Growth06:15 Understanding Awkwardness in Social Situations18:29 The Signal Gap: Building Trust and BelievabilityWant more from Henna?hennapryor.com @hennapryor on linkedin and IGInc column: https://www.inc.com/author/henna-pryor Linkedin Learning courses: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/instructors/henna-pryor Henna Pryor, CSP is a dynamic Workplace Performance Expert who speaks and writes about performance mindset, interpersonal dynamics, high-impact communication, and embracing bumps in a world that keeps optimizing for smoothness.She is a regular Expert Columnist for Inc. Magazine, 18x award-winning author of Good Awkward, and an in-demand global keynote speaker. Her playful personality and insightful talks blend 2 decades of working with corporate leaders and teams with a fresh, science-based approach to taking more strategic risks and bo

April 6, 2026Episode 38234 min

AI Is Changing Work. Here’s What Actually Still Matters with Alaina G. Levine

What if the career you’re chasing…isn’t actually yours?In this high-energy episode, I sit down with powerhouse speaker, author, and self-proclaimed “Queen of Nerds,” Alaina G. Levine (www.alainalevine.com), to talk about building what she calls a Unicorn Career...one that’s authentic, meaningful, AND pays the bills (because…yeah. Dinner)From "humble beginnings" as a billiards champion to helping thousands of professionals ditch the “shoulds” and own who they are, Alaina brings the heat on authenticity, courage, and why playing it safe is costing you more than you think.We dive into: Why authenticity isn’t fluffy...it’s your competitive advantage The biggest mistake women make when applying for jobs (and how NOT to do it) How AI is changing careers, and why your humanity matters more than ever The 3-part “Unicorn Career” framework to align who you are with what you do Why your goal isn’t just a career… it’s a Unicorn LifeBottom line? You’re not here to fit in. You’re here to stand out...and get paid for it. LET'S GO!!!Alaina G. Levine, CSP, is a STEM workforce expert, and she’s spoken 1,000+ times on 5 continents, written 500+ articles in magazines such as Scientific American, and is praised by NASA as “worth her weight in gold.” As a skilled panel moderator, she once stopped a fistfight onstage between the CEO of a billion-dollar global company and a Nobel laureate. And as an undergraduate, Alayna was a championship billiards player and competed in national tournaments under her moniker, Lady Dyn-o-mite. She studied Mathematics, Arabic, and Egyptology in Cairo as a US Department of Defense Boren Fellow.Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.