Empowered Team Podcast

Hosted by Kari Schneider

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414

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Empowered Team Podcast where we explore how to optimize your performance in leadership, business, and life.

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60 recent

October 19, 2026Episode 41619 min

3 Things You Want By 40 - And Need By 50

What do you really need to build a life worth living? It’s probably not the car, the job title, the retirement account, or another milestone you can check off a list. In this episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider explores three things she believes you want by 40—but absolutely need by 50: an accomplice, a fight worth losing, and a clock you can hear. This is a conversation about what begins to matter differently as we move through life: deep relationships where we are fully known, meaningful pursuits worth risking failure for, and an awareness of time that brings us back to what matters now. Kari shares personal stories from working with Olympic and national-level athletes, recovering her health after autoimmune disease, and taking on the six-year restoration and launch of Wick Cliff Lodge. Through each experience runs the same question: What is worth giving yourself fully to—even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed? You’ll come away thinking differently about: Why being deeply known matters more than simply being liked The relationships that can shape the quality of an entire life Why some battles are worth fighting even when you might lose How meaningful challenges create growth, fulfillment and fewer regrets The difference between merely existing and living an empowered life Why awareness of time can change the way you experience ordinary moments The power of presence, silence, connection and acting before “someday” becomes too late Whether you’re 25, 45, 50 or 75, this episode is an invitation to look at your life and ask: Do I have an accomplice? Do I have a fight worth losing? And can I hear the clock? Because an empowered life isn’t simply about what you accomplish. It’s about who you love, what you’re willing to fight for, and whether you’re present enough to experience the life you’re building. 🎧 Listen now—and share this episode with someone who needs the reminder.

October 12, 2026Episode 41519 min

Love It. Hate It. Built It Anyway: Entrepreneurial Friction

Why do entrepreneurs love what they do... and sometimes want to burn it all down? In this solo episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider explores the hidden tension behind entrepreneurship—the paradox that the greatest strengths of entrepreneurs often become their greatest sources of stress. Drawing from her experience coaching leaders and business owners, Kari unpacks the three biggest areas of entrepreneurial friction and the practical shifts that help you thrive instead of simply survive. In this episode you'll discover: Why endless ideas are both your superpower and your greatest distraction—and how discipline unlocks creativity. How autonomy creates freedom while isolation quietly drains even the strongest leaders. Why tying your identity to your business can become emotionally exhausting—and how values create stability regardless of business performance. The ripple effects entrepreneurs have on their teams, spouses, families, and friends. Practical tools like idea capture systems, accountability, and values-based leadership that reduce friction without sacrificing ambition. Whether you're an entrepreneur, lead alongside one, or support someone building a business, this episode offers a fresh perspective on navigating the emotional realities of entrepreneurship with greater clarity, resilience, and purpose. Key Takeaway: The goal isn't to eliminate friction—it's to understand it. When you recognize the tension between ideas and discipline, autonomy and accountability, identity and values, you can build a business that serves your purpose without consuming who you are.

October 5, 2026Episode 41429 min

The Completion Trap - “Always Almost Done”

Have you ever hit the deadline, met the standard, and still felt like the project wasn't actually finished? In this episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider explores "The Completion Trap"—the frustrating cycle where goals, projects, and dreams remain perpetually 90% complete. Drawing from the six-year restoration and launch of Wick Cliff Lodge, Kari shares why unfinished work silently steals our energy and how leaders can break free from the "almost done" mindset. You'll discover: Why timelines, quality, and completion are constantly competing with one another The hidden warning signs that a project is slipping off course How perfectionism and shifting priorities keep teams stuck The invisible cost of unfinished work on your focus, energy, and leadership Three practical strategies to finally move projects across the finish line This episode will help you recognize where you're caught in the completion trap and give you the tools to create clarity, strengthen leadership, and reclaim momentum. Key takeaway: Completion doesn't happen by accident. Leaders must intentionally define what "done" means, decide what trade-offs they're willing to make, and create ownership around the finish line. If you've been carrying something that's always "almost done," this conversation will help you finally let it go—and move on to what matters most.

September 28, 2026Episode 41348 min

Barry Moline Interview: Raise Your Hand Before You Are Ready

What if the biggest opportunities in your career don't come from being the most qualified—but from being willing to step forward before you feel completely ready? Barry Moline spent 29 years as a CEO leading two organizations, but his leadership journey didn't begin in the boardroom. It began as a 16-year-old hockey referee who unexpectedly found himself responsible for a high-stakes game he never planned to officiate. That single decision to step up became a pattern that shaped an extraordinary career. In this conversation, Barry shares why leadership is less about confidence and more about responsibility, why the people around you often recognize your leadership potential before you do, and how mentors can transform someone's future with just a few words of belief. We also pull back the curtain on what leadership really feels like behind the scenes—the invisible emotional labor, the constant decision-making, and why even CEOs need trusted advisors they can speak honestly with. Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or simply wondering if you're ready for the next opportunity, this episode will challenge the way you think about growth, courage, and influence. In this episode you'll discover: Why waiting until you're "ready" may be holding you back The leadership habit that opened every major career opportunity Barry received How great leaders help others see strengths they can't yet recognize in themselves Why responsibility—not confidence—is the foundation of leadership The hidden emotional load every leader carries Why coaching and trusted mentors become more valuable as your responsibility grows Barry's perspective on AI, leadership, and the human skills that will matter even more in the future Sometimes the opportunity that changes your life doesn't arrive when you're prepared. It arrives when you're willing to raise your hand. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-moline/ Website: https://barrymoline.com/ Email: barrymoline@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrymoline6530

September 21, 2026Episode 41228 min

What if Quitting Was the Only Failure?

We've all heard the advice: Never quit. But what if that's exactly what's keeping you from the life and leadership you want? In this episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider challenges one of the most deeply held beliefs about success. Drawing from leadership psychology, decision-making research, and personal experiences navigating entrepreneurship, caregiving, illness, and major life transitions, Kari explores why the real danger isn't quitting—it's quitting for the wrong reasons or refusing to walk away when wisdom is calling you forward. You'll discover: The two hidden reasons people quit too early. The two psychological traps that keep us committed long after we should let go. How top leaders make better decisions by pre-defining success before emotions take over. Annie Duke's powerful concept of "kill criteria" and why every leader needs one. Why surrender is not weakness—it's earned clarity. Whether you're leading a business, navigating a relationship, making a career decision, or pursuing a personal goal, this episode will give you a completely different framework for evaluating success, failure, and courage. If you've ever wondered whether to keep going or let go, this conversation may provide the clarity you've been searching for. Key Topics Leadership decision-making Self-mastery Quitting vs. perseverance The sunk cost fallacy Identity and failure Annie Duke's "Thinking in Bets" and "Quit" Defining success before you begin Radical acceptance Leadership mindset Personal growth Resource List — Researchers Cited Geert Hofstede — organizational psychologist; originated uncertainty avoidance. → Overview: https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/sociology/uncertainty-avoidance Hal Arkes & Catherine Blumer — "The Psychology of Sunk Cost," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 1985. → ScienceDirect: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0749597885900494 Barry Staw — "Knee-Deep in the Big Muddy: A Study of Escalating Commitment to a Chosen Course of Action," Organizational Behavior and Human Performance, 1976. → ScienceDirect: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0030507376900052 → Free full PDF: https://strategy.sjsu.edu/www.stable/B290/reading/Staw,%20B%20M,%201976,%20Organizational%20Behavior%20and%20Human%20Performance.%2016%20pp%2027-44.pdf Annie Duke — Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away, 2022. → Publisher page: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/692752/quit-by-annie-duke/ Marsha Linehan — DBT Skills Training Manual, 2nd ed., Guilford Press, 2014. → Publisher page: https://www.guilford.com/books/DBT-Skills-Training-Manual/Marsha-Linehan/9781462515793

September 14, 2026Episode 41119 min

The #1 Skill No One Teaches You: Fact vs. Thought

In this powerful short episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, host Kari Schneider explores what may be the most important skill for leadership, emotional intelligence, and self-mastery: learning to separate facts from thoughts. Most people unknowingly treat their thoughts as truth. But thoughts are often interpretations, assumptions, and predictions—not objective reality. When leaders fail to recognize this distinction, they make decisions based on stories rather than facts, creating unnecessary stress, conflict, and emotional reactivity. Kari breaks down the neuroscience behind why this happens, drawing from thought leaders like Daniel Kahneman, Eckhart Tolle, Byron Katie, Tony Robbins, Brooke Castillo, and Dan Siegel. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the brain operates as a prediction machine The critical difference between a fact and a thought How unchecked thoughts shape your emotions, behaviors, and leadership The 3 types of thinking: Automatic Thoughts — fast, reactive, and often fear-driven Habitual Thoughts — deeply wired mental patterns and beliefs Deliberate Thoughts — intentional thinking that creates new possibilities The practice of “Name it to tame it” for reducing emotional reactivity How to stop believing every thought your mind offers Key Takeaway You are not your thoughts. You are the one observing them. The moment you stop treating every thought as truth, you gain access to greater clarity, stronger leadership, better communication, and deeper emotional freedom. Challenge for This Week Catch one automatic thought and ask yourself: Is this a fact… or just a thought? That single question can change everything. Keywords Leadership mindset, emotional intelligence, thought awareness, self-mastery, neuroscience, mindset coaching, cognitive defusion, leadership development, intentional thinking, empowered leadership Learn more at: theempowered.ca

September 7, 2026Episode 41049 min

Kelsey Aida Interview: Why High Achievers Self-Sabotage

In this powerful episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider sits down with Kelsey Aida—best-selling author, energetic alignment coach, and co-host of the top 1% podcast High Vibin’ It. Kelsey helps people uncover the hidden resistance keeping them stuck so they can align with the life they truly want. From the outside, high achievers often look successful—but internally many are battling fear, self-doubt, identity loss, and subconscious resistance. Kelsey shares her own journey from elite ballerina to a devastating career-ending injury that triggered a deep identity crisis and depression. That dark season became the catalyst for her healing work and ultimately led her to teaching manifestation, emotional healing, and energetic alignment. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why your goals may feel impossible even when you deeply want them How subconscious “I want it, but…” patterns sabotage success Why safety is often more important than motivation The hidden connection between trauma, emotions, and self-sabotage How to identify and release resistance Why feeling your emotions is essential for growth The difference between masculine and feminine energy in goal pursuit How to reconnect with yourself after identity loss Powerful Quotes: “The safety piece is the ultimate cure.” “You are not what you do.” “The only difference between you and the people you admire is that they got better at handling resistance.” Key Takeaway Success isn’t only about strategy or discipline. Often, the greatest breakthrough comes from recognizing the inner resistance that keeps you playing small. When you learn to create safety in your mind and body, feel your emotions, and stop fighting yourself—you unlock a new level of leadership, performance, and self-mastery. Connect with Kelsey: Instagram: @kelseyaida Book: The Manifesting Fix Pre-order The Manifesting Fix: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250432674/themanifestingfix/ Listen now and discover how to stop getting in your own way.

August 31, 2026Episode 40925 min

End Strong. Finish Like It Matters - Because it Does.

End Strong. Finish Like It Matters—Because It Does. What if the way you end a conversation matters more than everything that happened before it? In this solo episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider explores the powerful psychology behind the Peak-End Rule, a research-backed principle from Daniel Kahneman and Barbara Fredrickson showing that people don’t remember the entire experience—they remember the most intense moment and how it ended. That means whether you’re leading a team meeting, coaching an athlete, navigating conflict in a relationship, or ending your workday, your final moments shape what people carry forward. Kari shares powerful examples from: High-performance sports coaching Leadership and team culture Gottman relationship research Exercise psychology studies Real-world business meetings In this episode, you’ll learn: Why difficult meetings can either destroy morale or build resilience The science behind the Peak-End Rule and duration neglect Why unresolved tension lingers longer than the actual conflict How strong leaders intentionally create better endings Three simple ways to leave people feeling empowered Kari’s 3 Strategies to End Strong: ✔ Name the win — Anchor attention on what went right ✔ Repair before you close — Don’t let unresolved tension become the lasting memory ✔ Design the last moment on purpose — Create endings people remember positively Key Takeaway: You may not control every moment of an interaction… But you can control how it ends. And that ending may determine whether people feel defeated, motivated, connected, or ready to return stronger. Your challenge: Before your next meeting, conversation, or difficult interaction, ask yourself: “What memory am I helping create?” Because the ending matters. And when you finish strong—you lead strong. REFERENCES Fredrickson, B.L. & Kahneman, D. (1993). Duration neglect in retrospective evaluations of affective episodes. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 65(1), 45–55. Kahneman, D., Fredrickson, B.L., Schreiber, C.A., & Redelmeier, D.A. (1993). When more pain is preferred to less: Adding a better end. Psychological Science, 4(6), 401–405. Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, Fast and Slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Gottman, J.M. & Silver, N. (1999). The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. Crown Publishers. Gottman, J.M. (2015). Principia Amoris: The New Science of Love. Routledge. Bastos, V., Ekkekakis, P., Andrade, A.J., & Teixeira, D.S. (2025). The peak and end rule, affect-related cognitions, enjoyment, and exercise frequency: A randomized controlled trial ancillary study. Psychology of Sport and Exercise. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102963 Bandura, A. (1997). Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control. W.H. Freeman.

August 24, 2026Episode 40832 min

Clean Pain Series Episode 3: You’re Not in Pain - You’re Creating Suffering

We all experience pain. Physical pain. Emotional pain. Loss. Grief. Fear. Disappointment. But what if much of what keeps us stuck isn't the pain itself? In this final episode of the Clean Pain Series, Kari Schneider explores the critical distinction between clean pain and suffering, revealing why suffering is often the result of what we build around our pain—not the pain itself. Drawing from psychological research, Viktor Frankl's teachings, Buddhist philosophy, and her own experiences navigating Graves' disease, injury, grief, and divorce, Kari shares a powerful framework for recognizing and releasing unnecessary suffering. You'll learn how common patterns like rumination, catastrophizing, identity fusion, and comparison create "dirty pain" and keep us trapped in cycles that drain our energy and limit our growth. In This Episode: The difference between pain and suffering Why suffering is optional How rumination fuels anxiety, depression, and emotional distress The four ways we create suffering in our lives Why we unconsciously choose suffering How identity can become fused with pain Viktor Frankl's concept of the space between stimulus and response Finding meaning in adversity How values help us move through difficult experiences Practical steps to release suffering and reclaim your power Key Takeaway You cannot always control the pain life brings. You can choose whether you build a life around it. When you learn to recognize suffering for what it is, you reclaim your ability to respond intentionally, align with your values, and move forward with greater freedom. "Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional." Listen If You Want To: Stop overthinking and replaying painful situations Build emotional resilience Navigate grief, illness, loss, or major life transitions Strengthen your leadership and self-mastery Learn how to transform adversity into growth #Leadership #SelfMastery #EmotionalIntelligence #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #EmpoweredTeamPodcast #MentalFitness #CleanPain #Mindset #ViktorFrankl

August 17, 2026Episode 40744 min

Clean Pain Series - Episode 2: Why Emotional Pain Might Be Your Greatest Asset

In Part 2 of the Clean Pain Series, Kari Schneider explores the hidden cost of emotional suppression — and why avoiding difficult emotions may be creating more suffering, stress, and even physical illness than we realize. Drawing from personal experience, leadership coaching, neuroscience, and the work of researchers like Dr. Susan David, Brené Brown, and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, Kari breaks down the difference between clean emotional pain and the unnecessary suffering we create when we resist what we feel. This episode dives into: The cultural conditioning that teaches us to avoid emotional pain Why toxic positivity and emotional suppression don’t work How unresolved emotions show up in the body The connection between emotional pain, anxiety, stress, and autoimmune illness Why high achievers often become emotionally numb How emotions serve as valuable data — not weakness Practical ways to process difficult emotions in healthy ways The leadership, resilience, and empathy built through emotional honesty Kari also shares deeply personal reflections on grief, divorce, healing from Graves Disease, and learning how to process emotions after years of pushing through pain. Key Takeaways: Emotional pain is information, not dysfunction You cannot selectively numb negative emotions without also numbing joy Unprocessed emotions eventually surface physically or emotionally Naming emotions helps regulate the nervous system Emotional resilience comes from feeling — not avoiding If you’re a leader, high achiever, entrepreneur, athlete, or someone who’s exhausted from “holding it together,” this episode offers a new framework for emotional strength and authentic fulfillment. Memorable Quote: “The emotions we most want to avoid are often the emotions that contain the greatest wisdom.” #EmotionalIntelligence #LeadershipDevelopment #SelfMastery #MentalHealth #EmotionalResilience #EmpoweredTeamPodcast #KariSchneider #CleanPain