Welcome to Idea Tennis, hosted by Jessica Velez-Benito & Asher Wright. In this weekly podcast, we serve up thought-provoking questions designed to THINK deeper. Together, we’ll ELEVATE these ideas to new heights, NAVIGATE complex challenges, and NURTURE the growth of fresh insights. By the end of each conversation, we’ll INNOVATE new ways of thinking and provide actionable steps to help listeners SOLVE real-world challenges. TENNIS = Think, Elevate, Navigate, Nurture, Innovate, Solve/Serve
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Don't just speak... Captivate! The Speaking and Storytelling Podcast is for Christ-led entrepreneurs and leaders who want to become captivating speakers online, on stages, and in the boardroom so that they can make the impact they were born to make. Tune in for episodes on: - finding, crafting, and delivering your signature story or speech - mastering the physicality and body language of an impactful leader - how to optimize your natural speaking voice - overcoming fears of public speaking a ...
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S5E4. High Performance Tools for FaithDriven Entrepreneurs with Stephanie Donahue
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40:30Want to know how to 10x your impact in business without doing all the things? Feel like you're constantly overwhelmed and desperate for a way to work smarter, not harder? Wish there was a way to achieve all your goals while still enjoying your life? In today's inspiring episode, I have the honour of chatting with Stephanie Donahue; a CEO Growth Par…
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#26: Your Inner Critic Might Be Right — But Here’s Why That’s Good 🎾
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48:08In this episode, you’ll discover: Why comparison is the thief of momentum How to break free from self-judgment and unlock authentic creativity The 5 P’s (Principle, Pattern, Promise, Prediction, Purpose) to shift from comparing to creating How community and consistency are your best allies in staying true to your vision The hidden cost of holding b…
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S5E3. Build Trust, Make Impact, Sell Effortlessly: 5 Hacks for Speakers
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16:54How can you build that trust when you speak? The kind of trust that moves your audience to engage with you, to take action, and to (hopefully) buy from you? What can you include in your talk so that your audience trusts that you can give them the results they're looking for? Tune in to today's episode and learn my 5 little-known hacks for speakers …
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#25: How to Sell Without Being Pushy: Heart-Centered Sales That Actually Convert 🎾
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56:57🔥 Real talk, honest reflections, and a refreshing take on sales that honors both your heart and your hustle. Subscribe + Hit the Bell 🔔 for new weekly episodes that will elevate your thinking and grow your business! 🎧 Listen. Reflect. Apply. Serve.💬 Drop your favorite takeaway in the comments—we’d love to hear how this lands for you. 🔥 Get your cus…
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S5E2: Speech Prep Like A Pro: Rehearsing to Get Paid to Speak
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17:09Want to take your speaking from "wingin' it" to professional? Ready to get paid to share your message and speak? In this episode, I share my pro-level rehearsal strategies that will help you prepare your speech and stand out, whether you're an aspiring speaker, leader, or entrepreneur. If you're ready to turn speaking into a paid opportunity, it st…
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#24: Memoirs to Millions: The Power of Belief, Breakthroughs, and Community 🎾
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39:36In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Idea Tennis, Jess and Asher reflect on the unforgettable Memoirs to Millions book launch celebration. 🎉 Jess shares her deeply personal journey to becoming a published author, opening up about the emotional breakthroughs, moments of doubt, and the extraordinary impact of a supportive community. Together, th…
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Do you struggle with finding the right words for your 30 second elevator pitch? Want to know what makes some pitches memorable and some not? Are you ready to take your Elevator Pitch to the next level? In today's episode, I'm sharing my takeaways from a recent networking event; which pitches stuck out and why, and how you can make yours memorable t…
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#23: Is Your Inner Critic Secretly Right?
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53:47Are you holding yourself back with thoughts like "Who am I to do this?" or "What will people think?" In this vulnerable and empowering episode of Idea Tennis, Jess and Asher dive deep into the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. From imposter syndrome to the fear of being judged, they unpack the hidden influence of your inner critic—and ho…
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S4E12. Purposeful Productivity for Mom Entrepreneurs with Alyssa Wolff
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27:23Are you a mom who's also running an online business and you have no idea how to juggle it all? Do you feel called to work beyond your duties as a wife and mother, but struggle with mom guilt and time management? If you're a mom entrepreneur who is ready to 10x her productivity while leaving the guilt at the door, then this episode is for you! Tune …
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#22: Maybe Your Money Anxiety Is The *Only* Honest Thing About Your Offers?
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48:22Maybe Your Money Anxiety Is the Only Honest Thing About Your Offers?🎾 Idea Tennis Ep 22 | Overcoming Money Anxiety & Embracing Entrepreneurship Are your offers falling flat because of your own money mindset? In this power-packed episode, Jess and Asher get real about something every entrepreneur wrestles with—money anxiety. From Jamaican Easter tra…
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#21: Could Redefining Success Be Your Next Big Win?
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45:04Success isn't a sprint — it's a journey from New York to California. 🚗💨 In this episode of Idea Tennis, Jessica and Asher dive deep into the power of consistency, focus, and staying true to your goals. They share real-life stories about writing books, building businesses, and overcoming the fear of success. If you're ready to commit to your growth …
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S4E11. Own the Stage Every Time You Speak
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16:22Would you feel comfortable standing on a stage in front of an audience, saying nothing but your name? Are you confident your voice will still connect with your audience with fewer gestures and movements? Do you want to know how to take your speaking to the next level and really own the stage? Whether you're a seasoned speaker, or still dreaming of …
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#20: Scared to Fail? Here’s How We Beat Fear and Built Our Dreams | Idea Tennis Podcast 🎾
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48:13In this episode of Idea Tennis, Asher and Jess dive deep into one of the biggest success blockers — fear of failure — and how your mindset and emotions shape your journey. They reveal how shifting from being problem-focused to solution-oriented can transform your results, and introduce the 5 Ps Framework to help you overcome fear and self-doubt: 🔥 …
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S4E10. 9 Tips to Keep Your Audience Engaged
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34:06Have you ever bombed when giving a talk? Maybe you've seen someone else bomb and thought, "I hope that's not me". Or perhaps, you haven't given a full talk yet because you're afraid you will bomb. Whether you're a seasoned speaker, or just starting out, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear a very candid replay from a Facebook Live Training. Ins…
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#19: Unlock Your Power: Use Distractions To Fuel Discipline
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43:08Mastering the Dance Between Discipline and Distraction: Find Your Balance In this episode, we delve into the intricate balance between discipline and distraction. Whether you're struggling to stay focused or wondering how distractions might actually benefit you, this discussion is for you. Hosts Jessica and Lainey share personal stories and insight…
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S4E9. Understanding Your Purpose in The Body of Christ with Marty Mitchell
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48:11Have you ever wondered what God's plan is for you? Perhaps you've had the thought: "there must be more!" Or maybe, you're not sure what the Body of Christ even is. In today's episode, I'm chatting with my client Marty Mitchell, the Catholic author of The Capillaries of Christ, Speaker, and Life Coach, who helps Christians embrace their uniqueness, …
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S4E8. When Your Story Becomes Your Ministry with Brittany Poppe
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22:53Brittany Poppe is a Christian Abortion Recovery Leader, Mental Health Coach, and Pro-Life Speaker. She helps women partner with God so they can heal their hearts from the past decision of abortion. She is the host of a top 2% globally ranked Christian podcast called: Does God Forgive Abortion? She shares the truth in love in hopes of helping women …
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#18: Why Most Teams Fail (And How to Build One That Wins)
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39:54In this episode of Idea Tennis, hosts Jessica and Asher discuss how frameworks can help process information and achieve goals. They delve into the journey of keeping a balance between kindness and setting boundaries to avoid being taken advantage of. They emphasize loyalty to personal dreams over business loyalty and stress the importance of surrou…
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#17: How to WIN Even When Life Gets in the Way!
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1:01:56In this engaging episode of Idea Tennis, Jessica participates in an insightful Q&A session, where she addresses vital topics around commitment, focus, community-building, and overcoming skepticism in network marketing. She shares her own journey and the strategies she employs for success in both sales and business building. Jessica emphasizes the i…
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S4E7. What Makes You Captivating? Part 6: Consistency
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14:28Do you know exactly what you want to say, but still feel like no one's listening? Are you confident in your skillset as a speaker but for some reason you're still not getting an audience? In today's episode, I'm talking all about our last "C" in the series on What Makes You Captivating. Consistency is the final piece you need to captivate your audi…
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S4E6. What Makes You Captivating? Part 5: Courage
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15:19You can do all the work to become a captivating speaker, but if you can't find the courage to do it even when you're scared, you'll never get your voice heard. In today's episode, I'm sharing why courage is so important when it comes to speaking and how you can start to be a more courageous speaker. Whether you want to be more bold in the boardroom…
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#16: The Illusion of Progress: Why Change Isn't Always Improvement
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53:28In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the nuanced difference between change and improvement. Transformation is highlighted as a complex, internal process that must occur before any visible external results can be seen. We discuss how change often feels like progress but isn't always substantial; sometimes, it's merely shifting withou…
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S4E5. What Makes You Captivating? Part 4: Connection
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16:52Ready to become the most captivating speaker in the room? Join us at the Captivating Speaker Bootcamp happening March 10th-14th 👉🏻 https://mailchi.mp/e5b66766bcd8/captivatingspeakerbootcamp In today's episode, I'm sharing the 4th "C" of becoming a captivating speaker, which is CONNECTION. If you truly want to move your audience, then you must conne…
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S4E4. Tell Stories and Make Money as a Christ-led Entrepreneur with Lisa Canning
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58:48Register for the Captivating Speaker Bootcamp happening March 10th-14th 👉🏻 https://mailchi.mp/e5b66766bcd8/captivatingspeakerbootcamp Do you want to sell your Christ-led business without feeling "salesy"? Finding it hard to show up and share your stories for fear of what others will think of you? Want to market your business without feeling shamefu…
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S4E3. What Makes You Captivating? Part 3: Clarity
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11:42Do you know how the sound of your voice is affecting your audience? Want to ensure that the quality of your voice attracts (and does not repel) your audiience? Are you curious how you can make your voice sound more like you? In today's episode we are breaking down the third C in our series, "What Makes You Captivating". Being able to speak with cla…
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#15: Imposter Syndrome: How To Turn Self Doubt Into No Doubt
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43:51Navigating Imposter Syndrome: Embracing Growth and Self-Belief In this episode of Idea Tennis, the hosts, Jessica & Asher, delve into the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome, exploring its impact even on the most successful individuals. They discuss why self-doubt persists despite clear evidence of competence and offer strategies to overcome these…
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S4E2. What Makes You Captivating? Part 2: Charisma
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11:01Are you a charismatic speaker? Do you find yourself drawn to certain speakers and you're not sure why? Does your body language and breath support your voice and what you're trying to communicate? In today's episode, you'll learn the second "C" of what makes you a captivating speaker; Charisma. If you're curious to understand charisma is in terms of…
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#14: From Struggle to Strength: A Real Talk on Depression and Healing
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38:55In this episode of Idea Tennis, hosts Asher and Jessica dive deep into the theme of depression, drawing connections from the story of Adam in Eden to personal experiences and current realities. Asher shares his journey with depression following his transition from the military, and Jessica discusses her struggles with depression and anxiety after a…
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S4E1. What Makes You Captivating? Part 1: Conviction
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12:51Do you know what makes you captivating? How do you stand out as a speaker simply by being YOU? How can you enhance what God gave you to make you memorable and captivating? Today's episode marks the first of a six part series entitled,"What Makes You Captivating?" This series will outline what I call, the six "Cs" of being a captivating speaker. If …
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#13: Faith Under Fire: What Adam and Job Teach US About Life
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40:28In this episode of Idea Tennis Asher and Jessica delve into the powerful influence of Bible stories on their lives and mindsets. Jessica shares her reflections on the story of Job, focusing on resilience and unwavering faith amidst life's challenges. Asher narrates how the story of Adam has deeply shaped his understanding of disobedience and redemp…
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#12: Balancing Ambition: The Fine Line Between Healthy Ambition and Unhealthy Obsession
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33:07In this episode of Idea Tennis, Hosts Jessica and Asher explore the effects of a culture focused on success and the importance of aligning goals with personal values. Are we pursuing genuine fulfillment, or are we merely addicted to the high of achieving success? Join us as we explore how a culture fixated on winning can jeopardize our well-being a…
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S3E12. Felt Safety and Sharing your Voice with Anna Saucier
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31:24Do you want to share your voice, but feel like it's not safe to do so? Are the many parts of you feeling like they're in a constant battle over what to do and what to say? Are you doing all the things in your business but nothing is changing? In today's episode, I sit down with Holistic Leadership and Sustainable Business Consultant, Anna Saucier, …
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#11: Optimizing Your Life: Essential Tools and Tips
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48:07In this episode of Idea Tennis, hosts Asher and Jessica discuss various tools and systems that make life and work easier. They cover different organizational methods such as using digital calendars, note apps, and paper systems. They share valuable insights on event planning, utilizing platforms like Peerspace and Gigster for venue needs, and outso…
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S3E11. A 9-step outline for engaging live videos
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23:49Do you shy away from showing up live on camera for your audience? Is going live something you would like to do more consistently in 2025? In today's episode, I'm giving away my 9-step outline to help you organize your live videos. Having a plan is the first step towards becoming a confident speaker both online and on stages. This outline will give …
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S3E10. 7 places to speak in 2025 outside of social media
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18:57Do you have a love/hate relationship with social media? You love what it can do for your visibility, but hate what it can do for your mental wellbeing? I feel you! In today's episode, I'm sharing 7 places you can share your voice in 2025 that don't include social media. If you're looking to step away from social media or use it less, but you worry …
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#10: Ambition, Sacrifice, and the Road to Success - 2025 Insights
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31:26In this episode, hosts Jessica and Asher discuss their ambitious goals for 2025 and beyond, including a decade-long plan to read 1,000 books. They delve into the concept of ambition, exploring its costs, the sacrifices required, and how different viewpoints can perceive ambition either negatively or positively. They share personal stories and provi…
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#9: Living vs Existing: Discover the Profound Difference
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38:20In this episode of Idea Tennis, hosts Jessica and Asher delve into the significant difference between merely existing and truly living. They discuss the concepts of an 'automated mind' versus a 'manual mind', exploring the impact of living life consciously and with purpose. Both share personal stories and reflections on how to disrupt the monotony …
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S3E9. Your Nervous System's Role in Speaking with Claudine Noel
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29:49Want to understand why you get sweaty, your heart races, and your breath quickens when you have to speak in public? Curious to know the role your nervous system plays when it comes to speaking? If you'd like to get to the bottom of your fears around public speaking, and how they are trapped in your body, then this week's episode is for you! In toda…
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#8: Loneliness: Exploring the Depths of Loneliness and Finding Belonging
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32:01Question of the week: Lack of relationships with others or with oneself? This episode delves into the concept of loneliness, exploring whether it reflects a lack of relationships with others or with oneself. Asher and Jess discuss how loneliness can be felt even when surrounded by people, especially during the holiday season. They share personal ex…
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S3E8. 4 steps to stay calm, crush social anxiety, and speak truth during the holidays
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17:07If the holidays are a challenging time for you because of family dynamics, triggering conversations, or you struggle with social anxiety, then this episode is for you. Tune is as I share my 4-step plan to face social situations with a calm and truthful mindset. 👀 Want more eyeballs on your work and more ears on your voice in 2025? Join us for BECOM…
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S3E7. Get seen! A simple visibility plan for 2025
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8:43Do you feel overwhelmed by the ever-changing social media landscape? Does showing up for your audience feel like a daunting task because you don't know where or how? Do you wish you knew exactly where to show up each day? In today's episode, I'm breaking down the steps you can take TODAY, to set yourself up for a simple visibility action plan in 20…
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Resilience and Pushing Through Balancing Rest and Ambition: Navigating Sacrifice and Success In this episode, Asher and Jessica discuss the significance of taking breaks and resting, the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance, the journey and demands of entrepreneurship, and the difference between corporate and entrepreneurial mindsets. They…
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S3E6: Present with authority: body language that commands attention
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16:13Want to know the secrets to presenting with authority? Are you ready to embody the kind of presence that commands your audience's attention and demands to be heard? Tune in to this week's episode where I'll share all the things you need to consider to present like a true leader. Everything from body language, postures, gestures, or even whether to …
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S3E4. Hate how you look on camera? 3 questions to improve your body image
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18:07Are you an online entrepreneur who's self-conscious about how you look on camera? Is your mindset around your looks holding you back from showing up for your audience or pursuing your dreams of speaking? In today's episode, I'm sharing the story of my own struggles with body image and how you can change your mindset in order to step into the woman …
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Discover the Power of Your Story with Asher & Jessica VB In this episode of 'Idea Tennis,' Asher and Jessica VB discuss the value of sharing personal stories as a transformative and empowering experience. They touch upon the significance of understanding one's own narrative to foster self-love, inspire others, and build community. The conversation …
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S3E4. Rewrite your Story with Jesus to Heal and Lead with Brigid Tebaldi
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37:58Have you ever felt stuck in your story? Is it holding you back from being a strong leader? Do you worry you'll be judged or gaslit if you do share your story? Tune into today's episode where I sit down with birth trauma recovery coach, Brigid Tebaldi, to talk about how she helps clients heal from their birth stories by inviting Jesus into their sto…
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What makes some speaker's captivating before they even open their mouths to speak? How does your body, and the tension you may be carrying, affect the way your message and voice land on your audience? In today's episode I'm sharing the too often overlooked topic in the speaking world of body tension and the role it plays in your presence and voice.…
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#5: Embracing Happiness: The Courage to Choose Joy
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31:08Choosing Happiness: An Inside Job In this insightful episode of Idea Tennis with Jessica V.B. and Asher, the hosts discuss the elusive concept of happiness, anchored by a quote from Poonjab Papaji about its permanence. They explore the idea that happiness is a choice requiring courage, especially in the face of challenges. Conversation topics inclu…
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Do you want to be a captivating speaker but feel like something is holding you back? Maybe you enjoy speaking, but don't feel like people really listen to you? Or perhaps you feel like the way you speak doesn't fully express who you are and what you want to say? If you want to uncover your natural speaking voice, so that you can optimize what God g…
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The Obstacle is the Way: Turning Challenges into Opportunities Join Jessica and Asher for another enlightening conversation as they tackle the question of whether money is an obstacle. They delve deep into personal growth, the necessity of overcoming obstacles, the value of community, and the importance of investing in oneself. Learn how obstacles …
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