Explore every episode of the podcast Bravely Connected Podcast

re you constantly giving to others—whether as a teacher, parent, or community builder—while feeling exhausted and stretched thin?

In this episode of Bravely Connected, I get personal about the emotional and financial toll of living your purpose. I share hard-earned lessons on burnout, the vulnerability of hope, and the power of self-care.

These 4 strategies are helping me, I know they can help you.If you're feeling drained, this episode is for you.

Hit subscribe and let’s stay bravely connected! 💛

In this powerful conversation, we explore the true impact of building connections and fostering belonging.

My guest, Ken Lima-Coelho shares inspiring insights on how small acts of kindness and community engagement create resilience—not just for individuals, but for society as a whole.

From volunteering to simply checking in on a neighbor, every action matters. Discover how you can make a difference, why belonging is essential for human growth, and how to step into your role as a changemaker.

👉 Listen now and start building the kind of community we all need!

Join me for a special interview with Alexandra Velosa, Marketing Manager of Southcentre Mall. I am blown away by how she thinks, and how's she has turned a mall into a place of community.Community isn’t just where we live—it’s how we show up. In this episode of Bravely Connected, we explore the power of small actions that create big change. From transforming a mall rooftop into a thriving garden to uniting artists for a cause, these stories prove that impact starts with connection. In these special interviews, I uncover how everyday people are turning ordinary spaces into extraordinary solutions. Community can be created anywhere.Alexandra reminds me of this.

This episode is a passionate call to action against the rising epidemic of disconnection. It highlights the power of community in combating anxiety and depression, sharing real stories of transformation through simple acts of gathering—whether through dance, art, or shared meals.

This episode challenges parents, teachers, and students to step up and create spaces of belonging, offering practical steps to foster genuine connection. If you’re ready to fight loneliness with the “sword of connection,” this episode will inspire you to take action.

#connection #community #youth #parents #teachers #anxiety

Why do we instinctively protect ourselves in social situations? And how can we break through self-preservation to build truly connected spaces?

In this episode ofBravely Connected, I reveal a game-changing truth about human behavior—one that affects every interaction we have as parents, educators, and leaders. When we understand self-preservation, we can move beyond safe spaces and create environments where connection thrives.

Join me as we explore:
✅ The hidden instinct driving our reactions
✅ Why we form cliques and avoid vulnerability
✅ Practical ways to foster genuine belonging in any space

🔔 Subscribe for more insights on buildingBravely Connected communities!

#Connection #SelfPreservation #BravelyConnected #CommunityBuilding #Belonging

This blog post is about shifting from the concept of safe spaces to brave spaces—environments that focus on resilience, personal responsibility, and deep connection rather than self-preservation. It explores how trauma shapes perceptions, the limitations of safe spaces, and the importance of building brave spaces through curiosity, empathy, trust, and relationships. The post also emphasizes long-term community transformation and practical strategies for parents, teachers, and leaders to foster meaningful change.

Dive into the art of setting boundaries to foster healthy, sustainable relationships in every area of life—whether with children, partners, family, or colleagues. In this episode, we explore why boundaries matter, especially during high-pressure times like the holidays.

Learn how to manage your inner world, advocate for your needs, and practice the Bravely Connected Method to nurture resilience and connection.

Discover actionable steps for:

- Understanding your emotions, thoughts, and behaviours.

- Identifying what’s within your control.

- Creating boundaries using simple, empowering formulas.

- Differentiating between boundaries and walls to protect relationships worth preserving.

Join me to reflect on how you hold your end of the rope in relationships and take your first step toward building belonging—from the inside out.

Bonus: get a paper and pen and do the 4 steps to finish with your complete boundary plan!

Anxiety in kids is often misunderstood and, unfortunately, mishandled. In this episode, I dive into the ways we can better support children who struggle with anxiety by focusing on the powerful role of connection and belonging. Instead of seeing anxiety as something to suppress, we can approach it as a signal—a call to look beneath the surface, understand deeper needs, and build resilience through genuine connection.

Join me as I share insights from my Bravely Connected method, real-life stories, and practical strategies for parents, teachers, and anyone leading others. Let’s move from simply managing symptoms to creating a culture of belonging that allows kids to overcome anxiety and thrive.

If this resonates with you, explore more resources at conniejakab.com and learn about the Bravely Connected Parent Teacher Membership. Let’s support the children in our lives by connecting with them bravely and compassionately.

In this episode of Bravely Connected, we dive deep into ADHD—what it really means and how we can best support those living with it. ADHD is often misunderstood, but with the right insights and practical tools, we can make a world of difference in the lives of children, students, and loved ones.

Join me as I explore the real impact of ADHD on executive functioning, explains the concept of attunement, and share actionable strategies to help parents, teachers, and even coworkers positively influence the ADHD brain.

You’ll learn why ADHD support goes beyond discipline, how co-regulation can transform emotional responses, and why fostering strengths is just as important as addressing challenges.

Topics Covered:

- What ADHD really is and how it affects the brain

- Signs and symptoms of ADHD

- The role of attunement and interpersonal neurobiology in managing ADHD

- Practical tips for parents, teachers, and peers to better support someone with ADHD

- The strengths of an ADHD mind that often go unnoticed

- If you're ready to move beyond the ADHD myths and gain a deeper understanding of this condition, this video is for you.

Hit subscribe and stay tuned for more insights on mental health, emotional resilience, and building strong connections!

Are you feeling exhausted, disconnected, or overwhelmed as a leader, parent, or teacher? You’re not alone.

In this episode, I dive deep into compassion fatigue—a silent but powerful drain on your energy and ability to connect with those you care about most.

Learn how to identify the signs of compassion fatigue, understand its effects on your mental health, and discover practical strategies to regain balance and rebuild your emotional strength.

In this episode I cover:

- Recognizing the early warning signs of compassion fatigue

- Simple self-check exercises to attune to your own needs

- Building resilience through empathy and emotional connection

- Techniques for setting boundaries and managing school anxiety

- The power of self-compassion in your role as a caregiver, teacher, or leaderJ

oin us on the path to Brave Connections as we explore how to show up authentically and make a lasting impact in your community. Stay tuned to transform how you support others—and yourself.

🌟 Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on parenting support, mental health, and leadership skills!

Emotional connection and mental health awareness and school anxiety support for YOU the parent or teacher to help boys specifically with how to overcome anxiety.

Tools for anxiety anxiety (0:00 - 1:30)

Importance of Self-Recognition (1:31 - 2:50)

Evaluating Social and Media InfluencesShielding with Friendships and Media Choices (2:51 - 4:15)

Self-Identity and Personal Growth (4:16 - 6:00)

Creating Routines for Anxiety Management,Pre-Sleep and Morning Strategies (6:01 - 8:30)

Incremental Actions to Reduce Overwhelm (8:31 - 9:10)

Responding to Anxiety DirectlyEmpowering Language Against Anxiety (9:11 - 11:00)

Additional Resources and Announcements

Free Mental Health Resource and Webinar (11:01 - 12:10) The Launch of Bravely Connected Schools! (12:11 - 13:30)

The way we perceive others directly influences how we interact with them. If we only see their flaws—anxiety, depression, opposition—we lock them into those identities. But if we can shift our focus to their strengths, we give them room to grow.

In this episode I share a time when I was faced head-on with how my perception was blocking me from SEEING someone who deeply hurt me. Discover how we can ditch the labels and really see people again.

Do you wonder how to help your kids, students with mental health struggles that just seem over your head?

Do you wonder how to help yourself make sense of your own?

This is a GREAT activity you can do for yourself, your kids, your students, even your team that will help make sense of the story going on behind the mental health struggles.

Best part? Bring your discovery to your counselling session and experience a more effective session! If you're paying for a session, that is invaluable. I just paid $240 for a session and got all the answers I needed because of THIS activity!

Additions mentioned: The book I mention in this episode by Dr Daniel Siegel is called, "Parenting From the Inside Out".

The Go Fund Me link can be found here to learn more about what I'm doing to help schools so No Student is Left Behind.

In this episode, I want to share with you how I took a disconnected, cliquey group and connected them in one hour.

Merely teaching about belonging and inclusion simply doesn’t work. Instead, it’s something we feel and experience through real emotional connection.

I share about the powerful impact of connection on trust, resilience, and engagement, and walk you through a transformative activity I led that connected a previously disconnected group in just one hour.

Join me as I break down practical ways to foster belonging and emotional intelligence, using real stories and reflective exercises that you can bring into your own classroom, workplace, or community.

If you’re ready to create environments where everyone feels seen, understood, and connected, this episode is for you!

Tune in now and start building true belonging wherever you are. And remember to subscribe if you want more of this!

Info on my Bravely Connected Schools Foundation mentioned in this podcast can be found by clicking here

In this week's episode, discover the secret motivate and lead your students, children, or team with purpose!

This week I share how a lack of vision is holding us back, from students to adults, and why it's crucial to look beyond the daily grind.

Learn how balancing control and freedom, understanding your emotions, and staying grounded can help you lead bravely and inspire hope in those around you.

Ready to step into your full potential as a teacher, parent, or leader? Watch now.

Want to be on my weekly VIP list where I send secrets like this (and more I don't share here) right to your inbox? Go here and say, "Sign me up!"

In today’s world, we face an epidemic of disconnection. Loneliness, avoidance, and procrastination have become pervasive as people struggle to engage in life, collaborate, and innovate. Because of this, I am guiding you through a year of learning how to create connection. Connection is essential not just for individuals but for entire communities.

In this week's episode I share 3 keys to creating a welcoming environment that lessens anxiety.

Want to be one of my VIP's who get free weekly tips on creating brave, connected spaces? Sign up here

How do you get students to be motivated?

How can you get your kids to care?

How can you get your team to feel connected to your vision?How can you get your own self moving forward?

Unlock the power of connection in every aspect of your life. In this episode, discover strategies to motivate and inspire those around you, whether you're combating procrastination, fostering vision, or simply trying to create meaningful progress.

I’m sharing powerful stories and actionable tips, drawn from real experiences with students and organizations, that reveal how understanding emotions and building connections can transform any environment.

Tune in to learn how to connect deeply, inspire dreams, and create lasting impact—because connection is the heart of all meaningful change.

Want my weekly VIP experience where you get tips right to your inbox? Connect with me here and say: SIGN ME UP!

Ever try to get someone else (or even yourself) to do something you need them to do and it falls flat?

Like getting you students to get their work done?

Like getting your team to care?

Like getting your kids out the door?

Like getting YOURSELF to do what you're delaying?

Then this is for you. This could change everything!For those wanting to get on the VIP list, email me at connie@conniejakab.com and say in the subject line: SIGN ME UP!

For women with a dream who want to join us this Mon-Tues for FREE, you can sign up here

You read that right! I am giving away my entire PLAN of how to create connection from September to June for teachers, parents, and leaders! Every week I will be sending my VIP's tips on HOW to implement. Best news! It's completely FREE to be one of my VIP's! All you have to do is click on this link and say "I want VIP" and you're IN! I'll be sending these tips right to your inbox every Sunday so you're ready for the week! Connection rewires the brain more than anything. If you want to see your home, school, and workplace thrive this year - you need this and I'm thrilled to give it to you!

We talk a lot about children with ADHD, but what about the adults who hold them? What do you do as an adult when your child has no emotional regulation or flexibility - and neither do you!Meet ADHD Coach Maria, who I have as my guest this week on the Brave Podcast. Maria is helping adults with ADHD. You will love her!Stay tuned as Maria's coaching is going to be offered in my upcoming Bravely Connected Community for parents and teachers! If you want to be the first to know when that comes out this fall, email me at Connie@conniejakab.com#adhd #adultswithadhd

Don't miss watching this. I will only have this up and available for a few weeks then I'm taking it down.

If you want access to my Bravely Connected App and Membership for FREE all you have to do is:

1. Watch the video

2. Answer the questions

3. Email me your answers to the questions to Connie@conniejakab.com by September 13 and I will give you THREE MONTHS ACCESS FREE!

Your answers will give me important feedback for the app. Your answers will remain confidential.

If you're ready to change the game in your home and classroom this year, watch this and send me your answers.

I can also send a PDF ebook version of this to you if you request via email.

I also have this available on audio podcast on my @thejakabco YouTube Channel for video lovers.

Join myself and my two special guests Char Woodman and Nita Knapp. This week we are officially announcing the Women's Dream Academy launching THIS FALL!

Join us for a FREE two evening workshop on Sept 16-17 with special guests to give you a 7 step blueprint to get your dream out of your "I wish I could..." to DOING IT!

You can register free here

This week on my Brave Dreamers edition of the brave podcast I have Meagan Fettes, an incredible entrepreneur who has found the benefits of living her dreams and being a mom.

In this episode we talk about the ups, the downs, the learnings,

the really HARD learnings,

how balance can't be the goal,and what's a better way,

and all the things you need to know if you're a momma wanting to step into your dreams.

You can connect with Meaghan on facebook here

Are you a mom wanting to step into some of your dreams? Do you want to know what I have planned for you this fall? Contact me here and say: "Fill me in!!"

We all have been wounded from relationships. What we don't talk enough about is how our brain uses past wounds to sabotage our current relationships and twist our perceptions.

In this episode I cover the conundrum between our distorted perceptions sabotaging our relationships, and how important it is to also acknowledge our stories.

I give a special tool to help you through this at the end.

Only 17 min to give you relationship coaching that can change everything for you and your relationships.

Keep being brave :)

Are you tired of second guessing yourself, or wondering if people like you?

Do you constantly feel like you don't fit?

In this episode I share 4 ways to overcome feelings of rejection. Try them this week and see the difference it makes!

For those who have ever felt outside of the circle, this one's for you. The truth is, there's nothing wrong with you. In this episode I share reasons why you're not feeling you fit, and how to find your brave belonging.

Tools mentioned in this episode are:

Neurocycle App

Braving the Wilderness

My 45 day journey

In this episode I am interviewing Toni Zhove, a single mom and successful realtor who is now also an emotional intelligence coach.

We talk about what it means to be a mom, provide for your family, live your dreams, and how to develop self awareness.

If you're a momma with some dreams, be sure to tune in!

Do you sometimes find yourself feeling depressed, or just meh? Do you lack motivation, or wonder if things will ever change?

This is what I have found that emotional warning signal is trying to tell me.

In this episode I go through why we are feeling disconnected, the true reason our kids are suffering, and how we can start to find our inner brave to experience fulfilling relationships.

If you're ready to take my 45 day journey, you can find more about that here

This week, I interviewed Bernie Godwin and Anna Hopper from Loving Our Students on Purpose to discuss building a culture of connection, joy, and responsibility in schools and personal life. We covered key concepts from our masterclass, like being a powerful person through self-management, using empowering language, and focusing on behaviour education over management. We also explored creating a culture of empowerment, where students solve problems independently. These strategies can transform our schools and communities.For more information on how to bring this to your school, email me at Connie@conniejakab.com

Have you ever been ghosted? It can be frustrating and confusing. such as fear of others' responses and a desire for self-preservation.

In this episode, I cover WHY we do this, and how to move beyond this relational tactic that throws us all off.

Feeling alone in a room full of people is a strange and unsettling reality many of us face. In this episode, I delve into the loneliness that can strike in our homes, marriages, and  classrooms.

Drawing from personal experiences, especially the early years of my marriage, I share how my husband and I overcame the feeling of being disconnected despite being physically present with each other. Celebrating 25 years together, we’ve come a long way from those lonely days.

Inside, I offer practical steps to combat loneliness, from identifying desired environments to establishing supportive systems and creating a common language around our values. Together, we can make sure no one feels alone.

#Connection #OvercomingLoneliness #Empathy #SupportSystems #MentalHealth #Parenting #Education #Marriage #CommunityBuilding

In honour of my 25th wedding anniversary, I'm sharing the lessons and principles that have helped my husband and I. But this episode isn't just about marriage—it's about building meaningful connections with anyone, whether a student, parent, friend, or partner. In this week's Brave Podcast I show you how to navigate unrealistic expectations, be able to extend the power of forgiveness, and managing your own emotions to enhance all your relationships. Join me to learn how to rise through the storms with love and resilience.

This is a recap of our final masterclass we did for educators, but these principles of having tough conversations can benefit any relationship. Tough conversations are hard to have, but when we don't have them we lose connection due to the lack of clarity. In this episode I reveal an empowerment model that can change your conversations (and some incredible one liners to get you out of meaningless arguments)If you're interested in chatting about how to bring this to your school, email me at Connie@conniejakab.com

Why the behaviour strategies you're using probably aren't working.

This video will give you tools to how to move to a more effective way of running your classroom so both you and your students can enjoy learning again.

Check out last week's part 1 episode here

Join us for our last part of the masterclass next week here

#teachers #schools #behaviour

Are your students losing interest in learning?

Are the connections between teachers and students weakening?

I get it — in a constantly evolving educational landscape, these challenges are all too common. It's time to spark a renewed passion for learning in your school community, strengthen interpersonal relationships, and build a thriving culture where everyone is excited to contribute to making your school an inspiring hub of education.

Join me this week on the Brave Podcast as to explore this one strategy that can transform your educational environment!

Join the masterclass! For the free registration click here

#principals #teachers #schoolculture

After a hectic winter, these are 4 energy management tools I'm using to bring myself back to feeling rejuvenated again.If you want more tools, Click here fill out the form and say "Send me the energy management tools!" and I'll send you my free guide.#energymanagement #selfcare #stressrelief

Shame is disguised as many other things in our lives. What are they, and how can we rise above it? Join me this week in discovering how to build shame resilience. If you're a leader, this is one of the 6 pillars I teach that I believe we all need.

Links from this episode:

To get my Shame Resilience Cheat sheet click here

Fledge App

Top 10 Ways to Overcome Fear and this episode on the blog click here Book Reference: Daring Greatly, Brene Brown

Right now I am using ALL these strategies to get over my fears to lead something that feels brave.

This episode is for everyone who dares to lead something you dream of. I'm talking to YOU teachers, parents, entrepreneurs - YOU ARE A LEADER. Here's 10 ways to move past your fears.

In this episode I mention the Neurocycle App.

I also mention a free webinar to give you tools to find your Inner Brave which you can find right here.

If you missed it, just message me here and say, "Send me the Find Your Inner Brave recording!"

Remember, keep being brave to love and lead.

Connie

This week I am interviewing one of my favourite innovators, Jenna Galloway, who took the struggle she had with mental health and turned everything she learned to overcome into empowering our young people.

She is the owner of Wymbin, a dynamic preschool that teaches mindfulness and emotional intelligence, and now she is launching the Fledge App - which they are calling mental mindcraft for kids to learn:

- What are emotions?

- What’s happening in my body?

- How do I experience emotions?

They do this through three steps: Brain, Body, Breathe.

Parents and teachers can try Fledge for 30 days free! I highly encourage any parent or school to try this. Right now the Fledge team is looking for schools and parents who will give feedback. If this is you, please email Jenna at jenna@fledge.health

Enjoy the podcast diving into more of what this looks like and her inspiring reason for doing it.

This one feels brave to post.

I've been in the room with parents struggling with their child's teacher,

I've been in the room with teachers struggling with parents who are making their job of education hard,

I've been the parent in the principal's office with the teacher, principal and myself all banging our heads against the wall to help my boys.

In this podcast, I'm getting brave to see if we could move towards one another, to create powerful school cultures where these students can thrive.

You may not agree with everything I say on this, which is good. The question is: are we willing to get brave, move towards, and become powerful people who create something wonderous together?

If you're up for creating this email me at connie@conniejakab.com

** this is from one of my popular sessions at Teachers Conventions in Alberta this year. Teachers showing up in the room told me they WANT solutions.

I'm excited to bring you the audio recording of the session I did this week at Edmonton Teachers Convention AND my free webinar on how to really help kids who are struggling.

This is a longer episode than usual so get your pen and paper out and get ready to take notes. To see the full slide deck, check it out on YouTube.

I'm excited to be releasing my DESIGN YOUR HOME program. Click here to check out three options to restore your relational wellness.

My audiobook for Bring Them Closer is also out! Click here to check that out as well :)

... and own your own story!

On this week's Brave Podcast I'm sharing the results of what I've discovered is under behaviours such as wanting to run away, being impatient or irritable with others, disconnecting, or being impacted by others through a little exercise I've been doing with teachers, parents, leaders, and even students.

The free webinar I mention in this podcast is happening this week.

You can find out more by clicking here.

In this episode I'm giving you 3 of my very best tools to manage your anxiety, or those who you support.

This is in celebration of Bring Them Closer Parent/Teacher Edition that just became an audiobook! It's just been released on Spotify. You can check it out here.

If you want more tips, I'm giving more on anxiety, as well as Oppositional Defiance Disorder and ADHD on a free webinar on February 28, 2024. There are three times to choose from. You can pick the time that works best for you and register by clicking here.

This is perfect for:

Parents

Teachers

Anyone who works with young people

Keep being brave to bring those struggling closer.

Whether you're a teacher, a parent, or a leader - we all need others around us to do certain things we need them to do.

Things like:

- show up

- cooperate

- execute

But most teachers, parents, and leaders come to my sessions because people aren't doing what they need them to do.

In this episode I share WHY that is, and 3 ways you can get past that.

In this episode I share the chapter of Bring Them Closer that speaks about the emotional suitcase filled with stories we may not realize we all carry with us.

This impacts our relationships and our ability to create the life, home, and classroom we desire. The great news is that there is hope to create it!

Have a listen and see what's possible.

Bring Them Closer audio book is being released soon!

Brave - where we make connection our goal at all costs. This is what I'm talking about with Debbie Pearmain on my Brave Podcast this week. We need to be brave to create healthy spaces because there's a lot of resistance to this.Leaders are fearful of what looking at how their spaces are doing might reveal.Employees are skeptical of yet another attempt to create change that feels like empty words.People are tired of yet another, "I'm sorry".Kids and students feel powerless to make changes in schools.Teachers feel there's too much red tape to create what they desire. We need to be brave to face what we're all thinking and facing with courage. Debbie has some incredible thoughts from her Human Resources background on the podcast.You can find her on LinkedIn and on instagram at @debbiepearmain

This week I have my friend Lindsay Harle-Kadatz on my Brave Podcast and let me say, this girl is one of my fav's because she has some incredible heart-centered thoughts. And she's a funky human.This is is like having a free coaching session, so grab your coffee and get ready to write things down.You can follow Lindsay on Linkedin or Instagram with her name.

In this episode I share one very powerful question that can make all the difference in how you interact with others - especially those who negatively affect you.

This year is your year to live out what truly matters to you.

I have put these 10 questions into a PDF journal just to give you the boost you need before you head back to the hustle of normal living. If you want it, just email me at connie@conniejakab.com and say "Give me the questions!" and I'll send it right over.

Keep being brave.