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Drop the Act

Drop the Act

Written by: Michael Cinquino
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About this listen

Drop the Act is a podcast about presence in a performative world. Hosted by Michael Cinquino, author of Drop the Act: The Power of Presence in a Performative World™, the show explores what happens when we stop managing perception and start participating fully—in business, relationships, and life. Each episode examines the habits, pressures, and performances that quietly erode trust and connection, and offers grounded, practical ways to show up with greater clarity, steadiness, and honesty when the stakes are real.Michael Cinquino Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • Davina Hehn
    Jul 31 2025

    Summary

    In this conversation, Michael Cinquino and Davina Hehn explore the complexities of parenting, emotional regulation, and the challenges that come with raising children. They discuss the importance of intentional parenting, the impact of societal expectations, and the need for community support. Davina shares her insights on anger management and emotional regulation, emphasizing the significance of understanding and expressing emotions in healthy ways. The conversation highlights the necessity of open communication and vulnerability in relationships, particularly in the context of parenting.

    Takeaways

    • Count down anxiety can create tension before starting a recording.
    • Parenting is a journey that requires ongoing emotional regulation.
    • The first decade of parenting is crucial for emotional development.
    • Many parents overlook the importance of discussing their reasons for having children.
    • Expectations of parenting often lead to feelings of regret and disappointment.
    • Community support is essential for navigating the challenges of parenthood.
    • Honesty about the difficulties of parenting can foster connection and understanding.
    • Anger is a natural emotion that can signal deeper issues.
    • Healthy outlets for anger can prevent destructive behaviors.
    • Communication is key to maintaining healthy relationships during parenting challenges.

    Chapters

    00:00 Countdown Anxiety and Introduction

    02:11 Understanding Personal Identity and Parenting

    06:08 The Reality of Parenthood: Expectations vs. Reality

    10:08 Navigating Relationships and Parenthood

    14:05 The Importance of Intentionality in Parenting

    17:57 Cultural Influences on Parenting

    22:07 The Need for Community in Parenting

    25:55 Honesty in Parenting: Acknowledging Multiple Truths

    30:09 The Role of Anger Management in Parenting

    39:50 Understanding Attachment and Communication Styles

    42:31 The Importance of Anger Management

    45:53 Healthy Anger: A Call to Action

    49:05 The Expression of Anger: Finding Balance

    55:43 Injustice as a Root of Anger

    01:00:54 Navigating Distress and Coping Mechanisms

    01:06:40 Dark Blue and White Simple Podcast Cover (Video).mp4

    Keywords

    parenting, emotional regulation, anger management, relationships, intentional parenting, community support, parenting challenges, mental health, vulnerability, personal development


    Learn all about Davina at: https://www.yoursteadyspace.com/

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • From Changing to Upgrading: What's the Difference & Why It Matters
    Jun 5 2025

    Summary

    In this conversation, Michael Cinquino and JM Ryerson explore the themes of performance, coaching, and personal growth. They discuss the power of language, particularly the distinction between 'upgrade' and 'change', and how this affects mindset and receptiveness to personal development. JM shares insights from his experiences as a performance coach, emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions and addressing self-limiting beliefs. The discussion also delves into the role of faith, resilience, and the impact of affirmations on personal growth. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the significance of having a coach or mentor to help individuals see their potential and overcome barriers to success.


    Takeaways

    • The language we use can significantly impact our mindset.
    • 'Upgrade' is a more positive term than 'change' and can lead to better receptiveness.
    • Asking the right questions is crucial in coaching.
    • Self-limiting beliefs often hold people back from reaching their potential.
    • Faith and belief in oneself are essential for taking action.
    • Reframing negative situations can help in personal growth.
    • Affirmations can rewire our subconscious and influence our reality.
    • Coaching can provide the necessary support to unlock potential.
    • Resilience and perseverance are key to overcoming challenges.
    • Everyone has the power to create their own reality through their thoughts and actions.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Performance and Presence

    03:03 The Power of Language: Upgrade vs. Change

    06:04 Understanding Performance Coaching

    09:09 The Role of Questions in Coaching

    12:12 Self-Limiting Beliefs and Personal Growth

    14:58 The Importance of Perspective

    18:02 Reframing and Delusion: Finding Balance

    31:50 Choosing Your Reality: The Power of Energy

    33:59 Exploring Faith and Spirituality in Life

    37:26 The Evolution of Belief Systems

    43:42 Faith and Action: The Connection

    50:58 The Role of Coaches in Personal Growth

    57:47 Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs

    01:03:04 Dark Blue and White Simple Podcast Cover (Video).mp4


    Keywords

    performance, coaching, mindset, self-limiting beliefs, affirmations, faith, resilience, personal growth, language, upgrade




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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Finding your Artistic Edge with Artist Katelyn Kopenhaver
    May 12 2025

    Summary

    In this engaging conversation, Michael Cinquino and Katelyn Kopenhaver explore the concept of 'the edge' in creativity, discussing the importance of self-observation, the power of words in art, and the role of curiosity and skepticism. Katelyn shares her journey from New York to Miami, emphasizing the significance of pausing and the challenges of navigating the fast-paced production culture. They delve into critical discourse, the importance of paying attention to unspoken narratives, and Katelyn's artistic philosophy that seeks to plant seeds of thought in others.

    Connect with Katelyn:

    ⁠https://www.instagram.com/katelynkopenhaver/⁠

    Takeaways

    • The edge in creativity is found at the intersection of chaos and order.
    • Self-observation is crucial for maintaining artistic integrity.
    • Words are a powerful medium for communication and understanding.
    • Curiosity and skepticism drive deeper engagement with art.
    • Pausing allows for reflection and deeper insights.
    • The pace of production can compromise quality in art.
    • Leaving New York was a significant emotional transition for Katelyn.
    • Finding presence in a new environment can lead to personal growth.
    • Critical discourse is essential for a vibrant artistic community.
    • Paying attention to what is omitted reveals deeper truths.


    Chapters

    00:00 Exploring the Concept of the Edge

    04:55 Defining Edginess in Art and Life

    10:37 Self-Observation and Artistic Integrity

    11:49 The Power of Words and Language

    14:48 Curiosity and Skepticism in Art

    18:00 The Role of Pauses and Reflection

    25:18 Navigating the Pace of Production

    32:31 Transitioning from New York to Miami

    42:32 The Changing Landscape of New York City

    48:38 Navigating Trauma and Healing

    51:35 The Importance of Open Discourse

    56:42 Context and Understanding

    01:00:50 Attention and Omission

    01:04:54 The Role of Timing in Truth

    01:08:12 Personal Values and Justice

    Keywords

    creativity, self-observation, art, skepticism, curiosity, New York, Miami, critical discourse, attention, artistic integrity


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    1 hr and 5 mins
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