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Tracing Inspiration

Tracing Inspiration

Written by: James Witbrook
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About this listen

James Witbrook explores the journey from action back to its inspirational roots. This podcast investigates the pivotal moments where ideas transform into reality, examining both external relationships and internal practices that sustain momentum. Through thoughtful conversations, James reveals how inspiration and action form a closed loop of human progress, where one person's pivot creates possibility for others. Join this exploration of purpose and interdependence to discover how your own ideas might find their path from inspiration to meaningful action.James Witbrook Social Sciences
Episodes
  • #13: Living for the Eulogy, Not the Resume
    Mar 30 2025

    I’m joined by Paul Meunuier, Executive Director of YIPA and founder of The Professional Youth Worker. This was a ton of fun for me and such an honor to get to talk with a wise friend about the contrast between living for a resume versus living for a eulogy. We discussed the journey of finding passion and purpose, the significance of aligning our values with life choices, and the challenges of navigating multiple passions, and I really loved that we even got to chat about the importance of introspection, particularly in the context of masculinity. We end with a real treat– Paul writes his own eulogy live, and man– I’m left even more inspired to live for my own eulogy now. I think you will be, too.

    Chapters

    01:16 The Journey of Meaningful Living

    02:12 The Importance of Relationships

    09:32 Building Connections Through Shared Experiences

    19:03 Finding Passion and Purpose

    22:12 The Intersection of Passion and Mission

    24:39 Navigating Multiple Passions

    28:08 The Impact of Living for the Eulogy

    30:25 Aligning Values with Life Choices

    34:50 Learning to Say No to Opportunities

    36:38 Exploring Personal Values and Autonomy

    39:46 The Impact of Struggles on Personal Development

    42:55 Finding Meaning in Life's Challenges

    46:56 The Gifts of Aging and Emotional Intelligence

    50:29 Navigating Masculinity and Emotional Awareness

    54:17 Understanding Emotions and Their Role in Life

    01:02:28 Living Eulogies: Reflecting on Life's Legacy

    • Music is “Waters”, composed by Twin Cities musician, Ian Crawford

    • Editing and post-production by me – but I’d love to partner with someone else to do this! Reach out!

    • Want to share a sound byte thanking someone who inspired some of your own movement? tracinginspirationpodcast@gmail.com

    • Need help getting un-stuck?

    Chelsea Witbrook is a certified Somatic Enneagram facilitator and best-selling author of "Blessing My Demons." As an Somatic Enneagram guide and Spiritual Director, she combines social justice awareness with compassionate guidance. Chelsea specializes in helping people who feel stuck by teaching them to establish Grounded Presence, connect with their Inner Observer, and respond to their body's wisdom. Through her coaching, clients discover inner resources and learn to embrace all parts of themselves with radical compassion, finally releasing patterns that once held them captive: www.chelseawitbrook.com


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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • #12: Beyond the Gates: The Quiet Revolution of Compassionate Insiders
    Mar 25 2025

    In this episode of Tracing Inspiration, I share a personal reflection on moving through the world with courage and heart. From a pivotal moment in my new role, I explore the power of heart-led leadership—especially in times of uncertainty and systemic change.

    I want to remind you that no matter where you are, you have the power to make choices that honor compassion, justice, and creativity. Through the lens of “courageous gatekeeping,” I reflect on what it means to hold space for others, navigate difficult moments with wisdom, and stay connected to what truly matters.

    Timestamps:
    01:52 – The irony of hosting a podcast about courage while struggling with it
    03:50 – A lesson in courageous gatekeeping from my new role
    06:09 – Honoring both systemic constraints and human dignity
    08:31 – The heart-led leadership of eight courageous women
    10:54 – A Chinese proverb on light, harmony, and peace
    11:03 – Music is "Wasteland" by Gabe Keller-Flores

    Editing and post-production by me – but I’d love to partner with someone else to do this! Reach out! tracinginspirationpodcast@gmail.com

    Need help getting un-stuck?

    Chelsea Witbrook is a certified Somatic Enneagram facilitator and best-selling author of "Blessing My Demons." As an Somatic Enneagram guide and Spiritual Director, she combines social justice awareness with compassionate guidance. Chelsea specializes in helping people who feel stuck by teaching them to establish Grounded Presence, connect with their Inner Observer, and respond to their body's wisdom. Through her coaching, clients discover inner resources and learn to embrace all parts of themselves with radical compassion, finally releasing patterns that once held them captive. www.chelseawitbrook.com


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    14 mins
  • #11: The Interconnectedness of Food & Justice
    Mar 19 2025


    In this episode, I talk with Colin Anderson, founder of Eureka Compass Vegan Food, who is revolutionizing food justice in the Twin Cities with his powerful message: "WE FEED US!" Now in year #8 of providing FREE community meals and vegan shopping markets, Colin shares his journey and passion for sustainable food systems that support both community members and local farmers. Free vegan meals and shopping markets in St. Paul, MN.

    Address: 1697 Lafond Avenue, St. Paul, MNCurrent Market Hours:

    • Tuesdays: 11 AM – 8 PM

    • Thursdays: 1–3 PM & 5–8 PM

    • Community Dinners: Available for takeout or dine-in

    Instagram: @eureka_compass_vegan_food

    Venmo: @Chef-Collective-1123

    CashApp: $ChefCollective1123Patreon

    Music is “Waters”, composed by Twin Cities musician, Ian Crawford

    Editing and post-production by me – but I’d love to partner with someone else to do this! Reach out! tracinginspirationpodcast@gmail.com

    Need help getting un-stuck?

    Chelsea Witbrook is a certified Somatic Enneagram facilitator and best-selling author of "Blessing My Demons." As an Somatic Enneagram guide and Spiritual Director, she combines social justice awareness with compassionate guidance. Chelsea specializes in helping people who feel stuck by teaching them to establish Grounded Presence, connect with their Inner Observer, and respond to their body's wisdom. Through her coaching, clients discover inner resources and learn to embrace all parts of themselves with radical compassion, finally releasing patterns that once held them captive. www.chelseawitbrook.com


    00:05 – Redefining Innovation & Community Self-Sufficiency

    01:19 – The Reality of Food Insecurity in Minnesota

    05:50 – How Colin Started: A Strength-Based Approach to Community

    09:36 – Reimagining Food Systems for Equity & Access

    12:58 – Why Food? Colin’s Journey & Ethical Awakening

    18:56 – Personal Experience with Food Scarcity & Capitalism’s Failures

    25:09 – Buddhism & The Interconnectedness of Food & Justice

    29:54 – Creating a Non-Transactional Community Food Space

    36:40 – Pivotal Life Choices & Regrets that Shaped the Mission

    42:06 – Recovery & Sobriety: A Life-Changing Turning Point

    47:33 – Living Out Loud & Holding Ourselves Accountable

    49:58 – Final Thoughts: Food, Justice, and the Power of Presence

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    53 mins
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