Perch "The Thoughtful Pause Podcast"
Welcome to the Perch Podcast Channel: The Thoughtful Pause Podcast
Perch stands for Pause, Evaluate, Responses to Circumvent Harm, a philosophy inspiring meaningful conversations. Hosted by Tricia Porter and Toby Malbec, seasoned business professionals and life partners, this podcast blends decades of expertise with a mission to foster understanding. Guided by the belief that where you sit determines what you see, and what you see determines what you do, they explore how experiences shape perspectives and how expanding our worldview fosters empathy.
From different races, worlds, and viewpoints, Tricia and Toby tackle complex topics with curiosity and a commitment to positive change. Unafraid of controversy, they challenge listeners to embrace a higher perspective and see differences as opportunities for connection. Whether seeking personal growth or a fresh lens on life, Perch is more than a podcast—it’s a mission. Join us to pause, reflect, and rise to higher ground.
Episodes
47 episodes
The Hijacking of Woke: How ‘Woke’ Shaped and Divided a Movement
When did woke become such a controversial word? This episode unravels its powerful journey—from a symbol of awareness and social justice to a term used to spark division. Once rooted in the fight for fairness and equality, woke
Embracing Change as 2025 Flows In~Naming Your River
At the year's close, I wrote The River of Transformation as a powerful reminder that change doesn’t have to wait. Rather than relying on fleeting New Year’s resolutions, transformation begins with one simple yet profound action: the po...
Why Are Food Prices So High? Unpacking the Hidden Costs and Solutions
Why are food prices so high right now, and what’s causing it? From supply chain issues and rising fuel costs to the choices we make at the grocery store, this episode breaks down the hidden reasons behind skyrocketing food prices. We’ll explore...
Religion ~ When a Belief Becomes an Absolute
Religion shapes our identities, communities, and worldviews, but what happens when it becomes a rigid boundary instead of a bridge to understanding? If religion is considered a taboo subject, how can we ever develop a deeper connection with peo...
Workplace Loyalty: Should You Commit to a Job That Can Never Truly Commit to You?
Workplace Loyalty: Is It Still Relevant in Today’s Shifting Culture?In a world where workplace loyalty often feels one-sided, can we still find meaning in being committed to employers who may not always return the favor? As modern wo...
When Settling in Love Becomes a Saddle! The High Cost of Loyalty
In this episode of Counting the Cost of Loyalty, we uncover the high emotional cost of settling in love and the true meaning of loyalty in relationships that no longer uplift us. Hosts Tree and Toby explore why so many remain ...
Political Party Loyalty ~ When the Party Is Over, Why Are You Still Sticking Around?
In the first episode of our four-part series, Counting the Cost of Loyalty, we ask some challenging questions: Is your loyalty to a political party truly an expression of your beliefs, or are you following a tradition that may n...
Traveling France as an interracial couple: Paris and Strasbourg
In this episode, we share our unforgettable journey as an interracial couple traveling through France, from the lively streets of Paris to the peaceful charm of Strasbourg. As an African American woman from the west side of Chicago and my partn...
Choose Love Over Drama: Navigating Family Dynamics at the Reunion | Dealing with Family Dynamics
Get ready to laugh, cry, and feel all the feels as this relatable journey through the highs and lows of a family reunion. Don't miss out on this heartwarming reminder to choose love over drama with your own family!#FamilyReunionReflections,...
Does Hard Work Still Pay Off in a Rule-Free World?
In a world where your parents' traditional values and financial rules have shifted, the advice to work hard and stay loyal to an organization no longer guarantees success. We examine how the landscape has changed and question whether hard work ...
The Pros and Cons of Hope: A Deep Dive into Its Power and Pitfalls
In this episode, we explore hope's complex nature, examining its uplifting power and potential downsides. From the inspiring resilience of Olympic athletes to the unrealistic expectations that can lead to disappointment, we break down the pros ...
While You're Waiting on the World to Change, Make Lemonade
Real change starts from within; waiting for external factors to improve your life only leaves you feeling powerless. Empower yourself by taking control of your mindset and actions, and watch as you turn life's lemons into lemonade.
From Boomers to Gen Z Part 2 - Navigating Generational Wealth: Housing Crisis, Retirement, and Financial Ideologies
Is homeownership out of reach for Gen Z? Discover the drastic shifts in housing affordability, generational wealth disparities, and how evolving ideologies around education and debt shape today's financial struggles, with a focus on systemic is...
From Boomers to Gen Z: Understanding Generational Challenges
In this episode, we explore whether Generation Z is destined for a lower quality of life than previous generations. We discuss factors like income inequality, cultural shifts, and the rising cost of education. We also emphasize the importance o...
The Power of Empathy in Rule-Breaking
🎬 New Video Podcast Episode: The Power of Empathy in Rule-Breaking 🎬Exploring Gender Stereotypes in Risk-Taking and Career ProgressionIn this illuminating episode, we explore the transformative role of empathy in challenging gen...
Priceless Peace: What's Your Peace Worth?
Have you ever questioned what peace truly means to you or considered the sacrifices you're willing to make for it? In our latest episode, we embark on a profound journey to understand the elusive nature of tranquility and its intimate connectio...
Intimacy, Sex and Connection with 25 year relationship and Intimacy coach Ken Blackman
Joining the Perch is Ken Blackman, a former Apple engineer turned international relationship and intimacy expert. Ken is in his 25th year of helping couples co-create a thriving partnership and an exquisite love life. Ken's unique ...
Half the Story: The Battle for Truth in an Age Where Facts are Fiction
This episode tackles "fake news" and media "echo chambers," advocating for "fact-checking" and "media literacy" to discern "truth" in our "post-truth" era. Join the call for "transparency" and "critical thinking" in safeguarding the "integr...
Who are we? Where do we stand if we are not united?
We open our hearts in this episode, delving deep into the timeless message of "We Are the World," a powerful testament to the unifying force of music, juxtaposed against the backdrop of today's fragmented society. As we navigate these turbulent...
Empowerment through Energy Work - Life Changing Conversations with Monica Bey pt 2
Monica's return to our podcast couldn't be more timely, as we find ourselves delving into the transformative realms of spirituality, self-help, and the compelling force of accountability. Her journey, marked by both professional accolades and p...
Unlocking Your Spiritual Destiny: Monica Bey's Journey from Finance to Metaphysical Healing
Have you ever felt the unmistakable pull towards a destiny that differs from the path you're currently on? Monica Bey's life story is a vivid testament to this phenomenon, taking her from the high-pressure world of finance to the realms of meta...
Blunt HR conversation from AI to lawsuits with Wendy Sellers Part 2
Explore HR challenges, company culture insights, and tips from #TheHRLady Wendy's Sellers book 'The Asshole Whisperer' How to deal with crappy leaders and jerks in the workplace. Dive into AI's impact on recruitment, crafting ...
An uncensored HR conversation with The HR Lady Wendy Sellers Part 1
Meet The HR Lady, Wendy Sellers, an author, HR consultant, and management trainer. Join us as she disrupts conventional HR wisdom with insights from her books 'Suck it Up, Buttercup: Be a Leader People Will Follow' and 'The Asshole Whisperer: H...
Listen to your heart, your purpose is calling: Part 2 with Genevieve Piturro
Have you ever felt like a greater purpose is calling you, but you're not quite sure how to answer it? Genevieve Piturro, the visionary behind the Pajama Program, joins us to unravel the mysteries of finding life's purpose, sharing an exercise t...
Genevieve Piturro Part 1: Finding Purpose in Pajamas
Join Genevieve Piturro, a former TV marketing executive turned philanthropist, as she shares her inspiring journey of finding purpose beyond conventional success. Explore the heartwarming mission of the Pajama Program, delve into leaving a lega...