Well I asked for questions and you delivered!

The whole reason I started this show and wrote Read The Room was to be able to have these conversations. In your real life, in the actual dynamics you find yourselves in, that’s where I want to meet you. I want to help you navigate the difficult and confusing.

So today we’re digging in. We’re dealing with nuanced situations like, “What do you do when your spouse has a family who continually lies to and gaslights them ... how can you help?” I’ve got some thoughts on that for sure. Then we go another direction, “What do you do when you’re a mature adult dating again and have a child who wants nothing to do with a new love interest?” Yep, I’m ready to tackle that too.

I’m so grateful to have Natalie Martin (licensed marriage and family therapist) on with me today to help me tackle these questions and an awful lot more. If you have a question you’d like for us to answer, please just email me at CavComments@gmail.com or send me a direct message on Instagram. I hope something in this meets you where you are. I have a hope and feeling it will!

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!

I’m joined today by one of the smartest people I have the pleasure of knowing. Dr. Andy Yarborough is a licensed clinical psychologist as well as personal coach to many— me included. And yes, you’re seeing that correctly. Today, I’m having on a friend who has genuinely helped me understand my own overwhelm, as well as my ability to step out of it. 

We’re having a real, no holds barred conversation about what it means to genuinely integrate the entirety of who you are and to show up authentically in the world. If you’re not already listening to his podcast, My Well Lab with Dr. Andy Yarborough, you’re sincerely missing out. This man is a resource of health and I’m so pleased to introduce you to him. 

If you haven’t grabbed my book, READ THE ROOM yet, snag it on Audible or buy a copy wherever books are sold! 

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!

Today, we have the distinct honor to hear from someone whose purpose in life has been defined and shaped by serving others. Furhan Ahmad was born and raised in NYC, became an EMT right out of high school to then become a police officer, and finally a first-responder firefighter, where he continues to serve the city and kaleidoscope of people to this day. His character encourages me and his story flat-out inspires me. 

The way he kindly, lovingly, and boldly chooses to meet a city full of complicated people, even the ones who've hurled insults and paraded their racism in his face, challenges me. I'm so excited for you to hear his story, for you to know what he loves about a varied environment, and the beauty that can develop in a person. This man is wise and well over his 10,000 hours in the area of service and meeting others. Let's all learn a thing or two from him, shall we?

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!

It's incredibly tempting to settle for "good enough" in life. Let's be real, this might show up in our work performance, our relational practices, or in how we function in life. But I've got a friend on today who I know doesn't settle for less than the best. Whether it's in her relational world, how she shows up in her career, or how she shows up in life altogether, Tia Bowen is one always reaching for better. In this ep, she's going to help us all reach for a bit more.

What I think is especially great about this convo is how thoughtfully Tia has walked through transition in her life and how she talks us through that. She knows how to show up to the parties she's invited to in life, but also knows when it's time to leave. She's not afraid of hard decisions and I feel like she's making those hard calls a bit easier for each of us today. Take some of the wisdom, some of the peace you can hear, and hopefully some courage to do hard things. 

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!

Romantic relationships are fraught with challenging dynamics to deal with ... 👀 or not. Even deciding you're ready to date is challenging, well it was for me at least. The question is, if you're not dealing with what is, if you can't call a thing a thing, and if you're not willing to work through the "hard" stuff with your person, then what's the point of partnership? I have two people joining me today who aren't afraid of relational work and their lives are a testament to that fact. 

Although I've interviewed Ryan and Nikki separately, I'm so excited for you to join us for this vulnerable conversation. I'm letting you all in a bit more to where I'm at in my own pursuit of a romantic relationship while I pick the brains of two people I love an incredible amount. I left this conversation feeling confident about myself and unbothered by my singleness. I believe you will too if you're in a similar boat, but maybe not for the reasons you think. When we work on ourselves and are willing to genuinely ask and answer the hard questions we're sometimes fearful to, we realize our very willingness to engage the difficult parts of ourselves, makes us even more equipped to meet and healthily bring someone into our life. 

You've got this. WE'VE got this. ✊🏼

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!

I often think about where exceptional people skills are developed.  Are they innate, encouraged or discouraged by surrounding, maybe a combination? Today, I’m asking this question and many more of someone I believe to be in an expert in this field, among many others. Priyanka Chopra Jonas is an international juggernaut of an icon, yes. But beyond that she is supremely astute, intentional, aware, and kind. Join us for a vulnerable conversation about all the ways in which we steward our own success when we steward people. 

Priyanka knows the connection between her awareness of another and her ability to meet a moment boldly and with conviction. She uses it lovingly and with precision that has impressed me from first meeting. Oh, we’ll also talk about that. What did we first think of each other? What have been the biggest surprises of parenthood and building a family? 

And more than that, she’s doling out some serious advice and bankable wisdom. What would she say to someone navigating major change, wanting upward advancement, looking to expand in a current role? 

Well you’re going to have to listen to find out! 

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!

If you want to know what I'm about as a person, what drives me (and the heart behind this podcast/book), and what I aim to spend the rest of my life talking about, this is the episode. It's not only because my book comes out next week (Apr. 23), but because I genuinely need to understand someone's heart before I can take what they're saying seriously. Anybody else out there?

So hop in for an interview of sorts, but more so, a forecast of the conversation we're going to have if you order Read The Room. I hope the book reaches you right where you are, as I hope this podcast has and does. By the end of this conversation you're going to know exactly why I think reading the room well is non-negotiable, for my life, and I believe yours too. 

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!

WATCH the full episode on Patreon !!
I hope you'll join us for a riveting convo with Anjula Acharia, renowned entrepreneur and trailblazer, as she unveils her raw and authentic experiences of 'faking it till she made it' in the business world. Mixed with incredibly practical advice, wisdom, vulnerability, and some great stories ... Let's just say you're in for a treat. From her beginnings in real estate to navigating the intricacies of the music industry, Anjula is sharing invaluable lessons and moments she learned along her path to success. It's one that has been filled with a great deal of decisive moments leading to tangible wins. Join us for an empowering conversation filled with inspiration from one of the industry's most influential voices. Don't miss out on this captivating glimpse into the entrepreneurial journey!

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!

I can't believe we've come to the end of the year! Before we all tuck away for a quick few weeks, I wanted to have my dear friend Natalie Martin (licensed therapist) back on to help me tackle a few things I know may be on people's minds around the Holidays. We're also divulging what Christmas song we think we are, the ones we think can go away, and giving each other grief in the meantime ... Because that's what friends are for tbh.

Before we send you into all of your holiday festivities, and eventually NYE, we wanted to thoughtfully talk through some tricky dynamics we know can be attached to this time of year. My hope is that there's something helpful in here for each of us. I love being able to have real convos exactly like this one each week, I'm so grateful that you come by to hang out with me and my friends, even if this is your first episode to listen in!

I'll be back with all new episodes January 12th. Until then, if you're curious to know what I'd love for Christmas I'll happily tell you. I'd be so grateful for you to take just a minute and rate and review this show ... now, I know I don't need to say it but I will, I'm talkin' about 5 stars okay? Okay thank you.😂 😎

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!

What do you do when life starts to move you and your close friends in different directions? Marriages, hard life moments, moving away, little offenses built up over time … whatever it is that may be causing a disconnect, what do we do with it and how do we navigate forward— and in health?

Today, I have my first repeat offender back on the show. Natalie Martin, one of my dearest friends and a licensed therapist, stops by to help me answer a listener’s question(s) about some growing distance between them and a friend. But that’s just where we start! We’re talking through several dynamics that I think you’ll relate to, regardless of where you are in life!

Care to join us? 

If YOU have a question you’d like answered on the show, email me at CavComments@gmail.com or message me on Instagram @CavanaughJames!

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!

I’m so excited for you to get to know my pal, Kathryn Gallagher! She is one of the kindest and brightest people I’ve had the privilege to meet and I know you’ll find the same. Outside of being empathetic, genuine, hilarious, and talented beyond, she’s a deep well of wisdom and experience. Today she’s sharing some of her story and strength with us, and leaving us better and more resourced than before.

In her professional life, she happens to be one of my favorite new stars of stage and screen. She played Martha in the 2015 Revival of Spring Awakening and more recently, starred as Bella in Jagged Little Pill on Broadway. And her TV & Film career? Already extensive and burgeoning at the same time. So lean in and know you’re in some good company with two new friends who are excited to have a real and authentic convo about the things that matter; like namely, being truthful. What does that mean? Oh we’re going to get into it.

Anddd before I announce it everywhere I wanted to let you in on something … My book is now available for Pre-Order. I’m so ready to have an honest conversation about building a world for yourself of healthy relationships that make for genuinely fulfilling life. It all starts with reading the room … 

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!

Several things are incredibly astounding about my friend, Sami Udell, owner of WholeSam,  a private chef agency serving major cities across the US. Firstly, she’s just not overwhelmed by a challenge. What’s that like?! Secondly, the way she built her own extremely successful, yet still burgeoning company, is nothing short of cool.

Real character matters to her and how she does business, serves her clients and chefs, and walks out her vision. She understands what it looks like to do a job with your whole self, and finds service to be its own art form, and is a true expert in the area. She’s also just super cool, has a wonderful story, and so much wisdom to share. Enjoy our conversation because I sure did and I think you will too. 😉

READ THE ROOM: The Holistic Guide to Build and Sustain Meaningful Relationships for Life
Now Available for Pre-Order HERE!

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!

Well, I would be lying if I said today’s guest isn’t the most requested I’ve had since starting this show some months ago. My beautiful friends, Nick Jonas is here today and I’ll be honest, this is a special treat. Nick and I have a lot of friendship years under our belt, but rarely do we crack those years open for others. The truth is, as many years as we have, we have almost as many hard conversations, belly laughs, unforgettably memorable moments, and life challenges wherein we’ve both been an ally and proverbial brother. We do a lot of life together and today we’re letting you have a seat at the table.

So, as we let you in a bit, I’d like to introduce you to many qualities and characteristics I value in Nick, to some specifics of what I respect about who he chooses to be. We’ll let you in on some of our funny friendship dynamics because, yes, they certainly exist. We’re going to talk a bit about touring life right now, what it’s like to do a nearly three hour show multiple times a week, what fatherhood is teaching Nick, the relational good that can come from a band break-up, and what it’s like working with family now. It’s a good time!

Also.

READ THE ROOM: The Holistic Guide to Build and Sustain Meaningful Relationships for Life
Now Available for Pre-Order HERE!

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!

Today we're talking about the road we take on the way to our destiny. So often it can be overwhelming to know where you're supposed to land, what you're supposed to put your hands to, and how you're going to do it ... And can I tell you something? The figuring of that out, the wrestling with an idea or business, the pursuit of putting it all together and on its feet--it's no joke. So that's why I am so excited for you to meet Rasheeda Ellis, owner of Mood Servant. 

I have been thoroughly in love with her candles, products, and overall disposition as a person, since we met in April. But what I've been undone by is her ability to bring you into her story, her passion, and to feel the love and light with which she walks out her calling. I want you to listen to this convo and be inspired by her as I have been. You'll be able to feel her joy and I hope it leaves you lighter than you came in. 

With this, my friends, we are wrapping Season 1 of Read The Room. We'll be back in two weeks with fresh guests and new ways to connect and consume the show-- For those wanting full video, we've heard you and will be bringing that your way!

Before then, if you could find the time and energy to leave us a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review we'd be most grateful! Until then, link up with me on Instagram @CavanaughJames. 

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!

If you missed last week’s episode, I’d encourage you to go back and listen before you dive into this! Why? Last week we had such an honest and vulnerable convo so we’re obviously going to chat through that. I don’t want you to feel left out! Outside of that, we’re just exploring the value of having people-mirrors in our lives—those who lovingly show us sides of ourselves we can’t see.

I’m truly loving these chats and seeing where we go when we’re open to meeting each other in vulnerability and honesty. There’s some more funny stories, some relational revelations, and plenty tomfoolery to keep you entertained throughout. 

As always, we’d be grateful for a lovely ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review if you’re feeling up to it! 

Also, follow me on Instagram to make sure you don’t miss a thing— @CavanaughJames

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!

I can't lie to you, I think you're going to genuinely love this episode. Yes, it's because this is a wonderfully hilarious and fun conversation and yes, it's because you're going to absolutely adore Natalie Martin. It's also because this episode did NOT go where I thought it would ... But good thing Natalie is a licensed therapist and this isn't the first time we've talked through a real moment. I just didn't plan for it to happen while we were recording. 

Listen in for one of my favorite chats-to-date. We're talking about meeting and forgetting each other, our first friend fight, how therapists have friends, period, and how to walk yourself out of a spiral ... or how to let someone else walk you out of a spiral if they're willing/able. *Cough* Like today. 

Also. I would be seriously grateful if you left our show a review on Apple or Spotify. Personally? I think five stars sounds just about right. ;)

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!

In continuing the theme of hilarious stories from Kevin Covert’s episode, today Courtney and I are adding our own plethora of ridiculousness! Yes, we’re talking about how to make pathways clearer for those coming behind you … YES, we’re digging into the truth Kevin pointed to, how necessary it is to continually invest your relational world, and much more.

But I’m also going into much more of my background today, into more of how my world intersects with performers, and some just plain ole funny stories.

Also, if you heard me ranting and raving about the candles we rock in-studio and in our lives, simply click here and enter code: ROOM10 at checkout for 10% off your entire purchase! I’m not kidding, you will adore these and the mood it serves whatever room you’re in.

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!

I have the distinct pleasure of having one of the most funny, entertaining, kind, and wholly enjoyable guests on this week. Kevin Covert serves as the Director of Musical Theatre and Co-Chair of Musical Theatre at Shenandoah University (a prestigious program, let me tell you). He's also a seasoned Broadway veteran in his own right. He was in the original Broadway casts of Monty Python’s Spamalot, Memphis, as well as being in the revival of How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and several national tours.

We have a blast anytime we’re together, as I’m sure you’ll find out. This one’s full of hilarious stories, antics, lessons learned, and plenty of insight to gain. You’re going to love him if you don’t already. So just buckle up for a good time.

If you haven’t been able to leave a review, may I ask you to take a few seconds and tap that 5-star button … if you feel that way of course ;) It’s so helpful for our show!

Until next week, come hang out on Instagram, @CavanaughJames. Feel free to send me a message, I love chatting with ya!

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!

What kind of space do you hold for others to be wholly flawed, wonderful, and in-process at the same time? I know it’s a big question and it’s one Courtney and I are chewing on in this episode.  

This is a vulnerable one and truthfully, one I’ve been nervous to release. Recapping Nikki Leonti’s wonderful episode brings up some real things to parse through and you’ll feel that throughout. But I think we cover some good ground and know it will speak to you in some encouraging way. So welcome to it. 

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!

This week, I have the privilege of introducing you to one of your new favorite people, that is, if you've not yet encountered the wonderful, Nikki Leonti. Not only is she just one of the best singers, most seasoned artists, and a true industry pro ... She is one of the most well-rounded people, period. She's got stories that'll make you laugh, wisdom and insight from decades of real life-lived, and a fresh perspective I know that'll leave you lighter.

We talk through what it means to fully be a safe place for others, how difficulty in our own lives gives us more bandwidth for others, and how you keep your head on and pointed in the right direction in a disorienting industry ... and that's just for starters! 

If you don't already follow @NikkiLeonti on Instagram, may I just encourage you to press that "follow" button. You won't regret it. 

And if you haven't left us a glowing 5-star review wherever you're listening to this podcast, but have on in your heart, why not go ahead and leave us one? 

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!

Courtney and I having a good time in the studio today and you should hop on in! We’re doing a deep dive on Mike Deleasa’s episode and circling back to a few incredibly wise and helpful things he pointed out and to.

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!

When someone is at ease in their own skin, it invites others to be at ease themselves. This is one of the many relational wins Mike Deleasa serves up in his life. He's a confident guy, but that cconfidence doesn't feel like arrogance, it feels like settledness. You're going to love getting to know this incredibly varied and talented artist and entrepeneur. What I love about this conversation is listening to how Mike talks about the different landscapes he works in, how they've worked together, and how he's pivoted when need be.

There's some wisdom and funny stories being shared, tidbits and ridiculousness, and a lot of catching up going on in today's episode. If you want to connect with Mike, find him on Instagram @Deleasa or online at Deleasa.com. Also, reviews truly do help our show and if you haven't left us one of those beautiful 5-Star reviews yet, what's stopping you?

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!

Oftentimes finishing something well means knowing what you need to let go of in order to do so. Life can be a bit like that too. Raise your hand if you've ever felt like something in your life needed to be perfected before you "moved on" to the next phase! Today we're covering a lot of ground ... I know, no surprises there. We're touching on collaboration, working on a team, leading employees, client/vendor relationships, and what it means to truly meet someone in the middle. 

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!

There are a multitude of reasons to love, respect, and honor my guest today. Paris Carney is a loving and incredibly talented artist and songrwiter. She has fearlessly moved ahead and forward in an industry teeming with competitiveness, and she's done it without being competitive at all. She doesn't believe in a scarcity mindset and that exudes from the way she speaks, how she champions others, and how she lives. 

Today's conversation went by in a flash and I have a feeling it might for you too. When Paris and I start talking through life and relationships we're hard to stop. But there's some good stuff in here. Please enjoy this insightful and truly inpsiring conversation, for me personally, and I hope for you as well. We get into what we believe about ourselves, how we move torward our destiny boldly, and how to love and protect ourselves in the process. 

As always, your 5-Star Review would mean the world to me ... If you'd like to write a little something nice, I wouldn't be mad at that either!

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!

If you can get past how congested I am, I think you'll enjoy this chat. No really, I sound like I'm holding my nose. 

Courtney and I cover a lot of ground here and I think you'll really like where the conversation goes ... especially if you're someone who has strong feelings about Titanic. We're chatting about what balance looks like at different points in your life and how different it is for each person. When you decide before you begin a project, job, or pursuit how you're going to walk through it and your boundaries within it, you're a lot healthier through it. 

We'd be so grateful for a review, but we're equally grateful for you to tell someone about the show or for you to post about it--- But who says you have to pick just one?! 

WATCH the full episode, here on Patreon!