Hosted by Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper
We could have kept talking with Cindy Edwards for another hour. In fact, somewhere along the way, we started negotiating a return visit because the questions kept piling up. That seems fitting for a conversation about stress. Apparently, even discussing how to calm our brains gives us more things to think about.
As we wrapped up this three-part conversation, we kept coming back to a few ideas that felt especially relevant, whether we’re managing a team, thinking about a career change, or simply trying to make it through a busy Tuesday without losing our minds.
Maybe We All Need a Ramp
One of the most memorable parts of our conversation came when we started talking about neurodiversity in the workplace. Cindy gave us an analogy that immediately clicked: when someone has a physical disability, we understand the need for accommodations. We don’t expect that person to build their own ramp. Yet with neurodiversity, we often do exactly that. That led us into a bigger conversation about what support actually looks like. As managers and coworkers, are we asking people what tools would help them succeed? Are we creating an environment where they can tell us? Or are we quietly handing them the problem and saying, “Okay, figure it out”?
We found ourselves thinking about how much can change when we simply become more aware. We may not have all the answers, but asking better questions seems like a pretty good place to start.
Skills We Wish We Learned Earlier
At one point, Paul wondered why stress management and resilience aren’t treated like basic survival skills. That opened a door we could have happily walked through for another episode.
We learn math. We learn history. We learn how to write a paper. But how many of us grew up learning how to recognize what we’re feeling, manage stress, build healthy relationships, or focus on what we can actually control?
Chandra reflected on how different childhood might have felt with some of those tools. That hit home for us because these are skills many people end up learning much later, usually after life has given them a fairly compelling reason to start paying attention.
Maybe resilience deserves a spot somewhere between long division and driver’s ed.
Get Regulated Before Making the Big Move
The conversation also circled back to career change. When we’re unhappy or stressed, there’s a temptation to believe a new job will fix everything. Cindy reminded us that meaningful change is a whole lot harder when our brains and bodies are already running on overload.
That doesn’t mean staying somewhere that isn’t working. It means getting curious first. What matters to us? Are we learning? Are we growing? What are our strengths? What’s actually causing the stress?
And somewhere in all of this, Cindy gave us permission to walk, nap, laugh, learn, play, listen to music and even dance a little. Paul admitted to doing something resembling dancing during a marathon, so clearly we’re using the term loosely here.
Midwesternism of the Day
For this week’s Midwestern moment, we head to Minnesota for a hometown treat with a long local history. It’s sweet, salty, a little nutty, and the kind of thing you might recognize from the candy aisle even if you never realized its roots were so close to home. You’ll have to listen to hear what had us reminiscing.
Until next time, let’s keep learning, sharing, and most importantly, laughing together.
Toodles!
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