Badass Softie

What if the problem isn’t discipline — but understanding how your brain actually works? In this conversation, Dr. JJ Peterson sits down with licensed therapist and co-host of the Something Shiny ADHD Podcast, Isabelle Richards, to explore how ADHD, neurodivergence, and what Isabelle calls being “neuro-spicy” can shape the way people lead, make decisions, manage pressure, and move through the world. Together, they unpack the difference between self-discipline and self-awareness — and why many leaders spend years trying to force themselves into systems that don’t actually fit how they think or function. This conversation reframes accommodations not as weakness, but as self-understanding in action. What You’ll Reflect On Why some people thrive under pressure but struggle with everyday decisions How ADHD and executive functioning differences can affect leadership and work The role shame plays in productivity, motivation, and self-worth What “meta-awareness” means and why it matters How leaders can create more psychologically safe environments Why understanding your needs can be more powerful than pushing harder For leaders navigating pressure, burnout, or the feeling that simple things shouldn’t feel this hard, this conversation offers language, clarity, and a more compassionate way forward. Resources Mentioned Download the ADHD Focus & Flow Finder to better understand the accommodations that support how you work best: https://www.somethingshinypodcast.com/finder Explore more conversations from the Something Shiny ADHD Podcast: https://www.somethingshinypodcast.com If this resonates, share it with someone who may be trying to succeed while quietly fighting the way they naturally work.

What happens when you get what you wanted and it doesn’t fix what you thought it would? You can spend years working toward something, only to realize it doesn’t feel the way you expected. In this episode, Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with Al Andrews, founder of Porter’s Call, to talk about what success actually does to people—and why it doesn’t always bring the fulfillment we expect. After decades of working with artists at every level, Al has seen the patterns of how success can isolate, identity can drift, and how easy it is to lose yourself while building something big. They explore what it takes to stay grounded, close the gap between who you are and who people think you are, and lead in a way that doesn’t cost you your relationships or your sense of self. Because the goal isn’t just to succeed, it’s to stay yourself while you do it.What This Explores Why success can feel empty—even when you get what you want The gap between your public image and your private life How isolation shows up as you grow What it means to “share your stage” as a leader How to lead with both strength and vulnerability If this resonates, share it with someone who’s building something meaningful and trying to hold onto who they are in the process. Mentioned In This EpisodePorter’s Call: https://porterscall.com Follow Badass SoftieInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/badasssoftiepod/ Website: https://www.badasssoftie.com/

So many leaders feel like they’re saying the right things… and still not being heard. They create content. They follow the strategies. They build what they’ve been told will work.And yet—something doesn’t land. In this conversation, Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with Macy Robison, a strategist behind the resonant thought leadership system, to explore why that disconnect happens—and what to do about it. Macy has spent years helping experts, authors, and entrepreneurs translate their ideas into messaging that actually resonates. Not by teaching them to be louder or more polished—but by helping them align how they communicate with how they naturally think, express, and lead. Because the truth is, not every voice is meant to show up the same way. Some leaders create transformation through speaking. Others through writing. Others through guiding experiences or solving problems in real time. And when you try to force yourself into a format that doesn’t fit, your message doesn’t just weaken—it disappears. This conversation unpacks the hidden reason so many messages fall flat, why traditional marketing tactics don’t work for everyone, and how understanding your natural communication style can completely change how you build your business and connect with others. It also challenges a belief many leaders quietly carry: that there’s a “right” way to show up. There isn’t. There’s only the way that actually works for you.If you’re curious how you naturally show up and communicate, Macy’s assessment is a powerful place to start: https://macyrobison.com/quiz What This Explores Why your message can be strong—but still not resonate The hidden mismatch between your voice and your strategy Why some marketing tactics feel ineffective (even when they work for others) Different ways leaders naturally communicate and create impact How to translate “in-the-room” magic into content that connects

There are things happening right in front of us that we can’t see. Not because we’re ignoring them. Not because we don’t care. But because our experience has never required us to notice them. Dr. JJ Peterson explores how two people can look at the same situation, care about the same outcome, and still walk away with completely different conclusions—not because one of them is wrong, but because they’re standing in a different place. Drawing on standpoint theory and real-world examples, Dr. JJ Peterson unpacks how lived experience shapes what feels normal, what feels like a problem, and what often goes unnoticed entirely. For leaders, this creates a critical challenge. Because the things we don’t have to think about are often the very things someone else is navigating every single day. And when those differences go unseen, they don’t just create misunderstanding—they create blind spots in leadership, communication, and decision-making. This perspective invites a shift away from certainty and toward curiosity, offering a more grounded and human way to lead, listen, and connect. What This Explores Why thoughtful, intelligent people can see the same situation differently How lived experience shapes perception and decision-making The blind spots that show up in leadership and communication Why empathy alone doesn’t replace lived experience How expanding perspective leads to stronger connections and better leadership This may resonate with leaders who are striving to make thoughtful decisions while recognizing there may still be perspectives they haven’t yet seen. It may also resonate with those who often find themselves seeing things others don’t—and carrying the weight of that awareness. If this brought someone to mind, consider sharing it with them. Not to change their perspective, but to better understand where they’re standing.

Leaders are tired. Not just from long hours or packed calendars, but from the constant mental load of decision-making, responsibility, and momentum that never quite stops. For many high-performing leaders, the instinct is to push through the exhaustion or hope a little time off will fix it. But rest alone isn’t always what restores clarity. Dr. JJ Peterson explores a different idea: what leaders often need is not simply rest, but reflection. Research shows that when we move from task to task without pause, cognitive fatigue builds. Decision-making declines, emotional regulation weakens, and creativity drops. The antidote isn’t just stepping away—it’s creating intentional moments to process what has happened, close mental loops, and interpret the lessons from the season we’ve just lived. JJ introduces the concept of Selah, a word found in the Psalms that signals a pause in the middle of the music—a moment to weigh what has been said before continuing the song. Leadership works the same way. Healthy leaders don’t only move forward. They pause long enough to reflect, celebrate what worked, grieve what didn’t, and decide what wisdom they will carry into the next season. Sometimes that reflection happens on a retreat. Sometimes it happens in a coffee shop with a notebook and ninety quiet minutes. But without it, we risk running on momentum instead of wisdom. Ideas to Sit With Why rest alone often doesn’t resolve leadership fatigue How cognitive fatigue affects decision-making and creativity The importance of marking the end of a season before beginning the next What the ancient idea of Selah can teach modern leaders A simple 90-minute reflection practice for closing a chapter and preparing for the next one If this reflection resonated with you, consider sharing it with another leader who may also be navigating a demanding season. Sometimes the most powerful step forward begins with a quiet pause.

What if the strongest thing a leader could say isn’t “I was right,” but “I see this differently now”? Dr. JJ Peterson challenges one of leadership’s most persistent myths — that consistency means never changing your mind. Drawing from cognitive psychology, decision science, and a deeply personal story about turning down a book deal after a podcast reached 13 million downloads, JJ explores why rigidity often masquerades as strength. Changing your mind doesn’t just feel uncomfortable. It can feel like losing credibility, identity, even belonging. But what if intellectual humility is actually a sign of maturity? What This Explores Why our brains treat belief challenges as personal threats How leaders lose relevance when they cling to outdated messaging The psychology behind why arguments harden positions — but stories soften them What it means to treat your beliefs like hypotheses instead of absolutes How redefining ambition led to the creation of Badass Softie Strong leadership doesn’t require abandoning your values. It requires updating how you apply them when reality shifts. If you’ve ever felt the tension between being consistent and being responsive… If you’ve wrestled with whether evolving makes you look weak… This reflection may resonate. And if someone in your world is stuck defending a belief that no longer fits, consider sharing it with them. Sometimes the most generous thing we can offer is permission to grow.

Before he ever worked with leaders on message and clarity, Dr. J.J. Peterson spent years performing improv comedy — an environment where nothing is scripted, mistakes are guaranteed, and collaboration determines whether a scene survives. What most people misunderstand about improv is that it isn’t chaos. It has rules. And those same rules quietly shape what effective leadership looks like when certainty is low and pressure is high. Drawing from his experience on stage and in leadership rooms, Dr. Peterson explores how leaders can create momentum, protect dignity, and keep people engaged — even when things feel messy, unfinished, or uncertain. What’s Covered Why strong leadership isn’t about control, but attention and trust How “Yes, and” keeps people contributing instead of shutting down Why leaders need a clear point of view — not vague optimism How to handle mistakes without creating fear or humiliation What it means to name reality instead of performing confidence Why leadership works best when leaders stop trying to win the room Most leadership happens without a script. The question isn’t whether things will wobble — it’s how leaders respond when they do. If this resonates, consider sharing it with another badass softie leader — someone ambitious, thoughtful, and deeply human — who’s navigating leadership without a script and trying to do it with heart.

Work is relational—whether we admit it or not. And yet many leaders are taught that professionalism means distance, separation, and emotional restraint. In this conversation, Dr. J.J. Peterson reflects on what actually happens when trust, friendship, and shared commitment exist inside a working relationship. Joined by longtime collaborator and friend Kristin Spiotto, they explore the tension between closeness and leadership—and why pretending work isn’t personal often creates more harm than clarity. Together, they challenge the myth that personal connection weakens leadership and instead unpack how safety, honesty, and intentional boundaries can lead to stronger teams, better work, and more resilient relationships. What This Explores Why separating personal and professional is often a false choice How trust changes the way feedback, conflict, and decisions land The difference between healthy closeness and blurred power dynamics What it means to be “for each other” without sacrificing excellence How leaders can create safety without making promises they can’t keep If you’ve ever felt torn between protecting your humanity and doing excellent work, you’re not alone. The goal isn’t perfect boundaries—it’s intentional ones that steady relationships instead of shrinking them.

Some of the most meaningful leadership lessons don’t come from business books, keynote stages, or boardrooms. Sometimes, they come from places you don’t expect. In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson shares unexpected leadership insights inspired by a behind-the-scenes look at Taylor Swift and her record-breaking Eras Tour. What he expected was spectacle. What he didn’t expect was a masterclass in leadership with heart. This episode explores what it looks like to lead at the highest level without becoming harder, colder, or smaller in the process. You’ll hear reflections on: Emotional discipline and why leaders shouldn’t dump their stress downhill Showing up as a guide, not the hero How preparation creates freedom and confidence Why generosity and shared wins build loyalty What true belonging looks like on a team The power of owning your work, your voice, and your story If you’re tired of leadership advice that asks you to sacrifice your humanity for success, this conversation offers a better way. If this episode resonated with you: Save it for the next time you need a reminder of the kind of leader you want to be. Share it with someone who feels tired of leading the “right” way and is ready for a better one. Or send it to a leader who needs fresh inspiration from an unexpected place. Because the world doesn’t need more polished leaders. It needs leaders who are prepared, generous, clear — and deeply human. That’s what being a Badass Softie looks like.

As leaders, we’re often taught that joy should wait its turn. That celebration is something you earn after the work is done, the chaos settles, and everything feels appropriate. But what if that belief is quietly burning us out? In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. JJ Peterson invites leaders to rethink joy—not as a reward, but as a leadership practice. Through a simple, human story and research-backed insight, he explores why joy isn’t denial, irresponsibility, or distraction… it’s how emotionally intelligent leaders stay resilient, creative, and deeply human. This conversation is especially for those who feel the tension between ambition and tenderness—who are carrying a lot, leading through uncertainty, and wondering if celebration is allowed when things still feel hard. Because joy doesn’t erase the heavy parts of life. It carries us through them. ✨ If this episode resonates, share it with someone you believe is a true Badass Softie—someone who leads with heart, carries responsibility with courage, and deserves permission to celebrate a little sooner than they think.

Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with author and speaker Jen Hatmaker for a candid conversation about courage, integrity, and what happens when the life you’ve built no longer fits who you’re becoming. Jen Hatmaker has navigated public success, private heartbreak, theological transformation, and the painful cost of choosing integrity over approval. Through every rise and collapse, she has remained tender, honest, grounded, and fiercely aligned with her values—modeling a different kind of leadership rooted in both strength and humanity. Together, Dr. J.J. Peterson and Jen Hatmaker explore what unfolds when long-held roles begin to crack, when praised identities no longer fit, and when inherited values prove too small for the person emerging on the other side of growth. This conversation explores: the moment Jen Hatmaker’s 26-year marriage shattered how she examined the “faulty bricks” her life was built on which values endure—and which must be released the cost of living out of alignment the cost of choosing integrity instead what it takes to rebuild a life that finally fits how pain can soften rather than harden There is humor woven throughout—AC/DC youth group myths, country music fangirling, and a Grand Ole Opry moment that lingers—but at its core, this is a conversation about truth, courage, and the lives leaders claim when they stop pretending. The central reminder is clear: There is always a cost to staying in a life that no longer aligns with who you are becoming—and the longer you stay, the higher the cost becomes. In the end, this is the work of a badass softie—allowing courage and compassion to guide the way toward a more honest, expansive life.

In this episode of The Badass Softie Podcast, Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with creative business mentor and coach Laura Higgins for a heartfelt, grounded conversation on what it really means to lead as a creative. Laura opens up about her journey from “generalist” uni dropout to running a successful business coaching over 1,000 creatives — and the mindset shifts, courage, and leadership skills she had to build along the way. Together, they explore the tension so many creatives feel: Can I be ambitious without losing my softness? Can I lead boldly without abandoning my heart? Can I be an artist and an entrepreneur? Laura makes the case that leadership isn’t a personality type — it’s a learnable skill. And when creatives pair structure with soul, something powerful emerges: sustainable success without losing the magic. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why creatives often struggle with self-worth and visibility The real reason imposter syndrome hits heart-led leaders so hard How to balance your “artist self” with your “entrepreneur self” Why leadership is a set of skills — not an identity change How to protect your creativity (your greatest currency) Practical steps to get more leads, sell confidently, and scale with intention Why kindness and boundaries can (and should) coexist Connect with Laura: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurahiggins/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@laurahigginsofficial Send this episode to the creative friend who keeps saying “one day.” Today could be the day they finally go for it.

For leaders who chase big goals but crave meaning just as much as momentum — this conversation is for you. Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with Amy Porterfield, New York Times bestselling author of Two Weeks Notice, to unpack how ambition can serve you without consuming you. Amy shares how she went from corporate employee at Tony Robbins to building a multimillion-dollar business — and how redefining “enough” transformed both her leadership and her life. Together, they dig into the leadership lessons that every high-performer needs to hear: how to bet on yourself, stop moving the goalposts, and lead with clarity instead of chaos. You’ll learn: The moment Amy realized she’d been chasing success at the expense of freedom How to tell the difference between healthy ambition and fear-driven overachievement Why most leaders keep moving the goal line — and how to stop The quiet leadership skill that accelerates growth: marking the moment How to evolve your business (and identity) without losing your purpose What “enough” really means — and how to build around it This episode isn’t about slowing down — it’s about leading smarter. 📘 Grab Amy’s book: Two Weeks Notice 📰 Join her newsletter: AmyPorterfield.com/newsletter 🎧 Subscribe, comment, or leave a review — and keep leading with both strength and softness at BadassSoftie.com.