“Play like you’re 10 again.” That line from Welcome to Wrexham reminded me that joy, not productivity, is what fuels my best work—and maybe yours, too.
Brave Middle Ground podcast
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Brave Middle Ground | Laura Zabel
Season 01, episode 10 May 25, 2025 Originally recorded December 17, 2024 SPEAKERS Dayna Del Val and Laura Zabel SUMMARY In this conversation, Laura Zabel discusses the vital role of arts in building community, the importance of recognizing creativity as a fundamental human right, and the need to demystify and de-hierarchicalize the arts. She emphasizes the significance of economic security for artists and the impact of guaranteed income on creative freedom. The discussion also touches on the commodification of art and the necessity of fostering connections between rural and urban communities through artistic endeavors. In this conversation, Laura Zabel discusses the innovative approaches of Springboard for the Arts, emphasizing the…
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Brave Middle Ground | Sally Z
Season 01, episode 09 May 11, 2025 Originally recorded April 30, 2025 SPEAKERS Dayna Del Val and Sally Z SUMMARY In this conversation, Sally Z and Dayna Del Val explore the complexities of motherhood, the emotional journey of parenting and the importance of supporting children in their identity journeys. They reflect on personal experiences, the significance of Mother’s Day and the challenges of navigating the evolving relationship with their children as they grow. The discussion also delves into the concept of ‘brave middle ground’ in parenting, emphasizing the need for honesty and discomfort in fostering growth and understanding. In this conversation, Sally Z and Dayna Del Val explore the complexities…
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Brave Middle Ground | Dorie Clark
Season 01, episode 08 April 27, 2025 Originally recorded January 14, 2025 SPEAKERS Dayna Del Val & Dorie Clark SUMMARY In this conversation, Dayna and Dorie Clark discuss the concept of middle ground, emphasizing its strength as a compromise and the importance of open-mindedness. They reflect on the challenges of communication in today’s polarized environment and the need for thoughtful dialogue. Dorie also explores the value of a liberal arts education in fostering holistic thinking and the significance of networking and social proof in achieving professional success. The discussion highlights the interconnectedness of content creation, social proof and networking as essential components for recognition and influence. In this conversation, Dorie…
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Brave Middle Ground | Dr Gena Cox
Season 01, episode 07 April 13, 2025 Originally recorded on January 28, 2025 SPEAKERS Dayna Del Val & Dr Gena Cox SUMMARY In this conversation, Dayna and Dr Gena Cox explore the themes of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), emphasizing the critical role of respect in fostering genuine connections. Gena shares her personal journey, highlighting how tragic events like the murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd motivated her to advocate for a more inclusive environment. They discuss the importance of understanding the difference between respect and inclusion, and how subtle acts of exclusion can impact individuals in professional settings. Through personal anecdotes, Gena illustrates the challenges faced by marginalized…
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Brave Middle Ground | Pastor Paula Mehmel
Season 01, episode 06 March 23, 2025 Originally recorded on February 19, 2025 Speakers: Dayna Del Val & Pastor Paula Mehmel SSUMMARY In this conversation, Pastor Paula Mehmel shares her journey from being a pastor in North Dakota to her current role in Connecticut, emphasizing the importance of finding middle ground in discussions about faith, politics and community. She reflects on her diverse friendships and the significance of shared values despite differing beliefs. The dialogue explores the challenges of navigating Christian nationalism, the radical nature of faith and the necessity of compassionate conversations to foster understanding and connection among individuals with varying perspectives. In this conversation, Dayna and Paula explore…
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Brave Middle Ground | Naomi Vladeck
Season 01, episode 05 March 9, 2025 Originally recorded Feb 14, 2025 64 minutes This episode of Brave Middle Ground is brought to you by The Prosper Network and their upcoming summit, The Smart Woman’s Secret to Networking for Lasting Profits and Purpose on March 12. Learn more here. SPEAKERS Dayna Del Val, Naomi Vladeck SUMMARY In this engaging conversation, Dayna and Naomi explore the concept of ‘middle ground’ and its significance in personal and creative growth. Naomi shares insights from her book, Braving Creativity, discussing the five pillars of transition: liberation, navigation, play, empowerment and flourishing. They delve into the importance of embracing fear and excitement, the role of…
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Brave Middle Ground | ND Senator Josh Boschee
Season 01, Episode 04 February 23, 2025 Originally recorded January 04, 2025 51:48 minutes SPEAKERS Dayna Del Val & Senator Josh Boschee SUMMARY In this conversation, Josh Boschee discusses the importance of finding middle ground in politics, particularly in the context of North Dakota’s evolving political landscape. He reflects on the historical significance of compromise and the challenges posed by extremism in contemporary politics. The discussion also touches on the legacy of the Nonpartisan League, the dynamics of working within a super majority and the importance of engaging with constituents to foster a more inclusive political environment. Josh and Dayna discuss the challenges and dynamics of governance in North Dakota,…
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Brave Middle Ground | Sheri Salata
Season 01, episode 03 February 9, 2025 Originally recorded January 14, 2025 58:28 minutes SPEAKERS Sheri Salata, Dayna Del Val SUMMARY In this conversation, Dayna and Sheri Salata explore the concept of middle ground, the importance of community through the Prosper Network and the transformative power of storytelling. They discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by women in the middle of life, the changing landscape of media representation and the significance of personal narratives in shaping one’s identity and experiences. In this engaging conversation, Dayna and Sheri explore themes of justice, happiness, self-discovery, spirituality and the power of daydreaming. They reflect on the importance of managing one’s energy and mood,…
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Brave Middle Ground | Dr Adi Jaffe
Season 01, Episode 02 Jan 26, 2024 Originally recorded on December 6, 2024 68 MINUTES SPEAKERS: Dr Adi Jaffe, Dayna Del Val SUMMARY In this conversation, Adi Jaffe, PhD, and Dayna explore the complexities of addiction, mental health and societal definitions of normality. They discuss the stigma surrounding addiction, the fluidity of what is considered normal and how these concepts impact individuals, especially children. The conversation delves into the relationship between substance use and underlying mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of understanding the root causes rather than merely labeling behaviors. In this conversation, Adi explores the complexities of addiction, emphasizing the interplay between biological factors and environmental influences. He…
