Stand in the & with Heather Gates
Stand in the & with Heather Gates
Podcast Description
Stand in the & is a gathering designed to support curiosity, connection, & courage. This podcast is a series of conversations, with people across human-centered industries and life experiences, where we talk about showing up in the complexity of the human experience, where we get stuck, and how we find forward. Whether it’s the squeeze between empathy & accountability, structure & flexibility, hope & frustration, fear & excitement, us & them, or countless other “ands” we encounter. We’re leaning into the messiness. This podcast is a joyful & honest exploration around the nuance and possibility that exists within & among us. I hope you’ll join us!
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on topics related to human complexity, empathy, accountability, and personal growth. Examples of episodes include discussions on navigating the nuances of motherhood and business, embracing uncertainty, and exploring the importance of curiosity in resolving conflicts and challenges.

Stand in the & is a gathering designed to support curiosity, connection, & courage. This podcast is a series of conversations, with people across human-centered industries and life experiences, where we talk about showing up in the complexity of the human experience, where we get stuck, and how we find forward. Whether it’s the squeeze between empathy & accountability, structure & flexibility, hope & frustration, fear & excitement, us & them, or countless other “ands” we encounter. We’re leaning into the messiness. This podcast is a joyful & honest exploration around the nuance and possibility that exists within & among us. I hope you’ll join us!
In this conversation, Heather and Dolly discuss the complexities of life transitions, focusing on the concept of being 'whelmed' and the importance of wringing out ‘our sponge’. They explore the challenges of balancing caregiving roles, personal aspirations, and the need for pauses to manage overwhelm. The conversation emphasizes the value of curiosity and self-awareness in navigating life's pressures – especially during midlife.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations.
Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC
Guest: Dolly Pressley Byrd, CNM, PhD, Department of OB/GYN Chair, OB/GYN Specialists, MAHEC
Takeaways
•Midlife is a unique time of transition.
•Being 'whelmed' is a state of constant re-balancing.
•Curiosity helps in understanding personal needs.
•Pausing can help manage overwhelm.
•Life transitions sometimes require letting go.
•Decision fatigue can lead to overstimulation.
•Active listening fosters better relationships.
•Leadership involves empowering others.
Chapters
•00:00 Introduction to Life Transitions
•18:25 Balancing Caregiving and Personal Goals
•30:47 The Importance of Pausing
•55:33 Curiosity and Self-Awareness
•57:58 Leadership and Empowerment
•1:02:23 The Concept of Being “Whelmed”
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