June 8, 2025

Bonus Episode: Elizabeth Rosenberg on Growth and Change

Bonus Episode: Elizabeth Rosenberg on Growth and Change
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Bonus Episode: Elizabeth Rosenberg on Growth and Change

This bonus episode brings back Elizabeth Rosenberg, a past guest on The Life Shift, to reflect on her journey since we last chatted. She shares how her perspective has evolved over the months, particularly regarding vulnerability and sharing personal stories. Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of leaning into our truths and how doing so can lead to unexpected growth and healing. It’s fascinating to hear how her experiences have shaped not just her personal life but also her professional endeavors.

If you're curious about the impact of sharing your story and the shifts that can follow, this conversation is definitely for you.

The Life Shift Rewind

I’m excited to share bonus episodes from Patreon, where I revisited past guests to discuss what has changed and the value of sharing their stories. Since I currently only have the lower tiers available, I wanted to make these conversations accessible to the public feed. If you'd like to support the show directly, please consider joining the $3 or $5 tier on Patreon – www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast.



This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Chapters

00:00 - Untitled

00:01 - Introducing the Patreon for Life Shift Podcast

05:32 - The Journey of Vulnerability and Storytelling

15:12 - Exploring Spiritual Health and Personal Growth

17:42 - The Impact of Authentic Storytelling

23:06 - Navigating the Podcasting Landscape

31:20 - Normalizing Emotional Check-Ins

32:26 - Navigating Authenticity in Conversations

Transcript
Matt Gilhooly

Hello, my friends.I just wanted to drop some special bonus episodes into the feed that you probably have not heard unless you are a part or an early part of the Patreon for the Life Shift podcast. If you don't know, I do have a Patreon. It currently only has two tiers.One is a three dollar a month tier just to support what I'm doing, helps cover production costs. And then there's a five dollar tier which will get you episodes early and just the, I guess, warm fuzzies for help out with the Life Shift podcast.But I used to have other tiers where people were so generous and were offering additional money each month to get bonus episodes and possible winnings of T shirts and all sorts of things.And then I realized a couple months ago that I wasn't able to deliver what I wanted to, especially for those of you that were giving me the extra money. So right now we're just kind of doing the early episodes. You'll always get those.So if you want to support the Life Shift podcast, please jump over to patreon.com forward/thelifeshiftpod podcast and you can find that information there. But I come on here because I want to share a series of these bonus episodes that I did early on in the Patreon journey.There are like 20 plus episodes in which I had bonus recordings with previous guests. So I would go back and we would have a conversation about the experience of sharing their story on the Life Shift podcast. Catch up on anything.And I think these are super important and I know most of them did not see the light of day from outside of the Patreon. So I'm going to be dropping these episodes. Whatever you're listening to now is another episode. So I'm going to use the same intro for all of them.But here is one of the bonus episodes with a former guest from the Life Shift podcast. And if you like this, let me know because I'm thinking of bringing some of this back and talking to previous guests as I go into year four.So enjoy this bonus episode that was once released on the Patreon feed. I'm Matt Gilhooley and this is the Life Shift Candid conversations about the pivotal moments that have changed lives forever. I'm here with Elizabeth.Hey, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

Hi.

Matt Gilhooly

That's what I call my Patreon supporters, because I haven't come up with a clever name yet, but I do these Life Shifters.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

They're Life Shifters.

Matt Gilhooly

Oh, well, I could do that. Yeah.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

I don't know. We'll come up with a fun name.

Matt Gilhooly

People listening. What do you want to be called? I appreciate these Patreon supporters. I do this indie podcasting journey, as. As you're aware, is.Is such an interesting beast.And then when I decide that I'm going to make it something where I can hear so many people's personal, pivotal stories and how their lives have changed, it's, like, so good, but also just so much that I just didn't even expect. And I'm just so grateful that people like you chosen me or allowed me a little glimpse into your life.So just thank you for being a part of this journey and now a part of the family.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

Well, I've loved watching this journey, and I feel like every story comes out when it's supposed to.And I just want to remind you, like, of the work that you're doing and how important it is, because I genuinely believe that when someone gets to a point where they feel like they're supposed to tell their story, that's when they're supposed to tell it, and the people who are supposed to hear it are supposed to hear it. So I just want you to know, like, you are the conduit of that experience for so many people.And I think vulnerability and relatability, again, you play such a role in yourself and the. Bringing the story out of others and holding that space for them, I know, can be quite difficult, especially in this, like, the world we live in.So thank you for what you're doing, because I don't think you realize how. What. What a big job it is and what an impact it's making.

Matt Gilhooly

I appreciate that. And, you know, you. We recorded your episode, like, eight months. No, seven months ago April. What month are we in?I don't even know what month we're in. Okay, so six months ago, we recorded in April of 2023, which seems like it wasn't that long ago, but apparently it was.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

I mean, doesn't I see. It's funny because it feels like not that long ago, and at the same time, it feels like it was two years ago.

Matt Gilhooly

I agree. Yeah. And then your episode came out in. In June, and you were episode 65. And I.Today I just recorded episode 107, which I can't even believe that this journey has taken me this far. And it feels like to me, it feels like we just talked for the first time very recently.And to know that I've recorded 40 plus conversations since, it's fascinating to me.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

You're on a journey. I love it. That's a lot of Work, by the way, you should always be proud of. Like, that is a lot of work.

Matt Gilhooly

Well, thank you. And.And your story, I'll remind people listening your story, I, you know, I refer back to it a lot in a lot of the conversations that I've had since, because, you know, what I took from it more than anything else is that, yes, you. You face migraines, you face, you know, some.Some health concerns and such, but what I took from the way we had our conversation was once you started leaning into what felt most real for you and most, you know, like, you just leaned into you, things started to subside a little bit.And I don't know if that's still true, but that's what I took from that conversation in an inspiring way of, like, look, if it feels right and you're pushing it away, maybe lean into it to see what it brings you and see what it unfolds for you, whether that's a physical manifestation, whether that's some kind of spiritual thing, whatever that may be.That was the inspiration that I got from having the conversation with you was just like, wow, as soon as she did that, things seemed to change a little bit. Am I. Did I hit anything there?

Elizabeth Rosenberg

No, you're totally. I think you're very. You're very much right.I think about that all the time of, if you had told me where I would be now three years ago, I would have told you you were insane. There's no way I'd be doing that.There's no way I'd be on podcasts out, like, very boldly and publicly talking about my own medical issues, my own mental health issues, my own spiritual journey. And the more I talk about it, I think the more comfortable I am with it, and then also the more comfortable I know other people are with it, too. So.And I really believe that that's kind of one of the things that I meant to do in this world is destigmatize so many things that have so much stigma around them and then also just be relatable in any way possible. Right? I mean, like, we're all still human. We're all still dealing with all the things.So it's not like all of a sudden one day you're like, I'm spiritual now. And then, like, everything gets better. Like, wouldn't that be just the most amazing thing?

Matt Gilhooly

That would be nice.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

Still lots of lessons for us to learn and still lots of ways to process them, and I'm still on that journey. And I also think. We think that there's Like a top that we're gonna get to do. You know what I mean? Like, it's just like, then it will be done.

Matt Gilhooly

Well, we were sold that. Yeah, we were sold that.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

Right? And somebody made that up, and we all believed it.And I think that is the thing that I'm in it with right now, is where I'm always going to be on this journey. It's always going to morph and change and, you know, pivot and light, like, lots of little ways, but I'm always going to be on it.And I think when in terms of spirituality and what that looks like for me is I have had these massive aha moments of, you know, I think the TikTok spirituality, girls and boys telling us, this is the way you're supposed to do something. And even all of the old spirituality books from, you know, forever, and someone was just like, this is how I do it. So this is how it is.And I really come from the camp of like, says who? Like, you. This works for you, may not work for somebody else. And I use that as, like, a metaphor for really what was going on in my.In my health journey. Is everybody. When you've got migraines, it is the most annoying thing ever. Everyone always says to you, but have you tried this?And I think it's with any time you have any kind of chronic illness, right, people want to be helpful, but at the same time, you're like, I would just like to punch you in the face. Yes, I tried this. And to me, spirituality is very similar. It's like, well, I do it this way, so you should do it this way.And I live in the camp of like, says who? No one's going to know who's right or wrong until we die.Why don't we just accept the fact that we all do things differently and one way is not better than another way? So that's where I'm at right now in that place.

Matt Gilhooly

A question. You know, when you were climbing the ladder of your three years ago life, you know that.That earlier version of your life and kind of chasing the next milestone and the next success, were you someone that was very much like, you know, you can do it your way, I'll do it my way, or you were you more like, here's the box. I need to stick around and stay in this box and do it within the realm of what everyone says we should do?

Elizabeth Rosenberg

No, I. It's funny. I'm a Virgo. I was gonna say I was colored outside the lines. I never colored outside the Lines. I was a Virgo, but I am a Virgo.Tried and true. But in terms of work for me personally, I have been fired and I have been laid off from a job.I have now had three different entrepreneurial adventures.There's something really interesting about being an entrepreneur and then going back into corporate America because you're like, I don't care if I get fired. I'll just go back to doing what I was doing. I was perfectly fine doing that. This is just another, like, experience.So because of that, in the last, you know, I think, like, cycle of my career and which was really focused on advertising, I was like, I'm just gonna do things the way that I think are the, like, kind of out of the box, out of lines, road, like, rock and roll way of doing things. Like, let's see if it works. And it was a much more fun way to do work. There are some things you have to do.I mean, come on, we're still in, like, you know, we still have this society that we live in that we have to adhere to, but when you don't have fear of losing your job, you don't have fear of what's next. You actually have a freedom to do something that's a little more fun and a little different.Because if we continue to do things the way that we've always done them, we will die as a society. Like, we have to innovate, we have to grow. We have to be thinking. And that's not just work wise, right?It's emotionally, physically, spiritually, mentally, like community wise. Like, how are we changing the way that we've always done things to make them work better for who we are and the world that we live in now?

Matt Gilhooly

It's really hard.I think that society has played a big role in a lot of, like, my generation especially, which is close to your generation, is that I think we were sold that, you know, that's we just have to follow the rules. The next thing is the next thing we have to go down that line. But you know, what. What's what?I'm finding the more episodes that I record and the more times I hear from people behind the scenes that have heard an episode and they're like, oh, my gosh, I don't want to put this out publicly, but I heard this episode and it really resonated with me. Is your example here is that by sharing these stories, other people are now hearing a different way or.Or, you know, another approach that could be, you know, valuable for them to consider. And then maybe these Small little inroads are being made because people are hearing different things.They're not, you know, kind of following the prescription, if you will, of whatever life was supposed to do for them or however they were supposed to perform.And so I'm seeing value now in that and just being able to talk to over 100 people that I've never met before, you know, and, and learning that there's different ways because I was very much, mostly trauma based, but very much inside the lines, very much pleasing other people, proving my worth to other people. And so, you know, even in this storytelling journey, for me it's been very valuable. And I'm sure you see that in your newest venture.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

I do. And, and I also, I'm kind of awestruck with how fast things are moving.In all honesty, like, you know what, a year ago we all thought NFTs were like going to be the future. Really. They were just the beanie bait. They were just the beanie babies of our generation.I mean, I still think there's something there, but we'll see what happens. And then you've got the rise of AI in like a really interesting way. Like, what's that going to look like?So my own business is really pivoting and morphing in a way that like doesn't look familiar to me. I'm moving into, I think a little more group work. I've really had to rethink.You know, when I launched my business in this form, it was a few years ago and I really thought of it as personal branding. And now I think that like influencers have ruined the word personal brand. I think brands have ruined the word purpose.I think that everyone has ruined the word authentic. And all of those words are such an important part of what I do.How do I take and reimagine what those words are, what they mean to my practice, and then also how I show up in the world.So it's like, it's almost like me going through my own kind of like soul searching, like brand exercise of what the next iteration of that looks like.And it's funny because I think a lot of it is being driven into a place for me of spiritual health, I think, and, and what that aligns with when it comes to your origin story, which I know we've talked so much about, and bringing purpose to people.But spiritual health, if you're really thinking again about those four bodies of we, corporate America and the world society is so like all about physical health, right? And we're all now becoming much more Comfortable talking about mental health, emotional health. We're not totally there yet with.I think we're really, like, skirting on the surface of what emotional health really means. And it's connection to mental health and physical health, spiritual health. I don't think anybody has an idea of what that means.And I also think spiritual is a weird word. It's not necessarily religious. It's not like, it's not mystic. It's not like astrology. Like, what. What does that mean?So, and then when you bring in this idea of, like, connection and community and how we all work together in that space, this is. My mind is blown.So this is like, the space that I'm in right now of as a marketer and as a PR person and as a storyteller of how do I reimagine what all of this looks like for me, for my clients and for the business I want to, like, continue to build? It's a lot.

Matt Gilhooly

Yeah, yeah. And it sounds like, you know, I think a lot of us have worked for. For the man, if you will, or the woman, mostly the men.And we just did what those things were required of us. And it sounds like now you're like, well, first, what do I want? What do I feel? And how can I not be authentic?Because we're not going to use that word. But how can I really feel all this so that it's passion forward, you know, like, or it's. It just feels right.Whereas a lot of people are just very, you know, capitalist mind. And, like, I could sell a million of these widgets over here. I don't really care about them, but I'll sell them.So it sounds like you're kind of in this space of like, let me find out what really feels right for me so that I can offer that to people and can kind of create that space.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

Yes. And also on a, you know, like, on a business and entrepreneurial front, what is actually most like, impactful for my clients? Like, what is.What is work for me? And then what do they need to.

Matt Gilhooly

Right. Yeah, but it's driven by you.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

It is driven by me. Everybody should like their job.

Matt Gilhooly

We'll talk about that a different time. You know, so related to this podcast, I know you were, at the time when we recorded, you were kind of doing the rounds of different podcasts.Was there anything that stood out about our conversation that. That you felt differently after recording this one, or was it just, like, all the same?Because I know we've had conversations back and forth, and I'm just curious how that how this one differs in your experience.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

I think your podcast is just different, and it's because you are different.

Matt Gilhooly

Thank you.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

I think it's so much more about your story and its impact and its relatability and sharing and amplifying those stories of others for purpose. Right. Like, versus. Versus Being brought on to do self promotion.And as a PR person, PR people are, like, terrible at self promotion because our entire jobs have been about promoting others. So it's, like, kind of an uncomfortable place for a lot of people to be. Because you're like, I don't.I still don't love talking about myself, but what I do love talking about is the work that I do and the people that I get to work with and the impact that I make. So I think that's. I felt very seen and heard and, like, valued on your podcast. So thank you for that, because I think that's important.

Matt Gilhooly

Thank you for the kind words. And I put you on the spot so that you would say nice things so that I have it recorded so that if I needed to play it back. No, I agree.And sometimes I have these interactions with publicists that are pitching their clients or whatever, and everyone's pitch. Not everyone, but a lot of the pitches are, you know, here's my client. Here's their one sheet.Here are the bullet points that they can sell to your audience. And here. And I'm just like, no, like, that's not what I want.I really do want these to feel like two people sitting down having a conversation that I wish I could overhear everyone having, and it just happens to be recorded. And then, like you said, the right person is hearing it at the time that they need to hear it, you know, and so that's what. What drives me.And I know it's not for everyone, and I know that's okay, and it doesn't need to be for everyone.And that's why when I get, like, intimidated sometimes by guests like, you know, that have had a lot of success in places that I haven't, and I'm like, why me? You know? But so. So thank you for. For just being willing to just be on this podcast that's not like the other ones and not prescriptive.And in that way, I think, too.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

We always forget that someone's success doesn't mean that it's going to take away from yours. We live in this, like, idea that maybe it's the week that we're in right now. I mean, again, the world. The world just feels nuts.But I feel Like, I have so much angst and like, just anger around social media and it's need an algorithm to like, push people to make a statement on something or to post something or to feel not worthy enough because their opinion didn't matter because it wasn't agreed upon. And I think about that a lot, that my success isn't really doesn't make a difference of anybody else's. Right. It's just kind of like it is what.And it's also like, I'm the judge of it. So it's like, if I feel successful, if I feel fulfilled, if I feel like I'm making a difference, I guess that's where I need to sit.But that's, that's a human practice. Like, we have to like, practice that because we've been conditioned to do the opposite.

Matt Gilhooly

I'm learning a lot of what I was conditioned to do and feel and grow through, you know, my journey as I have these conversations. Like, oh, yeah, that's why I feel the way that I do. And you know, after 40 plus years, it's a lot harder to break those immediately. But I do.I have people on here. I'm like, why me? But it's. It's wonderful and I love this.In fact, you know, after your story, I actually had you do a reading for me, which I've found fascinating, and I'm about to actually, I put on my calendar to go back and listen to it again because I think when I was in the moment. So, you know, when you're in the moment, a lot of things happen.But even from your episode, another friend of mine who's gone through a lot of journey has also come to you and, and done a reading, and you've really changed their perspective on a lot of things in just a few short weeks. So I love that because you chose to be on this show, these kind of things are unfolding.And I guess this goes back to your earlier point of, you know, things happen in the way that they're supposed to at the time that they're supposed to.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

And if I impacted two people, I impacted two people. I love that so much. Like, that that brings me joy, you know, that makes me feel like I'm living my purpose.

Matt Gilhooly

Yeah, well, and I think you have. And, you know, the, the podcasting world is very weird. You don't hear a lot from people. There's not a place for people to comment about things.And so I'm sure that we've heard or we've had a lot of impact in, in your story. And you sharing that, did you hear from anyone or anybody that listened to your particular episode?

Elizabeth Rosenberg

I didn't get reached out. Like, no one emailed me. But you know, I do have people listen, like ask like, which one should I listen to?So I actually always send this one because I'm like, you should actually just listen to the whole thing because it's phenomenal.

Matt Gilhooly

Oh, thank you.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

Yeah. No, so again, thank you for giving me space to actually tell my story.

Matt Gilhooly

When you are listening to podcasts in the, in the real world, do you listen to podcasts?

Elizabeth Rosenberg

Yes.

Matt Gilhooly

What kind of podcast are you typically drawn towards? Like, is there a genre? Are you going to tell me that you listen to like a Bravo podcast or something?

Elizabeth Rosenberg

I. To bad dates.

Matt Gilhooly

Okay, okay.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

It is. I've heard it brings me just the giggles. And I feel like my life is so heavy in terms of PR and also similar to you. Right.Of like hearing trauma from other people and feeling emotions that are not my emotions. Sometimes I'm just like, I, I just like need a giggle. I am super obsessed with the Sam Bankman Friedman case. I find it to be wildly entertaining.So there's a podcast following that case right now that is just blowing my mind. And I love, like, kind of cultural stuff.So it's funny because people always ask me all the time, like, just on the self help or do you listen to like, you know, and I, I don't, I, I, it's kind of like news related and, and nothing spiritual normally. Because I'm like, I don't agree with that. When people talk about things. Sometimes I totally do.And sometimes I'm just like, that's an interesting point of view, which I should probably do more of because again, I find it fascinating how people resonate in this space. But sometimes I just, honestly, I just need a laugh. I am also just a really big, like, music person.So Spotify is like the only app where I'm like, take all my data. You. You give me back all the things that I want in return in the best way possible. So, yes, here's the data.

Matt Gilhooly

So you're someone that listens to podcasts on Spotify?

Elizabeth Rosenberg

I do everything on Spotify.

Matt Gilhooly

Wow. I can't do it. I can't mix them. I can't mix my podcasts and my music. I don't know why. I don't know why. All right, so whatever.But you know, I, I feel that way too. Like, I don't listen to a lot of interview podcasts. I don't know why. Maybe I'll feel inadequate when there's a really great host or something or.But I think, you know, I go to things that like, are more story based or silly, like, like you kind of lean into for the bad dates kind of thing. Or I'll watch like trash TV and people are like, why are you watching trash tv? And I'm like, I just need something that's an escape.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

Yeah, it's easy, it's light.

Matt Gilhooly

Relate. I can't relate to anything that's happening, so I'm just gonna watch it.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

I tell people all the time, it's like, well, what kind of TV do you watch? And I mean, obviously, like, you know, I love a good, I love like the bear and stuff like that.But like, if I'm going to sleep, I will watch baking before I go to sleep. I am a terrible baker. Terrible. I'm a good, really, really good cook. I'm a terrible baker. But it is like, I don't have dreams about it.It's like, very calming. I always find people to be like, very, like, bakers are all very like sweet and nice. It is like the, it is a calming thing for me.So, like, you never know like, what the, what the weird thing is for somebody where they're like, huh, all right. Yeah.

Matt Gilhooly

No, I mean, I think it makes sense and I love that there's so many options for us now. I love it makes it hard as a podcaster to be in a space with so many other people.But I love kind of finding out what people gravitate towards because, you know, a lot of people are into true crime. I'm also into true crime. I like the puzzle of it. I'm not into the salaciousness of the actual crime.It's more like, how did people put those pieces together? Because I think that's fascinating. But you know, I love that you, you listen to, to junk.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

You kind of have to.

Matt Gilhooly

Yeah, it's like mind candy, if you will.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

Exactly.

Matt Gilhooly

If there's someone out there that's kind of like, like you were three years ago.Like, I can't imagine telling people my, my secrets or like coming out and telling people that I have these particular skills or I like to think about things in this way. If people are like, on that, in that space, but are kind of feeling compelled to share a story or share it with people.Do you have any recommendations for people that like how to step into that truth or how to like, what's any, any advice you have for them?

Elizabeth Rosenberg

Yes. Start with your trusted circle of friends.

Matt Gilhooly

Isn't that the hardest? I Feel like that's so hard.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

Interesting. I had the exact opposite. I was not ready for strangers to know my truths. I think friends are. You're right.Circle of friends is going to be accepting no matter what you do. So for me, that was where I started. I mean, and the reality is too, is I just intuit because again, I'm, I'm a medium.So I guess it's a different situation.But, like, I was, I intuitively knew who I could tell, like, tell things to and who I couldn't, like, who I was like, oh, I'm an Akashic record reader. And some people were like, oh, yeah, great. But I knew who not to tell because I didn't want them to judge me or say, you know, like.And then you just get to a point where you're like, well, I pulled enough people and you just rip the band aid off. And that's.

Matt Gilhooly

And it feels so free.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

And it feels so free. But that timeline is your timeline. I mean, I've got some clients who, like, are like, okay, I feel super empowered.I'm gonna, like, post my story today. And I'm like, wow, okay. Like, it took me years to do my, to share my truth.So I also think you need to trust, trust yourself on your own timeline of what that looks like for you. Some people also don't need to broadcast. Right? We do, because that's what we needed in our journey.But some people just need to maybe tell the family member something they always wanted to tell the family member or their, you know what I mean? Like, maybe it's just not that big.

Matt Gilhooly

Get out of their head. Yeah, yeah. I, I, I am someone that I find it. I just need to tell everybody all at once. And it can be terrible.And I get a lot of people that are like, you know, on my. Not the first, second or third rung of friends, but they're like there. And they're like, matt, why are you putting this on the Internet?And, you know, valid question. Why am I doing that? Why am I putting that out there? But then I think back to, like, you know, people hearing these kind of stories.It's like, there are people out there. I'm not the only one feeling this. For so long, I felt like I was the only one that felt the way I did. And then I realized I'm not.And now by sharing that out there, two things happen. Someone else might read it, might feel less alone, but I also, it's out there, it's done. I don't have to worry about what other People think.Because now everyone can see it.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

Yeah.

Matt Gilhooly

You know, and there it is, you know, and so I think you're right about the timeline and also, like, who you tell. But secrets or things that are like, there are very heavy sometimes. So I think letting it out is. Is more helpful.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

Yeah.

Matt Gilhooly

Than keeping it in.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

I agree. Good for you.

Matt Gilhooly

Well, I appreciate you. I, you know, whatever. You don't have to approve what I do. You know, I think it's. It's my own thing. And it took a while to get here.It took a while for me to be okay enough to be like, look, I'm having a really crappy day and it's okay, you know, and it is what it is.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

But I appreciate you normalizing that behavior.

Matt Gilhooly

There's another value, I guess, to it is that third, like, like you said earlier, is that we need to normalize a lot of this.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

Yeah. I mean, one of the things I used to do with my team is on our Monday morning meeting, it was like, all right, guys, one to five, how we feeling?One being absolutely terrible and five being like, great. We didn't ask anybody what was actually going on, but I would then know how someone was going to show up in the meeting. I'm a one. Okay, great.All right, good to know. I'm a four. You know what I mean? Like, and it was just an emotional check in. Emotional check in. How's everybody doing after the weekend? Okay. Great.And then the ones it was like, okay, do you need afterwards? I don't need to know what's going on, but, like, what do you need for me as a manager today? What. What this week? Do you need extra space?Do you need extra time for therapy? Like, what do you need? I need this or I just need to be alone. I need to be like, just heads down, work now.Mind you, this is also when we go into an office five days a week and we all needed to show up with a smile on our face. Some of that has changed for some people.But I think that idea of normalizing just to be like, I've had a bad day, or I've got a lot going on, or everyone is emotionally burned out right now in ways that I don't think we have ever experienced. And I think that we have to acknowledge that other people are feeling the same way that we are around us.And then how do we show up in the world if that's the case? And I don't think everyone is, like, naturally built with empathy.

Matt Gilhooly

No. It goes to a conversation that I have a lot with people now, and I'm realizing I do it too much is that, like, when you have.Like when you see someone for the first time, you're like, hey, how are you? And I'm just so conditioned. I think a lot of us are to just say good.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

Oh, yeah.

Matt Gilhooly

You know, and not. And it's for two reasons. One, it's like, do I want to go into it? Do I want to, like, bring down the mood if I'm not good.But also, is the person that I'm talking to prepared for my real response that.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

That are they ready to receive?

Matt Gilhooly

Right. Because then it gets more awkward. Right. Because that person is expecting you to say, good. Thanks, you.You know, and so I think the more we can be real with each other, I mean, it doesn't have to be like, the person at the grocery store or anything like that, but, you know, the people that are in our circle that we trust and care, we should be feel. We should feel free to. To let them know how we're feeling and that maybe we don't need anything.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

Yeah.

Matt Gilhooly

Maybe. It's just. I'm not having a great day. I'm fine. Just not having a great day. So I'm just a little meh, you know? And. And now someone knows.Now they know, like, your meeting thing. You know, how to treat them. You know how to walk around them.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

Yeah.

Matt Gilhooly

In a space that's comfortable.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

Yes.

Matt Gilhooly

Do you find yourself saying good. Thank you all the time?

Elizabeth Rosenberg

Especially this. Especially this week? Sometimes I'm good. I try to find moments of moments of good every day. But again, especially the last couple weeks. Yeah.People ask, how are you? And I'm like, great. And I'm like, wait, I'm actually not. Hold on a second. I'm actually not great.Let me think about how I actually want to reply to that. And you're right. It is just such a natural, like, like, answer that we just give.But you're also right in the sense that, like, there's sometimes where it's like, I don't want to, like, oh, why are you not great? What's going on? You're like, you are not the person that I want to get into this right now with. So sometimes it's just easier.But that's also like, you know, I think everybody has that little, like, intuition within us to be like, is this somebody I want to get into this with? Or is this somebody I just want to say great and move on? That's okay. That, you know, like, we all have permission to do that.

Matt Gilhooly

I agree. I Appreciate you. I'm so happy that you're in my circle and that we know each other. And whenever I come out to the West Coast, I'm gonna look you up.I know it's a big state, but I'll find you and I will make a bad way.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

That sounds really bad. Don't you worry. No. And thank you for having me on again. I think you were doing such important work, and I hope.And I always, after all of these, I always get off the phone or the zoom or whatever and on and go, God, I hope I said something that was helpful, so. God, I hope I said something that was helpful always.

Matt Gilhooly

I think there's something about every conversation that I have. Sometimes I don't resonate deeply with a guest conversation, but I know, based on experience that there's something in their story.It might not even be the most, like, thing that would stand out to everyone else, but there's something that people connect with because they needed to hear it at that moment. It's like reading a book again. But you're like, this time it's amazing. And you can't believe that you didn't see it the first time kind of thing.Yeah. You know, so I know you said something that will impact these listeners. So thank you for being you.Thank you for being a part of this, and thank you to the Patreon supporters for just, like, helping me fund using this piece of software and whatever else I do in the future. So, again, thank you for being a part of this.And if you want to hear Elizabeth's full, full episode, that is episode 65, so check that out from June 6, 2023. So thanks again.

Elizabeth Rosenberg

Thank you.

Matt Gilhooly

For more information, please visit www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com.