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Mike‘s Search For Meaning is the intersection between philosophical and practical. How do leaders organize their inner world? What tools and tactics can we use to enhance our relationships and careers? Join host and life coach Mike Trugman as he seeks to unlock the keys to living a deeply fulfilling life.
Mike‘s Search For Meaning is the intersection between philosophical and practical. How do leaders organize their inner world? What tools and tactics can we use to enhance our relationships and careers? Join host and life coach Mike Trugman as he seeks to unlock the keys to living a deeply fulfilling life.
Episodes

Sunday Sep 17, 2023
Sunday Sep 17, 2023
Susan Olesek is an unapologetic idealist, a Human Potentialist in passionate pursuit of what is possible for people. Born outside of Boston, raised in Hong Kong and Japan, and educated in England and California, she earned a BA in Sociology from Occidental College and has cultivated a compassionate interest in human behavior during her lifetime.
Susan brings her conviction that there is something inherently “good” in people to anyone in her presence. During her 15 years of developing self-awareness training for Fortune 500 executives, corporate teams, schools, and those experiencing incarceration, she became known for her compassionate approach to the Enneagram. In 2012 she founded Enneagram Prison Project (EPP): a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to the self-awareness education of people who are incarcerated, now scaling around the globe.
While working with wildly diverse groups of people using the same insightful tool, Susan became convinced that the Enneagram has always been meant for everyone. In 2019, she founded The Human Potentialists (THP) a Benefit Corporation with a vision to democratize the Enneagram, and whose mission is guiding people to their highest potential while connecting them to the core of our shared humanity. THP is dedicated to doing business for good.
Susan lives in the Santa Cruz mountains with her husband who is EPP’s Executive Director, along with their three children, 12 chickens, and 3 cats.
Additionally, I’ll be donating to and raising awareness for the charity or organization of my guest’s choice with each episode now. This episode, the organization is called Enneagram Prison Project. Any and all donations make a difference!
You can connect with Susan on:
- Enneagram Prison Project Website - https://www.enneagramprisonproject.org/
- The Human Potentialists (THP) Website: https://www.thehumanpotentialists.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanolesek/
To connect with me:
- Interested in working with me as your coach? Book a complimentary 15 minute call here. https://calendly.com/mike-trugman/15min
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-trugman-37863246/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mytrugofchoice/?hl=en
- Website - https://miketrugmancoaching.com/
- Subscribe to my weekly newsletter - https://miketrugman.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=986490d5c62a0102122f3ce27&id=33d78ffe68
- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUPyP3vEWc-oDlGASe2XIUg
- Please leave a review for this podcast on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/vg/podcast/mike-s-search-for-meaning/id1593087650?utm_source=Mike+Trugman&utm_campaign=dcbd0b11b0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_03_08_12_14&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_33d78ffe68-dcbd0b11b0-510678693
Resources/People Mentioned:

Sunday Sep 10, 2023
Sunday Sep 10, 2023
Described as an “Intellectual Shaman” in a book with that title, Raj Sisodia has been on a mission to bring caring, humanity and healing to business and capitalism since the 2007 publication of his groundbreaking book Firms of Endearment: How World Class Companies Profit from Passion and Purpose. A founding member and Chairman Emeritus of the Conscious Capitalism movement, Raj Sisodia is FEMSA Distinguished University Professor of Conscious Enterprise and Chairman of the Conscious Enterprise Center at Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico.
Raj is co-author of the New York Times bestseller Conscious Capitalism (2013) and Wall Street Journal bestseller Everybody Matters (2015). Raj received an honorary doctorate from Johnson & Wales University and has served on the boards of Mastek and The Container Store.
Most recently, Raj authored the book ‘Awaken’, which we explore at length in this conversation. I highly recommend engaging with Raj’s book and his work.
Additionally, I’ll be donating to and raising awareness for the charity or organization of my guest’s choice with each episode now. This episode, the organization is called Pratham USA. Any and all donations make a difference!
You can connect with Raj on:
- Website - www.rajsisodia.com
- His Most Recent Book: Awaken - https://www.amazon.com/Awaken-Inner-Peace-Purpose-Healing/dp/1119789192
- Books - https://www.amazon.com/Libros-Raj-Sisodia/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ARaj+Sisodia&language=es
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajendrasisodia/
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/RajSisodiaCC
To connect with me:
- Interested in working with me as your coach? Book a complimentary 15 minute call here. https://calendly.com/mike-trugman/15min
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-trugman-37863246/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mytrugofchoice/?hl=en
- Website - https://miketrugmancoaching.com/
- Subscribe to my weekly newsletter - https://miketrugman.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=986490d5c62a0102122f3ce27&id=33d78ffe68
- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUPyP3vEWc-oDlGASe2XIUg
- Please leave a review for this podcast on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/vg/podcast/mike-s-search-for-meaning/id1593087650?utm_source=Mike+Trugman&utm_campaign=dcbd0b11b0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_03_08_12_14&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_33d78ffe68-dcbd0b11b0-510678693
Resources/People Mentioned:
- Man's Search for Meaning - Viktor E. Frankl
- Absent Mother God of the West - Neela Bhattacharya Saxena
- The Bully Society - Jessie Klein
- Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus - John Gray
- The Body Keeps the Score - Bessel van der Kolk M.D.
- The Wealth of Nations - Adam Smith
- The Theory of Moral Sentiments - Adam Smith
- Dharma
- Joseph Campbell
- James Bowen
- Conscious Leadership
- Carl Rogers
- Path

Sunday Sep 03, 2023
Sunday Sep 03, 2023
Danielle Sunberg is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and authentic leadership coach. A former commercial litigator, Danielle left her Washington D.C. law firm after successfully defending her client against a $6 Billion judgment. Diagnosed with depression, she realized that she needed to redefine what success looked like without sacrificing her wellness and her values, taking her on a journey across six continents studying conscious self-development.
Danielle then founded a CPG wellness brand that she scaled and sold in 2021. Danielle believes that personal development fuels professional success, and she speaks to organizations and coaches individuals to drive transformative change within themselves, their organizations, and society as a whole.
Watch the TEDx
Get the award-winning book
Additionally, I’ll be donating to and raising awareness for the charity or organization of my guest’s choice with each episode now. This episode, the organization is called Kiva. Any and all donations make a difference!
You can connect with Danielle on:
- Website - www.daniellesunberg.com
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-sunberg/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danielle.sunberg/
- Her Book - Atlas of Being: From Briefcase to Backpack, One Former Lawyer's Exploration of the Human Way
To connect with me:
- Interested in working with me as your coach? Book a complimentary 15 minute call here. https://calendly.com/mike-trugman/15min
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-trugman-37863246/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mytrugofchoice/?hl=en
- Website - https://miketrugmancoaching.com/
- Subscribe to my weekly newsletter - https://miketrugman.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=986490d5c62a0102122f3ce27&id=33d78ffe68
- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUPyP3vEWc-oDlGASe2XIUg
- Please leave a review for this podcast on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/vg/podcast/mike-s-search-for-meaning/id1593087650?utm_source=Mike+Trugman&utm_campaign=dcbd0b11b0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_03_08_12_14&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_33d78ffe68-dcbd0b11b0-510678693
Resources/People Mentioned:

Sunday Aug 27, 2023
Sunday Aug 27, 2023
Rikki Goldenberg is an executive leadership and career coach who partners with seasoned folks on figuring out what comes next in their careers. A former product marketing director, consultant and human-centered service designer researcher, Rikki leverages her breadth of experiences from start-ups to fortune 500s to bring unique perspectives to her clients. Rikki loves pushing her clients to hang out on the edge of growth - all while not taking themselves too seriously.
Additionally, I’ll be donating to and raising awareness for the charity or organization of my guest’s choice with each episode now. This episode, the organization is the Trevor Project. Any and all donations make a difference!
You can connect with Rikki on:
- Website - https://www.rikkigoldenberg.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikkigoldenberg/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rikki_goldenberg/
To connect with me:
- Interested in working with me as your coach? Book a complimentary 15 minute call here. https://calendly.com/mike-trugman/15min
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-trugman-37863246/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mytrugofchoice/?hl=en
- Website - https://miketrugmancoaching.com/
- Subscribe to my weekly newsletter - https://miketrugman.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=986490d5c62a0102122f3ce27&id=33d78ffe68
- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUPyP3vEWc-oDlGASe2XIUg
- Please leave a review for this podcast on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/vg/podcast/mike-s-search-for-meaning/id1593087650?utm_source=Mike+Trugman&utm_campaign=dcbd0b11b0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_03_08_12_14&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_33d78ffe68-dcbd0b11b0-510678693
Resources/People Mentioned:

Sunday Aug 20, 2023
Sunday Aug 20, 2023
Matt is a public speaking and communications coach, hailing from Brighton, UK.
Working with clients ranging from The World Health Organization and the EBRD through O2 and Virgin, he specializes in helping people say what they need to say when it matters most.
He runs workshops, coaching cohorts and speaking at conferences globally, speaking and training on topics including public speaking, interpersonal communication skills, navigating “failure” and change, meeting etiquette, improvisation and leadership development.
You can find out more about Matt’s work, including audio, video, and writing, over on his website at www.thespeakingcoach.co.uk.
Additionally, I’ll be donating to and raising awareness for the charity or organization of my guest’s choice with each episode now. This episode, the organization is Cancer Research. Any and all donations make a difference!
You can connect with Matthew on:
To connect with me:
- Interested in working with me as your coach? Book a complimentary 15 minute call here.
- Website
- Subscribe to my weekly newsletter
- YouTube
- Please leave a review for this podcast on Apple Podcasts!
Resources/People Mentioned:

Sunday Aug 13, 2023
Sunday Aug 13, 2023
Yash is a strategic partner to founders, executives, and senior leaders. He’s spent nearly a decade in corporate America and technology startups consulting and coaching leaders on their most pressing issues. He also loves to nerd out on peak performance, leadership psychology, philosophy, and science fiction. You can usually find him outdoors hiking, playing a sport, or climbing something.
Learn more about him at yashassingri.com. He loves to chat with new people!
Additionally, I’ll be donating to and raising awareness for the charity or organization of my guest’s choice with each episode now. This episode, the organization is the Mid Atlantic Vipassana Association. Any and all donations make a difference!
You can connect with Yash on:
To connect with me:
- Interested in working with me as your coach? Book a complimentary 15 minute call here.
- Website
- Subscribe to my weekly newsletter
- YouTube
- Please leave a review for this podcast on Apple Podcasts!
Resources/People Mentioned:

Sunday Aug 06, 2023
#84 - Chelsea Flagg on Finding Your Life Purpose and Healing through Writing
Sunday Aug 06, 2023
Sunday Aug 06, 2023
Chelsea’s Bio:
I’ve been passionate about writing from as early on as I can remember.
In 2014, I finally stopped ignoring the stories bubbling up inside me and wrote my first book. A quirky memoir appropriately all about discovering myself. I went on to create a children’s fantasy series about a quirky little elfin girl in Iceland.
I was finally home. I had found my center. I felt alive anytime I let the words spill out of me and onto a piece of paper. Writing became a therapy for me. I started using the tool to help heal my own traumas.
It was such a powerful tool for me, I started exploring and implementing how I could share it with others. How I can help others write their own stories, and heal through writing. The results have been astounding.
Because we all have a story inside of us, and whether you’re looking to publish that story or not, the healing release of writing it down is ENORMOUS.
I live part-time in Colorado and part-time in Portugal with my husband, three practically perfect daughters, and Gladys the cat.
Additionally, I’ll be donating to and raising awareness for the charity or organization of my guest’s choice with each episode now. This episode, the organization is Breast Cancer Awareness. Any and all donations make a difference!
You can connect with Chelsea on:
To connect with me:
- Interested in working with me as your coach? Book a complimentary 15 minute call here.
- Website
- Subscribe to my weekly newsletter
- YouTube
- Please leave a review for this podcast on Apple Podcasts!
Resources/People Mentioned:

Sunday Jul 30, 2023
Sunday Jul 30, 2023
Raul Espinoza, Executive Director of All Kings
Raul is an emotional intelligence and personal development consultant with over 15 years of experience. He has been working with impact initiatives to support oppressed communities around the world. Raul has worked on projects such as social incubators within the favelas of Brazil, psychosocial development groups in Iraq, youth empowerment groups in India, and many more. Raul has experience with psycho-social development, neurolinguistic programming, emotional intelligence development, leadership training, and mindset coaching. He has worked with local projects with the Department of Probation, Carnegie hall, and Stop the Violence.
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Ben Littauer is the Executive Director for Jericho Circle, a Boston-based non-profit that runs emotional healing circles with incarcerated individuals, returning citizens and community volunteers. Ben holds a certification in Core Energetics, a body-centered approach to psychotherapy and trauma healing, and has also trained extensively with the ManKind Project, an international not-for-profit that provides emotional healing and self-actualization work for men from all walks of life. Ben graduated Harvard College in 2003 with a philosophy degree, and his prior career has included assignments in defense, financial services, and corporate leadership development. Ben resides in Somerville, Massachusetts, and enjoys canoeing and downhill skiing.
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Additionally, I’ll be donating to and raising awareness for the charity or organization of my guest’s choice with each episode now. This episode, there are 2 organizations: AllKings and Jericho Circle. Please join me in donating.
You can connect with Raul and Ben on:
To connect with me:
- Interested in working with me as your coach? Book a complimentary 15 minute call here.
- Website
- Subscribe to my weekly newsletter
- YouTube
- Please leave a review for this podcast on Apple Podcasts!
Resources/People Mentioned:

Sunday Jul 23, 2023
Sunday Jul 23, 2023
Ali is an IECL accredited facilitator, advisor, and coach. She has worked in leadership, coaching and change for over 25 years, Ali has been involved in developing leaders both nationally and internationally. She partners with businesses, teams, and individuals to create a development process that is specific and highly relevant to the areas of the people she works with.
“I am a practically-minded leadership consultant and coach, known for my accessible style and extensive knowledge of how people develop most effectively at work”.
“I am best known for being an early adopter and a strategic thinker in my work. Because I can see patterns and identify bespoke solutions that are both practical and effective, I connect easily with people, and am able to operate within complex environments to support the successful development of senior leaders”.
Ali has extensive strategic facilitation experience and is a highly respected coach who works from a viewpoint that people work best when they are interested and engaged in their own development- her style is coaching alongside using the expertise of both parties in the coaching partnership. She is skilled in stakeholder management and mediation.
Ali has worked throughout Aotearoa New Zealand with a wide range of organisations - government departments, not for profit organisations, educational institutes and universities, privately owned companies and community-based initiatives.
Additionally, I’ll be donating to and raising awareness for the charity or organization of my guest’s choice with each episode now. This episode, the organization is Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand. Any and all donations make a difference!
You can connect with Ali on:
To connect with me:
- Interested in working with me as your coach? Book a complimentary 15 minute call here.
- Website
- Subscribe to my weekly newsletter
- YouTube
- Please leave a review for this podcast on Apple Podcasts!
Resources/People Mentioned:

Sunday Jul 16, 2023
Sunday Jul 16, 2023
For more than a decade, Valerie Livesay, Ph.D. has been thinking about and inquiring into the phenomenon of fallback — when despite our optimal developmental capacities, what we often refer to as our developmental center-of-gravity, we make meaning, feel, and act from a smaller, less complex, less capable form of mind.
Following a career in higher education in both administration and faculty roles, Valerie’s present endeavors seek to extend the concepts and experiences that she studies, teaches, and writes about outside of the halls of academia, to the lives of all people trying to navigate the tricky business of showing up in alignment with their intentions in the many contexts of their world.
As Chief Illuminator at Ghost Light Leadership, Valerie accompanies individuals through their discovery of self using the analogy of theater to set the stage for their historical and unfolding story. She serves as documentarian, bringing to light the lesser known, lesser loved, and occasionally forgotten roles and scenes that make up one’s full ensemble and storyline.
Through her writing, speaking, coaching, and workshop offerings, Valerie invites the many characters that comprise the full ensemble of one’s self to dance together in order to better meet their intentions.
Valerie is the author of Leaving the Ghost Light Burning: Illuminating Fallback in Embrace of the Fullness of You in which she reveals both the despair and ecstasy that accompany a knowing of the fullness of one’s self through the stories of four individuals and their experiences of fallback. This longitudinal study (which was actually never intended to be a longitudinal study) allows the reader to find the fullness of themselves in the journey of development and the experience of being human.
Valerie holds a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and earned her Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership and Management and a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego. She lives in San Diego, California with her two cats, husband, and two children, with the latter three serving simultaneously as the most frequent protagonists of and audience to her experiences of fallback and the greatest source of her desire to do better.
Additionally, I’ll be donating to and raising awareness for the charity or organization of my guest’s choice with each episode now. This episode, the organization is The Monarch School in San Diego. Any and all donations make a difference!
You can connect with Valerie on:
- Website
- Book: Leaving the Ghost Light Burning: Illuminating Fallback in Embrace of the Fullness of You
- YouTube
To connect with me:
- Interested in working with me as your coach? Book a complimentary 15 minute call here.
- Website
- Subscribe to my weekly newsletter
- YouTube
- Please leave a review for this podcast on Apple Podcasts!
Resources/People Mentioned:
