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The pattern interrupt we all needed...

Today we're going to sit down at the mic with Megan Graves and talk about the actual first episode of The Last of Us. It's titled, "When You're Lost in the Darkness" and it starts with a 💥bang💥. I have heard about people having to get up and pace around the room while they watch this episode and if that's you, too, just know you're in good company.

Remember that as entrepreneurs, we will always be approaching new scenarios and problems that we've never seen before. They can evoke very similar emotional & energetic responses in our bodies and minds... so if you find yourself feeling the scaries while watching the fictional world in The Last of Us crumble beneath a fungal pandemic, I want you to hear my voice in your head at that moment:

How many times do you actually feel like this in real-life situations?

No, not being chased by infected people who want to bite you. 🧟 I mean, when do you get nervous like that and it causes you to stop what you're doing?

How often do you take the time to consider what is really going on inside yourself?
❤️‍🩹 Is this a larger therapy-thing that needs to be addressed in your life, in general?
🧐 Or is this a routine pattern of avoidant behavior when the Universe is asking you do go outside your comfort zone?

What if you *didn't* hit stop on your TV remote and watched the entire scene?

Now consider... what if you did that action... *not* stopping "the scene" in real life when you have intimidating decisions to make in your business activities?

The TV show is just a TV show, so honestly, who the hell cares if you stop watching? But in real life, constantly stopping the action is your equivalent of getting bitten and infected.

😑 You say that, Mary... but I need more emotional support...

Ok, I got you! 🤭

On the podcast home page, you'll find the full list of "homework" that each of my guests had to complete as a requirement of being on the podcast. One of those items are truly entertaining reaction videos by a very talented creator named Johnny O'Dell. If you're feeling the feels in a really super-huge way, I encourage you to watch the reaction video first, and then watch the actual episode to pick up all the details.

Seeing how other humans react to the same thing you're experiencing can teach you:

1. How to handle the situation when you don't know how to respond yourself.
2. That you're not unique or alone in how you feel... your emotions are valid and shared by others.
3. The important skill of observing other people... remember Renee's episode yesterday: It's not all about you.
4. But also, it's about you... So are you able to relate to the humans around you? You don't have to have the exact same experience as they do, but can you see how you might relate better with your own audience for other types of content?

Subscribe links:

• ​YouTube​
• ​Apple​
• ​Spotify​
• ​Google Podcasts​
• … or choose your platform via Buzzsprout​

Looking for the transcript? 👀 You can always get transcripts, show notes, and links on my website in the podcast archive when you click here.

Podcast Episode Title:

​Thriving Beyond Comfort Zones: Business Wisdom from The Last of Us​

Summary description:

After warming up into the series episodes, this week we delve into the post-apocalyptic world of "The Last of Us" by starting our episodic discussions. This episode centers around the first episode in the television series, "When You're Lost in the Darkness" and we'll use it to uncover the unexpected lessons it holds for entrepreneurs.

Host Mary Williams is joined by special guest Megan Graves as they explore the parallels between surviving in a world overrun by infected creatures and navigating the complexities of modern business.

Megan and Mary draw intriguing insights from the characters' journeys, particularly focusing on Joel and Ellie's evolution as they journey through a dangerous landscape. Just as Joel initially resists embracing change due to his traumatic past, many entrepreneurs tend to stick with familiar patterns even when they might hinder growth. The podcast examines the significance of finding a purpose greater than fear and pain, and how that relates to both character arcs and real-world business decisions.

The hosts delve into the concept of community-building, comparing the quarantine zones in the game to business environments where staying within one's comfort zone is commonplace. They highlight the importance of expanding horizons, embracing change, and seeking out new perspectives to foster growth. Megan discusses the shift from the traditional coaching pyramid model to a more community-based approach, emphasizing the value of genuine support and abundance over competition.

Tune in this week to gain insights into recognizing performative behaviors, acknowledging trauma, and transforming fear into motivation. Join the conversation to break free from limiting beliefs and take a courageous step toward self-awareness. By fostering meaningful relationships, both personal and professional, entrepreneurs can create a positive, thriving environment that encourages abundance and resilience.

Quote from the episode

Discussed in this episode

• Parallels between "The Last of Us" post-apocalyptic world and the challenges of modern entrepreneurship.
• Joel and Ellie's character arcs as reflections of embracing change and overcoming trauma.
• Finding a purpose beyond fear and pain as a driving force for growth.
• The significance of community-building and expanding comfort zones.
• Transition from the traditional coaching model to a community-based approach.
• Abundance and genuine support as keys to healthy business environments.
• Recognizing performative behaviors and the impact of trauma on decision-making.
• Transforming fear into motivation and breaking free from limiting beliefs.
• Navigating change, discomfort, and finding resilience as an entrepreneur.
• Building meaningful relationships for a positive, thriving business ecosystem.

Resources mentioned

• The Last of Us video game created by Naughty Dog
• The Last of Us television series on HBO
• ​Bittersweet by Susan Cain

This episode has been sponsored by

We have amazing sponsors for our premiere week! I am beyond grateful for these incredibly generous individuals and their businesses. You'll hear them mentioned on each episode this week and you can start giving them some love by checking out what they offer through these links:

✨ The AK Collective with Amber Kinney

✨ Secret to Thriving Online Communities with Tonya Kubo

✨ Everyday Effectiveness with Gwen Bortner

✨ Custom Learning Atelier with Beth Salyers

• Subscribe to Sensible Woo’s free newsletter sent weekly with a free reading for your business included! Want more? Upgrade to the extended weekly Tarot & Akashic readings made exclusively for your business for just $9 per month.

Guest information

Megan Graves

Megan works with CEOs and their staff to improve operations, communication between team members and management, leadership skills, efficiency in tackling projects and daily tasks, accomplishments of both short and long-term career goals, and execution of responsibilities. Connect with her on her website and LinkedIn.

Show Credits

• Host, Writer, Producer: Mary Williams​
• Sound Master: Chris Martin​
• Marketing Support: The AK Collective​
• Recording Studio: CoLab Coworking​

Support this show!

​Buy me a coffee to share your love for this podcast.​

((HUGS)),

~McG