Introducing What’s Possible: A Podcast for People Who Want to Communicate Better, Connect Deeper, and Lead with Well‑Being
What’s Possible was created for leaders who want to elevate their impact without sacrificing their well-being.
Hosted by Ilene Schaffer, this podcast brings together best-selling authors, executive coaches, and thought-leaders who share science‑backed strategies and real‑world insights that transform not just how you lead, but how your teams and organizations can thrive.
Whether you’re navigating change, building culture, or simply trying to show up with more clarity and intention, these conversations offer practical tools you can use right away.
What You’ll Find in the Podcast
Each episode explores a different dimension of leadership and well‑being, including:
Communication that helps people feel heard, valued, and understood
Energy management strategies that prevent burnout
Tools for navigating complexity and organizational change
Research‑informed approaches to connection and psychological safety
Leadership stories that inspire courage, clarity, and authenticity
The tone is warm, grounded, and deeply human. The kind of conversation that leaves you thinking differently about how you show up in your work and life.
A Few Episodes to Get You Started:
In the Moment: Why Social Connection Is the Most Important Investment You’ll Make in 2026
Ilene Schaffer explores why strengthening your relationships may be the single most powerful choice you make for your health, happiness, and well‑being this year. Drawing on research from Julianne Holt‑Lunstad, Ilene reveals how social disconnection can be as harmful as smoking and how high‑quality relationships protect against burnout, improve mental health, and even boost productivity. She also shares simple, human practices for building deeper connections, along with a personal story that shows just how life‑changing genuine support can be.
You’ll learn:
The link between social connection and longevity
How high‑quality relationships buffer stress and may reduce burnout
Simple ways to strengthen existing connections and make new ones in daily life
How to identify the people who help you feel seen and supported
A grounding, hopeful episode for anyone entering the new year craving deeper relationships, more community, and a greater sense of belonging.
Why Social Connection Is the Most Important Investment You’ll Make in 2026
The Power of Ordinary Words with Dr. Haesun Moon
Communication scientist and author Dr. Haesun Moon joins Ilene to explore how small shifts in language can transform everyday relationships. This episode is packed with research‑backed insights that immediately change how you will listen and respond.
You’ll learn:
Why rapport is something you preserve, not build
How complaints reveal what people value
Why describing (not explaining) unlocks connection
How to tune into “dreams and dreads”
Practical tools like calibration, formulation, and preserving language
A must‑listen for anyone who wants to communicate with more clarity and compassion.
The Power of Ordinary Words with Dr. Haesun Moon
In the Moment: The Connection Cure — Boost Wellness & Reduce Burnout with Social Prescribing with Julia Hotz
Award‑winning author Julia Hotz joins Ilene Schaffer to explore a powerful, research‑backed approach to well‑being: social prescribing. Together, they unpack how nature walks, art workshops, volunteering, and community activities can dramatically improve mental health, reduce burnout, and strengthen workplace productivity. Julia explains why only 20% of our health is shaped by clinical care and how the remaining 80% comes from movement, belonging, environment, and human connection. She also offers practical strategies you can use right away to feel healthier, more grounded, and more supported.
You’ll learn:
What social prescribing is and why it’s transforming workplace wellness
How movement, nature, art, and service reduce stress and burnout
Why social and environmental factors drive 80% of health outcomes
How human connection acts as a prescriptive tool for long‑term well‑being
A transformative episode for anyone seeking holistic, human‑centered strategies to feel better and live well.
The Leader’s Journey with Donna Lichaw
Explore What’s Possible
If you are seeking practical tools, meaningful insights, and conversations that honor performance and well‑being, What’s Possible is your new go‑to resource.
You can listen on Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Spotify, with new episodes added weekly.