The Real Deal Conversations
The Real Deal Conversations
The Real Deal Conversations with Megan Deal shares real stories and meaningful conversations to encourage, inspire, and equip you for life's challenges—whether it’s mental health, relationships, work, or leadership. Through personal experiences and insightful discussions, Megan and her guests work to foster empathy, build connections, and remind you that you're not alone. New episodes drop every…Social links:
Cam Stillings: Investing in the Next Generation
Ever look at your teens or twenty-somethings and feel a massive generational disconnect? We worry about their screen time, but the truth is, 83% of Gen Zers are practically begging for a mentor—yet hardly any of them have one. This week, Megan chats with Cam Stillings, a middle school youth directo…
39:54
Hannah Laxton: Fighting for Your Marriage Instead of Against Each Other
In this episode of The Real Deal Conversations, host Megan Deal sits down with Hannah Laxton, a licensed counselor from Wellspring in Republic, Missouri, to discuss the internal work required to maintain a healthy and resilient marriage. Hannah breaks down the staggering reality that roughly 80% of…
1:00:57
Dr. Stan Tatkin: Designing an "All-Weather" Relationship
This episode of The Real Deal Conversations features Dr. Stan Tatkin, a world-renowned researcher and clinician who has revolutionized how we understand romantic relationships through the lens of neuroscience and biology. As the developer of PACT (A Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy) and …
1:17:11
Touchstone Counseling: Part 2 - Practical Steps for When Your Child is in Crisis
We’ve all had those moments where our teen’s reaction seems completely disproportionate to the situation. But what if that outburst isn't defiance—it's biology? In this concluding part of our deep dive, Megan and the team at Touchstone Counseling explore the "perfect storm" of adolescent emotional …
50:13
Touchstone Counseling: Part 1 - Navigating Adolescent Behavior
Ever feel like you’re speaking a different language than your teenager? In this episode, Megan sits down with the clinical experts at Touchstone Counseling to decode the mystery of the adolescent years. They discuss the critical gap between the amygdala (emotions) and the prefrontal cortex (logic) …
52:08
Jami Arasmith-Glenn: Parenting Teenagers
We often think our job as parents is to have all the answers, but what if the most powerful thing you can do is admit you’re learning, too? This week, Megan is joined by Jami Arasmith-Glenn, an emotional wellness coach and host of the Emotions With Ease podcast, to discuss the internal shifts requi…
1:14:52
Jeremy Alvarez: The Power of Rest
We’ve all heard the phrase "pour yourself out for others," but what happens when the pitcher finally runs dry? This week, Megan sits down with Jeremy Alvarez, the Nixa campus pastor for North Point Church, for a candid conversation about the high cost of the "go until it’s done" mentality. Jeremy …
52:20
Dr. Claire Plumbly: Recognizing the Trauma of Burnout
Feeling exhausted is one thing. Feeling numb, disconnected, or like you’ve somehow lost yourself is another. In this episode of The Real Deal Conversations, host Megan Deal sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Claire Plumbly, author of The Trauma of Burnout, to unpack what burnout actually is …
55:45
Jayne Young: Doing the Hard Thing Anyway
Jayne Young may be the face you see on billboards, but her story didn’t start there. Before the success, there was selling a car just to buy diapers. There were overdraft fees, pregnancy loss, hard marriage seasons, and prayers whispered in grocery store aisles. In this conversation, Jayne shares …
50:58
Heather Zoromski: Doing the Work No One Sees
Leadership isn’t glamorous, and Heather Zoromski doesn’t pretend it is. In this honest, grounded conversation with Megan, Heather shares what it really looks like to lead when your name gets criticized, your heart gets tired, and the work still needs done. Everything from school board leadership t…
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