Productive Passions

From Scrubs to Suits with Mary Miller | Ep. 9

Today’s Takeaways:1.If you find yourself in a field that doesn’t align with your passions, there’s still value in the experience which may lead to what you are truly passionate about.
 
2. It’s never too late to pivot in your professional career and pursue something different!
 
3. Bullying doesn’t just cause immediate harm; it frequently leaves lasting scars that affect a person for a lifetime.
 
4. Kindness in any dose matters! Simple acts of kindness can heal wounds and provide comfort. Even small gestures can have a significant impact. Make a point to dole it on the daily!
Find: Mary Miller
• Email: millermp10@gmail.com
📢 PODCAST INFO:Website: productivepassions.comSpotify: open.spotify.com/show/5sVM0bWVyyPfoq63jA2th7?si=e37eaa1239554370Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productive-passions/id1722526123Amazon Music: music.amazon.com/podcasts/ad852885-1fd6-4fb5-8e09-702be230d5b3/productive-passionsPodbean: productivepassions.podbean.comiHeartRadio: iheart.com/podcast/1323-productive-passions-158963722
🌐 SOCIAL:Facebook: facebook.com/productivepassionsInstagram: instagram.com/productivepassionsLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christytagye/Email: christy@productivepassions.com

Why Small Acts of Kindness Fuel Big Creative Dreams | Productive Passions | Ep. 8

Christy T chats with a guest who knows that planning your creative path is just as powerful as following your heart. Together, we talk about what it means to lead with kindness, make a real impact, and stay committed to your passion even when the road is uncertain.
 In Today’s Episode:• Start with a plan—even the boldest dreams need a roadmap• Kindness sticks: small gestures can leave a lifelong impression• Creative work thrives when you build a circle that believes in you• Your passion deserves a plan, not just hope• You don’t need to go it alone—find your people
🎙 GUEST SPOTLIGHT: Isaac• Facebook: Isaac C. Singleton Jr• Instagram: @isaacsingletonjr
📢 PODCAST INFO:Website: productivepassions.comSpotify: open.spotify.com/show/5sVM0bWVyyPfoq63jA2th7?si=e37eaa1239554370Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productive-passions/id1722526123Amazon Music: music.amazon.com/podcasts/ad852885-1fd6-4fb5-8e09-702be230d5b3/productive-passionsPodbean: productivepassions.podbean.comiHeartRadio: iheart.com/podcast/1323-productive-passions-158963722
🌐 SOCIAL:Facebook: facebook.com/productivepassionsInstagram: instagram.com/productivepassionsLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christytagye/Email: christy@productivepassions.com

How a Bold Leap Turned Passion into a Career | March Madness | Productive Passions | Ep. 7

Christy T sits down with longtime entertainer Steve Max to hear how one bold pitch at Madison Square Garden turned a childhood game of Simon Says into a dream career. We talk about the fun of performing, life on the road, and why showing up with joy matters. We also get into the growing excitement around women’s basketball and how staying playful can carry us through the serious stuff. It’s a lighthearted, honest conversation full of great reminders to lean into what makes us come alive.
 In Today’s Episode:• How a bold leap turned passion into a career• The joy of making thousands smile live• Travel stories and unexpected friendships• How travel broadens your perspective• The rise of women’s college basketball• The power of paying it forward
🎙 GUEST SPOTLIGHT: Steve Max
📢 PODCAST INFO:Website: productivepassions.comSpotify: open.spotify.com/show/5sVM0bWVyyPfoq63jA2th7?si=e37eaa1239554370Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productive-passions/id1722526123Amazon Music: music.amazon.com/podcasts/ad852885-1fd6-4fb5-8e09-702be230d5b3/productive-passionsPodbean: productivepassions.podbean.comiHeartRadio: iheart.com/podcast/1323-productive-passions-158963722
🌐 SOCIAL:Facebook: facebook.com/productivepassionsInstagram: instagram.com/productivepassionsLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christytagye/Email: christy@productivepassions.com
 

Gordon Firemark on Protecting Your Creative Content, Being Bold & Finding Happiness | Ep. 6

Today’s Takeaways:1. “Happiness is a journey not a destination.” is often attributed to Aristotle but also Will Durant and Ralph Waldo Emerson - wherever it came from, it is a good reminder to enjoy moments throughout our lives not just the endpoints of lofty goals!
 
2. Find gratitude in the lessons arising out of the difficult times.BE BOLD to achieve what you aspire to become!
 
3. You develop self-confidence through facing fears and doing it anyway!
 
4. When you feel stuck, ask yourself what is “the worst thing that could happen?” “How bad will it be if I don’t try?” Consider what the world will miss out on if you don’t share.
 
5. It was Winston Churchill who said, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.”
 
Find: Gordon Firemark
Website: https://gordonfiremark.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gfiremark
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gfiremark
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gfiremark
 
📢 PODCAST INFO
Website: productivepassions.com
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5sVM0bWVyyPfoq63jA2th7?si=e37eaa1239554370
Apple Podcasts: 
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productive-passions/id1722526123
Amazon Music: music.amazon.com/podcasts/ad852885-1fd6-4fb5-8e09-702be230d5b3/productive-passions
Podbean: productivepassions.podbean.com
iHeartRadio: iheart.com/podcast/1323-productive-passions-158963722
 
🌐 SOCIAL:
Facebook: facebook.com/productivepassionsInstagram: instagram.com/productivepassionsLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christytagye/Email: christy@productivepassions.com

Creating Confident Voices: Lisa Elia’s Journey to Empowering Others to Speak with Ease | Ep. 5

Today’s Takeaways:1. Perform a communication audit.
 
2. Get rid of diminishing/critical phrases about yourself
 
3. Write out ACTIVE affirmations for yourself leaving out comparisons to others and making them believable.
 
4. Visualize yourself being a a more confident, powerful speaker.
 
5. Have a preparation ritual before speaking/presenting.
 
6. Ensure your communication is focused on your mission (not yourself), be fully present and connected to your audience and ensure your message serves your audience.
 
7. Practice pausing - leave space for people to grasp what you’ve said.
 
8. Bring curiosity and empathy to your communication to better understand who you’re speaking to. Ask questions to understand need and perspective
 
Find: Lisa Elia• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisaelia• Instagram: instagram.com/lisaeliainsta• Website: lisaelia.com
 
📢 PODCAST INFO:Website: productivepassions.comSpotify: open.spotify.com/show/5sVM0bWVyyPfoq63jA2th7?si=e37eaa1239554370Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productive-passions/id1722526123Podbean: productivepassions.podbean.com
 
🌐 SOCIAL:Facebook: facebook.com/productivepassionsInstagram: instagram.com/productivepassionsLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christytagye/Email: christy@productivepassions.com

Steve Max Simon Sez “Be a Positive Force!" | Ep. 4

Today’s Takeaways:1. Demonstrate your respect by actively listening and paying attention.
 
2. Create a culture of positivity. There is some indication that leaders who can laugh and be playful with their teams might have some of the most productive organizations.
 
3. Perspective is a good anecdote for negativity; as is gratitude.
 
4. Be a positive force in the universe or NOT. Those are the choices.
 
5. Acknowledge people and let them know you SEE them!
 
6. There is an evolution related to following your passion which includes: “I’m not good enough.” - keep going! “Maybe I am good enough.” - keep going! "Gaining confidence" - keep going! The choice to pursue your passion - keep going!
Find: Steve Max• Website: stevemax.com• Email: simonsezguy@gmail.com• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/steve-max-master-of-simon-sez-simon-says-b1682a32• Instagram/Twitter: @simonsezguy
 
📢 PODCAST INFOWebsite: productivepassions.comSpotify: open.spotify.com/show/5sVM0bWVyyPfoq63jA2th7?si=e37eaa1239554370Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productive-passions/id1722526123Podbean: productivepassions.podbean.com
 
🌐 SOCIALFacebook: facebook.com/productivepassionsInstagram: instagram.com/productivepassionsLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christytagye/Email: christy@productivepassions.com

Keegan Good on Finding Productivity in Patience, Persistence & Empathy | Ep 3 | Ep 3

Today’s Takeaways:1. In business and life empathy, persistence, and patience positively impact the outcomes you’re working to achieve.
 
2. Sleep in necessary quantity and quality recharges us, heals us, and makes us best prepared to clearly face the challenges of our day.
 
3. Taking cues from family, friends, and caregivers of special needs individuals can help reduce communication & interactive challenges you may feel.
 
4. Accepting failures as part of a journey to success can help reduce negative feelings when they show up. In fact, failure is necessary for ongoing iteration for improvement and ultimate success.
 
5. Following your passion doesn’t equal an easy ride but will be a more fulfilling, enjoyable ride!
 
Find: Keegan Good• Website: zpodsforsleep.com• Email:  keegan@zpodsforsleep.com
Note: Keegan mentions several organizations including:IBCCES – International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards – Certified Autism Resources: ibcces.org/resourcesLaughing at my Nightmare: laughingatmynightmare.comVariety – the Children’s Charity: variety.orgPittsburgh International Airport – Sensory-Friendly Space: flypittsburgh.com/pittsburgh-international-airport/terminal-information/traveling-families
 
📢 PODCAST INFO:Website: productivepassions.comSpotify: open.spotify.com/show/5sVM0bWVyyPfoq63jA2th7?si=e37eaa1239554370Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productive-passions/id1722526123Podbean: productivepassions.podbean.com
 
🌐 SOCIAL: Facebook: facebook.com/productivepassions Instagram: instagram.com/productivepassions LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christytagye/ Email: christy@productivepassions.com

Productive Passions Trailer

Hi friends, Christy Tagye here, your host for the Productive Passions podcast. Let me ask you, is there something different you dream of doing, but don't know where to begin? If you're feeling suffocated, anxious, or you feel there's something different calling you, come along with me for candid conversations with people who have embarked on a journey to put their passions to work for them.
Buckle up and enjoy the ride. Life is too short to stay stuck.

From Pain to Purpose, Military Discipline & Empathy in Leadership | Ep. 2

From a challenging upbringing to serving as a Senior Chief in the U.S. Navy, entrepreneur, and mentor, Troy Johnson II shares his powerful journey of resilience, faith, and leadership with Christy Tagye, host of Productive Passions. In this episode, Troy opens up about overcoming mental health struggles, finding strength through therapy, and leading with empathy, transparency, and purpose.
 
Whether you’re leading a team, rebuilding confidence, or searching for renewed direction, this conversation will inspire you to take action, invest in others, and live with courage and intention.
Today’s Takeaways
Change requires personal choice and action — no excuses.
Only you can limit yourself.
Volunteer for the hard stuff (outside your assigned tasks) to demonstrate your willingness to go above and beyond and take on responsibility. 
Seek the wisdom of elders you trust and who have relatable experiences.
Invest not only financially, but in relationships.
Treat interactions like interviews.
Qualities of a good leader include understanding culture; transparency; effective communication, authentic care for the well-being of those on the team, ability to influence by being involved with, gaining trust and investment in your team. 
Find Troy Johnson II
Website: https://www.addictivfit.com/
Email: Troy.johnsonii@yahoo.com 
Photography by Troy Johnson Photography
Music Producer: Dwanyne Jay
Stay Connected with Productive Passions
Website: https://www.productivepassions.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5sVM0bWVyyPfoq63jA2th7Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productive-passions/id1722526123Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ad852885-1fd6-4fb5-8e09-702be230d5b3/productive-passions iHeartRadio:https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-productive-passions-158963722/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@ProductivePassions
Social Links
Facebook: facebook.com/productivepassionsInstagram: instagram.com/productivepassionsLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/productive-passionsChristy’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christytagyeEmail: christy@productivepassions.com
If this episode inspired you, subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone ready to lead with empathy, courage, and purpose.
Productive Passions — Helping you turn passion into purpose with Christy Tagye.

Leadership, Startup Growth, Risks & Why Gratitude Powers Success | Ep. 1

Discover the power of gratitude-based leadership with Brendan Kamm, co-founder of Thnks, in conversation with Christy Tagye, host of Productive Passions. Together they explore how appreciation, confidence, and culture drive sustainable growth. Learn how to lead with presence, embrace risk, and evolve with purpose in both business and life.
Today’s Takeaways
Expect the unexpected.
Have confidence that your passion will be successful—especially if you know there’s a better way than what’s being done now.
Conduct an annual review of self; take this as seriously as your professional annual review.
The importance of having an “outside” confidant or advisor.
Why not now?
Constant evolution.
For a company, success comes down to people and culture and starts at the top. Surround yourself with good people, not necessarily just top talent.
Besides having a good idea and team, if you’ve started a business, ultimately there has to be a return on that investment to be sustainable.
There is no substitute for being present as a leader.
Move forward—there is no “right time.”
Find Brendan Kamm
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendankammInstagram: instagram.com/alwayssaythnksWebsite: thnks.com
Stay Connected with Productive Passions
Website: https://www.productivepassions.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5sVM0bWVyyPfoq63jA2th7Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productive-passions/id1722526123Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ad852885-1fd6-4fb5-8e09-702be230d5b3/productive-passions iHeartRadio:https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-productive-passions-158963722/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@ProductivePassions
Social Links
Facebook: facebook.com/productivepassionsInstagram: instagram.com/productivepassionsLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/productive-passionsChristy’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christytagyeEmail: christy@productivepassions.com
If this episode inspired you, subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone ready to lead with gratitude and purpose.
Productive Passions — Helping you turn passion into purpose with Christy Tagye.