Productive Passions
Change is happening everywhere eliciting excitement and anticipation in its wake. How do we harness that excitement for ourselves when we find work to be overwhelming, monotonous, or dissatisfying and we’re ready for change? That’s the question we’re looking to answer as we talk with guests who have turned their passion into meaningful work! Productive Passions - hosted by Christy Tagye - takes us on a journey with guests who have dared to reshape their lives and follow their dreams. In each episode, we have candid conversations with people who have embraced change jumping headfirst into uncertainty and following their passions. We’ll explore their stories, experiences, sources of support, and what fuels their motivation to persevere when things aren’t sunshine and rainbows. Hear from experts who provide valuable advice, and resources for actionable steps to begin your transformative journey. Subscribe to Productive Passions wherever you listen to podcasts and never miss an episode!
Episodes

Mar 8, 2024
Mar 8, 2024
1hr 48 sec
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

Feb 26, 2024
Feb 26, 2024
1hr 1 min
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

Feb 2, 2024
Feb 2, 2024
42 min
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

Jan 17, 2024
Jan 17, 2024
1 min
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.

Jan 12, 2024
Jan 12, 2024
57 min
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.

Dec 20, 2023
Dec 20, 2023
47 min
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.







