Fractals of Change
Fractals of Change explores the hidden patterns that shape how individuals, relationships, organizations, and societies evolve—from human psychology to leadership, organizations, and society.
Through solo reflections and conversations with thinkers, researchers, leaders, and creators, the podcast uncovers how these patterns appear across domains of life, revealing the deeper architecture behind transformation.
Each episode explores one pattern. Together, they form a larger composition about how change actually works—and how we can navigate it more skillfully.
Episodes
30 episodes
Unhackable Mind
What if the most dangerous security breach isn't in your devices — it's in your mind? In this episode, Mary sits down with Corina Pantea, a researcher at the intersection of brain security, cognitive warfare, and digital psychology, to explore ...
Regression
Regression isn't failure—it is a structural response of any system under strain. When demands exceed capacity, systems—biological, psychological, relational, and organizational—do not innovate; they revert to previously learn...
Feeling Felt
Human beings are not wired for productivity or achievement—they are wired for connection. Yet modern life increasingly disrupts that foundation, leaving many navigating stress, trauma, and fragmentation without the relational systems the nervou...
Recursion
Recursion is a foundational pattern: systems feeding outputs back into themselves, shaping continuity and change.This episode explores recursion across mind, relationships, organizations, and society—from identity and trauma to cu...
Reaction to Response
We don't have a leadership crisis. We have a nervous system crisis. Executive coach, organizational psychologist and Founder and Managing Partner of Aergon, Dr. Thomas Gartenmann joins Mary Schaub to explore what happens when human biology — de...
Disruption
Disruption feels like destruction. Collapse. Failure. Something breaks, and we panic. But what if disruption isn’t the opposite of order? What if it’s how reality renews itself?In this episode of Fractals of Change, Mary Schaub ...
Exposure to Discernment
Mary Schaub speaks with Alec Harris about how privacy, security, and personal risk have evolved in a world shaped by data brokers, algorithmic profiling, AI, and digital surveillance. Rather than focusing only on hackers and technical systems, ...
Polarity
Why do individuals, relationships, organizations, and societies keep swinging between extremes—even when we know better?In this solo episode of Fractals of Change, Mary Schaub explores polarity as a foundational pattern o...
Revenge to Repair
What if the systems we built to protect us are the very ones causing the most harm? Attorney, restorative justice advocate, and policy advisor at Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), Sia Henry joins Mary Schaub fo...
Emergence
There is no Amazon Prime for change. No tracking number. No estimated delivery date.Change arrives quietly, like fog rolling over a coastline or new shoots breaking through ash after a fire. It doesn’t announce itself. It emerges
The Unseen: Jerome Elam (Part 2)
What happens when the victims no one talks about begin to speak?In Part 2 of this raw and revealing conversation, Mary Schaub continues her dialogue with Jerome Elam—President and CEO of the Trafficking in America Task Force,...
The Unbreakable: Jerome Elam (Part 1)
"They say the truth will set you free. But first, it will break you open."In this deeply moving episode, Mary speaks with Jerome Elam—USMC vet, child trafficking survivor, and CEO of America's Trafficking in Americ...
Audience Share: Nature
In this heartfelt follow-up to "The Well-Gardened Self," Mary reads and reflects on powerful listener stories about how nature has supported their personal transformations. From fire escape herb gardens to grief walks through the woods, these s...
The Well-Gardened Self
What if the key to navigating chaos isn’t more control—but more connection to nature?In this episode, Mary explores how the natural world—gardening, birdwatching, even groundhogs—can heal us, grow us, and guide us through personal, organ...
Rewrite Your Story: Penelope Cottrell & Ria Glenn DeMay
In this engaging conversation, Mary Schaub speaks with Penny Cottrell and Ria Glenn DeMay about their journey from working in law and education to creating the Rewrite Workshops, a platform designed to help individuals explore their personal na...
Audience Share: Ancient Practices for a Modern World
In this episode, host Mary Schaub reads listener's experiences by limiting social media, trying Qi Gong, and using psychedelics. Key Takeaways💡 Navigating change can lead to greater meaning and purpose.
Navigating Life with Ancient Wisdom
In this episode, host Mary Schaub explores what it means to be a peaceful warrior in chaotic times, drawing on ancient Eastern philosophies—specifically Taoism and Buddhism—to navigate the overwhelming pace and uncertainty of modern li...
Grief Into Purpose: Matthew Fischer
In this conversation, Matt shares his journey of coping with the loss of his son and his mission to help other families facing similar struggles. The discussion covers the signs of addiction, the role of parents, the impact of grief, and the im...
Audience Share: Overwhelming Feelings
In this episode, host Mary Schaub shares listeners' strategies for managing overwhelming emotions, from cocooning to grounding techniques, while reflecting on her rejuvenating trip to Lisbon and the importance of kindness in everyday interactio...
Mindset Shifts for Overwhelm
In this episode, Mary Schaub discusses the feelings of overwhelm that many experience in today's rapidly changing world. She shares her personal struggles with overwhelm and explores three mindset shifts to cope with these feelings: sublimation...
Reclaiming Your Creative Voice: Deborah Zelasny
In this episode, Mary engages in a heartfelt conversation with Deborah Zelasny, a writer and content creator. They explore their long-standing friendship, the challenges of teenage years, the impact of influential teachers, and the journey of s...
Audience Share: Adaptability
In this episode, listeners write in to tell their personal stories about why they struggle to deal with even small unexpected changes. In this introspective episode, host Mary Schaub delves into the deep-rooted origins of our emotional response...
Awesome Goodness: Rob Kenney
In this conversation, Mary Schaub interviews Rob Kenney, the creator of the popular YouTube channel 'Dad How Do I'. Rob shares his journey from being an introverted sales professional to becoming an internet dad figure for millions. He discusse...
Embracing Uncertainty
In this conversation, Mary Schaub explores the theme of uncertainty in today's world, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and inner work. She discusses the challenges of navigating change and the necessity of embracing equanimity to fo...
Trauma to Transformation: Amy Elizabeth Fox
Mobius Executive Leadership CEO Amy Elizabeth Fox discusses how addressing trauma and fostering personal growth creates more effective business leaders and healthier corporate cultures. Learn how combining psychological insights with leadership...