Find Your Inner Bacon & Show Empathy for Unseen Pain
- Marty Jalove
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Welcome to the sizzling world of Bacon Bits with Master Happiness! If you're reading this, chances are you're curious about a show that steers straight into life's big questions and smaller triumphs with humor, heart, and just the right pinch of irreverence. You’re in for a treat as we share some key takeaways from this week’s episode, featuring host Marty Jalove and guest Mary Schaap. Together, they served up some memorable bacon-flavored nuggets of wisdom on networking, navigating life’s challenges, and developing genuine empathy.
Want to know what makes this podcast a must-listen? Keep reading to absorb the rich aroma of insight (pun intended) and discover how you can tune into this powerful conversation.
With Special Guest
Follow us at: www.MasterHappiness.com/live or “Bacon Bits with Master Happiness” on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, iHeart Radio or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
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The Power of Networking
Picture this: Mary Schaap is the ultimate go-to person in her community. Need to meet someone in Northern Illinois or Southern Wisconsin? Mary’s your gal! Marty playfully dubbed her a “master networker,” and rightly so. However, what makes Mary’s story so inspiring is that she wasn’t always this outgoing.
She was once the shy girl who’d do anything to avoid even a simple science class presentation. Public speaking? Forget it! Yet here she is today, connecting people, making meaningful introductions, and walking into events with confidence. What changed? Mary’s personal experiences taught her the value of saying “yes” to new opportunities and pushing through discomfort.
The takeaway here is that networking isn’t about being naturally extroverted. It’s about understanding that everyone has a story and a unique perspective to share. The first step? Just say, “Hi, I’m [your name]. Who are you and what do you do?” It sounds simple, but as Mary admitted, it’s one of the hardest things she’s learned to do.
For those battling the paralyzing fear of walking through the proverbial networking doors, there’s hope! Try this tip from Marty and Mary: Start small. Observe the room, find a friendly face, and take one tiny step at a time. Building connections doesn’t happen overnight—but man, does it feel rewarding when you see the results!
Actionable Tip: If networking feels overwhelming, set a small goal for your next event. It could be meeting just one new person or swapping contact info with someone you admire. Baby steps lead to big leaps!
Overcoming Challenges Through Resilience
Both Marty and Mary agree that life rarely follows a script. Mary shared her winding professional path, which took her from working multiple jobs to find her footing, to becoming a high-achieving mortgage professional, a retail store manager, and now an insurance agent at Brightway Insurance. Along the way, she faced her share of hardships, including personal health struggles and navigating unexpected career changes.
But here’s the magic in Mary’s story: She realized her worth. One pivotal moment included driving home after a charity event, wrestling with feelings of self-doubt and concern about her future. Without skipping a beat, Mary looked at her husband and declared, “I’m going to quit my job.” What she gained from that bold move was something priceless: the belief that no matter what happens, she’ll always rise again.
Marty echoed this sentiment, reflecting on his story about discovering his talent as a top-performing sales professional. For him, the shift was realizing that success wasn’t about measuring himself against others but about beating the expectations he set for himself every single day.
The message? Resilience isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about knowing that failure isn’t final and that there’s always another chapter waiting to be written.
Actionable Tip: Feeling stuck? Identify one small change you can make today to realign with your goals. Whether it’s drafting a résumé, learning a new skill, or simply reflecting on your strengths, one step will give you momentum.
Empathy for Unseen Pain
The second half of the show dove into a deeply moving and essential topic: recognizing and empathizing with hidden pain. Although scars and broken bones are easy to spot, conditions like anxiety, chronic illness, or grief often go unnoticed. Marty and Mary explored how to be better allies for loved ones who might be struggling in ways we can’t see.
Mary, someone who personally manages a chronic illness, shed light on how isolating it can feel to deal with something others might dismiss. A powerful moment from the episode was when she described the frustration of hearing, “But you don’t look sick.” Those words may be well-meaning but often negate the very real struggles someone is enduring.
Marty shared how essential it is to not only ask but also listen. A simple “You seem a little off—is there anything I can do for you?” can open doors for deeper connections. Compassion, patience, and the willingness to just be there speak louder than any advice.
For those managing unseen pain, it’s equally important to recognize that it’s okay to advocate for yourself. Share what you’re comfortable with, set boundaries when needed, and don’t hesitate to seek help.
Bacon’s Formula for Empathy:
B - Be Present: Show people you’re there for them without judgment.
A - Ask Questions: Understand their needs by genuinely inquiring.
C - Compassion First: Suspend judgment and focus on what they’re feeling, not what you think they should feel.
O - Observe Closely: Small signs, like a shift in body language or tone, can tell you someone’s hurting.
N - Nurture Bonds: Keep following up long after the initial moment to show you care.
If you know someone who’s been acting “off,” take five minutes to text, call, or visit them. Simple actions like, “I noticed you’ve been quiet. Just know I’m here if you want to talk,” can mean the world.
Life’s Recipe Is All About Bacon
Every episode of Bacon Bits with Master Happiness leaves listeners with something practical, warm, and inspiring, and this one was no exception. Marty’s playful yet profound reminder that life is never too late to create your “masterpiece” is the spark we could all use. Whether it’s finding purpose, exploring new careers, or managing empathy in the face of invisible struggles, the lessons are universal.
But we’ve only scratched the surface. Want to hear the rest, including Marty’s hilarious story of his first job and even more tales from Mary’s incredible career path? Tune into Bacon Bits with Master Happiness, available wherever you listen to podcasts.
Find Your Inner Bacon & Show Empathy for Unseen Pain
Take a slice out of life by subscribing to Bacon Bits with Master Happiness. Each episode serves up sizzling insights and unforgettable guests who will inspire you, teach you, and have you laughing along the way. Don’t miss next Monday night or catch up on past episodes to add a little extra flavor to your day!
“Finding your inner bacon isn’t just about happiness; it’s about owning your worth, seizing opportunities, and never letting invisible struggles define your limits.”
To learn more about how to Find Your Inner Bacon & Show Empathy for Unseen Pain go to: www.MasterHappiness.com/live or “Bacon Bits with Master Happiness” on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, iHeart Radio or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
Or catch us LIVE on "BACON BITS with Master Happiness" on 983thelife.com, Monday Night at 7:00 PM and start making your life SIZZLE!
Marty Jalove of Master Happiness is a Company Coach, Business Consultant, and Marketing Strategist that helps small businesses, teams, and individuals find focus, feel fulfilled, and have fun. He helps businesses struggling with communication issues between co-owners, staff, and customers grow a happier and healthier business.
Master Happiness stresses the importance of realistic goal setting, empowerment, and accountability in order to encourage employee engagement and retention. The winning concentration is simple: Happy Employees attract Happy Customers and Happy Customers come back with Friends.
Want to learn more about bringing more happiness into your workplace and life? Contact Master Happiness at www.MasterHappiness.com or www.WhatsYourBacon.com
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