What if your life looks perfect on paper, but your body keeps whispering no? That’s where our guest, Lani Gonzalez, found herself after years as a successful litigation attorney—until a series of health crises cracked her world open and sent her on a global search for truth, healing, and purpose. From 40+ countries to long nights studying neuroscience and the subconscious, Lani rebuilt her life and work around one powerful insight: safety runs the show, and the subconscious decides what feels safe.

We unpack how cultural conditioning, family dynamics, and even epigenetics shape identity and behavior far more than logic does. Lani explains the “critical factor,” the mental gate that rejects feel-good affirmations when they don’t match lived experience, and shows why hypnotherapy can shift patterns faster by guiding the brain into the theta learning state. You’ll hear striking client stories: a woman who inherited body shame from casual fitting-room comments, a fear of flying traced back to infant memories of shaking walls and no comfort, and the many “small” sensitizing events that quietly script adult choices.

Along the way, we explore what collectivist cultures can teach about belonging, why individualism leaves so many women isolated, and how to start reprogramming with compassion instead of force. Lani shares a simple, beautiful self-nurture practice—a candlelit shower ritual for talking with the parts that worry, calling on future self, and honoring ancestors—that you can try tonight. If you feel stuck, disconnected from joy, or unsure what you truly want, this conversation offers a practical path: name the body’s signals, follow them to the root, and install beliefs aligned with safety, worth, and wholeness.

Craving clarity, confidence, and purpose you don’t have to hustle for? Press play, then tell us the belief you’re ready to release. If the conversation resonates, subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a review so more women can find their way home.

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Feeling exhausted, foggy, or disconnected from your desire—and being told your labs are “normal”? We get real about what’s actually happening. With women’s health NP Dr. Darcy Graham, we dive into the overlooked role of testosterone in women and how it works alongside estrogen and progesterone to restore energy, sharpen focus, improve sleep, and bring back a responsive, joyful sex life.

We break down the most common midlife symptoms—low motivation, brain fog, hot flashes, painful dryness, and vanishing libido—and explain why they’re so often misread as depression. Then we map out a practical, stepwise HRT approach: start with sleep-saving progesterone, layer estrogen for thermal regulation and mood, and add personalized doses of testosterone to support drive, lean mass, and cognitive clarity. You’ll hear a candid look at what changes in the body and bedroom, why clitoral sensitivity matters more with age, and how open communication can transform intimacy.

Curious about methods? We compare creams and gels (steady and simple), tiny weekly injections (faster onset with peaks), and subcutaneous pellets (3–4 months of convenience that demand careful dosing). We also unpack myths around “bulking up,” facial hair, and voice changes, and when those risks are real versus rare. Expect clear guidance on timelines to feel better, lab monitoring that informs rather than dictates, and lifestyle levers—light strength training, smart nutrition, and cutting back on alcohol—that amplify results.

If you’ve ever been dismissed, this conversation puts the power back in your hands. We share how to find trained menopause providers, what questions to ask, and why treating the person, not just the numbers, is the path to lasting relief. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs this, and leave a review telling us the one symptom you want solved first. Your story may help someone else feel at home in their body again.

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Ever wonder why a baby struggles to latch, a four-year-old snores like a grown-up, or an adult wakes with jaw pain and a headache? We go straight to the source with Nicole, a clinician who blends speech-language pathology, lactation consulting, myofunctional therapy, and craniosacral work to restore oral function and protect the airway across the lifespan. We share the real signs that matter, the myths to ignore, and how small, strategic changes can transform feeding, sleep, posture, and overall health.

We walk through the basics of tongue ties and oral tethers—what they are, how they form in utero, and why they don’t simply “stretch out.” Nicole explains how restricted tongues and tight fascia push kids toward mouth breathing, enlarged tonsils, and restless sleep, and why dental crowding is often a late-stage clue that oral function has been off for years. For adults, the pattern looks like TMJ pain, grinding, neck tension, and snoring. You’ll hear how gentle bodywork prepares the system for change, how myofunctional therapy acts like PT for the mouth and face, and why the best outcomes come from coordinated care with dentists, ENTs, OTs, PTs, and IBCLCs.

We also get practical. You’ll learn red flags you shouldn’t ignore—noisy breathing, snoring, upside-down sleeping, open-mouth chewing, hand-in-mouth while eating—and green flags that suggest a phase of normal selectivity. We cover what a release procedure involves, how to choose a skilled provider, and when to prioritize nasal breathing training or ENT evaluation. Most of all, we focus on plans that fit real family life: fewer, smarter exercises, clear goals, and compassionate coaching that honors mental health. If you’ve been told to “wait it out,” this conversation gives you tools, language, and next steps to advocate with confidence.

If this resonates, follow and share with someone who needs it, and leave a quick review to help other families find trustworthy, whole-body solutions.

Here are the links for the clinic. 

Nicole Edwin, M.S., CCC-SLP, IBCLC

Integrative Oral Functional Therapist & Lactation Consultant

https://abeillespeechandfeeding.com/

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ju75fPjpV/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.instagram.com/stl.feedingclinic?igsh=dG45amplY2c0NGx0

And our podcast link 

https://www.instagram.com/spillyourmilkpod?igsh=MWo5b3gwdGw1cDZqZA==

https://open.spotify.com/show/3uFYW95CRBZsp8NT3ArMpd?si=WPNLfBHbTmKxI9jmIpL6UA

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Burnout rarely looks like a dramatic crash; it’s the slow leak that drains your energy, dulls your joy, and convinces you to push just a little harder. I’m pulling back the curtain on how we quietly sabotage rest—and how to reclaim it with practical, guilt-free tools you can use today. Drawing on a decade in critical care and years coaching women through recovery, I unpack why hustle culture, good-girl conditioning, and constant sensory overload keep the nervous system stuck in overdrive, and why the fix isn’t a weekend reset but gentle, repeatable signals of safety.

We explore three kinds of rest that actually move the needle: micro rest you can take in two minutes before a meeting or text, emotional rest that releases the pressure to fix everything, and sensory rest that softens noise, light, and screen time. You’ll learn how to spot faux-rest habits like late-night scrolling, flip the script on guilt with grounded mantras, and build daily ease rituals—quiet coffee by the window, a twilight walk, or music-led stretching—that feel doable on busy days. I share why “rest is not a reward” matters for nervous system regulation, how gratitude strengthens worthiness, and a simple “pause-before-yes” practice that protects your calendar and capacity.

This is the starting line for sustainable burnout recovery: small, kind repetitions that rebuild energy and self-trust. Try the seven-day experiment with the two-minute pause, notice what shifts, and let your decisions start with capacity instead of obligation. If this resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs the permission slip to rest. What’s the one practice you’ll try this week?

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Hot flashes at dinner, brain fog at work, zero interest in intimacy by night—if that sounds familiar, you’re not broken and you’re not alone. We sit down with Dr. Darcy Graham, DNP and founder of Grit and Grace Wellness, to demystify perimenopause and menopause with clarity, compassion, and real-world tools that fit a busy life.

Darcy shares how she moved from labor and delivery to hormone-focused care, why a single lab draw can’t define your story, and what has changed about hormone replacement therapy now that outdated fears are being challenged. We get specific about the symptoms most women whisper about—fatigue, anxiety spikes, night waking, and libido loss—and map them to practical options: balanced estrogen and progesterone, careful use of testosterone, and simple lifestyle shifts that lower inflammation and stabilize energy. Expect candid talk on weight gain through the middle, why protein matters more now, how light strength training protects your metabolism, and the surprising ways alcohol and sugar sabotage sleep and hormones.

We also dig into access and advocacy. Learn what questions to ask your provider, how to find clinicians trained in menopause care, what insurance often covers, and where compounded options fit. Darcy’s philosophy is grounded and doable: treat the person first, use labs wisely, make small changes that compound, and build a circle of women who keep you buoyant when life gets loud. If you’ve been told to “just deal with it,” consider this your permission to expect better care and a better baseline.

Ready to feel like yourself again? Hit follow, share this episode with a friend who needs it, and leave a review with the question you want us to tackle next.

Her Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576205296984

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Tired of feeling unheard, rushed, or stuck with symptoms that don’t add up? I sit down with Dr. Bridget Lybarger—chiropractor, acupuncturist, and functional medicine practitioner—to map a practical path from scattered care to whole-person healing. Her approach blends nervous system support, energy flow, and root-cause testing, then brings it home with simple daily habits that cost little but change a lot.

We break down how functional medicine uses comprehensive thyroid and hormone panels, cortisol checks, stool and urinalysis, and hair tissue analysis to reveal what basic labs miss. If hot flashes get waved away, gut issues go unexplored, or fatigue gets mislabeled, this deeper look can offer real clarity without breaking the bank. We also dig into supplement quality, hydration, protein and fat intake, and small nutrition shifts that stabilize energy and mood.

Acupuncture gets a clear, down-to-earth explanation: how meridians tie emotions to organs, why stagnation fuels pain and anxiety, and what a session actually feels like. Think 25 minutes of intentional calm that helps the nervous system reset. We add practical tools—qigong, yoga, breathwork—and show how posture, foam rollers, and cervical supports restore oxygenation and ease screen-driven strain. Sleep ties it all together as chemistry, not willpower: light timing, meal spacing, and consistent rhythms that rebuild resilience. Along the way we talk boundaries, solitude, and gratitude as mental hygiene that makes every other intervention work better.

If you’re ready to move from symptom-chasing to steady progress, our conversation lays out a path you can follow today—whether you book a consult, start with breath and posture, or finally protect your sleep. If this resonated, share it with a friend, subscribe for more grounded wellness talks, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.

Dr. Bridget Lybarger 
Absolute Chiropractic & Acupuncture 
Stages Wellness Holistic Center 
325 East Main St. 
Belleville, IL. 62220 
618-398-5476

http://www.drbridgetlybarger.com/

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Ever wonder why a single tone can soften your shoulders, slow your breath, and make buried feelings easier to face? I sit down with Jessica Rule of Osprey Rising and returning friend Ashley Weir to unpack how sound therapy and Reiki help the nervous system shift from constant alert to genuine safety. Jessica’s story moves from childhood sensitivity and painful school stigma to her first Reiki session, the emotional release that followed, and the calling that led her to build a practice around sound baths, energy work, and even animal Reiki.

We dig into the science and the felt sense. Sound stimulates the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, easing anxiety, helping inflammation, and creating conditions where healing can happen. Jessica explains how she designs a session—starting with brighter tones, deepening into grounding gongs and drums, then gently bringing listeners back—so people can leave calm and clear, not groggy. She shares why adding vocals became a turning point, how voice carries frequency and trust, and what happens when a cat named Finn relaxes under a soft chant. From ICU humming to cultural songs at life’s edge, we explore voice as medicine and sound as community.

If meditation feels hard or talk therapy hits a wall, our conversation offers an accessible bridge. You’ll learn practical ways to start, what to expect at a first sound bath, how to notice which tones soothe or stir, and why consistency matters. We also talk integration: blending energy work with therapy, building a supportive circle, and using simple practices—self-Reiki, journaling affirmations, grounding outdoors—to stay regulated between sessions. Ready to feel sound rather than just hear it? Press play, then share what practice helps you come home to yourself.

If this resonated, subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with someone who could use a calmer nervous system today.

To Contact Jessica Rule

http://www.ospreyrisingllc.com/

https://www.facebook.com/share/1C3QEhzicJ/

http://www.instagram.com/ospreyrisingllc

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Burnout doesn’t vanish with a long weekend. It lingers in your bones, in the shaky hands before a meeting, in the late-night scroll that steals your sleep. Today, we sit down with RN and board-certified nurse coach Abby Payne to chart a grounded path out of chronic stress, people pleasing, and screen compulsion—one nervous system-friendly step at a time.

Abby’s story runs from critical care through cannabis nursing to trauma-informed coaching, and her biggest unlock was scientific: the endocannabinoid system. Stress and nutrient-poor habits drain it, while breath, sunlight, movement, and mindful nutrition replenish it. That frame turns “self-care” from fluff into physiology. We also unpack people pleasing as the fawn response—a survival strategy that trades authenticity for external safety—and how somatic awareness, from shaking to tight shoulders, can guide us back to regulation and self-trust.

If your phone feels like a slot machine in your pocket, you’ll love Abby’s breakdown of the habit loop—trigger, craving, response, reward—and why willpower alone fails against dopamine economics. She offers practical digital boundaries: automated grayscale at night to mute visual hooks, foolproof blocking apps that put your best self in charge, and a gentle taper plan paired with skills that soothe the root triggers. We go deep on 4-7-8 breathing for vagal tone, targeted meditation as physical therapy for the brain, and science-based hypnosis to update the subconscious stories that keep you stuck.

By the end, you’ll have a clear, humane blueprint to reduce screen time, lower anxiety, and rebuild motivation without perfectionism. It’s not about rejecting tech; it’s about choosing presence over autopilot and worthiness over approval. If you’re ready to reclaim your time and your peace, press play, take a slow exhale, and join us.

Enjoyed this conversation? Follow, share with a friend who needs a digital reset, and leave a quick review—it helps more listeners find the show and choose calm on purpose.

My Website:

https://www.nurseabbyllc.com

Digital Detox Masterclass:

https://www.nurseabbyllc.com/masterclass

To Be Magnetic Intro Podcast + Discount Code:

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Women’s Empowerment Playlist:

https://nurseabbyllc.myflodesk.com/empowerment

Cannabis Unveiled Workshop:

https://youtu.be/3qffBJ2Z0NU

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Pelvic health should be simple to talk about, yet most of us only notice our pelvic floor when something goes wrong—leaks during workouts, urgency on a long shift, pain with intimacy, or stubborn constipation. We invited occupational therapist and yoga teacher Becca Meredith to open the door with clarity and care. She walks us through what the pelvic floor actually is, why tone can be too low or too high, and how breath, posture, and the nervous system shape everything from bladder signals to sex and recovery after birth.

We get practical about real-life patterns: nurses and teachers holding pee all day, kids avoiding school bathrooms, and the brain–bladder connection that gets dull when we delay. Becca explains how she assesses alignment through the thoracic spine, sacrum, and hips, why internal work is only one option—and always consent-based—and how external fascial release, mindful cues, and targeted strength can change reflexes fast. A case of workout-related leaks shows how pairing bridges, adductor activation, and smart Kegels can build control without obsessing over contractions. We also dig into constipation as a hidden driver of leaks, bedwetting routines that help, and hydration that supports an even-tempered bladder.

Our conversation spans pregnancy prep, VBAC considerations, postpartum diastasis, prolapse support, and the shifting terrain of perimenopause. Becca shares why hypertonic floors need down-training, not more squeezing, and how breath into the back ribs can unlock the back of the pelvic floor. She also previews Arvigo Mayan Abdominal Therapy for scar tissue, endometriosis, cesarean recovery, and a gentler path to restore organ mobility. The throughline is hopeful and human: when we create safety, listen to the body, and train with intention, strength follows softness.

If pelvic health has felt confusing or off-limits, this is your guide to clear language, actionable steps, and compassionate care. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to help more listeners find trustworthy pelvic health support.

Becca helps patients restore balance, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with their bodies in empowering ways.

Website: https://enlightenedpelvichealth.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/enlightenedpelvichealth?igsh=MWo0dGRyMTBseGRwNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/1aDR32nfpd/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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A successful career, loving family, and all the right boxes checked—yet behind the scenes, overwhelming anxiety, exhaustion, and a deep disconnect from self. This is the reality many high-achieving women face, including Jeannie Stumne, who spent 25 years building an impressive career in higher education while silently drowning in burnout.

Jeannie's powerful conversation with Jen reveals how a life-threatening nervous system shutdown became her ultimate wake-up call. After reaching a breaking point at 40, repressed childhood trauma surfaced, sending her into full PTSD symptoms while still trying to maintain her demanding director role at a major university. When the pandemic hit, forcing rapid adaptation in her professional life against the backdrop of civil unrest in her Minneapolis neighborhood, Jeannie's body finally said "enough."

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Jeannie's candid sharing of her healing journey—not just what worked, but what didn't. She explains how the perfectionist achievement mindset that contributed to her burnout actually hindered her recovery when she approached healing with the same "push through" mentality. Instead, she discovered the critical importance of nervous system regulation, somatic (body-based) healing, and finding the right community for co-regulation.

The conversation offers practical wisdom for anyone feeling depleted despite "having it all" on paper. Jeannie emphasizes starting with nervous system healing before diving into trauma work, embracing self-compassion as a foundation, and accepting that healing isn't linear but cyclical. Perhaps most powerful is her reminder that healing isn't about returning to baseline—it's about becoming more of your authentic self than you've ever been before.

Whether you're currently in burnout, supporting someone who is, or simply feeling the warning signs, this episode provides both hope and practical guidance from someone who's been through the darkest places and emerged with purpose and wisdom. Connect with Jeannie at shinebrighterlc.com or on Instagram @jeanniecoaching to learn more about her one-on-one coaching and upcoming group programs.

To contact or learn more about Jeannie

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571229877346

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniestumne/

https://www.instagram.com/healwithjeannie/

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What happens when nurses break free from traditional roles and reimagine their professional identity? Emily Knife, founder of Modern Nurse Fest and Heartbeat RN, is revolutionizing how nurses view their careers and personal wellbeing.

During our candid conversation, Emily challenges the fundamental narratives of nursing shortages and burnout. With 6.8 million licensed nurses in the US but only 1.2 million vacancies, she argues the problem isn't a lack of nurses—it's a lack of nurses willing to work in hospitals. This insight exposes how healthcare systems have failed to adapt to changing expectations and needs.

Emily's response to this disconnect is Modern Nurse Fest, a groundbreaking event series traveling across the US and internationally. Unlike traditional conferences, this festival creates space for nurses to discuss topics often considered taboo—entrepreneurship, cannabis therapeutics, psychedelics, and financial empowerment. The festival also welcomes CNAs and student nurses, fostering a pipeline of future professionals who see beyond hospital walls.

Perhaps most powerful is Emily's framework for personal transformation. She describes burnout as a "Jenga tower" of accumulated trauma that eventually collapses, and offers practical strategies for rebuilding. Through somatic nursing practices, conscious perception shifts, and community building, she demonstrates how nurses can reclaim their joy and purpose.

"Dear burnout nurses, this is my love letter to you," Emily shares. "Grow a set of balls and take a moment to be with yourself. Ask yourself what do I want—not what your husband, partner, hospital, professor, or parents want—what do YOU want?" This radical self-inquiry forms the foundation of her approach to professional renewal.

Ready to discover what's possible beyond traditional nursing? Join us for an episode that might just transform how you view your nursing identity and future. Visit nursesfornurses.org to learn more about Modern Nurse Fest and the free Heartbeat RN community waiting to support your journey.

Emily’s link tree

https://linktr.ee/MODERNNURSE

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What happens when a nurse decides to heal herself first? Kiana Reedy's story will stop you in your tracks.

After graduating nursing school in 2021, Kiana found herself caught in a cycle that might sound familiar – overworked, undernourished, and stuck in patterns that weren't serving her. Within two years, she completely transformed her reality – shedding 30 pounds, healing a condition doctors had labeled "chronic," and finding the courage to leave an eight-year toxic relationship that began when she was just 16.

The secret? An unwavering focus on personal wellbeing that flies in the face of nursing's self-sacrifice culture. "If it's not benefiting me, it's taking away from me," Kiana shares with refreshing directness. This mindset shift allowed her to pursue long-held dreams of acting, modeling, and entrepreneurship while maintaining her nursing career.

Particularly fascinating is Kiana's journey with gut health and plant medicine. After struggling with chronic allergic conjunctivitis that conventional treatments couldn't resolve, she discovered the root cause through holistic exploration. "Everything goes back to the gut," she explains, detailing how addressing this foundation transformed multiple aspects of her health simultaneously. Her thoughtful approach to psilocybin mushroom microdosing offers a nuanced perspective on intentional plant medicine use.

What strikes me most about Kiana's approach is her balance of ambition and self-compassion. She maintains laser focus on her goals while honoring both masculine (doing) and feminine (resting) energies. For anyone feeling stuck, her advice is disarmingly simple: journal your dream life without limitations, set three small daily goals, and build momentum through consistent action.

Ready to transform your own health journey? Connect with Kiana on Instagram @elevate_divinely and discover how her blend of nursing knowledge and holistic coaching might be exactly what you've been searching for.

Contact Kiana

https://linktr.ee/balancedbykiana

https://elevatedivinely.clientsecure.me

https://www.instagram.com/elevatedivinely_

https://www.instagram.com/kianaforever/

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What happens when nurses take healthcare into their own hands? The answer might just revolutionize medicine as we know it.

Leanne Meier has spent nearly five decades as a nurse, witnessing firsthand how our profit-driven healthcare system continues to fail both patients and providers. Rather than accepting this broken reality, she's pioneered two groundbreaking organizations that are creating tangible alternatives to traditional healthcare delivery.

Through Nurses Transforming Healthcare, Leanne and her colleagues have developed a community-based model inspired by public utilities. Instead of treating symptoms after they've become severe, this approach focuses on prevention, education, and holistic wellbeing tailored to each community's specific needs. The results speak for themselves – in pilot programs across the country, nurse practitioners are dramatically reducing hospital readmissions while improving patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Meanwhile, with Power Up Nursing, Leanne is tackling another critical aspect of healthcare transformation: the wellbeing of nurses themselves. "We determine what we're going to educate nurses on. We determine what work nurses are going to do," she explains, highlighting how nurses must reclaim control of their profession. This initiative is already making waves, with major hospital systems implementing innovative approaches to nurse self-care, including health-tracking technology that helps nurses monitor and improve their own wellbeing.

Perhaps most exciting is how these concepts are already working in the real world. Her Self Help clinics in Minnesota embody this patient-centered approach, offering 90-minute consultations focused on understanding the whole person. With five locations already operating and exponential growth of 400 new clients monthly, the hunger for this alternative model is undeniable.

For nurses feeling burnt out or disillusioned, Leanne offers both hope and practical advice. Through connecting with like-minded colleagues and prioritizing self-nurture, nurses can rediscover their purpose and power. As she powerfully states, "Imagine if nurses could infect the entire world" with their compassion and care-focused approach.

Ready to be part of healthcare's transformation? Visit powerupnursing.com to learn how you can join this growing movement of nurses creating the future of healthcare.

Currently connecting and influencing nurses and healthcare providers to collaborate on creating a Nurse-Led Integrative Medicine Model to revolutionize healthcare by focusing on creating and maintaining patient Holistic health from cradle to grave. Check out https://NursesTransformingHealthcare.org 

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What if the weight you're trying to lose isn't just physical? 

For highly sensitive women—roughly 20-25% of the population—traditional diet approaches often fail because they don't address the deeper patterns connecting sensitivity, emotional regulation, and body image. In this illuminating conversation with holistic weight loss expert Ellouise Heather, we explore the unique challenges highly sensitive women face in their relationship with food and their bodies.

Ellouise reveals how being highly sensitive means you not only experience emotions more intensely but also absorb external messages about your body more deeply. This heightened awareness often leads to distorted body perception and using food as an emotional regulation tool. Rather than seeing these patterns as personal failings, Ellouise offers a compassionate framework for understanding them as natural responses to overwhelm.

Our conversation takes a fascinating turn as we discuss the connections between neurodivergence, sensitivity, and eating patterns. Many women with ADHD or other neurodivergent traits experience more pronounced struggles with emotional eating due to dopamine-seeking behaviors and challenges with impulse control—yet these connections are rarely discussed in mainstream weight loss conversations.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Ellouise’s practical wisdom. She shares actionable strategies for breaking cycles of shame and self-criticism, including blood sugar regulation techniques that stabilize mood and reduce emotional eating urges. But perhaps most powerful is her approach to addressing the "invisible weight" of perfectionism and external expectations that many women carry.

Whether you identify as highly sensitive or simply want to develop a more peaceful relationship with food and your body, this conversation offers a refreshing alternative to diet culture's punishment-based approach. Subscribe now and discover how reconnecting with your body's wisdom might be the key to lasting transformation.

Get in touch with Ellouise

https://ellouiseheather.coach/calmcravings

https://www.instagram.com/ellouiseheather

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What happens when a woman raised in an isolated religious community finds the courage to walk away from everything she's ever known? In this deeply moving conversation, Hannah Stauber shares her remarkable journey from being married at 14 as the seventh wife to a 42-year-old man, to becoming a family nurse practitioner, author, and women's advocate.

Hannah's story defies imagination – leaving her polygamous marriage at 34 with only an eighth-grade education, she earned her GED and completed multiple nursing degrees within nine years, overcoming dyslexia and ADHD along the way. But the most inspiring aspect isn't just what she accomplished, but how she did it.

With extraordinary grace, Hannah reveals the micro-habits that made her transformation possible. A five-minute daily meditation. The healing power of running as both movement and therapy. The gradual building of self-trust. These seemingly small practices created the foundation for monumental change in her life. As Hannah explains, "If I can go from a child bride with an eighth-grade education to become a family nurse practitioner, you can do hard things too."

Throughout our conversation, Hannah shares insights from her book "Give Yourself Permission: Overcoming Female Oppression" that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped by circumstances or limited by others' expectations. Her perspective on unconditional self-acceptance offers a revolutionary approach to healing: "We're worthy of love just because we're human," she reminds us – a simple truth with profound implications.

Now specializing in functional medicine and pursuing additional certification as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, Hannah is developing a coaching program to help women reclaim their authentic voices. Her journey demonstrates that no matter how constrained our beginnings, we all possess the capacity for profound self-reinvention when we give ourselves permission to thrive.

Connect with Hannah at hannahstauber.com and discover how your own small, consistent actions might lead to extraordinary 

email Hannah at Hstauber@hannahstauber.com. Mention Empowered Ease, and she will send you the meditation. 

If you want to be on Hannah’s email list for upcoming details, scan this link: https://hannahstauber.com/give-yourself-permission 

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Hair appointments shouldn't be anxiety-inducing. Yet for many people, especially introverts, the social expectations of salon visits can feel overwhelming. Enter Natalie Menk, affectionately known as "The Introvert Stylist," who's revolutionizing the salon experience with a beautifully simple concept: silent appointments.

After nine years in the beauty industry, Natalie has transformed what she once perceived as a weakness into her greatest strength. Rather than forcing herself to be chatty, she embraced her natural quietude and created a service where clients don't feel pressured to make small talk. The response has been remarkable, with one client memorably saying after an appointment: "It was great not talking to you."

What happens during these silent sessions? Some clients bring laptops to work, others listen to podcasts or music, and some simply close their eyes for a much-needed rest. There's no script to follow—just an understanding that conversation isn't mandatory. Now working from a private salon suite, Natalie has noticed something fascinating: many clients who initially sought silent appointments now feel comfortable enough to engage in genuine conversation, highlighting how removing pressure often creates space for authentic connection.

Specializing in vibrant reds, lived-in blondes, bobs, shags, and layers, Natalie tailors each appointment to the individual with a focus on hair health and personal style. Her salon is especially affirming for women, LGBTQ+ clients, and anyone seeking a judgment-free, inclusive experience. In a world where anxiety continues to rise, she aims to provide an escape, even if just for an hour or two.

Natalie's approach reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful innovation isn't about adding more—it's about giving ourselves permission to want less. If you're curious about experiencing a truly pressure-free salon visit, you can find The Introvert Stylist on Instagram @the_introvert_stylist, with booking information available in her bio.

https://theintrovertstylist.glossgenius.com/

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The hidden epidemic of chronic pain affects millions, but women in midlife bear a disproportionate burden—often with inadequate support from conventional healthcare. In this episode we discuss this revolutionary understanding of pain science with expert Mandy Ryle, who combines professional expertise with personal experience navigating her own chronic pain journey.

Mandy challenges our fundamental understanding of pain, exposing the outdated "mechanistic view" of the body that originated during the Industrial Revolution. This paradigm shift reveals why tissue damage and pain are only loosely correlated—explaining why 40-50% of midlife adults have joint changes visible on MRIs yet experience zero pain.

For women navigating the complexities of perimenopause, family responsibilities, and societal pressures, chronic pain becomes a perfect storm of biological, psychological, and social factors. Estrogen's role as a natural pain modulator, the perfectionist personality traits common among chronic pain sufferers, and the validation gap many women face in medical settings all contribute to this complex experience.

Most powerfully, Mandy offers practical strategies that work—not by "fixing broken parts" but by addressing the whole person. Movement reclamation, community support, nervous system regulation, and developing interoceptive awareness become pathways to significant improvement, even when pain cannot be completely eliminated.

Whether you're personally struggling with persistent pain or supporting someone who is, this conversation provides both the science and soul of effective pain management. Discover how to move beyond simply surviving pain toward reclaiming vibrancy, agency, and joy in everyday life.

Move Beyond Pain Roadmap Ebook: https://empoweredself.me/move-beyond-pain-roadmap-ebook/

Struggling with a pain issue? Schedule a chat to learn more about holistic pain care: https://empoweredself.me/free-strategy-session/

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YouTube Movement for Healing. Free video resources for holistic pain care:
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The Yin Yoga Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2q0Xto3mxbcv2sczyJbcvn?si=505e4ee91a5a48f7
On Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-yin-yoga-podcast/id1518403758

Moving Beyond Pain Facebook Group: A free community for those seeking holistic pain care resources and guidance.
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Maria Paholik takes us on a deeply personal journey from people-pleasing to self-liberation in this heartfelt conversation about authenticity and worth. Eight years ago, Maria stood at her bedroom window, feeling completely lost despite outward appearances of success. That vulnerable moment when she asked the universe for help sparked a transformative path toward self-discovery and healing.

Through her work as a Heal Your Life workshop leader, Coach, and mindfulness meditation teacher, Maria now guides women to break free from the exhausting cycle of people-pleasing. She shares refreshingly practical strategies, like her simple yet powerful question: "When do you need the answer by?" This creates vital space between requests and responses, allowing us to check in with our true desires before automatically saying yes.

What makes Maria's approach unique is her recognition that healing isn't linear. Even after years of setting boundaries, she sometimes finds herself momentarily unable to say no. Rather than viewing this as failure, she embraces it as part of the spiral-like journey of growth—we revisit similar challenges throughout life but with increasingly gentle and effective responses each time.

Our conversation explores how many of our stressors come from self-imposed expectations rather than actual demands from others. Through client examples and personal anecdotes, Maria illustrates how small experiments in self-prioritization—like leaving dishes undone to put your feet up instead—can create profound shifts in wellbeing and identity.

Ready to begin your own journey toward self-love and authentic living? Maria offers practical starting points, including her free gift of 21 self-love letters delivered daily to your inbox. Her parting wisdom distills everything into one gentle reminder that might just change your life: be kind to yourself.

 💐 Free Gift : 21 days of love letters to yourself

http://info.mariapaholik.com/loveletters

💚Maria’s Website:

http://mariapaholik.com/

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Imagine living with debilitating pain for three decades, only to discover that the key to freedom wasn't surgery but something far more surprising. This is the remarkable journey of Kari Kiazyk, who transformed her 30-year battle with scoliosis pain into a mission to help others find relief through unconventional but powerful methods.

At just sixteen years old, Kari faced a devastating diagnosis following a gym class accident. Doctors warned she'd be wheelchair-bound by thirty without immediate surgery. Despite this grim prognosis, something deep within her resisted. That intuitive "no" set her on a path that would eventually lead to complete freedom from pain – though not before enduring years of suffering and a near-fatal car accident that became her ultimate wake-up call.

The accident marked a turning point when synchronicities began appearing in Kari’s life. Her introduction to energy healing resonated on a profound level, and after just three sessions with a healer, her pain dropped from a nine to a two. Today, she's been pain-free for over a decade without surgical intervention, despite still having the physical S-curve of scoliosis.

What makes Kari’s approach so revolutionary is her understanding of pain as a messenger rather than an enemy. "Pain is like a fire alarm going off in your body," she explains. "You don't just smash the alarm and walk away—you go to the source." Through her work with crystal singing bowls and energy healing, she helps people access those deeper sources of pain—often emotional or energetic in nature—that conventional treatments can't reach.

The vibrations from sound healing move through water, tissue, and energetic fields, helping regulate the nervous system and dissolve stored emotional residue from grief, stress, and trauma. This modality proves particularly powerful for releasing trauma incurred before we had language to process it.

Ready to transform your relationship with pain? Explore Kari’s work at aligningyourheart.com and discover how addressing the root causes of suffering can lead to lasting relief. Your body has wisdom to share – are you ready to listen?

Connect with Kari Kiazyk

Websites:
🌐 www.aligningyourheart.com
🌐 www.thrivewithscoliosis.com

Instagram:
📸 @aligningyourheart

LinkedIn:
🔗 linkedin.com/in/kari-kiazyk

🎧 Free Sound Healing Gift

Awaken the Frequency of Relief

A short guided sound healing journey to help your body soften, recalibrate, and begin to release what it’s been holding.

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Are you tired of rigid diet plans that never stick? Do you feel disconnected from your body despite "doing everything right"? Join us for a refreshing conversation with Nicole King, author of "Listening to Your Body" and founder of Balance Being Nutrition, who offers a revolutionary approach to health that prioritizes self-acceptance over restriction.

Nicole's journey began with a simple revelation: providing meal plans alone doesn't create lasting change. Through her own experience as "the skinny girl who struggled to gain weight," Nicole discovered that true health transcends appearance and involves reconnecting with your body's innate wisdom. Her eight-step program helps women break free from shame-based patterns and rebuild body trust without the burden of restrictive dieting.

What sets Nicole's approach apart is her emphasis on individualization and sustainability. She promotes an 80/20 nutrition philosophy that allows flexibility while nourishing your body properly. "Anything rigid and restricted is not sustainable," Nicole explains, offering practical insights into why most diets eventually fail. You'll learn about her innovative "pause method" for setting boundaries, the importance of questioning whether you're pursuing health for yourself or others, and why rest deserves to be recognized as a crucial component of wellbeing.

This conversation challenges conventional wisdom about nutrition, exercise, and body image, offering a gentle pathway toward healing for anyone who has struggled with food stress. Whether you're battling food confusion, exhaustion, or disconnection from your body, Nicole's compassionate approach provides real solutions without shame or judgment. Ready to transform your relationship with food and reclaim your sense of self? Download Nicole's free "Trust Your Body Guide" at bbnutrition.ca and take your first step toward genuine, sustainable wellness today.

Free Gift from Nicole 

https://bbnutrition.ca/trustyourbody-freegift
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What if everything you've been told about nurse burnout is wrong? Dr. Lorre Laws, integrative nursing professor with over 35 years in the healing arts, presents a revolutionary perspective: what healthcare professionals experience isn't mere burnout – it's occupational trauma with profound physiological impacts.

With equal parts scientific authority and spiritual wisdom, Dr. Lorre unveils how chronic workplace stress triggers cell danger response, causing mitochondrial dysfunction that manifests as chronic fatigue, brain fog, autoimmune conditions, and more. This groundbreaking framework explains why traditional "self-care" approaches fail and why we need trauma-informed healing strategies that begin at the cellular level.

The conversation delves into historical nurse trauma and system-induced gaslighting that keeps healthcare professionals marginalized despite being the linchpins of every healthcare system worldwide. Dr. Lorre shares her journey from teenage CNA to founding the Halen Academy, where she helps nurses stabilize their nervous systems through evidence-based, integrative approaches.

Most powerfully, Dr. Lorre offers immediate, practical tools anyone can implement – including her 30-second "Microdoses Matter" practice for nervous system regulation and the "Dr. Lorre Tuck-in Protocol" for clearing absorbed energies before sleep. These simple yet profound techniques help healthcare professionals maintain regulation even amid workplace chaos.

Ready to transform your understanding of healthcare trauma and discover evidence-based healing approaches? This episode provides both validation and actionable pathways toward genuine recovery. Visit drlorrielaws.com for free resources, masterclasses, and information about Dr. Lorre’s book "Nursing Our Healer's Heart."

https://drlorrelaws.com/

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What happens when we stop fearing death and start embracing it as part of our human journey? Christine Soza, a Reiki master and end-of-life doula with 30 years of nursing experience, transforms our understanding of mortality in this profound conversation.

Christine guides us through the role of an end-of-life doula—a non-medical practitioner supporting people from diagnosis through their final transition and beyond. With compassion and clarity, she explains how our society's death denial creates unnecessary suffering and how reclaiming death as a natural process can lead to more meaningful living. Her stories of sitting with hundreds of dying individuals reveal the sacred patterns and opportunities for connection that emerge when we don't turn away from mortality.

Our conversation ventures into practical territory as Christine shares how advance care planning empowers individuals and relieves loved ones from making agonizing decisions. She introduces the concept of "legacy work"—writing letters to future grandchildren, planning meaningful gestures that will continue after death, and creating what one client lovingly calls her "dead box" with all essential information organized. These preparations aren't morbid; they're liberating acts that allow fuller engagement with life.

Perhaps most striking is Christine's integration of energy healing into end-of-life care. As a medical Reiki master, she witnesses remarkable transformations as this gentle practice activates the parasympathetic nervous system, creating deep relaxation for those transitioning and their families. Her perspective challenges us to reconsider quality versus quantity of life and reminds us that "if death is a battle, we'll all lose"—suggesting instead that we transition having fought bravely.

Whether you're facing mortality yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about approaching life with greater awareness, Christine's wisdom offers a roadmap to presence, meaning, and connection. Her closing thoughts on rekindling our inner light serve as a powerful meditation for living fully, no matter where we are on life's journey.

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What happens when physical fitness meets energy healing? Ashley Weir's journey from fitness queen to Reiki master offers a compelling answer. As the owner of Indigo Sage and Balance, Ashley has discovered that true wellness requires more than just pushing your body to its limits—it demands attention to your energetic and spiritual well-being too.

Ashley's story begins with a familiar narrative: a young athlete focused intensely on physical performance, struggling with body dysmorphia and using exercise as her primary outlet for emotional processing. "I'd push myself physically," she reflects, "and I was like, 'I need to just keep pushing myself and pushing myself.'" But something was missing. Despite her physical strength, anxiety and depression were constant companions, and the constant "go mode" left little room for genuine healing.

The turning point came through therapy, when a counselor helped Ashley see that running seven miles to process frustration wasn't addressing her deeper needs. Learning to simply "be" for twenty minutes proved challenging for someone always on the move, but it opened the door to meditation, yoga, and eventually Reiki—a healing modality she approached initially with healthy skepticism.

Now certified as a Holy Fire Reiki master, Ashley describes working with "life force energy" to help tune clients' energy systems to their highest frequencies. During sessions, she's guided by intuition, often sensing areas needing attention through physical sensations in her own body. "I feel it in my hands, I feel it in my chakras," she explains. "When I'm working on someone, I can feel if someone's having something in their heart chakra, I'll start having pain in my chest."

Perhaps most valuable is Ashley's guidance on energy clearing—essential for anyone who absorbs others' emotions throughout their day. Through visualization, salt baths, sound healing, or simply setting conscious boundaries, we can release what doesn't serve us and create space for what does. "You don't need to carry somebody else's energy with you," she reminds us, a particularly powerful message for empaths and those in helping professions.

Ready to explore how combining physical fitness with energy work might transform your wellness journey? Ashley's experience shows that when we honor both our physical strength and our energetic nature, true balance becomes possible. As she wisely puts it: "Trust yourself and trust your gut and whatever life is telling you is the right path for you."

What is Usui/Holy Fire Reiki?

Usui/Holy Fire Reiki is a modern evolution of traditional Reiki, a Japanese healing technique that promotes relaxation, stress reduction, and emotional well-being through gentle energy work. Rooted in the original teachings of Mikao Usui, this practice has been enhanced with Holy Fire energy—a refined and powerful form of spiritual healing introduced by the International Center for Reiki Training. Holy Fire Reiki is known for its deeply soothing, purifying, and empowering effects, helping to release energetic blockages, support emotional healing, and foster a sense of inner peace. It works intuitively, guiding energy to where it is most needed for the highest good of the recipient.

 Why Choose Reiki?

Reiki offers a wide-range of benefits that support physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It promotes deep relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety, and encourages the body’s natural healing processes. Many clients report feeling lighter, calmer, and more balanced after a sess

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When the hospital beeps follow you home and echo in your dreams, you know your nervous system has been fundamentally altered by your work. This was Eva ZobianWolfe's reality during her 25+ years in critical care nursing before she discovered the transformative power of adaptive yoga therapy.

In this deeply resonant conversation, Eva reveals the barely discussed truth about healthcare burnout – how the hypervigilance required to save lives creates a physiological state where true relaxation feels impossible, even threatening. "I felt like an angry shell of myself," she confesses, describing how burnout manifested in her relationships and wellbeing. This emotional honesty creates immediate connection with anyone who's experienced the crushing weight of compassion fatigue.

Eva's journey from bedside nurse to founder of Eva Z Wellness represents a radical reframing of self-care for healthcare providers. She exposes why traditional "treat yourself" activities provide only fleeting relief, while offering evidence-based alternatives that create lasting nervous system regulation. Her expertise in adaptive yoga therapy and mind-body wellness shines through practical suggestions like the Kirtan Kriya meditation, which research shows improves cognitive function even in dementia patients.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Eva's holistic approach to healing. Beyond physical postures, she explores all eight limbs of yoga, including ethical principles that naturally support boundary-setting – something desperately needed in healthcare environments. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, she illustrates how these ancient practices can help modern caregivers recover their joy and compassion.

Whether you're a healthcare professional fighting burnout or simply someone whose nervous system feels perpetually overwired, this conversation offers both validation and viable pathways forward. Listen now to discover how reconnecting with your authentic self might be the most radical act of healthcare you can provide – to yourself and those you care for.

You can find Eva at http://www.evazeewellness.com/ or join her Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfcareisyourhealthcare

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What if the key to personal transformation isn't about fixing what's broken, but rather becoming curious about patterns that once protected you? Somatic coach Molly Rose joins us to explore how our bodies hold wisdom far beyond cognitive intelligence.

Drawing from her decade of experience in nonprofit management and humanitarian work, Molly reveals how organizations like Clowns Without Borders and Burning Man Project showed her the profound impact of human connection in crisis. Whether performing in refugee camps or organizing community-driven service projects, she witnessed how simple moments of wonder and laughter create resilience against overwhelming circumstances.

Molly defines liberation as "freedom from the pairs"—moving beyond binary thinking that forces us to categorize everything as good/bad or right/wrong. This approach allows us to navigate life's complexities with greater ease and authenticity. Through somatic coaching, she helps clients become aware of their conditioned "shapes" or habitual responses, creating space for new choices instead of automatic reactions.

This conversation resonates particularly for high-functioning individuals who appear successful externally but feel disconnected from enjoying their achievements, or those serving as pillars of strength while carrying the cost somewhere in their lives. Molly shares practical tools like "orienting" to regulate your nervous system during stress, and explains how six months of somatic practice can create rippling transformation.

The most powerful insight? All our strategies for moving through the world developed for good reasons—to protect our safety, belonging, and dignity. When we honor rather than reject these aspects of ourselves, change happens naturally. Connect with Molly at withmollyrose.com to explore how somatic coaching might support your journey toward greater alignment and authenticity.

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What happens when a nurse with 40 years of experience decides to tackle the healthcare burnout crisis head-on? Barbara Anderson's journey from bedside nurse to healthcare consultant to holistic coach offers powerful insights for anyone struggling to find balance in a caregiving profession.

Barbara introduces us to the concept of being a "pivot person" – someone who embraces change and seeks new challenges throughout their career. Her own path took her from home care to leadership roles to traveling healthcare consultant, ultimately leading to her coaching practice, Simply Harmony Coaching. Through each transition, she gained deeper understanding of the healthcare system and the toll it takes on those working within it.

At the heart of Barbara's approach is a revolutionary yet simple truth: healthcare workers pour themselves into caring for others while neglecting their own wellbeing. "We take care of everybody else, we're empathetic, we're compassionate, and don't always look at ourselves and what we need," she explains. This insight forms the foundation of her coaching practice, where she creates sacred spaces for healthcare professionals to reconnect with themselves.

Our conversation explores practical tools for building resilience, including the three pillars Barbara identifies as essential: self-compassion, self-reflection, and self-care. She offers actionable advice for developing intuition, processing emotions, and balancing masculine and feminine energies within ourselves. Whether through journaling, meditation, or simply stepping outside to connect with nature, Barbara emphasizes that small self-care practices can create profound shifts in our wellbeing.

Ready to discover your own path to harmony? Connect with Barbara at SimplyHarmonyCoaching.com or join her Feminine Rising Circle to experience the power of community in your journey toward balance and joy.

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Trauma doesn't fit neatly into a standard 50-minute therapy session – so why should our approach to healing? Hannah Ciampini shares how EMDR intensive therapy breaks the traditional model by offering longer, more focused sessions that help clients process trauma efficiently rather than dragging healing out over months or years.

My guest, Hannah, explains why the wall that trauma creates between short-term and long-term memory keeps us stuck in fight-or-flight, and how EMDR helps break down that barrier. "It's not that certain memories are ever going to be okay," she notes, "but you're making it okay and safe for your body by acknowledging you're safe now."

Our conversation takes a powerful turn when discussing medical trauma and chronic illness – a specialty Hannah developed through both professional experience and personal struggle with autoimmune disease. Women particularly face an uphill battle against medical gaslighting that compounds physical suffering with psychological trauma. 

Most compelling is the emerging research connecting trauma and chronic illness through inflammation pathways. "Trauma keeps your body inflamed, which is already an issue with chronic illness and autoimmune conditions," Hannah explains. "So trauma can really light those symptoms on fire." This understanding makes trauma healing an essential component of physical recovery.

Whether you're struggling with unprocessed trauma, navigating a chronic illness journey, or simply curious about innovative therapy approaches, this episode offers a roadmap to reconnecting with your body's wisdom and healing potential. Ready to transform your relationship with trauma? This conversation is your starting point.

Hannah is a LCSW—a therapist, EMDR intensive specialist, and entrepreneur at heart. I own Hello Calm Therapy, my private practice where I offer EMDR intensives to help clients move through trauma, anxiety, and relational wounds quicker than traditional therapy and in a more tailored and focused way. I work virtually with clients in Florida and Alabama, and also welcome folks in person at my cozy office in Pensacola, FL.

Alongside my clinical work, I recently created Blueprint & Bloom, a coaching business where I help fellow therapists turn their big ideas into thriving practices. I absolutely love the business-building side of things—creating offers that feel aligned, finding ease in the process, and watching other therapists step confidently into entrepreneurship.

Whether I’m in a therapy session or a coaching call, my goal is always the same: to hold space for deep transformation and remind people of what’s possible when they trust themselves.

FIND HANNAH HERE

Hellocalmtherapy.com

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When Stephanie Konter O'Hara—a mental health therapist with over 13 years of experience—became a mother, she discovered something surprising: all her professional training couldn't prepare her for the emotional tsunami of postpartum anxiety. "I thought I knew what to expect," she shares candidly. "I was definitely not prepared for everything that I experienced emotionally in postpartum."

This powerful conversation explores the hidden realities of maternal mental health that aren't covered in typical birth preparation classes. Stephanie reveals critical information every expectant and new parent should know, including the surprising fact that most women experiencing postpartum depression feel most suicidal between months eight and ten—not during the initial newborn phase when most support is concentrated. We discuss the biological perfect storm of physical recovery, severe sleep deprivation, and hormonal fluctuations that create unique vulnerabilities during this transition.

Stephanie's insights go beyond the standard warnings about postpartum blues, diving into practical advice for building effective support systems and finding the right healthcare providers who truly listen. She emphasizes that typical "baby blues" should only last about two weeks—anything beyond that warrants professional support. For partners, family members, and friends, she offers guidance on providing meaningful support without judgment, starting with the simple question: "How can I support you?"

The discussion extends beyond the immediate postpartum period to explore how women's hormonal shifts throughout life—from new motherhood through perimenopause—profoundly affect values, relationships, and identity. This conversation offers validation for anyone navigating these transitions and practical guidance for building the support systems necessary to thrive through them.

Subscribe now to hear more conversations about the real, unfiltered experiences of women's health journeys and join our community of listeners seeking authentic dialogue about life's most challenging transitions.

Stephanie Konter-O'Hara, LPC, ACS is passionate about making space in the world for everyone to be themselves and live in the most connected and authentic way that they can. She is a Mom, Podcaster (Redefining US), Licensed Mental Health Therapist, Group Practice Owner of WellMinded Counseling and author of the workbook Becoming Mommy. She truly loves to help people explore their relationships with themselves and believes that we should all surround ourselves with more opportunities to connect with our village. 

Here is her website: https://wellmindedcounseling.com/redefining-us-podcast

Link to her workbook: https://a.co/d/b462dWn

Socials (instagram and facebook) @wellmindedcounseling

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Herbalist Avie Heidenfelder transforms women's menopausal journeys through natural remedies and frank conversation—a mission born from her own struggles after a hysterectomy at 39. Our candid conversation tears down the walls of silence that have surrounded women's hormonal health for generations.

"This is not like the curse," Avie asserts, rejecting the historical stigma around female bodies. "There's nothing wrong with us. It's a natural journey." We share raw accounts of emotional rollercoasters—from inexplicable tears to feeling completely detached from their usual selves. Our honest admissions validate what countless women experience but rarely hear acknowledged: the profound identity shifts that can accompany hormonal fluctuation.

After leaving her corporate career in finance, Avie embraced off-grid living and discovered herbalism, eventually specializing in menopausal wellness. Her approach combines personalized herbal formulations with holistic lifestyle adjustments, recognizing that every woman's experience differs based on diet, activity level, and individual physiology. This episode explores how women's hormonal health remains dangerously understudied, with Avie noting that many women in previous generations were institutionalized for what was simply menopause—a sobering reminder of why breaking this silence matters.

Beyond professional insights, Avie shares glimpses of her woodland sanctuary where boulder-strewn meditation spots and forest bathing constitute her essential self-care. Discover her free resources at myherbalistjourney.com, including specialized PDFs on herbal remedies and monthly virtual workshops covering energy work, mindfulness, and chakra balancing. For anyone navigating the complex terrain of hormonal shifts, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and the profound reassurance that you're not alone—and you're definitely not losing your mind.

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Frustrated by a healthcare system that seems to address symptoms rather than causes? Holistic nutritionist Brooke Holland understands this all too well. After working in hospital settings where cardiac patients' "special diets" differed from regular meals only by the absence of a salt packet, she knew there had to be a better way to support true healing.

On this eye-opening episode, Brooke shares her journey from conventional clinical nutrition to founding the Rise to Thrive Tribe with her partner—a community centered around vitality, connection, and play. Her personal health struggles led her down a path of discovery when traditional medicine couldn't provide answers, ultimately revealing how proper nourishment could resolve the gut issues that multiple doctors and tests couldn't diagnose.

You'll discover fascinating insights about water quality that few health professionals discuss—how not all water actually hydrates at the cellular level, and simple ways to transform your ordinary filtered water into a powerful healing tool without expensive equipment. Brooke explains the connection between modern farming practices, glyphosate exposure, and the epidemic of chronic disease, offering practical guidance for navigating today's challenging food landscape.

Whether you're looking to make small improvements or completely transform your health, Brooke offers actionable advice from prioritizing the "dirty dozen" organic produce to eliminating harmful seed oils. Beyond just what to eat, she emphasizes the importance of how we eat—cooking at home, sharing meals in community, and practicing gratitude for our food. These simple yet profound practices can shift not just our physical health but our entire relationship with nourishment.

Ready to explore a more holistic approach to wellness? Connect with Brooke at sunbeam-wellness.com or follow her on Instagram @sunbeam_Brookie to learn about joining her transformative wellness community.

Or here

http://www.sunbeam-wellness.com/

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Imagine waking up each morning never knowing how much energy you'll have for the day. Will you have enough "spoons" to shower, prepare a meal, and pay your bills—or will you need to choose just one? This is daily reality for millions living with chronic illness who fall between support system cracks.

My guests this week, Andie Malone and Cady Menk, social workers who transformed personal struggle into community solution through their non-profit, Ladle of Ferns. After losing a friend to suicide, they looked at each other and asked the haunting question: "Who's next?" Their answer became a lifeline for those with invisible illnesses who don't qualify for traditional assistance yet can't afford private support.

Through four groundbreaking programs, they're reshaping what support looks like. Their online community creates 24/7 connection where members share "peaks and valleys" weekly. Monthly meetups combine peer support with practical education. Their resource navigation helps clients create manageable action plans and complete overwhelming paperwork. Perhaps most innovative is their body doubling program, where simply having another person present—virtually or in-person—helps participants accomplish tasks that would otherwise remain undone.

What makes Ladle of Ferns extraordinary isn't just what they offer, but how they offer it. Every service is completely free and tailored to individual needs. Need someone to sit with you while making a difficult phone call? They'll do it. Just need links to resources? They've got you. This flexibility comes from lived experience—both founders identify as "spoonies" themselves, understanding firsthand how chronic illness transforms simple tasks into monumental challenges.

Visit ladleofferns.org to learn how you can join their community, volunteer, or donate to help those who wake up each day not knowing how many spoons they'll have, but knowing they don't have to face it alone.

Ladle of Ferns is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit organization that provides personalized support to adults living with chronic physical and/or mental illnesses. Ladle of Ferns was dreamt up after Co-Creators Andie Melone and Cady Menk spent countless hours discussing the lack of support for themselves, their friends, and even their fellow social workers. They realized that many people struggle to access traditional support services for two main reasons: they do not make enough to pay for services out of pocket AND they do not qualify for traditional low to no-cost services. To put it simply, they belong to the economic middle. If you would like some support, or simply want to get involved, check out the links below: 

To check-out the website: https://www.ladleofferns.org/

For information on our events: https://www.ladleofferns.org/events

To follow us on socials: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556308831956 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladleofferns/ 

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The hidden cost of caring for others often manifests in our bodies, and no one understands this better than nurses. In my raw and illuminating conversation, Amanda Farq—registered nurse, wellness warrior, and nervous system educator—she reveals how years of nursing led her down a path of chronic illness that conventional medicine couldn't fully address.

Amanda shares her personal journey through endometriosis, the devastating loss of her child at 24 weeks, and eventually ulcerative colitis following intense workplace stress and grief. While talk therapy provided some relief, it wasn't until she rediscovered somatic practices that true healing began. "We hold trauma in our body," Amanda explains. "Our body remembers what we go through, and sometimes we need to let our body release that trauma in ways that are more intuitive."

Our conversation dives deep into how nurses—conditioned to believe that extraordinary stress is simply "part of the job"—often ignore their body's warning signals until serious health issues emerge. Amanda describes how simple 15-minute daily somatic exercises can help regulate the nervous system, release tension from specific areas like the psoas muscle, and ultimately prevent burnout. She's now created specialized programs for nurses that even offer continuing education units (CEUs), making healing more accessible to a profession notorious for putting others first.

What makes this episode particularly powerful is the practical wisdom shared about establishing boundaries in high-pressure medical environments. We discuss how detachment (not from compassion, but from outcomes beyond your control) becomes essential for longevity in healthcare. We explore the flexibility nursing offers—from per diem work to travel contracts—as pathways to prevent burnout while staying connected to the profession they love.

Whether you're in healthcare or any helping profession, this conversation offers a roadmap to recognizing when your body is speaking to you—and the somatic tools to finally listen. Follow Amanda @zen.nurse on Instagram to learn more about her workshops and upcoming 30-day course specifically designed for healthcare providers.

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Imagine reaching the breaking point—crying at the kitchen sink, feeling lost in the life you've built, and walking away from your family for several days just to breathe. This was certified coach Liliane de Vries reality before her extraordinary journey of self-discovery transformed her approach to life, relationships, and purpose.

Liliane, a former oncology nurse turned wellness coach, shares the raw and powerful story of how she took a six-month "sabbatical" from being a wife, mother, and daughter to focus solely on herself. What she discovered in the first hour of this journey changed everything: "I had full permission to look after me. I now had nobody to blame." This simple yet profound revelation became the foundation for her work with unstoppable women who feel overwhelmed, burnt out, and disconnected from their own needs.

Throughout our conversation, Liliane reveals why nurses and healthcare professionals often struggle to prioritize self-care, and how the mindset that "the system owes me" prevents many from taking responsibility for their wellbeing. She explains the crucial difference between happiness (which depends on external circumstances) and joy (an attitude that defies all circumstances), offering practical strategies for cultivating the latter even in challenging environments.

Whether you're a healthcare professional feeling burnt out, someone struggling with boundaries in relationships, or simply seeking more balance and peace in your daily life, Liliana’s insights will resonate deeply. Her mirror exercise for self-acceptance, techniques for recognizing saboteur voices, and perspective on relationships as a "third entity" provide transformative tools you can implement immediately.

Ready to move from surviving to thriving? Discover how asking yourself "What do I need right now?" rather than "What do I need to do?" can be the first step toward reclaiming your joy, purpose, and balance. Connect with Liliane’s free support group for nurses or book a one-on-one call to explore how her coaching might support your journey.

Liliane de Vries 

Website: www.lilianedevries.com and www.aliveinhealthcare.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlivewithLilianedeVries/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/liliane-devries

Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@alivewithLiliane/videos

Author: The Passionate Nurse: https://www.amazon.ca/Passionate-Nurse-Liliane-Vries/dp/1978194439/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1531858474&sr=1-1&keywords=the+passionate+nurse

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Dive into a world of empowerment, sensuality, and body confidence as we chat with Marta Kagan, a transformative coach dedicated to helping women over 40 reconnect with their true selves. With her wealth of knowledge and experience, Marta reveals deep insights into overcoming societal norms that keep women from embracing their own pleasure and confidence. The episode emphasizes that aging should not signify a decline in vitality or sensuality—instead, it's a unique time to rediscover and reclaim personal joy.

We discuss the ways in which societal conditioning can instill feelings of shame surrounding pleasure and the importance of dismantling these beliefs. Marta shares powerful stories from women who have transformed their self-image and discovered a deeper sense of intimacy with their bodies. The magic of community plays a vital role in this journey, as Marta explains how the Sensual Sisterhood fosters support and connection among women navigating similar challenges.

Whether you're curious about finding your sensual power or seeking a community of empowered women, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps for every listener. Embrace the fact that pleasure is indeed your birthright, and join us as we celebrate the vibrant and beautiful journey of growth in our lives. Ready to take the plunge? Tune in, and together, let’s embark on the journey towards a more fulfilling and pleasurable life! Subscribe, review, and share your thoughts with us!

Marta Kagan is a Body Confidence & Sensuality Coach who helps women over 40 reconnect with their sensuality, confidence, and pleasure—because your body deserves love, not criticism. Through her signature Pleasure Playground, her FUCK YES group embodiment program, and products like The Ultimate Turn-On Toolkit, she guides women to shed shame, embrace desire, and reclaim their radiance. She also shares her wisdom (and plenty of spicy truth bombs) on her YouTube channel and The Pleasure Playground podcast. Known for her bold, no-BS approach and deep devotion to pleasure as a lifestyle, Marta is here to remind you that confidence isn’t about changing your body—it’s about loving the one you have.

Links are active in the bio!!

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What happens when a traumatic event leads you back to a forgotten passion? After a life-altering car accident, Crystal Hurley, therapeutic art and self healing coach, found solace in painting, which proved to be more than just a hobby—it became a powerful form of therapy. Join me as I share her personal story of overcoming post-concussive syndrome through art, and how this rediscovery inspired her to establish a nonprofit aimed at helping others find healing through creativity. Each brushstroke brought new layers of emotional release, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.

Art has a remarkable ability to express the unspeakable, and we explore how various techniques provide not just catharsis but also profound emotional healing. Listen as we delve into therapeutic painting sessions fueled by raw emotions and the liberating process of scream painting, where perfection takes a backseat to authentic expression. Discover the magic of neurographic art, a unique technique that helps ease mental blockages and promote emotional balance, offering a fresh perspective on problem-solving and self-discovery. These creative practices are not just hobbies—they're lifelines during life's most turbulent times.

Meet Crystal, a shining example of resilience through art, whose passion for scream painting has been a beacon of strength for her and her son. Through her inspiring journey, we uncover the transformative power of artistic expression and self-care techniques like morning affirmations and breathing exercises that draw out subconscious thoughts. Crystal's story ignites hope for others to explore their own creative potential, and her nonprofit endeavors promise to extend this healing influence far and wide. Join us as we celebrate the empowering capacity of creativity to uplift, heal, and transform lives.

Her Link Tree

https://linktr.ee/GracefulArtNP

Her Website

http://gracefulartnselfawakening.com/

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Elicia Ybarra defied gender stereotypes in martial arts by embracing her unique style, all while building a brand around the color pink, despite the critics. As a seasoned martial artist with expertise in karate and Taekwondo. Elicia joins us to share her journey of empowerment and resilience. We discuss the importance of boundaries and trust in intuition,  women's self-defense, the struggle women face in finding female-led self-defense classes, and how martial arts can be a vital tool for self-empowerment, especially in places like the Midwest where such classes are sparse.

Elicia’s story is one of personal growth, marked by a series of transformative experiences. We navigate through her tumultuous teenage years and an engagement in a controlling environment that almost derailed her dreams. Listen as she recounts breaking free from an abusive relationship, celebrating her newfound freedom and independence with bold actions that signified her journey towards self-discovery. Her story is a testament to resilience and the power of reclaiming one's life after overcoming manipulation and control.

We also tackle the difficult topic of abusive relationships, focusing on the healing process and the critical importance of setting personal boundaries. Elicia shares insights from her own experiences, emphasizing the significance of therapy, community support, and self-care in overcoming abuse and trauma. From understanding the complexities of manipulation to recognizing the subtle signs of abuse, this episode serves as a guide for those facing similar situations, offering practical advice and empowering listeners to recognize their self-worth and the power of leaving toxic environments.

Empowering Women Through Self-Defense and Resilience
Elicia Ybarra is a seasoned martial artist, dedicated women's self-defense instructor, and passionate advocate for empowering women to live confidently and fearlessly. With over two decades of martial arts experience, including a 4th dan black belt in Taekwondo and a 1st dan black belt in Hapkido, Elicia has transformed her personal journey of resilience into a mission to uplift others.
As the founder of Pretty Hands, Hard Punches, Elicia uses her own experiences overcoming abuse and exploitation within the martial arts industry to teach women practical self-defense techniques, boundary-setting, and how to recognize and stand against abuse. Her unique approach combines technical skill, emotional intelligence, and empowerment to help women build physical and mental strength.

www.prettyhandshardpunches.com if you want more information

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What if you had the power to transform not just spaces, but lives? Join us as we talk to Terry Grail, the visionary founder and CEO of Enchanted Makeovers, who turned a simple act of painting a wall in a shelter into a full-blown mission to create healing environments for women and children in need. Terry's journey from facing initial setbacks to securing crucial donations like mattresses is a testament to her unwavering commitment and serves as an inspiring tale of perseverance and compassion.

Throughout this episode, we explore various programs that empower women in overcoming their traumas. From the innovative Capes for Kids initiative to the heartwarming doll adoption program, these efforts show small acts of kindness can have a profound impact. Terry's story highlights the extraordinary resilience and courage of women, often forged through challenging experiences like transient childhoods and homelessness. These women are not just survivors; they are true warriors, turning adversity into strength.

In our conversation, we also dive into the remarkable sewing program that aids women escaping human trafficking and domestic violence. By creating sacred sewing rooms, these initiatives foster new skills, community involvement, and personal healing. Handcrafted treasures carry the love of their makers and the potential to spark joy and connection. As we wrap up, we also introduce an inspiring children's book author whose tales of discovery and love echo the themes of empowerment and transformation woven throughout this episode. Join us, get inspired, and perhaps find your way to contribute to this beautiful mission.

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Join us for an empowering discussion on microdosing, burnout, and holistic healing with Micah Walker. We explore how reshaping our relationship with mental health can lead to profound transformations for women, empowering them to reclaim their creativity and community. 
• Micah’s journey from nursing to holistic coaching 
• The role of microdosing in mental health and neuroplasticity 
• Systemic issues in healthcare contributing to nurse burnout 
• Importance of community-building among nurse coaches 
• Inner child work as a tool for self-discovery and healing 
• Practical stress management techniques for busy professionals 
• Call for collective healing and empowerment within women's networks

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