Explore every episode of the podcast A Quest for Well-Being

— Ayurveda may be the world's oldest continuously practiced health system, dating up to five thousand years ago Ayurveda can be loosely translated as the “science of life.” The word comes from combining "Ayur," meaning life, and "Veda,” meaning knowledge. So Ayurveda literally means "the knowledge of life" —  how to  live in the best possible way.

Ayurveda is a very basic, simple, natural approach to living. It is a beautiful combination of oral and written instruction, spirituality, philosophy, mythology, AND  SCIENTIFIC knowledge that has been around for over 5000 years.

It is rooted in the oldest spiritual texts of India called the Vedas. These texts (some of which date back to 450-1500 BCE.) are widely considered to be the most ancient  science and address ALL aspects of healing and well-being for both body  and mind.

Ayurveda, even though it originated in India, gained traction  and prestige in Sri Lanka, China, Tibet, and Nepal, influencing these  various philosophies and healing traditions. There was a point when Western medicine denounced Ayurveda as inferior when India was  colonized. However, it continued to be practiced under the radar of  colonists in rural areas and monasteries.

Ayurveda is making a huge  comeback in India, North America, and other Western countries. We are  now looking to combine the science and technology of traditional Western  medicine with Ayurveda's holistic, preventative healing art. With the  emphasis on prevention and empowering people to have more control over  their health via the choices they make in their everyday lives, Ayurveda  has become a holistic wellness system that is infiltrating the  mainstream, unbeknownst to many. For instance, Kaizer Permanente is  displaying billboards around LA referencing circadian rhythms - how  crazy fantastic is that? Costco did a 2-page layout last summer on  Ayurveda and holistic health. And yes.....they called it by its real name!

 Ayurveda and Self-Care go hand and hand!  

Valeria interviews Paula Pister  — She is an Ayurvedic Health and Life Coach, Yoga teacher, and busy mom.

Her journey began as a young model and actress, where she struggled with self-worth and body image issues. In her 20s, becoming a certified yoga teacher helped Paula appreciate and love her body more, leading her to explore Ayurveda, yoga's sister science.

Now, Paula teaches midlife women simple daily and seasonal self-care tools rooted in ancient wisdom and modern habit change science. She is a strong advocate for self-care, aiming to help women overcome the belief that prioritizing themselves is selfish or to feel “guilty about."

In Ayurveda, our energy reserves are called “Ojas." Paula emphasizes that without replenishment, this energy depletes, leaving women vulnerable to mental, emotional, and physical imbalances. Having experienced burnout herself, she understands the challenges faced by busy women juggling multiple responsibilities.

Growing up in a generation where real self-care wasn’t always modeled well, Paula learned its importance later in life. Now in her 50s, she is committed to being an exemplary model for her children and helping other midlife women reshape outdated beliefs about self-care, listening to their intuition, and reclaiming control of habits that are life-depleting not life-enhancing. Because self-care does NOT come in a one-size-fits-all box, a bottle, or from Amazon. It takes committing to yourself and deeper desires, being gentle and kind to yourself, and understanding that this is a journey. Every step along the path is an opportunity for growth, deeper insight, and a chance to connect with your inner wisdom (which is ALWAYS guiding you.)

Paula stresses that self-care starts with self-worth, setting boundaries, and learning to say “No” (nicely and guilt-free). She believes this approach is not selfish but essential, as a healthy, vibrant, and happy individual better equipped to care for others and show up in the world as your best and most vibrant self. 

To learn more about Paula Pister and her work, please visit:

https://www.mindbodybright.com/

To learn about the 21-Day Fall Reset and receive a 20% discount use the code: QUEST20

https://www.mindbodybright.com/fallcleanse

— Susan Keller wrote Mostly Sober: A Love Story and a Road Trip to help readers find peace with reduced alcohol consumption. And, to show them how they can moderate, or even eliminate, cravings for alcohol. Reduced cravings lead to a lot less drinking and improved health for our minds and bodies. “Mostly Sober” takes place in 1983. This was a time when there was little help available to the person who wanted to change their drinking. It was AA or not much else. But not all of us who drink are candidates for AA. We can learn to drink moderately or minimally. Today, there is a lot of help to do that. Susan’s intention is that readers find common ground with her protagonist and her journey to accept herself, resolve her own misplaced guilt, and understand that the trauma she experienced as a child was not her fault.

Valeria interviews Susan Keller — She is the author of  “Mostly Sober: A Love Story and a Road Trip” and “Blood Brother: A Memoir.” 

After earning a degree in Public Health and Immunology, Susan enjoyed a 30-year career as an award-winning medical writer. Additionally, her poetry won prizes in regional and national contests. This background in science and poetry gives her writing credibility as well as lyricism.

Susan’s experience overcoming a rare and frequently fatal lymphoma inspired her to write Blood Brother: A Memoir. The subhead: Johnny’s bone marrow could save my life, but he’d vanished 30 years ago.

Her second book Mostly Sober: A Love Story and a Road Trip, is a genre-blend of romance and self-help. It is a deeply human narrative centered around the sober-curious movement and will help and resonate with the millions of Americans determined to moderate or minimize alcohol consumption.

Susan lives in the Bay Area with her husband, Daniel. She and Daniel have both reduced their alcohol consumption from 60 drinks a month to 6 or 8. Her mission is to help all of her readers find peace and improved physical and mental health with reduced alcohol consumption.

To learn more about Susan Keller and her work, please visit: https://susankeller.com/

— As a therapist, Colleen Grenz helps people gain insight about themselves, while learning new tools to improve and heal their symptoms. She also practices what she preaches to her clients and inspires other mental health practitioners to understand the importance of living the values and doing the work they ask of their clients. This applies to every area of life. Colleen’s clients' struggles are a constant reminder of areas she too need to practice skills like calm parenting and discipline, mindful awareness, radical self and body acceptance, doing the hard work: exercise, eating well, and using assertive communication. Colleen often challenge her client's thinking and beliefs and have been practicing challenging her own limited thinking and beliefs, which helps her understand how hard what she is asking of them really is.

Valeria interviews Colleen Grenz  — She is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Jamestown, North Dakota. 

She is originally from Portland, Oregon and ended up in North Dakota after a multi-state and overseas journey that also saw her evolve from a career as a Botanist to her present career as a therapist.  She graduated from the University of Jamestown in 2019 with a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling.  She counseled clients at James River Correctional Center, South Central Human Service Center's crisis team, and Prairie Recovery Center before fulfilling a lifelong dream of opening a private practice in 2021.  Her modality is grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy, while integrating a trauma lens, mindfulness, and existential/spiritual concepts.  She is passionate about creating a safe space for clients who may feel on the margins of society.  She loves time with her family and friends, cats, nature, reading and jogging slowly for a long time. 

To learn more about Colleen Grenz and her work, please visit: https://grenzcounseling.clientsecure.me/

— In holistic care, a person' physical, emotional, social, economic, and spiritual needs are considered, as well as their response to an illness and the effects of illness on their ability to care for themselves. There a variety of long-term services and supports, as well as natural supports to cope with their emotional, social and other needs. Thus, they require a coordinated and integrated approach in order to improve the outcomes. A holistic approach to healing can maximize a person’s quality of life as a main outcome.

Valeria interviews Amber McKinney-Morgan practices clinical social work in California with experience in individual and couples therapy. 

Amber is certified in both Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Gottman Couples Therapy. In addition, Amber is an EMDRIA-approved Consultant-in-Training (CIT) providing consultation to other EMDR clinicians looking to be certified. She’s penned articles for EMDRIA’s Go With That Magazine on incorporating EMDR, IFS and SE when working with clients and has spoken on the popular television show, Fatal Attraction, which is anticipated to be available for audience consumption in Fall of 2024.

Amber has received training in various interventions and therapeutic modalities through their respective institutes and includes but is not limited to: The Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Sex Therapy, Hypnosis, Somatic Experiencing (SE), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and more.

Amber’s passion for the behavioral health field got put into play over 10 years ago, as a “child counselor” at residential group homes. Since then, she’s amassed experience working with individuals ages 4 and up coping with a range of life circumstances including trauma, homelessness and more.

If you find yourself reading this and have more questions about how therapy can support you in your life, please feel free to reach out and schedule a free 15-minute consultation. Amber appreciates you taking the time to explore your needs thus far to access the care you deserve. 

To learn more about Amber McKinney-Morgan and her work, please visit: https://www.ambermckinney.com

— Be prepared for an amazing health transformation! Through Valentina’s breakthrough programs, you can resolve lingering issues, while you can achieve optimal wellness through my personalized, integrative approach.

By eliminating underlying imbalances, you'll feel healthy, energized, balanced, and mentally clear in no time.

It is all about identifying the causes, map out a plan, and create positive change. Besides innovative modalities for releasing stuck emotions, the system offers fascinating insights into your DNA and nutrition, as well as customized lifestyle upgrades.

The DNA Blueprint or digital transformational guides will deliver results, whether you dive right in or start from scratch. Valentina’s uses a comprehensive, science-based approach to identify the source of health imbalances so you can optimize your unique blueprint. You'll feel rejuvenated, vital, and a sense of wellbeing when you take advantage of this treatment.

This is the beginning of the journey. It's time to uncover the root causes of your pain, heal them holistically, and transform your health in ways that will make you excited about life again!

Valeria interviews Valentina Bain — She is a Certified Somatic Practitioner, Geonomics (Epigenetics) Coach, Holistic Nutrition Coach, EFT Master Practitioner, CranioSacral Therapist, Reiki Master, Neuromuscular Therapist, Sports Therapist, Labor Doula, and NLP mindset coach.

With over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur in the wellness industry and natural-minded mom to 4, Valentina has trained extensively to help clients get to the root of chronic issues.

As a somatic therapist and epigenetic coach, Valentina shares the ultimate secret to elevating holistic healing, vitality, prevention, and longevity - your unique DNA blueprint and custom protocols. She provides breakthrough blueprints using DNA, HTMA, and other functional tests to help you unlock wellness on a whole new level.

Valentina explains how genetic variation informs the customized diet, lifestyle, and solutions that will lead each individual to their best self. By understanding how your body handles chemical processes, you can go right to the root of health issues. She partners with clients as a trained practitioner to determine which insights are most relevant today, since gene expression evolves over time.

To learn more about how you can connect the dots to feel your healthiest, happiest self with a lifetime blueprint for optimization, please visit: https://valentinabain.com/

Check our The DNA Blueprint Package here: https://valentinabain.thrivecart.com/breakthrough-blueprint/

— Train your body to become stronger, healthier, and leaner! The importance of strength training in an overall fitness program cannot be overstated. This episode explores the benefits of strength training and how to begin.

Is it your goal to lose body fat, increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more effectively? It's time for strength training! Strength training contributes significantly to a person's overall health and fitness. According to a new study, women who do strength training exercises two or three times a week are likely to live longer and are less likely to die from heart disease. A strong body is also a healthy body, including bones, joints, a healthy mood, and a healthy metabolism. Moreover, at a time when many women ignore weight training in favor of aerobic activity, these findings support the notion that both types of exercise can be beneficial. The findings are part of a larger study, published in The Journal of the American College of Cardiology, which evaluated the differences in the effects of exercise between men and women.

Valeria interviews Angela Beyer — She is a renowned coach and health expert.

Angela isn't just about aesthetics; she empowers women to build muscle, cultivate healthy habits, and achieve lasting well-being. Sculpting bodies and shaping lives.

From overcoming personal challenges to bodybuilding triumph and celebrity training, Angela's journey fuels her passion for guiding others towards physical and mental empowerment.

Miss Universe titleholder, author, and media mentioned (All Star Magazine Germany, Flex Magazine), podcast guest on award winning podcasts. Angela's proven methods and inspiring success stories make her a sought-after expert in the transformation arena.

To learn more about Angela Beyer and her work, please visit: https://houseofshape.com and Instagram: @healthcoachangela

— When you are afraid of death, you can lose sight of what is important in life and live a less fulfilling existence. Through Karmic Astrology & Past Life Regression, you can stop focusing on death and focus on transforming your experience of self and reality by honoring your spiritual journey. As a result of this transformative awareness, you are able to see how your soul or consciousness may have been transferred from one body to another. Although the answers you receive from a session may be reassuring, it helps if you believe that death has a spiritual element, but even if you have no idea what happens after you die, you may be pleasantly surprised!

Valeria interviews Maggie Donovan — She is a certified Clinical and Transpersonal Hypnotherapist.

She received 500 hours of training from the Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy. A state-licensed school with the highest ethical standards, and in compliance with federal and state education standards. Maggie also possesses additional learning credits from the Past Life Awakening Institute and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of New Orleans. After rounding out a chapter as an educator of history, she was guided back to her calling as a hypnotherapist to aid in cultivating a healthier attitude toward one's spiritual journey and becoming acquainted with their soul's true nature.

Maggie’s mission is to facilitate a personal discovery of each individual's spiritual journey. These private revelations bring people closer to the higher power within themselves and bring clarity to their unique life's purpose. Maggie strives to combat the fear of death, by offering insight into the nature of each soul and its spiritual home. Through carefully crafted sessions, using karmic astrology, past life regression, and traditional hypnotherapy methods, she works meticulously to ensure that each of her clients leaves with a better understanding of themselves and their spiritual journey.

To learn more about Maggie Donovan and her work, please visit: https://www.thehypnoticniche.com/

— “Breadcrumb Legacy is about being intentional in each moment. Every day is an opportunity to leave an impact; even if it’s not immediately apparent, small actions will accumulate into a legacy that others will remember.”

Valeria interviews Jann E. Freed  — She is the author of  “BREADCRUMB LEGACY: How Great Leaders Live a Life Worth Remembering.”

Dr. Ruth is one of her sheroes.  

Dr. Ruth, sex therapist, professor, author, professor, was talking about sex in the 80s, a taboo subject, when no one wanted to talk about it. Dr. Jann wants to talk about retirement when people don’t want to talk about it and are scared to even think about it!

At 94, Dr. Ruth is still writing and speaking and Jann plans to do the same.

As a former professor for decades, Dr. Jann decided to practice what she was teaching and preaching.  She says she is out to retire the word “retirement.” We are not retiring from life, but moving onto something else. Jann believes it takes time and intentional thought to successfully move on to what’s next in life.

This awakening led her on a research journey that resulted in her book Leading with Wisdom: Sage Advice from 100 Experts. One chapter that really resonated was “Leaders Live Their Legacy.” So Dr. Jann did a deep dive on legacy work and set out to interview gurus. From this work, she created the concept of Breadcrumb Legacy™ and it became her latest book Breadcrumb Legacy: How Great Leaders Live a Life Worth Remembering.

Dr. Jann also hosts the “Becoming a Sage Podcast” where she interviews thought leaders on the wisdom of life and work. She also writes the “Leading Edge” column for Training Magazine which is published in print and online.

Dr. Jann’s mission is to be a seeker and learner who leaves a Breadcrumb Legacy for herself and others.

She lives in Des Moines, Iowa with her husband and her dog, Grover. She is proud of her three adult sons who are thriving in this ever-changing world.

To learn more about Jann E. Freed and her work, please visit: https://jannfreed.com/

— “In surrender, imagine how you might feel as you effortlessly slip deeper into the enveloping embrace of compassion. Perhaps we will open to the nature of life itself as the incomparable, dynamic, and bewildering ongoing play of compassion. Imagine every disappointment, every celebration, every completion or incompletion, every obstacle, every triumph or failure, every emotion, every beautiful and painful moment of this life is and has only ever been the play compassion, of love making itself known in the form of joy and sadness.  We could include every loss as well. Every life is the play of compassion in the world.

At the end of seeking, there are no more topics to put under a microscope of reason, no more controversies to debate, no more conclusions to be carefully wrapped and tied up in a bow. There are no further antidotes to layer upon ego or that even make sense. To continue indulging in such things is an avoidance of the truth. To surrender is to approach this quality of knowing. We were born in compassion. We live by compassion alone. And one day we will be swept away into compassion.”

Valeria interviews Gary Horvitz — He is a retired medical professional. He has been a climate activist, a nomad, a travel blogger, a poet and author.

He has contributed to online publications on the issues of spirituality, activism, the global energy transition and climate and has just completed facilitating a year-long course, One Year to Live. He is a grandfather, a Masters swimmer for four decades and one of Bayo Akomolafe's Mountain Dancers, which means we are zig-zagging our way into the future in a four-dimensional dance because that's the only way everything and everyone can become One.

To learn more about Gary Horvitz and his work, please visit: https://substack.com/@garyhorvitz, https://spontaneouspresence.net/ and Just Passing Through

— “Growing in faith requires us to take our eyes off ourselves and place them fully on the character of God. So often when we say we want to grow in our faith, we make an effort to do something that displays a godly character. But living in a godly way should be a by-product of our knowledge of the true nature of God and the result of our being connected to Jesus by the Holy Spirit. When we believe God’s Word over what other people say is right or true, then we will be set free to walk in holiness and victory. “Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).” — Writes Sue Corl in Broken, But Undefeated: Journeying Through the Hall of Faith.

Valeria interviews Sue Corl  — She is the author of  “Crown of Beauty, A Twelve Week Women's Bible Study: Renewed in His Intimate Love and Delight, Broken, But Undefeated: Journeying Through the Hall of Faith, For Such a Time as This: Walking Through Crisis and many other titles.

Sue Corl is an international women’s conference speaker, author, mentor, Bible teacher, missionary, founder and Executive Director of Crown of Beauty International, and His Heartbeat Podcast host. Her greatest joy is being a wife and mother of two adult children. She has a passion to see women set free to live in the powerful truths of who they are in Christ and the love of God. She served as a missionary for twenty-five years in Asia. Currently, she travels to minister to women throughout Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the U.S. She has a Master’s of Education from the University of Hawaii and a Master’s of Christian Counseling from Philadelphia Biblical University. She is the author of several books including Crown of Beauty Twelve Week Bible Study, For Such a Time as This, and Broken but Undefeated.

To learn more about Sue Corl and her work, please visit: https://www.crownofbeautyinternational.com/ and https://www.sue-corl.com/

— Intergenerational family trauma (aka intergenerational trauma) refers to a broad spectrum of symptoms, dynamics, and genetics resulting from the traumatic experiences of an individual or family, which are later passed down to the next generation of the family. The research on intergenerational trauma has predominantly focused on specific ethnic or cultural groups, like Jewish descendants of Holocaust survivors and African-American descendants of American chattel slaves. Researchers found that many descendants show unique characteristics that resembled the PTSD of the trauma survivors (their ancestors) themselves (Van Steenwyk et al. 2018). While this field of study is relatively new and rather sparse, the findings have been consistent and undeniable: intergenerational trauma is a real thing. If you have experienced significant family stress and trauma, if your parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents experienced traumas at various points, Dr. Ernest’s work should be helpful for you as valuable guidance toward a thriving life!

Valeria interviews Dr. Ernest Ellender  — He is the author of  “This Is How We Heal from Painful Childhoods: A Practical Guide for Healing Past Intergenerational Stress and Trauma.”

Ernest Ellender worked in the fields of psychology, life coaching, and martial arts for over 25 years, culminating in his book entitled “This Is How We Heal From Painful Childhoods: A Practical Guide for Healing Past Intergenerational Stress and Trauma”. After earning his doctorate in clinical psychology (2007), Ernest focused heavily on application of research and theory to provide therapy and life coaching to community-based clients. He also taught at Nicholls State University before retiring from clinical psychology in 2022. He is a 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and runs his martial arts school in his hometown of Houma, Louisiana while additionally offering Life Coaching services to ambitious clients. His advanced martial arts training lent unique insights into the process of developing precise, complex skills. Ernest combined the best of both psychology and martial arts training into an empowering curriculum for healing from childhood and family struggles. The rich Cajun heritage of south Louisiana where Ernest grew up includes amazing, close-knit communities that celebrate family life and a close connection to the land (hunting, fishing, farming, food), as well as a long history of cultural traumas that persist today. This offered fertile grounds for refining his curriculum before offering it to the world in his new book. Known affectionately in his hometown as “Waffle”, Ernest keeps busy spending time with family and friends and significant other, working out at his brother’s CrossFit gym, learning new skills (freediving, dancing), or planning his next vacation to experience new cultures and adventures.

To learn more about Dr. Ernest Ellender and his work, please visit: healfromchildhood.com

— Women's wellness emphasizes maintaining the pelvic floor muscles as a key component of a healthy lifestyle. Pelvic floor function contributes to proper organ support, core strength, and sex satisfaction when it functions properly. The weakness of the pelvic muscles can cause incontinence, muscle and nerve pain, and organ prolapse in women. The underlying cause of pelvic floor dysfunction should be explored by pelvic floor physical therapists if women experience health issues related to it. Occasionally, a pelvic floor isn't weak, but it doesn't know how to relax. It is possible to achieve the desired results through physical therapy or targeted exercise routines. As women get older, pelvic floor problems often arise, but they don't have to result in issues that reduce quality of life. By taking preventive measures or addressing problems as they arise, women can reduce the effects of muscle weakness and maintain optimal pelvic floor health.

Valeria interviews Gloria Kolb — She is the CEO and co-founder of Elitone®, an FDA-cleared, non-invasive wearable treatment for women with urinary incontinence.

As an inventor with 30 patents, Gloria's accolades include Best New Product of 2019 by My Face My Body awards, Sling Shot 2020, and a top 10 finalist in Google’s Women Startup Challenge. Gloria has also been featured in Forbes as a Top Scientist Driving Innovation in Women's Health. Her creative designs and problem-solving abilities have earned her recognition, such as Boston’s “40 Under 40” Award and MIT Review’s “World’s Top Innovators under 35”. With Mechanical Engineering degrees from MIT and Stanford and an Entrepreneurship MBA from Babson College, Gloria's expertise extends to consulting, where she evaluates technology and clinical markets for various inventions and startups.

To learn more about Gloria Kolb and her work, please visit: https://elitone.com/

— Tracey-Ann Rose shares fundamental truths and timeless wisdom in this podcast interview. She beautifully states that our intuition guides us in the right direction. It is only through embracing our desires and acting from a space of authenticity that we are able to achieve real and lasting success. It is when we connect with our intuition that we can express ourselves clearly and align ourselves with opportunities that truly resonate with us. She adds that the Divine expresses itself through us. There is divinity within each and every one of us. Our ability to create, transform, and accept ourselves is unlimited when we accept this simple truth. The power of taking a stand for our own divinity is a powerful anchor for success.

Valeria interviews Tracey-Ann Rose — She is an Intuitive Business Coach, Writer, and Certified Reiki Master Teacher. 

She helps WOC coaches and business owners notice and overcome the energetic barriers holding them back from reaching their goals in business and in life. She uses her energy reading gifts, B.S. in Psychology from the University of Georgia, and her love of Astrology to empower WOC to create sustainable businesses that honor who they are at soul-level while building financial freedom.

To learn more about Tracey-Ann Rose and her work, please visit: https://www.traceyannrose.com/

— “Our mouths are the most efficient self-healing machines of all our tissues. We only need to treat them with respect and feed them lots of healthy foods. We need a new approach that feels like skin care: gentle, nurturing, and supportive. An approach that allows us to feel like we care about our mouths instead of scrubbing them out like we would a toilet twice a day. Let’s show our mouths some love and respect.”

Valeria interviews Dr. Camille Zenobia — She is Microbiologist, Oral Health Activist, Founder and CEO Os Salutem, Podcaster and Speaker.

With over 14 years of experience in the field, Camille is a trusted authority in oral-systemic health. From her extensive research to her work with industry leaders like Colgate Palmolive, she has dedicated her career to understanding the connection between oral inflammation, microbial dysbiosis, and overall well-being. As an editor, author, and advocate for oral health education, Camille is driven by a passion for spreading awareness. She leads an upbeat podcast 'Let's Get Oral,' where she shares her knowledge, interviews oral health leaders and offers insights to empower both professionals and individuals to reconsider how we regard & address our oral health. With Camille's guidance, you can expand your understanding of the oral-systemic connection to improve patient connections and outcomes.

To learn more about Dr. Camille Zenobia and her work, please visit: https://www.camillezenobia.com/, https://ossacare.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/oralhealthactivist/

— “Life was never meant to be fair, she learned, but we must keep running with grace if we are to find purpose and joy in the face of adversity.”

Valeria interviews Lori Van Dusen  — She is the author of  “Running with Grace: A Wall Street Insider’s Path to True Leadership, a Purposeful Life, and Joy in the Face of Adversity.”

Lori Van Dusen, CIMA, is the Founder and CEO of LVW Advisors, a registered investment advisory firm that serves both wealthy families and individuals, as well as nonprofit institutions throughout the United States. An advocate of client-focused strategies for more than 25 years, she has become the voice of reason for providing unbiased integrated solutions in a fragmented financial services industry. Lori is passionate about numerous philanthropic causes, serving on several boards focused on urban education, health and wellness, and the fine arts.

To learn more about Lori Van Dusen  and her work, please visit: https://lvwadvisors.com/

— The natural world benevolently embraces all who show it care and respect. The rivers, forests, and meadows love to hear our laughter. The birds, butterflies, and flowers appreciate our admiration. The fire gladly transforms our pain, while the ocean blithely supports our rebirth.

So don’t hesitate to deepen your relationship with the many aspects of nature. They are here for us as allies and mentors, joyously teaching through their very existence.

May your fire burn brightly and show you the way.

May the earth be soft and fertile beneath your feet.

May your water flow freely and quench your thirst.

May the winds lift you through the air to the place beyond time. And may the rays of the sun warm your heart and illuminate your soul.

Valeria interviews Liz Beachy Gómez — She is the author of  “From the Depths of Creation: A Nature-Based Path to Healing.”

Liz Beachy Gómez is the founder of Ewassa, a nature-based healing practice in the Rocky Mountains outside of Denver, and author of From the Depths of Creation: A Nature-Based Path to Healing.

Liz’s passion for the natural world blossomed when she discovered Brazilian Orixá-based spirituality in her early twenties. She learned to work with the elements of Fire, Earth, Water and Air in ceremony and meditation, and through rituals of healing and celebration with the various aspects of each element. After several years of practice, Liz was initiated as a daughter of Iemanjá (the ocean) through the Templo Guaracy of São Paulo in 2003, and served as temple coordinator in Haiti and the Dominican Republic for seven years.

Liz is an international public health professional and energy medicine practitioner by training. She holds an undergraduate degree in psychology and anthropology from Kalamazoo College, and a Master of Health Sciences (MHS) degree in public health from the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. She completed her training in Andean (Q’ero) shamanic healing practices through The Four Winds Society in 2018.

After ten years living overseas in West Africa, the Caribbean and Central America, Liz returned to the U.S. to raise her children while juggling a demanding career. A health crisis eventually spurred her to renounce her public health career in 2017 and return to nature in search of healing. The nature-based framework she teaches today was born of her personal healing journey, her love for the Brazilian Orixás, and her energy medicine work with clients and groups.

Liz is fluent in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese and can offer interviews or workshops in any of these languages.

To learn more about Liz Beachy Gómez and her work, please visit: https://ewassa.com/

— “When we align with our soul desires, life is flowing and fun and beautiful and easy - thoughts sponsored from love fill our minds with ease and grace, and then our minds create healthy bodies and harmonious relationships and life circumstances.”

Valeria interviews Justin Speller — He is a Certified EFT and Energy Work Practitioner.

Growing up in a family with two psychiatrists as parents, Justin Speller was always interested in the field of psychology.  As a child, he learned about the inner workings of the mind just listening to his parents talk over dinner.  Upon graduating from high school, Justin applied and was accepted into a full merit-based scholarship program at Boston College called the Presidential Scholarship Program. He enrolled with his heart set on following his parents and sister into the field of medicine.  

However, it was not meant to be. In his freshman and sophomore years, Justin battled intense anxiety and depression, often feeling paralyzed and lost.  During that dark time, he stumbled upon energy techniques and experienced the miraculous results possible from balancing stuck energies in a person’s system.  Justin was intrigued, to say the least, and his spirit felt renewed.  He finished his degree and received a BA in Psychology, but then decided to break course with the doctors in his family and head in a different direction.

Justin studied the Emotional Freedom Technique, also known as Tapping, and became a certified practitioner.  He continued learning and began mentoring with Karin Davidson, a Master at EFT and Trainer of Trainers.  She taught him so much on his journey to become a better practitioner and work with energy. 

Justin utilizes many different techniques in his work and he has seen amazing results working with clients with all different types of emotional and physical issues.  He is so excited to continue helping others in their journey towards health and wellness. 

To learn more about Justin Speller and his work, please visit: https://tapintothelight.com/

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— “You must grieve the loss of who you were before you can accept the reality of who you have become.” 

Susan Kelley is a successful author of humor and relationship books and is a veteran of the talk show circuit – including an appearance on Oprah. Until recently she was living and working with her artist husband between homes in Florence, Italy and Sarasota, Florida. A fit and attractive former model who was always on the go, Susan thought she was invincible and did not feel old. And then she fell off a train. She had another bad fall and then another. Searching for answers, she started to chronicle her journey with no idea what could be causing the problem. She just needed someone to fix it. She saw a parade of doctors and specialists. Her often amusing, and always frustrating, quest ultimately led to a definitive diagnosis – a progressive condition with no treatment or cure. Now she had to figure out how to move forward, and she kept writing because she learned that an astonishing number of people are being challenged by chronic disease. Maybe you are one of them. These diseases and conditions have an impact on just about all of us. On these pages you will read an honest, courageous, and brilliantly comic account about one woman's real-life challenges to find and then face a life-changing diagnosis.

Valeria interviews Susan Kelley — She is the author of  “The Diagnosis Diaries: A Frank, Funny And Poignant Book For Anyone Touched By Chronic Disease.”

Susan Kelley is also the author of Real Women Send Flowers, Why Men Commit, Why Men Stray / Why Men Stay, The Second Time Around: Everything You Need to Know to Make Your Remarriage Happy, I Oprahed and Other Adventures of a Woman of a Certain Age and, Ciao Pussy! A Memoir of Florence, published in September 2015 and re-titled, Forever Florence: A Memoir, in 2020). Her best-selling relationship books have been translated into several foreign languages, including Japanese, Polish, Turkish and Dutch.

Susan has appeared as guest relationship expert on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Early Show on CBS NEWS, “Homepage” MSNBC, Fox TV and numerous other national and local television programs throughout the country as well as hundreds of radio interviews in the United States and Canada.

She lives in Florence, Italy and Sarasota, Florida.

To learn more about Susan Kelley and her work, please visit: https://susanckelleyauthor.com/

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well. 

— Beautifully broken, soul stripped bare,

fragmented heart, pain and despair.

Tears will cleanse from deep inside,

wounded by love, tormented by mind.

Beautifully broken, seems so unfair,

spirit is strengthened, through love and care.

Life and it's meaning is yours to decide,

emotional scars that will forever bind.

Beautifully broken, so now you know,

journey on, may you reap what you sow.

Sword is strengthened by the heat of flame.

Beautifully broken, there's no one to blame.

 ~ by Ray Sinclair

Valeria interviews Dr. Lisa Billings — She received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Virginia. 

While there, her research focused on how traumatic childhood experiences affect individuals' developmental trajectories.  Specifically, Lisa focused on the long-term and insidious effects of inter-parental conflict, divorce, and family violence on well-being, as well as how divorce mediation can enhance post-divorce family functioning. Dr. Billings has published several journal articles in these areas, and did a post-doctoral fellowship, thinking she would go into academia like everyone else in her family.  Her father was a professor for over 50 years at University of Chicago, her stepmother was in academic medicine at Northwestern, one of her brothers is a physics professor at Boston University and the other brother is a neuroscience professor at Washington University in St Louis.

Once Lisa began having children, however, she understood a few things more deeply: 1) Being a good mom to her children was one of her primary reasons for being on this earth; and 2) Being a guide and a healer to others was her other primary purpose.  Lisa strongly believes that the loss and trauma she experienced in childhood has given her special powers of empathy and insight.

After spending eight more years at Children’s Hospital and having four children, Lisa started her private practice in Central Denver just over 15 years ago.  In her private practice, she specializes in the transition to adulthood, anxiety, depression, complex childhood trauma, divorce, and other difficult life transitions. In addition to traditional talk therapy, she has also been trained in psychedelic assisted psychotherapy and currently provides ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) in her office.  There is now a strong body of peer-reviewed literature that demonstrate both the neuro-scientific benefits of ketamine on the brain (decreases depression/suicidality and increases neuroplasticity), as well as the enhanced benefits of using ketamine as a catalyst to therapy, especially with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression and trauma (e.g, the rigid thinking disorders).  Lisa has seen the incredible benefits of KAP with her own eyes with clients in her practice. 

In addition to her private practice, Dr. Billings recently joined Noma Therapy, a start-up KAP company, which will provide a specially curated 14-week KAP program to those diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or trauma-related disorders.  Noma Therapy is already contracted with Colorado Medicaid as well as most major insurance companies, so the benefits of KAP will be more accessible to a broader range of clientele. 

To learn more about Dr. Lisa Billings and her work, please visit: https://drlisabillings.com/

— The world is constantly nudging us—pulling, pushing, cajoling us—toward our heart’s longing and our true expression of joy. Yet our conditioned mindsets can resist these gentle but insistent signals, too often dismissing synchronicity and serendipity—the very language of this magic—as little more than accident or annoyance. Playful but potent, Be the Magic nudges us, too, showing us how to open ourselves to this ever-present guidance to live a more peaceful, passion-filled, and enthusiastic life.

With deep wisdom and a light-hearted tongue, Diane Pienta serves up personal stories and lessons learned, in a collection of uplifting and actionable daily practices designed to train us—our minds, our bodies, and our hearts—to become joyfully tuned-in to the guidance presented to us at every turn. Pienta’s clear, strong vision provokes us to fully recognize that we inhabit this beautiful planet for a mere blink of an eye, and Be the Magic shows us that when this grand realization is nourished by small daily acts, our magic inevitably blooms—in our own lives, in the lives of others, and in the world herself.

Valeria interviews Diane Pienta — The author of “Be the Magic: Bite-Sized Nuggets of Wisdom to Feed your Joy, Nourish your Soul and Open your Heart.”

Diane is also a forest therapy guide, healer and creativity mentor who loves to help others reclaim and share their unique gifts through spiritual tools of all types. Her life is devoted to Nature, Creativity, Connection & Community.

A passion for helping others has been a thread throughout her previous 25-year business career in the hospitality, consulting and real estate fields.  A cancer diagnosis, chronic infections and subsequent adrenal burnout redirected her to a spiritual and alternative path of healing.  She credits the power of Nature, Creativity, Energy Medicine, Sound and Spirituality with her health and loves to share so that others can live a vibrant, joyful life.

Diane spent the last 20 years experiencing, studying and sharing numerous healing modalities and she intuitively weaves Nature, Art, Writing, Sound and Movement in her work. She understands how knowing one’s gifts and sharing them with the world is a pathway to peace and healing.

Offering forest therapy walks, qigong classes, writing and creativity workshops, sound healing sessions and individual coaching sessions, Diane creates space for others to play and discover their own innate wisdom.  She has deep compassion for people who are in transition periods and loves assisting others to “unlearn” limiting beliefs and patterns.

As a writer, Diane uses words to heal and create peace. She loves and honors the land deeply and is devoted to help others reclaim their connection to this magical world. In her spare time, she can often be found hugging a tree at sunrise, dancing with the moon, fiddling, felting or gathering wonder-makers to frolic and picnic at sunset.

In addition to her healing certifications, she holds a BS from Cornell University, a certification in Positive Psychology from Whole Being Institute and has studied at the Radcliffe Institute.

To learn more about Diane Pienta and her work, please visit: https://www.dianepienta.com/

— Throughout the centuries, psychiatric disorders have caused more emotional and physical suffering than any other human condition, yet despite modern advances in neuroscience, the underlying cause of these perplexing conditions remains unclear. Also lacking is an understanding of the manifold ways that the underlying driver of mental illness can affect physical health. However, all of that could be about to change thanks to God’s grace and the tireless efforts of the many clinicians, researchers, and thinkers around the world who have continued to probe virtually every aspect of human psychology, biology, and behavior in an effort to solve the mystery of mental illness. The integration of their hard work and one doctor’s relentless efforts to get to the root of mental illness has led to a new hypothesis that integrates the traditional belief that nearly all psychiatric disorders are caused by environmental stress with the emerging belief that nearly all psychiatric disorders are caused by brain pathology.

The new hypothesis, which is the first to combine psychology, biology, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurocircuitry, neuroarchitecture, molecular genetics, and mind-brain dynamics to explain virtually every phenomenon that has been observed in psychology and psychiatry, is based on the simple premise that psychiatric symptoms are driven by pathological hyperactivity in the brain circuits that correspond to them. The most common cause of this hyperactivity is cognitive-emotional stress superimposed upon a constitutional hyperexcitability of the neurological system. The recognition of this simple but elusive dynamic is beginning to revolutionize the treatment of mental illness. It has catapulted Dr. Binder’s success rate in treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD, and schizophrenia, from around thirty percent to nearly one-hundred percent and reduced the average time to symptom- reduction from around six months to six days! What’s more, this pathology-based approach to treatment is more normalizing, more sustainable, and more affordable than any other treatment modality yet developed. To learn more, listen to this episode!

Valeria interviews Dr. Michael Binder, a holistic adult and adolescent psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and pioneer of the first comprehensive psychophysiological hypothesis of psychiatric disorders. With more than thirty years of clinical experience treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders, Dr. Binder has published 25 peer-reviewed scientific articles, 7 books, and 45 educational YouTube videos. Over the last twenty-five years, he has enjoyed a success rate that is now approaching 100% and, due to his extraordinarily high patient retention rate, has been able to observe the long-term sustainability of his treatment approach, thus validating his work more strongly than most research studies are designed to do.

Despite having trained at some of the best psychiatric teaching hospitals in the Untied States, Dr. Binder was, early in his career, disappointed to find that less than half of his patients were responding adequately to psychological and pharmacological interventions. Moreover, even after consulting with some of his most distinguished professors, Dr. Binder’s success rate in treating patients remained unacceptably low. However, unwilling to accept the limitations of psychiatric care at that time, Dr. Binder began to pray for his patients and ask God to help him develop a more effective treatment approach. The Lord answered his prayers by alerting him to his own need for spiritual healing. He also began to enlighten him about the underlying cause of mental illness, a revelation that has taken the doctor more than two decades to fully grasp, implement, and reduce to writing. In January of 2024, Dr. Binder completed The Racing Mind: Brave New Insights Untangle the Ancient Mystery of Mental Illness. The doctor firmly believes that this 336-page, comprehensive textbook of psychiatry, which has been more than twenty years in the making, would, if turned into a curriculum for every psychiatric training program in the country, bring a swift end to the mental health crisis! Beginning in April of this year, The Racing Mind, which is valued at $3,000.00, will, for a limited-time introductory offer of $250.00, be available at BinderFoundation.com.

To learn more about Dr. Michael Binder and his work, please visit: https://drmichaelbindermd.com/, https://www.binderfoundation.com/ and https://www.youtube.com/@binderfoundation

— “If you want to live a more fulfilling and loving life, you have to dig deep into your pain and own it in your body. We are human beings. We come with negative and positive emotions. Allow yourself to be human. Being human is being love.”

Valeria interviews Ker Yang — She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and specializes in emotionally-focused therapy for couples and individuals founded by Susan M. Johnson. 

Ker Yang started her journey in search of love when she entered her graduate studies in 2014 as a result of an unhealthy relationship. Clinical experience/education and being a client, herself were the perfect combination in aligning Ker Yang to understand what love means which has been a healing and spiritual journey. She has learned that love is about doing what your heart desires with a supportive team. This requires being accepting of all of your emotions including your pain. Although the journey is challenging, she believes that everyone has the strength and courage to survive it and come out on the other side. Therapy with Ker Yang is simply just being human. Being human is being love. Ker Yang is dedicated to helping others be on a similar healing journey and heal one heart at a time.

To learn more about Ker Yang and her work, please visit:

https://www.keryanglmft.com/

— Our body keeps somatic traces of all our traumatic experiences. When exposed to a stimulus that reminds the body of a past danger, the viscero-somatic memory linked to this danger is reactivated, creating the base of a disruptive emotional response. Emotional Resolution  — EmRes® — helps the body recognize that the perceived danger is nowadays obsolete. EmRes® allows the body to integrate traumatic information and to tune-in to our current reality instead of reacting through a past memory. To do this, we commit to experiencing the viscero-somatic response, without controlling our physical sensations or our environment. EmRes® connects you to the origin of a difficult emotion through your physical sensations and modulates the unwanted emotional response permanently. This simple yet rarely used physiologic capacity is innate to all human beings.

Valeria interviews Cedric Bertelli — He is a recognized expert in Emotional Resolution® (EmRes®), a revolutionary approach to emotional healing that has transformed the lives of countless individuals. 

As the Founder and Director of the Emotional Health Institute, Cedric has dedicated his career to helping people overcome stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other debilitating emotional patterns using the EmRes body of work. At the Emotional Health Institute, Cedric and his team provide trainings and education to mental health professionals, coaches, and educators, helping them to integrate Emotional Resolution into their practices.

In addition, Cedric works directly with clients, providing individualized support and guidance to help them overcome emotional challenges and improve their overall well-being.

To learn more about and her work, please visit: https://www.cedricbertelli.com/ and https://www.emotionalhealthinstitute.org/

— Mindful eating is more than just chewing your food slowly; it's about cultivating a deep awareness of the entire eating experience. Mindful eating is paying attention to your food, on purpose, moment by moment, without judgment. It is an approach to food that focuses on your individual awareness of the food and the experience of the food. It has little to do with calories, fat, protein or number of carbohydrates. Always come back to the basics: Breathe and check for hunger. Assess your food with all of your senses. Slow down, place your spoon or fork down between each bite. Investigate your hunger; make a point of checking in with your body part way through the meal. Chew your food thoroughly, 35 to 50 times per bite. Savor your food, this includes mindfully choosing what you are eating.

Valeria interviews Jennifer Heard — She is an Integrative Wellness Specialist dedicated to transforming lives. 

Her journey is deeply rooted in personal experience, having overcome the challenges of Celiac disease. This struggle ignited her passion for natural medicine, mindfulness-based nutrition, and the pursuit of optimal well-being.

Armed with a Ph.D. in Natural Medicine and an array of certifications, including Mindful Nutritionist, Health & Nutrition Life Coach, MBSR, and yoga therapist, Jennifer is committed to guiding individuals on their paths to vibrant health. Her unique blend of academic knowledge and personal resilience allows Jennifer to connect with clients on a profound level.

To learn more about Jennifer Heard and her work, please visit: https://www.naturaljenn.com/

— “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But when I became a woman, I put away childish things. We need to all start speaking as an adult, thinking as an adult and reasoning as adults.”

Valeria interviews Tamiko Powell — She is the author of  “The Word: There Is No Other Way.”

Tamiko, a native Californian, author, and advocate for morality and ethics, presents herself as an Independent Candidate for the presidency of the United States. Her journey from childhood to adulthood has shaped her belief in the importance of speaking, thinking, and reasoning as adults. Tamiko envisions a united America that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens and strengthens the nation's moral fabric. She calls for open-mindedness and change, emphasizing that her candidacy offers a path to a better future. Tamiko stands ready to lead the nation toward a brighter tomorrow, urging voters to embrace her vision for a more cohesive and ethical America.

To learn more about Tamiko Powell and her work, please visit: https://tamikoforpresident.com/

— When we go through trials, we end up dying to some part of ourselves, and that not only carves us into a new person with greater resilience and capacity for change but also one who understands that death on all levels is simply another rite of passage. As we walk through the dark places in our life and accept our losses, we die to what the ego and mind mistakenly think is the best life path for us. The darkness helps us touch into our vulnerabilities, and each loss allows us to die just a little more, so that when life takes from us, creation brings something new into our lives. Any life form that stops growing dies.

In nature, death is not an end. Death only leads to new creation, opening doors to new dimensions of reality. This is true whether we physically leave our bodies to engage in a new adventure of life or if we stay here as a polished stone ready to be kind to ourselves and be in service to all of life.

Valeria interviews Sandra Ingerman — She is the author of  “Walking through Darkness: A Nature-Based Path to Navigating Suffering and Loss and many other titles.”

Sandra Ingerman, MA, a world-renowned teacher of shamanism, is recognized for bridging ancient cross-cultural healing methods with modern culture. She’s taught for 40 years, including workshops worldwide on shamanic journeying, healing, and reversing environmental pollution using spiritual methods.

Sandra is a licensed marriage and family therapist, professional mental health counselor, and a board-certified expert on traumatic stress. Watkins Body Mind Spirit magazine honored her by including her in their 100 Most Spiritually Influential People of 2020. She was also chosen as one of the Top 10 Spiritual Leaders of 2013 by Spirituality and Health magazine and was awarded the 2007 Peace Award from the Global Foundation for Integrative Medicine.

She’s authored 13 books, including Soul Retrieval: Mending the Fragmented Self... Medicine for the Earth... Walking in Light... and The Book of Ceremony: Shamanic Wisdom for Invoking the Sacred in Everyday Life. Sandra and Hank Wesselman's book, Awakening to the Spirit World: The Shamanic Path of Direct Revelation, won both the 2011 COVR (Coalition of Visionary Resources) Visionary Award and the 2011 IPPY (Independent Publisher Book Award).

Since the 1980s, thousands of people have healed from past and present traumas through Soul Retrieval, the classic cross-cultural shamanic healing method Sandra teaches.

Sandra is recognized for bridging ancient cross-cultural healing methods into our modern culture addressing the needs of our times.

Sandra is known for gathering the global spiritual community together to perform powerful transformative ceremonies as well as inspiring us to stand strong in unity, so we do our own spiritual and social activism work while keeping a vision of hope and being a light in the world. 

She is passionate about helping people to reconnect with nature. 

Sandra joined in partnership with Renee Baribeau to create a weekly, 30-minute podcast called The Shamans Cave.

Coming out soon is Sandra’s new book she co-wrote with Llyn Roberts on Walking Through Darkness: A Nature Based Path to Navigating Suffering and Loss.

To learn more about Sandra Ingerman and her work, please visit: https://www.sandraingerman.com/

— You should feel like yourself at all times because life's too short. How many times have you felt as though you couldn't see through the clouds and didn't have the energy to part them? What have you tried to change your feelings, including therapy, medication, yoga, and gratitude practices that haven't worked? The feeling of being energized, alert, and upbeat, relaxed & carefree, and comfortable with yourself awaits you with The power of functional nutritional therapist!

Valeria interviews Laurie Hammer — She is a functional nutritional therapist helping moms overcome anxiety through practical & nutritional methods.

She specializes in balancing the brain through targeted amino acid therapy and brain detox from life stressors whether they be physical, chemical or emotionally driven. Laurie is also a homeschool mom who loves to share on the love for learning and how to provide the best environment and family culture for our kids to thrive in.

To learn more about Laurie Hammer and her work, please visit: https://www.lauriehammer.com/, 

https://www.facebook.com/takebackmybrain and

https://www.instagram.com/thecalmmomcommunity/

— “Humans do not enter a world which is inherently structured. We must give the world a structure which we ourselves create.” ~  Dr. James T. Webb

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released startling new statistics on the rise of deaths by suicide in the United States, which are up 25 percent since 1999 across most ethnic and age groups. These numbers clearly point to a crisis — but of what kind? Many argue that this is a crisis of mental health care, that people are not getting the services they need. The proposed solution is better therapies, more effective antidepressants and greater access to treatment. This assessment may be correct. However, the suicide rate has increased even as more people are seeking treatment for depression and anxiety, and even as treatment for those conditions has become more widely available. An additional explanation seems to be needed. As a behavioral scientist who studies basic psychological needs, including the need for meaning, I am convinced that our nation’s suicide crisis is in part a crisis of meaninglessness.” ~ Clay Routledge

Valeria interviews Dr. Sheena Sachdev — She is a licensed psychologist who specializes in Existential Psychology. 

She treats individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, relational issues, and trauma. Her phenomenological approach ensures that each individual has a spotlight on their subjective human experience and perspective. Dr. Sachdev is an advocate of group therapy and has initiated several groups at each site she has worked with including: a yoga/meditation group, a mindfulness group, creativity groups, and existential depression and anxiety groups.

To learn more about Dr. Sheena Sachdev and her work, please visit: https://www.drsheena.com/

— Thinking about Universal Consciousness as God or All That Is may seem totally abstract and difficult to comprehend. But once you begin to understand how one universal consciousness is primary, and that our “personal” consciousness is a part of that infinite ocean of consciousness, and that consciousness is creative and creates the physical as well as the non-physical, and that the universe, therefore, is one wholeness AND is alive because consciousness is the same as life, and that the One Consciousness is good and desires the experience of life to be good because that is the true expression of wholeness, then you begin to see how the universe and the workings of the universe make complete sense. The universe and God can be understood and related to. Well-being is holistic and includes all aspects of you – body, mind, and spirit – awakening is and should be all about achieving greater well-being. That’s a very good thing, and the goal of awakening should always be a happier, healthier, more abundant you!

Valeria interviews Raymond Posch — He is the author of  “Awakening to Wholeness: How to Live Consciously, Creatively, and Abundantly.”

Raymond Posch is a podcaster, spiritual explorer and wayshower, folk singer, writer, and speaker. His podcasts are Our Spiritual Life (running 4 years as of December 2023) and New Ways of Being (launched in November 2023). He loves exploring spiritual awakening and the evolution of human consciousness. He is the author of the book Awakening to Wholeness. His earlier career was in information technology and project management.

To learn more about Raymond Posch and his work, please visit: https://raymondposch.com/

— Carl Rogers, psychologist wrote in 1959 his view on human nature, that when people are placed in meaningful therapeutic conditions, they will naturally change in a positive direction. Carl Rogers and William Miller (psychologist) have separately shared that this tendency toward reaching your true inner self “it is as natural as a plant’s growth upward toward the light when given adequate soil, water, and sunshine. It is as if each person has a natural mature end-state or purpose (Telos, in Greek) toward which he or she will grow given optimal conditions.” They say that the Telos of an acorn is to become an oak tree; to reach its true purpose. Each action we take as humans is directed towards some Telos (i.e. purpose) and real change involves identifying concrete steps needed to attain Telos. Telos has many terms that describes it in philosophy; goal, completion, or fulfillment; this translates into all walks of life.

Valeria interviews Marissa Harris — She is a compassionate therapist dedicated to guiding individuals on a transformative journey toward holistic well-being through sensorimotor psychotherapy. 

She is a licensed independent clinical social worker, national board certified clinical social work diplomate, certified substance abuse provider, and certified in mindfulness-based relapse prevention, and a mindfulness-based relapse prevention group facilitator. She has specialized training in trauma informed approaches in Level 2 Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment, EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, and Internal Family Systems approaches. She is also trained in the Institute of Functional Medicine where she explores ways to highlight the intricate link between our emotional experiences and bodily responses.

She is currently the owner of Telos Health and Wellness Services, a private practice where she offers individual therapy as well as consultation. Throughout her 25 years in the field, she has served as a steadfast advocate and mentor, guiding and empowering a team of dedicated trauma, medical, and forensic professionals.

She shares the honor and privilege of supporting individuals navigating life circumstances that have led to symptoms consistent with PTSD or dissociative disorders. Her focus remains centered on the person and understanding the unique challenges someone could face as a result of their experiences or environment.

Exploring a holistic approach, she believes in the power of the body to hold and release emotional pain, trauma, and stress. Through gentle exploration and mindfulness, she helps people reconnect with the innate wisdom of their body at a pace that works for the person she is supporting. She feels the body tells a story and she utilizes a way of listening, honoring, and understanding its language.

To learn more about Marissa Harris and her work, please visit: https://www.teloshealthandwellnessservices.com

— The mission of Czar Clothing is to lead and revolutionize the athleisurewear fashion industry by setting a new standard for eco-friendly, responsible, and sustainable practices. We believe in a future where fashion and the planet coexist harmoniously, and we are committed to making that vision a reality. Our commitment to sustainability begins with our innovative 'On-Demand' model. We produce clothing only when you, our valued customers, place orders. We eliminate the detrimental effects of overproduction that plague the fashion industry, reducing waste and minimizing our carbon footprint.

Valeria interviews Nick Zellem — He is the founder of Czar Clothing, a trademarked brand that specializes in high-quality sustainable athleisurewear for men and women. 

Nick was heavily influenced by his family's eastern European and Russian heritage. He moved to Texas and acquired a business degree in Entrepreneurship from Baylor University before embarking on a successful career in technology sales. Nick conceptualized Czar Clothing over 10 years ago and formally started the company in 2016. In his off time, Nick enjoys yoga, working out, kickboxing, DJing & Video DJing, and has been learning the Russian Language the past few years.

To learn more about Nick Zellem and his work, please visit: https://czarclothing.com/

— When it feels like something’s missing

If it hurts but you can’t find healing

Just look up, know you are loved

Just look up; know you are loved

You, don’t have to prove yourself

Don’t try to be someone else

You don’t have to prove yourself

Don’t try to be someone else

You are loved!

~ partial lyrics to the song by Stars Go Dim

Valeria interviews Linda Bjork — She is the author of  “Crushed: A Journey Through Depression, You Got This!: An Action Plan To Calm Worry, Fear, Anxiety, And Stress and many other titles.”

Linda Bjork is the founder and executive director of Hope for Healing non-profit charity and owner of Innovative Joy LLC. She has degrees from Brigham Young University and The University of the State of New York. She has written several non-fiction books. Her podcast, “Linda’s Corner,” and blog, “Two Good Things,” were created to inspire hope, increase joy, and motivate positive change. Linda’s personal mission is to empower people to become their best selves.

Linda defines herself as an overcomer.  She has overcome depression, social anxiety, and trauma.  She has overcome self-limiting beliefs, self-sabotage, low self-confidence, low self-esteem and more.  For decades, Linda felt like an imposter, masquerading as someone worth loving and accepting when she “knew” that she wasn’t really good enough.  She now lives a joyful, authentic, fulfilling life. 

Linda is passionate about hope, healing, and personal transformation because she has lived it.  She created Hope for Healing non-profit to help empower others to overcome as well.  She has interviewed hundreds of experts and overcomers on Linda’s Corner Podcast so we can help even more people overcome every kind of adversity and life challenge.

To learn more about Linda Bjork and her work, please visit: https://hopeforhealingfoundation.org/

— Effective Listening is an online healing community dedicated to everyone getting to thrive in this life as themselves. A truly supportive environment is essential for humans to thrive. In order to co-create a better world, we need to learn and practice the art of "Effective Listening." By learning and practicing Effective Listening, we create a supportive environment and empower each other toward self-actualization.

Valeria interviews Ilya Parizhsky — He is the founder of Effective Listening, a group process that creates one on one listening partnerships for mutual healing and transformation. 

He holds a Masters in Drama Therapy from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, Oregon, Colorado and Washington, DC, where he practices online couples and individual therapy.

Ilya is an expert leader of personal growth workshops and group processes, and has helped thousands of people heal and overcome restrictions to their authenticity. He devotes himself to staying at the cutting edge of the healing arts. He has trained in countless therapeutic modalities, and has taken part in tens of thousands of hours of experiential workshops, and thousands of hours of individual counseling, meditation, yoga, dance and movement, theater, and other self-actualization processes. He continues to vigorously pursue both personal and professional development, and can’t overstate the importance for therapists and healing professionals to do extensive amounts of both professional training and personal healing work in order to be authentically and skillfully available for others.

Ilya is also adept at simplifying and boiling down the essence of complex processes. Effective Listening is the culmination of Ilya’s wide-ranging experience and training, and offers an accessible synthesis of powerful personal growth techniques, borrowing from many different disciplines and modalities, but creating something truly unique.

In addition to his passion for therapy and healing, Ilya is also a performance artist and stand-up comedian, where he uses his life story and experiences to bring levity, light, and laughter to subjects as deep as the nature of consciousness and the meaning of life, and as silly as multi-lingual animal sounds. Ilya is also a proud father of two young daughters. He is a devoted husband married to his best friend and favorite person on the planet. And he lives in an Ecovillage, which he finds to be an ideal environment for his children to grow up, freely roaming and playing with friends.

Ilya has a deep longing and commitment to be of service, and to make the world a better place. He has developed Effective Listening as a means to that end. In his work as a psychotherapist, he is often confronted with the fact that humans need more than a therapy session once a week to thrive. We need a network of supportive skillful humans we can count on. The Effective Listening method is not therapy and is not meant to replace therapy. Effective Listening unleashes the awesome power and natural healing capacity that each of us has inside of us. It gives us a living network of people and a community of practice with whom to share and develop our dormant ability to give and receive love and build the collective resources to create a world that truly meets the needs we have.

To learn more about Ilya Parizhsky and his work, please visit: https://effectivelistening.org/ and https://www.ilyaparizhsky.com/

— “When you are grateful, you have positive energy that emanates outward from your being. You become a magnet of sorts, attracting more experiences and opportunities that enrich your life, giving you even more reasons to be grateful. Challenges or problems are reduced or eliminated because, aside from applying practical solutions, you do not give them any power or energy. Life begins to reflect your good back to you in amazing ways. There is always something to be grateful for…”

“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” — Zig Ziglar

Valeria interviews Jan Lynch — She is the author of  “The Divine Flow of Abundance, winner of the NYC Big Book “Distinguished Favorite” award in 2021.

After a successful career in the Airline and Hospitality Industries, Jan began to study how to use Universal Principles in creating one’s own life. From numerous classes and workshops, plus reading uplifting, metaphysical books, she learned how to apply these principles of success to her own life.  She welcomed the beliefs that joy, love, vibrant health and financial freedom are natural birthrights for all.

The Divine Flow of Abundance was the result of a “nudge” from the Universe to create a simple and insightful 30-day Abundance Plan that anyone can use in order to realize and accept the limitless prosperity the Universe has for each of us. The two common themes in the book are “Spirit is your Source” and “Be careful what you think because thoughts become things.”

Jan is also a Spiritual Practitioner licensed through the Emerson Theological Institute in Oakhurst, California and the co-author of Affirm Your Future: How to use Affirmations to Bridge Your Future.  She is an inspirational speaker and, as a Spiritual Counselor she assists others in creating the life they truly desire.

A percentage of sales of Jan’s books is donated to the Harmony Spiritual Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

To learn more about Jan Lynch and her work, please visit: https://www.janlynch.com

— “Life is everywhere, and we are connected to it. In the web of life, everything has a purpose and is part of the ecology of the planet. Our dogs help me see all this. It starts with their curiosity, their need to inspect every little thing on a walk and then do it again the next day. Every being has a purpose. Follow a dog or a child, explore a little, ask one question, which leads to another, and then a whole new world appears before you. Children and dogs. On a walk, the most important thing to do is be curious. We walk for all sorts of reasons. We decompress. We count steps. We listen to music. We make lists. If we are not alone, we talk.

Yet if we follow our dog’s nose, if we spend a bit of time wondering about where that plant, that flower, that mysterious jackrabbit — their head and ears peeking out from a bush — came from, and we do it repeatedly, the biosphere emerges before us as astonishing and interconnected. We walk in a sacred space. Life connected; life dependent. Nothing stands, walks, runs, creeps, swims, slithers, sends out shoots or roots independently. Every living creature has a past, a history that takes it back to those single-cell ancestors four billion years ago.

It is the great Oneness.”

Valeria interviews Hersch Wilson — He is the author of  “Dog Lessons: Learning the Important Stuff from Our Best Friends, Play To Win: Choosing Growth Over Fear in Work and Life, Firefighter Zen: A Field Guide to Thriving in Tough Times and Test of Faith - A Novel of Faith and Murder in the Southwest.”

Hersch Wilson has worked (as in jobs he was actually paid for) as a corn pollinator, a ferris wheel operator, a short-order cook, a ballet dancer, an outdoor educator, a soccer coach, a leadership consultant, a pilot, and a writer. The ferris wheel operating was the strangest job. Lots of physics involved. Along the way, he was also a volunteer firefighter-EMT for thirty-three years which culminated in the award-winning book, “Firefighter Zen, A Field Guide for Thriving in Tough Times.“ Most importantly he is the partner of Laurie Wilson, father of two daughters and grandfather of two. For over sixty years he’s also been a dog guardian.

He has co-written three national business bestsellers with his father, Larry Wilson, including the award-winning, “Play to Win: Choosing Growth Over Fear in Work and in Life”.

Hersch attended Colorado College and quit his junior year to follow his passion, dance. He performed in Canada, Switzerland, and the United States. After that career ended, he graduated with a BA in English from the University of Minnesota.

Hersch and Laurie live in Santa Fe, New Mexico with their daughter Sully and two rescue dogs, Toby, a Great Pyrenees, and Maisie, a terrier-chihuahua mix.

His latest book is “Dog Lessons, Learning the Important Stuff from Our Best Friends.”

You can follow on Medium.com (@HerschWilson), on X (Twitter) (@Bravingfires), on Instagram (@herschwilson)and on his website, HerschWilson.com.

You can order Hersch’s books at your favorite bookstore or wherever books are sold OR you can go to our wonderful book store in Santa Fe — Collected Works — order in person or online!

To learn more about Hersch Wilson and his work, please visit: https://www.herschwilson.com/

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well. 

— Carolyn’s area of expertise lies in transforming amateur mindsets into a professional outlook, a crucial aspect in the Game of Life. Why does she call it “The Game of Life”? Because, just like any game, life:

— Has a beginning and an end.

— There are rules to be observed if we want to stay in the game.

— There are winners and losers.

— It’s not about our worth — it’s about our skills.

— We can always improve at it.

— We don’t have full control over the outcome, but we do over the process.

—It’s got to be fun!

On this podcast interview, Carolyn’s intention is not to tout her coaching services but to unveil as many of her 50 principles of living life as a "Pro." Carolyn firmly believes that even embracing a single principle from her handbook can steer you towards a more powerful and purposeful life!

Valeria interviews Carolyn Mahboubi — She is a distinguished Life and Leadership Coach who works with some of the most extraordinary and interesting people in the world.

Armed with over four decades of leadership and entrepreneurial prowess, she empowers her clients (both young and not-so-young adults) to seize the reins of their lives, families, and businesses, and lead with Radical Responsibility.

To learn more about Carolyn Mahboubi and her work, please visit: https://www.carolynmahboubi.com/ and Instagram: @carolynmahboubi_coach

— Throughout Ellen’s 30 years in the industry, the secret ingredient that connected her to her clients wasn't just the food. It was that she crafted her meals like "medicine" and listened when their needs/goals changed. Whether Ellen’s clients were dealing with acne or autoimmune issues, her health-minded recipes would nourish more than their hunger. She has experienced first-hand how our digestive system directly impacts our lives, and it changed the old "You are what you eat" mentality to a mindset focused on "You are what you can digest."

Ellen’s mission is to help you improve your gut health so you feel your healthiest – mind, body, and spirit. In her latest book, Gut Driven, and her 3-week Reset 90/10 program, Ellen breaks it down and give you the road map to heal your body, achieve balance, and reset your relationship with food!

Valeria interviews Ellen Postolowski  — She is the author of “Gut Driven: Jump-Start Digestive Health to Nourish Body, Mind, and Spirit.”

As a health-focused chef, Ellen lives by the well-known motto: “Let food be thy medicine.” It is obvious that eating more fruits and vegetables is in your best interest, but simply knowing that is not enough. By embracing the connection between self-care, better choices, enhanced gut health, cognitive functions, and hormonal balance, we begin to heal. Plus, food inspires! It gives us the opportunity to create and gather in community to enjoy the flavors each season brings.

To learn more about Ellen Postolowski  and her work, please visit: https://www.chefellen.com/

— “Ahhh, how we love to feel loved—yet, how easily we forget to love ourselves! It is my experience as a psychotherapist and healer that, even in the case of the most enlightened and evolved, the search for feeling love becomes external—through others or through something material or achievable: “I need a hug,” I will hear, or “I need a lover.” People will say, “When I get that new car, I will feel good”; “If I get that new outfit, I am taken care of”; or “When I get promoted, I will feel better about myself.” I am not saying that any of those requests or desires are unreasonable. External needs are very valid and necessary. What I am referring to is our sole dependency on them.

Time and time again we hear that love is within us. Of course, we need to believe this and understand it before we can go on a quest to find it within. This quest is no different than the one we embark upon while searching for love from another soul—except the traveling and exploring involves looking at ourselves. How do we do this? For starters, through meditation. If that seems too scary, as it involves being with your own thoughts and discovering yourself, start with visualization.”

Valeria interviews Aileen Nealie — She is the author of  “Visualize Yourself: Designing the Outcome of Your Life, One Issue at a Time.”

Ms. Nealie became a licensed psychotherapist in 2003 and quickly opened her private practice in Newport Beach, CA. On her quest to a more holistic approach, she became a Diplomate in Comprehensive Energy Psychology (DCEP) in 2008, awarded by ACEP (www.EnergyPsych.org). From 2010-11, she hosted a radio talk show with Voice America called Holistic Answers to Mental Health, which quickly became part of the top 4 most listened to talk shows. Most recently, she has restarted Holistic Answers to Mental Health, now through YouTube.

Having been highly intuitive since childhood, Aileen Nealie comes from a family lineage of healers. After being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2012, her continued holistic journey had her encounter an unknown energy healing method in the US called cosmoenergy. She tried it for herself and felt an unexplainable shift in her energy, and she realized that working with this method was her destiny. She was fortunate to work with two of the most powerful teachers and progressors: Dmitrii Voevodin, founder and director of the International School Kosmoenergetiki, and Igor Andreev, Head of the School of Cosmoenergetics. She now has access to over 300 healing frequencies and provides services in both English and Spanish, through video, through photograph or in person. Ms. Nealie also works with those who aspire to become practitioners and coaches and initiates them onto these healing frequencies.

Her established Center for Tranquility and Restoration in the city of Santa Clarita, ran from 2010-2022. In 2019 Aileen was named as one of Los Angeles’ Top

10 therapists. Since 2023 her practice relocated and All Things Holistic is now in Thousand Oaks, CA. She has been a presenter at the LA Conscious Expo and has also served as a guest on various podcasts, on Mindalia TV from Spain and on Rompiendo el Silencio Los Angeles TV Vision Latina. She is a published author on the topic of visualization with her book, Visualize Yourself: Designing the Outcome of Your Life: One Issue at a Time. All of these methods are offered through her holistic psychotherapy practice.

To learn more about Aileen Nealie and her work, please visit: https://aileennealie.com/

— “I believe and trust in the innate wisdom of our bodies; yet, life in today’s society can cause disconnection & dis-ease… It’s time to return to connection.”

Valeria interviews Dr. Jenna Creaser — She is a Holistic Family Physician, Yoga Teacher, Wellness Coach and the founder of Rising Rose Wellness based in British Columbia, Canada. 

She is a passionate advocate for promoting the health of ourselves and the planet, for honoring the medicine we all carry. Her career as a physician includes Rural Family Practice, Women’s Health, Maternity Care and Functional Medicine. After completing her conventional medical training, she longed to learn more about holistic health and help others access true healing, and so continued to explore and gain experience in several other modalities. Also, a wellness retreat facilitator, Jenna enjoys exploring and connecting with others on deeper levels, in wild spaces and places.

Having trained in Ayurveda, Somatics, Acupuncture, Mindfulness, Hypnotherapy, Compassionate Inquiry, Meditation, Plant Medicine and Intuitive Coaching, Dr. Jenna believes deeply in the combined wisdom of both “modern” and ancient practices for greater health. Her work and retreats draw on knowledge from a broad range of modalities, to provide a more holistic approach to wellness. Using science as a foundation, she loves to weave in teachings and lessons from spirituality and the natural world around us. Her offerings balance evidence with intuition, to provide a deeper level of healing, alignment and empowerment for the mind, body and soul.

To learn more about Dr. Jenna Creaser and her work, please visit: https://www.risingrosewellness.ca/

— “As women, we truly need to realize it’s okay to give ourselves a break once in a while.  Ask for help, hire someone to clean your house or do your laundry, and figure out ways to lighten your daily load and stresses.  Life will always throw curve balls our way, but isn’t the point of living to actually be present and live it?  Give yourself grace if you’re having a super shitty day and go to bed early and hopefully, you’ll wake up feeling better tomorrow.  The point of life is to work to be happy and fill our days with laughter and memories with those you love most.  Our measure of our life’s quality is how we react to daily obstacles and how we choose to overcome them and what kind of attitude we want to carry through it all.  We can choose to let these things break us, or we can choose to stop, take a breath, and not let these things have the power.  We owe it to ourselves to live the life we want and not live it on a runaway train that feels out of control.  So, what would you change right now to get yourself back on track and reduce some of this crazy pressure and stress we have created in our lives?  Take your control back and go be the badass person you’re meant to be!”

Valeria interviews Chelsea Husum — She is the author of  “Real Vibes Only: Unapologetic Confessions Of A Hot Mess Mom-Preneur.”

Chelsea Husum is an unapologetic force in entrepreneurship, personal growth, and empowerment! Chelsea, an intrepid female entrepreneur, has shattered barriers within the predominantly male construction industry, establishing a thriving startup in a major market. She helps make up the only 11% of women in construction and stands out even more as a female business owner in the field. She is thriving in a man’s industry because she chooses to do things her way. Chelsea has triumphed over significant adversity and trauma, including enduring the pain of sexual assault. Chelsea is fervently committed to sharing her narrative of resilience and triumph, illuminating how she not only survived but thrived. What truly distinguishes Chelsea is her relatability and humor, making her an inspiring and relatable figure. She doesn't just share stories; she brings them to life, leaving listeners engaged and feeling connected and seen. In a world filled with curated content, she offers authenticity that's a valuable addition to any podcast episode.

To learn more about Chelsea Husum and her work, please visit: https://chelseahusum.com/

— In this episode, Alice shares how she became an author and then how she became an author who has supported herself for 13 years! She is also the founder of the successful summer camp, Words on Fire Writing Camp for Teens, which is going into its 13th summer. Alices gives advice for creatives on how to support themselves as they create their art, a consistent income, and setting and sticking to a trajectory with their careers.  

Valeria interviews Alice B. McGinty — She is the author of  “The Sea Knows, Feasts and Festivals Around the World: From Lunar New Year to Christmas, A Synagogue Just Like Home, Bathe the Cat, Gandhi: A March to the Sea, and many other titles.”

Alice B. McGint delights in igniting imaginations. As the award-winning author of over 50 children’s books, she makes fiction and non-fiction accessible, engaging, and fun.

Her books include 2022 JLG Selection and Chicago and New York Public Libraries Best Book of 2022, Bathe the Cat; 2021 ALA Notable Book, JLG Selection and Norman A. Sugarman Honor Book, The Water Lady: How Darlene Arviso Helps a Thirsty Navajo Nation; and 2019 JLG Selection, The Girl Who Named Pluto: The Story of Venetia Burney. Alice has successfully supported herself as a writer for the past thirteen years. This summer, she celebrates the 13th year of running Words on Fire Writing Camp for Teens, which she established and leads. Alice is a Regional Adviser Emerita of the Illinois Chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, a presenter, writing coach and tutor, book reviewer, freelance writer, mom, and last but not least, a traveler. 

To learn more about Alice B. McGinty and her work, please visit: https://www.alicebmcginty.com/ http://www.newsfromthehappyside.com/, and https://wordsonfirecamp.wordpress.com/

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well. 

— We have many goals as we learn methods for transforming the psyche. In addition to our primary goals of empowerment, freedom and enlightenment, or awakening, we need to add clearing karma.

Karma is unprocessed, undigested experience, old patterns of behavior, beliefs that are interfering with current functioning, items in memory that are not resolved, relationships that ended badly and were not completed, any leftover baggage that you pull along with you. Karma takes you out of your full creative presence and separates you from your true self and your soul awareness, which is whole, loving, and compassionate, awake and enlightened.  Karma is anything that separates you from your true self, or causes you to separate from others, or stops you, or brings up fear or anger, or causes you to react instead of respond. 

Your mind is your digestive system for your experience.  Your digestive system separates out the useful components of the food you eat for integration into your body.  Then it excretes what is not useful, unhelpful, dangerous, or toxic.  Your mind naturally functions to digest your experiences, integrate what’s useful, learn lessons, build your intelligence, ultimately create wisdom, and let go of all the rest. 

However, your mind’s digestive system can fail to work optimally just as your body’s digestive system can fail.  Karma will bloat and constipate your mind/spirit, just as accumulated unprocessed stuff will do that in your gut.  If you digest the leftover stuff and learn whatever lesson it has for you, you make psychological and spiritual progress.  If you don’t, it will continue to bring you the same kinds of experiences, again and again, until you process it fully. 

Your job is to hunt for those beliefs that are no longer useful to you. When you clear them, you get back energy – the energy you’ve been using to ignore them, resist them, and keep them buried in your sub-conscious mind. 

Get rid of the stuff you don’t need anymore.  You will become lighter, and brighter, wiser and more loving.  Who doesn’t want that? 

Valeria interviews Lion Goodman — He is the author of  “Clear Your Beliefs, Clear Your Clients' Limiting Beliefs, Menlightenment: A Book for Awakening Men, The Narcissism Primer, The Heart of Healing, Co-author with Deepak Chopra, Dean Ornish, and others and Creating On Purpose: The Spiritual Technology of Manifestation, co-authored with Anodea Judith, PhD. 

Lion Goodman is founder of the Clear Beliefs Institute of Trauma-informed Therapeutic Coaching, with graduates in 45 countries.  He has had 40 years’ experience as a transformational coach, healer, and teacher.

His Clear Beliefs methodology is designed to delete limiting beliefs, childhood wounds, and traumas from the core of the psyche.

Lion has taught workshops on 4 continents, and his writings have been widely published in books, magazines and websites.

Clients and students report profound transformation from his work, freeing them to be happier, and more successful. 

To learn more about Lion Goodman and his work, please visit: https://liongoodman.com/, https://clearyourbeliefs.com/ and https://clearbeliefs.com/

— Handwriting can help to calm your mind, sharpen your writing skills, and make sense of memories and feelings at the same time. Writing can create order out of internal chaos and calm the internal chatter that creates the stress in the first place. Writing letters can be just as soothing, calming, and meditative as knitting, drawing, or painting. Letters help us to weave the tapestry of love that is our lives.

They record our humanity, the better parts of us. And if we write them now, we will still be here on paper a hundred years from now, proving to future generations that the human heart changes little through space and time. Love never dies. Letters ensure that our words and our humanity do not either.

Valeria interviews Lynne Kolze  — She is the author of  “Please Write: Finding Joy and Meaning in the Soulful Art of Handwritten Letters.”

Lynne Kolze has been writing letters for over five decades to all kinds of people, for all kinds of reasons. Spending all these years writing letters, she learned that it is the small things we do for one another that make the most difference. Lynne discovered that letters are one of the most powerful, creative, joyful gifts that one person can give to another. No other gift that is as precious costs so little and has such a lasting impact. In fact, a letter’s power is often in the rich legacy it leaves behind for future generations. In a world of quick, cookie-cutter, and one-dimensional communications, letters offer a respite from the cyber world we experience every day.

Lynne never imagined herself as someone who would become an author, but her research into the art of letter writing sparked an interest in sharing what she learned with others. Over time, she gathered stories from others about the ways in which letters changed or enriched their lives. Their stories, as well as her own experiences, inspired this book. 

Lynne began her life in suburban Chicago, then followed her dream of becoming involved in environmental protection. She received bachelor’s degrees in water resources and natural resources management from the University of Wisconsin, and a master’s degree in public affairs from Indiana University. Lynne then spent over 30 years in public service, mostly working on water protection efforts in Chicago, Washington, DC, and Minnesota. During these years, she advocated for better citizen engagement in water planning efforts. She enjoyed working with citizens most, finding joy in their knowledge and ideas as well as the comradery and connections she made.

In many ways, letter writing, and public service are similar pursuits: each involves sharing, storytelling, listening, connecting, and building community through reciprocal giving. Both have given her great satisfaction and contributed to her growth as a person.

Lynne currently lives in the “Twin Cities” in Minnesota, not far from the Mississippi River with her husband. She enjoys spending time with him in nature, visiting with her two adult children, and gardening, reading, and dabbling in amateur photography.

Her new mantra is: “Kindness is underrated. Be a letter writer. Change a life!”

To learn more about Lynne Kolze and her work, please visit:

https://lynnemkolze.com/

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

—  “There is an inner voice of wisdom in each one of us that is waiting to give expression to soul-purpose. It is a voice that speaks to us in dreams, visions, signs and unexpected synchronicities. The lives we live are so disconnected from our natural surroundings that it is becoming increasingly difficult to break through a barrier of false reference points. The separation of humanity from its own deeper core is a question of our time. The loss of the spiritual is having a devastating effect on the mental health of our societies as the search for satisfaction in the immediate gratification of the senses becomes increasingly hollow.”

Valeria interviews Reino Gevers — He is the author of  “Deep Walking: For Body, Mind and Soul” and several other titles.

Reino Gevers is a seasoned writer, consultant, and inspirational speaker who has led a life shaped by diverse experiences across continents. Born and raised in the vibrant landscapes of South Africa's Kwa-Zulu-Natal province, he developed a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and the human spirit.

In 1981, Reino left his home country for Germany, where he embarked on a successful career as a journalist for an international news agency. Throughout his tenure, he covered major global events, including the historic fall of the Iron Curtain and South Africa's remarkable transition to democracy from 1990 to 1994. His in-depth reporting captured the essence of these pivotal moments in history, offering a unique perspective on the world's transformation.

After three decades in the media industry, Gevers decided to channel his expertise and passion into a new endeavor. In 2010, he established PowerBodyMind, a consultancy business based on health and wellness based in Germany and the captivating island of Majorca, Spain. Through his consultancy, Gevers empowers individuals and organizations to unlock their full potential, guiding them towards a harmonious integration of body, mind, and spirit.

Gevers's personal journey on the ancient Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route has left an indelible mark on his life and work. Having walked the path more than a dozen times, he draws inspiration from this transformative experience. This deep connection led him to pen the thought-provoking novel, "Walking on Edge: A pilgrimage to Santiago," and the enlightening non-fiction book, "Deep Walking for Body Mind and Soul." These works encapsulate the profound lessons and spiritual insights garnered from his pilgrimages, resonating with readers seeking personal growth and self-discovery.

In addition to his literary pursuits, Gevers shares his wisdom and inspiration through his regular weekly Podcast and Blog, "Living to Be." Dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace their true purpose and live authentically, his engaging content offers practical guidance, mindful practices, and uplifting insights.

To learn more about Reino Gevers and his work, please visit: https://reinogevers.com/

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well. 

— What if there was a way to escape corporate America with all the bells & whistles and income limitations by unleashing the Warrior Goddess that lies dormant within?

You can pour your passion into building a Legacy Asset as you immediately contribute to the household expenses.

That means no income limitations or ceilings and much deserved support and recognition for personal growth, contribution, and improvements mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Are you ready to get out of your own way and ask yourself: What else is possible for me?

Valeria interviews Jeanette Lowry  — She is a Transformational & Residual Income Coach in the Wellness/Natural Beauty space.

Jeanette Lowry is a mom of two adult kids and ‘nana‘ of one granddaughter. The past 33 years sha has spent working with women who want out of the ‘9-5 grind‘ and into a Home based - Virtual Business where they control their earning potential, well-being and time!

Aligning with a Brand Partner in the expansive Natural Health & Beauty markets allows a low-cost entry into starting a new business because the infrastructure and logistics are already in place.

Jeanette offers high energy, module based trainings inside her online Academy for Group and 1:1 Coaching Programs. She offers Free or Low cost Mini Webinars & Masterclasses monthly.

Her experience and wisdom (25,000 hours learning the subjects she coaches including; Mindset Mastery, Healthy Body Transformations, Social Media/Influencer Marketing/Team Building and all things Compensation /Earning potential which is what sets Jeanette apart from other coaches in her industry.

From the vast options for entrepreneurial ventures, Jeanette watched her father earn recurring income in the insurance industry...and she was sold on never working for someone else in her teens and needed ‘recurring income not hourly pay. She found the right industry and the company as she is magnetized to other ‘Goal Getters, Improvement Based, Servant Leadership type women she can meet, coach, and bring into her friendship circle for life!

Jeanette has experienced living for 20yrs+ on ‘recurring income‘ so the ability to leverage yourself with a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, harnessing the buying power and earning potential from the collective of vast individuals is a game changer. Once you understand the power of Leveraged Income through Brand Partnership... you‘ll never look back.

To learn more about Jeanette Lowry and her work, please visit: https://www.jeanettelowry.com/

Also, download Jeanette’s FREE WORBOOK:

“Girl, Quit looking in the Rearview Mirror” https://bit.ly/GirlQuitlookingintheRearviewMirror

— Through Jim’s passion for personal development and family enrichment, he was discovering and putting into practice the principles, values and beliefs that make a life full of peace, joy, purpose and love possible. Twenty years ago he wrote s definition of a “successful family”  — A successful family is one whose members speak with respect, honor difference, provide a nurturing environment, empower each other, and truly enjoy being together. They have a knack for really enjoying and appreciating the good times, while at the same time, they can effectively deal with any difficult issues that come their way. There is a sense of peace, joy, warmth, and love within their home. While Jim’s family doesn’t always meet this definition, they experience it more often than not. Most importantly, when they start to drift away from this ideal or they are confronted with a new obstacle, Jim knows how to lead them back. Now, he finds himself at a point in his life where he is being called to share what he has learned during his life as a father and a husband so Jim founded the Family Enrichment Academy as a vehicle to fulfill this calling. The mission of The Family Enrichment Academy is to share 40 years of lessons and hard-earned wisdom. To empower parents to be the hero within their families. To teach the principles, values and beliefs that will lead to a life and a family full of peace, joy, warmth, and love. Jim’s first priority is to guide families along their second journey - the journey of fulfillment. His lifetime of study and experience as a husband and parent has taught him that this is where miracles happen!

Valeria interviews Jim White — He is the author of  “How To Be The Parent Your Teenager Needs You To Be: Without All Of The Fighting, Frustration, Or Fear Of Doing It Wrong.”

Jim White is an author, coach and founder of the Family Enrichment Academy. He has been married for 40 years and has 6 children as well as 12 grandchildren. His background as a family enrichment coach and life experience provide a unique perspective on parenthood. His book How to Be the Parent Your Teenager Needs You to Be is his second book on parenting.

To learn more about Jim White and his work, please visit: https://www.familyenrichmentacademy.com

Here is a gift from Jim to you:

https://www.familyenrichmentacademy.com/opt-in-10-questions-rev-1

Jim offers an insightful resource for listeners. One of the biggest challenges parents face is getting their teens to open up and talk. This PDF provides 10 Questions to never ask because they are conversation killers. Also included, are 10 great questions... conversation starters.

— Unleash your true potential and go into a deep journey of self-discovery with transformational coaching classes. Radically shift your mindset, manifest your dreams, and create the life you desire. Briana will guide you through powerful techniques, blending ancient wisdom with modern strategies. This is beautiful time to navigate the intricacies of your journey, addressing both the challenges and the opportunities for growth!

Valeria interviews Brianna Mason — She is a passionate holistic healer dedicated to elevating humanity's consciousness and contributing to the vibrational shift of our planet. 

After being both a client and practitioner of traditional talk therapy for over two decades combined, Brianna realized she was reaching caps in her personal treatment and with her clients. Brianna struggled with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance addictions, and survived multiple suicide attempts. These experiences led her to a more spiritually aligned path as she felt called to expand and connect with her Highest Self.

This transformative shift opened doors to a wealth of wisdom and knowledge about various holistic healing modalities. Today, Brianna’s mission is to share this enlightenment with others, offering a holistic approach that extends beyond the traditional boundaries of therapy. She offers individual and group healings in her transformational coaching programs. Brianna also offers Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique sessions in which the client may heal deep subconscious wounds and receive miraculous spiritual, physical, and emotional healing from their Highest Self.

To learn more about Brianna Mason and her work, please visit: https://www.briannamason.love/

— Our thoughts are psychological, 

They really aren't the truth.

They're a bunch of mental constructs.

You've bought into since your youth.

Most things we do unconsciously.

We learned them as a child.

Conditioned by what our folks disliked,

And that which made them smile.

Knowing which are their voice.

And knowing which is mine.

Only from that discernment place

Can we know that we're Divine… ~ Ian

Valeria interviews  Ian Segail — He is the author of  “The Emotional Resilience Pathway: A Practical Guide to Cultivate Emotional Resilience, Overcome Fear, and Manifest Your Dream Life AND Who's Controlling You? The Doris Program.”

A seasoned mentor and inspirational guide with a passion for helping others achieve their full potential.

Author of 14 books, for the last 25 years Ian has been helping companies and people all over the world optimize their impact and increase their ROE (return on effort) by improving themselves, their mental models, their sales, and their marketing systems for increased engagement.

Ian’s work involves helping people to transform their work efforts and achieve the results they truly want for themselves and their businesses.

Using his vast array of expertise, know-how, and proven methodologies, Ian helps people find their joy, ease, and flow so that their efforts bear the fruit they choose with less struggle and stress.

To learn more about Ian Segail and his work, please visit: https://iansegail.com/

To purchase Ian’s books, please email him: ians@iansegail.com

Also, for free copy of “WHO'S CONTROLLING YOU? THE DORIS PROGRAM”  — Please visit: https://online.fliphtml5.com/xulnn/yacj/

Password: Doris

— Are you looking to improve or build a stronger relationship with someone in your life?

Alicia has created the Tools to Heal: Navigating Challenging Relationships Conversation Cards with that purpose in mind! The conversation cards are suitable for all relationships:  parent-child, partner-to-partner, friend-to-friend, etc. Each card has a different question developed to encourage meaningful and deep conversation. Be open, honest, and enjoy as you begin to peel back the layers of your relationship(s) and build closer bonds. Life is more beautiful with healthy connections!

Valeria interviews Alicia Harris — She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of New Jersey, a certified school counselor, and a motivational speaker. She also the creator of Tools to Heal: Navigating Challenging Relationships Conversation Cards.

Alicia Harris was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. She is passionate about pouring into the cups of others and has extensive knowledge and experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in educational, professional, and mental health settings. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Counseling with School Counseling Certification.

Additionally, Alicia has proudly served 16+ years in federal service, spending most of her career assisting airports nationwide with operational management and workforce development. Outside of her federal career, she has devoted time to providing mentorship and mental health therapy to children and young adults and continues to do so. Alicia also does a wide range of community work and gives back whenever possible. Alicia holds many roles, but her favorite is being a mom to her talented teenage daughter. As a mom, counselor, career coach, mentor, and consultant, her glass-shattering experiences have allowed her to reach, help improve, and transform the lives of many.

To learn more about Alicia Harris and her work, please visit: https://essencofhealing.org/ and https://www.tools-to-heal.com/

— The focus of Yildiz work has always been on helping herself and others to fulfill our potential in becoming empowered to live more satisfied and meaningful lives.

Mental health professionals often maintain a sense of loyalty to their chosen modality that may become a restriction to exploring other ways of working or thinking. Yildiz work invites you to come out of your school of thought, at least for a while, and explore what is taking place in terms of innovation and development in the psychotherapy world and the formation of new approaches.

New approaches are taking what is of value from each of the major strands of former approaches and integrating them into new modalities so as to provide a means to improve their effectiveness with clients as mental health professionals continue on their own personal and professional growth paths. Rapid Core Healing (RCH) is a dual approach of psychotherapy that is composed of Emotional Mind Integration (EMI) and Family Constellations (FC). Yildiz have adopted a largely humanistic philosophical stance in developing RCH in that it is largely person-centered and experiential, while also solution- focused, psychodynamic and brief.

Valeria interviews Yildiz Sethi — She is the author of  “-Rapid Core Healing Pathways To Growth And Emotional Healing: Using The Unique Dual Approach Of Family Constellations And Emotional Mind Integration: For Personal And Systemic Health.”

Yildiz is the innovator and founder of Rapid Core Healing and Emotional Mind Integration that is presented in her book Rapid Core Healing Pathways to Growth and Emotional Healing. Rapid Core Healing is a two-pronged approach developed to work with an issue from the systemic and personal (biography) aspects in a truly wholistic and revolutionary manner for brief, deep and effective interventions of disturbances, conflicts and trauma.

She is a psychotherapist, educator, change & transformation specialist, systemic Family Constellations Practitioner & Trainer and Speaker.

To learn more about Yildiz Sethi and her work, please visit: https://rapidcorehealing.com/

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.