Explore every episode of the podcast Stories and Stanza
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embrace the Mud: A Veteran Poet on Discipline and Craft | 04 Oct 2026 | 00:37:10 | |
#StoriesAndStanza #BetweenTheLines #PeterGunn #EpicPoetry #CreativeDiscipline
Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Why "Use Your Words" Doesn't Work: How Children Learn Emotional Language | Dr David Marcus | 24 Sep 2026 | 01:07:58 | |
"Use your words," we tell our children. But what if they don't have the words yet? In this Fail With Me conversation, clinical psychologist Dr David S. Marcus explains why emotional language is a skill that has to be built, not something children simply pick up, and how parents can build it with them. Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Why We Repeat Patterns We Know Are Hurting Us: Shadow Journaling, Self-Acceptance and the Reveal, Reclaim, Rewrite Method with Oliver Mann | 24 Sep 2026 | 01:02:47 | |
Why doesn't self-awareness lead to change? Shadow journaling coach Oliver Mann, author of Shadow Journaling: A Field Guide to Personal Alchemy, explains why self-acceptance is the missing step between knowing your patterns and changing them. Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Navigating Redundancy: Grief, Identity and Finding Yourself Again | 11 Sep 2026 | 00:47:42 | |
What happens to your sense of self when the job you gave years to suddenly no longer needs you? In this Fail With Me episode, Abhra sits down with Claire, a fellow writer, for an honest conversation about redundancy, job loss and the quiet grief that comes with it. Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Can You Predict How People Will Behave? Jim Marshall on Septemics | 11 Sep 2026 | 01:22:52 | |
#StoriesAndStanza #Septemics #HumanBehaviour #SelfImprovement #EmotionalIntelligence Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Art Is an Act of Survival — Dancer Alexandra Beller on Aloneness, Healing & Finding Your Voice | 06 Sep 2026 | 00:48:28 | |
GNiYQGXxQongx5BIPosv "This is what it feels like to be alive. Does anybody recognise it?" Dancer and choreographer Alexandra Beller believes that's the question at the heart of all art — and the answer is what makes us feel less alone. In this episode of Stories and Stanza, Alexandra shares 25 years of lived experience inside the creative process — from performing with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company to teaching artists how to trust themselves while creating. We explore why authenticity isn't something you can teach but something you facilitate, how the body holds feelings the mind can't access, why labels can be a form of violence, and what it means to separate who you are from what you make. Alexandra also reads from her upcoming book The Anatomy of Art (Bloomsbury, September 2025) — a field guide for artists blending poetic insight with practical tools for navigating the messy, thrilling terrain of making. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS ✍️ ABOUT ALEXANDRA BELLER Her upcoming book The Anatomy of Art (Bloomsbury) is a field guide for artists and educators, blending poetic insight with practical tools for navigating creative process, doubt, burnout, and artistic pressure. 🔗 Connect with Alexandra: https://www.alexandrabellerdances.org/ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IB7QHTnIpo0 GNiYQGXxQongx5BIPosv Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| From Trauma to the Page | A Nurse's Journey Through Writing & Forgiveness — Nancy Jasin Ensley | 23 Aug 2026 | 00:51:26 | |
#WritingAsHealing #PTSD #MentalHealth #StoriesAndStanza #Resilience "I decided I didn't want to be afraid all the time." That one decision changed everything for Nancy Jasin Ensley — and it might change something for you too. In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra sits down with Nancy — a writer, registered nurse, teacher, and grandmother of fourteen from rural Michigan — for a conversation that moves between the craft of writing and the work of healing. Nancy shares how a difficult childhood marked by PTSD and abandonment shaped her, and why it took her ten to twenty years before she could write her memoir, The Tire Swing. She talks about what it means to find stillness inside the tornado — her metaphor for those moments when life is chaos but you learn to breathe in the centre of it. The conversation explores why childhood PTSD was only recently recognised as distinct, how journaling sustained Nancy through years of caring for parents with dementia, and why she believes writing is for everyone — not just those who publish. Nancy brings her themes to life through her characters: "3B," a half-alien boy who overcomes bullying with nothing but a smile, and the Martians of Indigo 35, who gave up feelings entirely because they believed emotions caused war. She also shares hard-won lessons on writer's block, the realities of editing and self-publishing, and the moment a difficult colleague read her memoir and called her by name for the first time — because behind the name tag, he finally saw a person. The episode closes with Nancy reading "The Tire Swing" — a poem about the choice we all have to ride. 🕐 TIMESTAMPS ✍️ ABOUT NANCY JASIN ENSLEY "I write because it is how I listen. I write because it is how I remember. And by grace, I will keep writing." 🔗 Connect with Nancy: https://nancyjasinensley.com/ Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rynjo6P_igI Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| What If Your Happiness Isn't Yours? Redefining Happiness With Charu Moorjani | 15 Aug 2026 | 00:31:47 | |
What does it mean when your life looks perfect on the outside but something feels deeply off inside? In this episode of Fail With Me, I sit down with Charu Moorjani — Australian author of The Happiness Pathway, mindset coach, and wellbeing storyteller — for a conversation about what happens when the version of happiness you've been chasing was never actually yours. Charu's turning point came during her honeymoon in Macau, when she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome and spent a month in ICU on a mechanical ventilator. For the first time, everything went quiet. No expectations, no performance, no pretending. That stillness forced her to confront how disconnected she had become from herself. Later, navigating an emotionally abusive marriage and divorce, journaling became her lifeline — a nightly practice of sitting with her feelings, asking honest questions, and slowly rebuilding who she really was. What I love about this conversation is how practical Charu makes it. This isn't abstract self-help. She walks us through gratitude exercises, mindfulness prompts, the difference between pleasure and fulfilment, and why happiness isn't a destination — it's something you cultivate through daily micro habits and alignment with who you actually are. In this episode, we explore: → Why a life that looks good on paper can feel empty inside → How an ICU diagnosis became her turning point → Why journaling works — and what to do if you struggle with it → The one gratitude practice Charu swears by every night → Bringing awareness into mundane moments — the coffee exercise → Steps to heal after a difficult relationship: acknowledge, forgive yourself, forgive the other → The difference between pleasure and fulfilment → Why you're not broken if you feel disconnected "I want people to realize they're not broken if they feel disconnected. Maybe they've just been chasing the wrong version of happiness or someone else's version of happiness, and they really don't need permission to create their own." — Charu Moorjani Connect with Charu Moorjani: Website → thehappinesspathway.com Instagram → @thehappinesspathway Book (Amazon) → https://amzn.asia/d/0ibK94gU Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Moonee Valley Writing Group on Craft, Community, Resilience & New Work | 10 Aug 2026 | 00:42:44 | |
What happens when you pass a mic around a library table and ask four writers why they keep showing up? This is the first ever in-person episode of Stories and Stanza — recorded live at Sam Merrifield Library in Moonee Ponds with the Moonee Valley Writing Group. Frances McKay talks about her published nonfiction Pieces of China and reads from her humorous novel-in-progress Postcards from Paris, about a young Australian au pairing in 1970s Paris. Claire describes turning a redundancy diary into fiction. Katherine reflects on memoir writing, dyslexia, composing music, and finding community. And John shares his journey from retirement into science fiction, reads from his series Rogue Genesis, and talks openly about the path to self-publishing. Together they explore why meeting face-to-face still matters, how honest feedback helps you accept imperfect writing, and what keeps a small group of volunteers returning to the same table month after month. 📣 Join us for the first ever Stories and Stanza live event on 29 August — an in-person discussion with author and journal coach Sarah Rosse about her memoir So, Who Are You Anyway?, exploring identity, motherhood, caregiving, and healing through writing. 🎟️ Register: https://events.humanitix.com/stories-and-stanza-with-sarah-rosse The Moonee Valley Writing Group meets every month second Monday at Sam Merrifield Library, Moonee Ponds — 7:00 PM. Everyone is welcome. Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Writing Scary Books: What I Learned from NaNoWriMo | 09 Aug 2026 | 00:47:42 | |
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host speaks with writer Diana Gunn about her writing journey from starting at age eight and using NaNoWriMo to build discipline and finish projects to publishing five books, including her recent Gothic horror vampire novel Woman of Sorrow and Blood. Gunn discusses planning versus drafting fast, how challenges like NaNoWriMo can help writers start and develop confidence, and why she created the Weeknight Writers community to provide year-round support, especially for marginalized writers. She explains how fantasy and horror offer a safe container to explore trauma, healing, and real-world fears, notes world-building pitfalls, and reads an excerpt from her novel. The conversation also covers drafting-to-editing best practices, beta readers and proofreading, writer’s block as a symptom, and key differences between traditional and self-publishing. 00:00 NaNoWriMo Magic Hook 01:24 Podcast Intro and Guest 02:42 Diana Writing Origins 06:05 NaNoWriMo Planning Tips 09:53 Why Horror and Fantasy 13:07 Classic Horror Metaphors 15:43 Worldbuilding Pitfalls 17:16 Meet Woman of Sorrow 21:00 Cover Art to Draft 22:58 Weeknight Writers Programs 27:36 Why Writers Need Community 30:55 Start Writing When Overwhelmed 35:47 Editing and Beta Readers 41:11 Writer Block Workbook 43:11 Publishing Paths Compared 46:18 Final Thoughts and Goodbye Dianna Gunn decided she wanted to be an author when she was just eight years old. Since then, she's devoted her entire life to not just becoming an author - with six published fantasy and horror books to her name in 2026 - but helping other writers become authors through Weeknight Writers, an organization dedicated to creating virtual events and community spaces for authors. https://weeknightwriters.com/writers-block-buster/ This is where folks can sign up to receive the Writer's Block Buster, a free mini-workbook designed to help people find the root cause of their writer's block so they can get back to work on their stories. Signing up here also signs people up for the Weeknight Writers newsletter so they can learn more about the community. Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| From Cancer Diagnosis to Bestselling Novelist | 02 Aug 2026 | 00:40:43 | |
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, I sit down with writer, musician, and cancer fighter Ray Hartjen to talk about his brand new novel, The Iranian Fiasco — a Tom Clancy-inspired espionage thriller published on April 7th and available wherever books are sold. Ray's story is unlike any I've heard on this show. After being diagnosed with multiple myeloma — an incurable but treatable blood cancer — in 2019, he didn't slow down. Instead, he grabbed life by the shoulders and asked himself one question: "If not now, when?" That question has since fuelled six published books, a shift from nonfiction to fiction, and a deeply fulfilling creative life built around storytelling and music. In our conversation, Ray reads the opening pages of The Iranian Fiasco and introduces us to Tiger Swanson — a CIA operative who is no princess waiting to be rescued. We talk about how he writes in the detailed, research-heavy style of Tom Clancy but for a modern publishing landscape, how he builds real-world locations into his fiction (right down to motorcycle shops in Western Iran you could find on a map), and why he writes without outlines, letting the story flow organically. We also get into the writing discipline that makes it all possible — 500 words a day, tracked in a spreadsheet — and Ray shares honest, practical advice for anyone who has a story inside them but hasn't started writing it yet. This episode spans both my Between the Lines segment, where we explore the craft behind the writing, and Fail With Me, where we go deeper into the human story — because with Ray, the two are inseparable. 📖 BOOKS BY RAY HARTJEN
🔗 CONNECT WITH RAY Website: https://rayhartjen.com Email: rayhartjen@gmail.com Social media: @rayhartjen (across platforms) If you are a cancer patient, caregiver, or ally — Ray personally invites you to reach out. He has connected with patients from Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, Egypt, Iran, Europe, and across the United States, and considers it the honour of his life. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Podcast Intro and Guest 03:06 Ray's Writing Journey — From Marketing to Six Books 06:13 Cancer Diagnosis to Purpose — The "If Not Now, When?" Moment 19:44 Inside The Iranian Fiasco — Opening Pages Read Aloud 35:00 Writing Advice, Publishing Realities, and Wrap 🎙️ ABOUT STORIES AND STANZA I'm Abhra, and Stories and Stanza is where I amplify the voices of writers, poets, and people with authentic human stories. The show runs two series — Between the Lines (craft and writing) and Fail With Me (wellness, mindset, and emotional intelligence). New episodes drop regularly across YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Eradicating Loneliness Through Connection, Compassion, and Boundaries | 25 Jul 2026 | 00:56:50 | |
Relationship coach, YouTube creator, and author Stacy Rocklein joins Stories and Stanza to discuss her mission to eradicate loneliness by helping people feel seen, known, and understood in their relationships. A former math teacher turned coach and author, Stacy shares how finding her purpose led her to this deeply personal work. She reframes failure as a pathway to intimacy when it's felt and shared rather than avoided, and emphasizes emotional "fluency" — sitting with feelings, not just naming them. The conversation explores how unmet needs, childhood wounds, and defense mechanisms shape relationship patterns, why personal wholeness must come before seeking a partner to "fill holes," and how endings can offer painful but valuable growth. Stacy and the host discuss navigating busy lives through small daily moments of connection, the importance of emotional presence during mental health struggles, and how boundaries create safety for vulnerability, trust, and deeper intimacy. She also reads from her book "Forgive Without an Apology: How to Heal, Set Boundaries, and Create Deeper Connections," offering a powerful formula for making peace with your past and moving forward — even without closure from the other person. Whether you're healing from a difficult relationship, trying to deepen the one you're in, or learning to determine who in your life is truly capable of the emotional intimacy you desire, this conversation will meet you where you are. Connect with Stacy Rocklein: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StacyRocklein Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/jdiPiRk Substack: https://substack.com/@stacyrocklein Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SRocklein Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacyrocklein/ If this conversation resonated with you, subscribe to Stories and Stanza for more meaningful discussions on creativity, resilience, and the human experience. Follow us on YouTube or any podcast platform. Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Solving Dyslexia: The Method That Jumps Kids 8 Grade Levels in Months | 23 Jul 2026 | 00:43:47 | |
#dyslexia #neurodiversity #learningdisability Russell Van Brocklen, the Dyslexia Professor, reveals the writing-based method that helped students jump 8 grade levels in months — at less than 1% of the cost of private dyslexia schools. If your child struggles with reading and writing, this episode could change everything. Russell was flunked by SUNY Buffalo despite earning a recommended A-minus through the NY State Assembly Internship Program — all because of his dyslexia accommodations. Instead of giving up, he set out to solve dyslexia himself. He audited law school, learned to read in a month, and spent 25 years developing a method rooted in how the dyslexic brain actually works. In this conversation, Russell breaks down the brain science behind dyslexia, demonstrates his word analysis and articulation technique live, and shares real results — including a 10-year-old who jumped 8 grade levels in 6 months and a homeschooling mom who solved her son's dyslexia in under 9 months. He also covers why motivation and specialization matter for dyslexia, ADD, and ADHD, and how the craft of research connects directly to mastering AI tools in the workplace. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on creativity, resilience, and human stories. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Flunked Internship Sparks Mission 03:37 Law School Breakthrough and Research Program 06:11 Dyslexia Science and Fast Fix Method 19:44 Course Pricing & Access 24:15 Dyslexia Testing Myths 33:24 Advanced Writing Framework 🇦🇺 AUSTRALIAN LISTENERS If you are based in Australia and wish to get Russell's course priced in Australian dollars instead of USD, get in touch with us at Storiesandstanza@gmail.com and we will generate a discount code for you. 📩 Connect with Russell — grab his free ebook and join his newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/dcacd9a6f9ae/3-reasons-ebook Stories and Stanza is a podcast exploring creativity, resilience, and the transformative power of human stories. Through our two series — Between the Lines (creators and craft) and Fail With Me (wellness and life's challenges) — we bring you authentic conversations with inspiring voices from around the world. #ADHD #readingintervention #dyslexiaawareness #specialeducation #parentingtips #homeschooling #writingskills #storiesandstanza Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Why Your Political Views Aren't Fully Your Own: Personality, Conditioning & Filter Bubbles | 10 Jul 2026 | 01:00:39 | |
What if your political identity has less to do with facts and more to do with personality and conditioning? In this episode of Stories and Stanza's Fail With Me series, host Abhra sits down with psychologist Jennifer Cox to unpack the psychology behind political identity — without labeling any side as right or wrong. Using the Big Five (OCEAN) personality framework, they explore research linking higher openness to left-leaning tendencies and higher conscientiousness to right-leaning tendencies, along with how extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism shape political engagement, emotional reactivity, and our vulnerability to filter bubbles. Abhra also shares a personal story of perfectionism, anger, illness, and loss that became a turning point toward curiosity, mindfulness, and creative freedom — connecting emotional intelligence and openness in a very human way. The conversation moves into belonging, unpacking the real origins (and modern misuse) of "Maslow's hierarchy of needs," and how political movements weaponize in-group/out-group fear. The episode closes with a preview of future topics: immigration, intergenerational trauma, and gender fluidity. If you're interested in political psychology, emotional intelligence, personality theory, or how conditioning shapes belief systems, this episode is for you. Jennifer earned her minor in creative writing from Alfred University in 2016. As a pansexual genderflux individual and a trauma-informed mental health counsellor, they’re passionate about representation in fiction. Each story she tells is an opportunity to explore the beauty in nonconformity, healing, and diversity. After a lifetime of putting imagination to paper, Jennifer’s debut novel, Getting to Know You, came into being as a promise kept to a friend. Jennifer lives in the Finger Lakes with her family, enjoying tabletop roleplaying games, sewing, and cuddling their cat. Find her books here:
Timestamps 00:00 Failure Sparks Change 01:15 Podcast Intro 01:39 Meet Jennifer Cox 04:11 Episode Focus: Political Identity 06:51 EQ Measurement Challenges 11:29 Big Five (OCEAN) Overview 14:11 Host's Turning Point Story 20:37 From Rigidity to Politics 22:42 Openness and Left-Leaning Tendencies 24:12 Conscientiousness and Right-Leaning Tendencies 26:07 Extraversion, Agreeableness & Neuroticism 31:44 Filter Bubbles and Disengagement 34:16 Conditioning Limits Curiosity 38:58 Belonging and Maslow Reframed 45:52 Politics Weaponizes Belonging 49:58 Immigration and Generational Views 53:20 Intergenerational Trauma and Identity 58:05 Wrap-Up and Where to Follow Listen and Subscribe
#PoliticalPsychology #EmotionalIntelligence #BigFive #PersonalityTraits #FilterBubbles #MentalHealthPodcast #FailWithMe #StoriesAndStanza Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Why Love Languages Aren't Enough — Missing Skill That Actually Saves Relationships | Laziena Hodge | 23 Jun 2026 | 01:15:37 | |
We know our love languages. We've read about attachment styles. We've even set boundaries. So why do we still struggle to stay connected when conflict hits? In this episode of Stories and Stanza, Laziena Hodge — relational intelligence speaker and creator of the Relationship Repair Language framework — joins Abhra to unpack what actually happens inside us during conflict, and why knowing your patterns isn't the same as knowing how to repair. Laziena shares her deeply personal journey — from generational trauma and family separation to rebuilding her relationship with her children through curiosity, emotional honesty, and a willingness to get it wrong. What emerged from that lived experience is a practical framework that gives people a language for their emotional needs in the moments that matter most. Together, they explore why most relationship struggles aren't about a lack of love, but a lack of skill. Why emotional presence matters more than having the right answer. Why we carry unresolved wounds into every new relationship. And why sitting at the table with curiosity — instead of blame — can change everything. This conversation is for anyone who has ever wondered why they keep repeating the same patterns, why their reactions feel bigger than the moment, or why repair feels so hard even when the love is still there. 🔗 CONNECT WITH LAZIENA Website: https://laziena.com 📖 WHAT WE EXPLORE 00:00 Trauma and Emotional Impact 02:30 Origins of Repair Language 14:19 Presence Without Burnout 43:22 Breaking Relationship Cycles 44:52 Healing Tools and Inner Child 50:41 Reading from the book: "The Breakdown Before the Breakthrough" 📌 If this conversation resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need to hear it. #RelationshipRepair #EmotionalIntelligence #RelationalIntelligence #AttachmentStyles #InnerChildHealing #ConflictResolution #HealthyRelationships #MentalHealthPodcast #StoriesAndStanza #FailWithMe #LazienaHodge #EmotionalNeeds #HealingRelationships #SelfAwareness #GenerationalTrauma #RelationshipAdvice Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Why Men Suffer in Silence | 21 Jun 2026 | 01:08:11 | |
What happens when men are told to toughen up, push through, and never ask for help? In this episode of Stories and Stanza — recorded in solidarity with Men's Mental Health Awareness Month — I sit down with Joelle Camille, somatic therapist, body-brain rewiring practitioner, men's coach, speaker, and facilitator, for one of the most honest conversations I've had on this podcast. This isn't a one-sided interview. Joelle turns the mic on me — asking about my own journey with anger, grief, ego, and the somatic workshop that changed my life. I share the story of losing my father without reconciliation, the belief I grew up with that my anger was permanent, and the moment I realised I'd been carrying weight I didn't even know was there. Together we explore why men tie their self-worth to work, why defence mechanisms built in childhood follow us into adulthood, how the body stores what the mind won't process, and why the journey toward emotional intelligence begins with one step. If you're a man who feels like you're carrying too much, or you love someone who is — this conversation is for you. This is Part 1. Part 2 coming soon. 🕐 Chapters 00:00 I Win or I Learn 08:02 Silent Struggles and Support 18:57 Somatic Healing and Nervous System 33:14 Childhood Defence Mechanisms 41:30 Ego, Perfectionism and Embodiment 56:36 Generational Patterns and Parenting 🎙️ About the Guest Joelle Camille is a somatic therapist, body-brain rewiring practitioner, men's coach, speaker, and facilitator. Her mission is to support men to clear the mental clutter and become everything they want to be.
Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| You Are Not Your Thoughts: Mindfulness, Leadership & Radical Acceptance | Dalida Turkovic | Fail With Me | 15 Jun 2026 | 01:11:43 | |
What is mindfulness, really? And what happens when we confuse achieving with living? In this episode of Fail With Me — Stories and Stanza's series on mental health, resilience, and the messy, beautiful work of becoming — host Abhra Pal sits down with Dalida Turkovic, an ICF-certified leadership coach and certified Mindful Self-Compassion teacher with 30+ years of experience guiding executives and communities across Asia, Europe, and beyond. Dalida Turkovic's story is anything but theoretical. She fled the Yugoslav War in her early 20s, landed in China with almost nothing, spent 30 years building a career and a practice from scratch — and learned, through depression, burnout, and the quiet discipline of embodied awareness, how mindfulness becomes the skill that carries us through life's relentless changes. In this conversation, we explore: → Why mindfulness is not about silencing your mind — and what it actually means to "let thoughts flow" → The "frog in the well" — why self-awareness is the first real act of leadership → Why mindfulness without compassion is incomplete → The three phases of practice: striving, disillusionment, and radical acceptance → What the "hyper-achiever trap" costs leaders — in their body, their relationships, and their teams → How to begin a mindfulness practice in just 10 seconds → Why redefining success as the quality of human connection might be the most radical leadership move of our time A moment from this episode: "Sometimes we think we are in a space where we got it all — but we are actually stuck in a well. What mindfulness offers us is to begin to see different scenarios, that there is more to what we can perceive." — Dalida Turkovic Connect with Dalida Turkovic: Website & Coaching Inquiry → https://www.dalidaturkovic.com/contact Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| How Do I Know What Kind of Help I Need? | 07 Jun 2026 | 00:43:29 | |
What if the hardest part of getting help isn't the therapy itself — it's knowing where to start? In Part 2 of our conversation with counsellor and psychotherapist John Cuturilo, we go deeper into one of the most common questions people carry about mental health: How do I know what kind of support is right for me — and how do I know if it's actually working? Whether you've been in therapy for years or haven't taken that first step yet, this episode gives you the tools, language, and confidence to approach mental health support differently. In this episode:
John also shares a personal reflection — a reminder that what we normalise isn't always healthy, and that recognising that can be the beginning of real change. "Don't think that you're weak or of less value because you need help. We're all human. It's okay to seek help." — John Cuturilo 🎙️ Missed Part 1? Start here About John Cuturilo John is a counsellor, writer, and podcast host based in Melbourne, Australia, specialising in complex trauma and relational matters. He integrates lived experience with evidence-based practice — aiming to be versatile, educative, empowering, and relatable. 🔗 www.yourlistener.com.au #MentalHealth #Therapy #Counselling #FailWithMe #StoriesAndStanza #MentalHealthPodcast #TherapyTips #HowToFindATherapist #ComplexTrauma #GoalOrientedTherapy #TraumaRecovery #Psychology #Wellness #SelfCare #MentalHealthAwareness #JohnCuturilo #AbhraPal #MelbournePodcast Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| The Warning Signs We Miss: Robert Mahoney on Behavioral Threat Assessment | 01 Jun 2026 | 01:23:23 | |
What if violence could be predicted — and stopped — before it ever happens? In this episode, we sit down with Robert Mahoney, founder of TVTP Solutions, who argues that there is no such thing as a random act of violence. Every attack follows a recognisable, interruptible pathway — if you know what to look for. Robert walks us through behavioral threat assessment, the "three buckets" of identity, purpose, and community, and why our defensive approach to security is leaving us more vulnerable. He also shares real-world examples of individuals who were pulled back from the edge — including one whose life was transformed by a pottery class. A vital listen for anyone working in education, community services, public health, or anyone who simply wants to understand how safer communities are built. Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| The Dark Humor That Saved My Life in the Psych Ward | 18 May 2026 | 00:59:58 | |
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra sits down with Robert Rickelmann for an unflinching conversation about a life shaped by mental illness and addiction. Robert grew up with crippling anxiety — and discovered early on that alcohol made him feel fearless, confident, and finally comfortable in his own skin. That relief came at a devastating cost. What began as a coping mechanism consumed his law school career, his sense of self, and nearly his life. In 1996, Robert made a major suicide attempt that landed him in a psychiatric hospital for a month, where he was diagnosed as Seriously Mentally Ill — carrying diagnoses of generalized anxiety disorder, severe depression, OCD, and borderline personality disorder. The years that followed brought repeated hospitalizations, a long and grueling journey through medications, and immeasurable strain on his marriage. Through it all, Robert scribbled notes on scraps of paper — in psych wards, in dark moments, in the margins of a life he was trying to hold together. Those fragments became a memoir. After years of rejections from agents and publishers, he signed with Apprentice House Publishing, releasing Jumping Off the End on May 5, 2025 — timed deliberately with Mental Health Awareness Month. This conversation covers the seductive lie of alcohol as self-medication, the stigma men face when seeking help, dark humor as a survival tool, the invisible weight carried by caregivers, and what it means to be sober since January 10, 2013. Robert's book is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jumping-End-Lifetime-Struggle-Alcoholism/dp/1627206604/
Stories & Stanza A podcast for curious minds Follow Us FacebookInstagramYouTubeXWhatsApp Channel Listen & Read ▶ Spotify▶ Apple Podcasts✎ Read on Substack Tools We Love ↗ Grow on YouTube with vidIQ🎤 Edit Podcasts with Descript☕ Buy me a coffee Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| This Artist Illustrates What OCD Actually Feels Like | 17 May 2026 | 00:43:54 | |
In this episode, host sits down with writer, illustrator, and mental health advocate Mia Mason to explore her book Worry's Whispers — a collection of illustrated poems woven together with a graphic-novel section that follows Drew's journey through OCD and anxiety, from isolation all the way to seeking help, diagnosis, and resilience. Mia shares her personal journey, including her own lived experience of OCD as "sticky" intrusive thoughts, morality fears, and reassurance-seeking compulsions, and discusses how therapy-inspired drawings grew into the book's unique format. She reads a poem depicting health anxiety and the spiralling "why" of intrusive thoughts, and describes OCD as a ghost named Worry whose whispers can fade to background noise with the right treatment. The conversation also touches on values-based action — doing meaningful things despite fear — and why the book resonates not just for people with OCD, but for anyone who loves or supports them. Watch the video version of this interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TeU0uxR1gP8 About Mia Mason : Artist, actress, author, and mental health advocate. Mia uses storytelling and illustration to build compassion and connection around anxiety and OCD — blending emotional honesty with advocacy so others feel understood, supported, and less alone. Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worrys_whispers/ Worry's Whispers on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G1BQWW63 Stories & StanzaA podcast for curious minds Follow UsFacebook Instagram YouTube X WhatsApp Channel Listen & Read▶ Spotify ▶ Apple Podcasts ✎ Read on Substack Tools We Love↗ Grow on YouTube with vidIQ 🎤 Edit Podcasts with Descript ☕ Buy me a coffee © 2025 Stories & Stanza · All rights reserved Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Manifestation Isn't About Wanting More—It's About This | 10 May 2026 | 01:02:14 | |
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra and guest David Allen Brown discuss reframing a “midlife crisis” as a midlife renaissance, exploring how depression can feel like numbness that can turn to despair. Brown shares his background as a teacher, speaker, and writer, his divorce and move from Indianapolis to New York City, and how finding a good therapist after COVID and committing to honesty became a turning point. They examine authenticity as both a personal and creative necessity, including Brown’s decision to write an unflinching memoir and his view that being oneself attracts the right people. Brown also explains his approach to writing through intentional pre-writing, theme, and structure, reads an excerpt about caregiving stress, and outlines a model of self-talk integrating higher power, action, and emotions, culminating in a manifestation framework focused on cultivating general aligned energy rather than specific outcomes. David Alan Brown has been teaching personal empowerment, leadership, organizational development, self discovery and spirituality to audiences across the country for more than thirty years. He is the author of many books, including Answer the Call: What to do when Spirit arrives to transform your life! and The Self-Help Paradox. He frequently leads classes and services at progressive congregations, including more than a decade of service at New Thought Unity Center of Cincinnati and churches from Florida to Minnesota, Arizona to New York. He also facilitates and consults for corporations and nonprofit organizations, leading programs on leadership, culture, authenticity, presentation skills and staff development. David holds a BFA from New York University, is a fan of auto racing, writes and evaluates live theater, and coaches writers and storytellers. His most recent publication is an online course, Convergence, which teaches people how to recognize and regulate their inner voices to live intentionally each day and manifest their goals. He's here to talk with us about how this became his life's work, how he integrates it into his daily life and what makes it special. His website: https://davidalanbrown.com/convergence/ Stories & StanzaA podcast for curious minds Follow UsFacebook Instagram YouTube X WhatsApp Channel Listen & Read▶ Spotify ▶ Apple Podcasts ✎ Read on Substack Tools We Love↗ Grow on YouTube with vidIQ 🎤 Edit Podcasts with Descript ☕ Buy me a coffee © 2025 Stories & Stanza · All rights reservedWish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Migration, Belonging, and the Courage to Write | 04 May 2026 | 01:02:44 | |
In this Stories and Stanza “Between the Lines” episode, host Abhra interviews writer Áine , an Irish immigrant living on the U.S. East Coast, about how journaling from age 14 evolved into publishing fiction and nonfiction. Áine describes feeling “immigrant shell shock,” finding courage through immigrant literature, and being accepted into a university fiction workshop that revealed how others perceive a writer’s narrative voice. She recounts the shock of her first short story and later nonfiction acceptance, and how her work began moving between Ireland, the U.K., and the U.S., including a first book published in Dublin and partnered with Simon & Schuster. She shares questions she asks before writing memoir, reads a piece from a hybrid poetry/essay collection, discusses inspiration versus discipline, and reflects on migration, identity, listening, and the challenge of writing in a world that values shorter, more entertaining content, ending with encouragement that everyone deserves time to write. Please find her website here: https://www.ainegreaney.com/ Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Mental Health Stigma, Misinformation, and Owning Your Flaws | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:54:59 | |
Host Abhra speaks with Melbourne-based counselor and media creator John of Your Listener Counseling about reframing failure and reducing mental health stigma. John argues that society overemphasizes success, causing people to mislabel learning experiences as crippling failures and to shame themselves, and he links stigma around mental illness to a broader stigma against “failing” to meet societal expectations. He critiques both shaming and denial-based “positivity,” using autism as an example of how calling challenges a “superpower” can avoid acknowledging real difficulties, and emphasizes accepting flaws, working on change when possible, and accommodating what cannot be changed. They discuss shallow mental-health messaging, emotional exploitation and misinformation in media, the need for critical thinking, and core self-care pillars such as introspection, deliberate decision-making, meaningful activity, and valuing human connections. John Cuturilo is a counsellor, writer, and podcast host in Melbourne, Australia. He conducts therapy with a diverse range of clients and specialises in working with complex trauma and relational matters. His seeks to address shortcomings in common practice by being versatile, educative, empowering, and relatable, integrating humanity and lived experience with evidence-based methods. As a writer and host, he educates his audience about how psychology applies to their lives, encouraging them to be more critical, constructive thinkers. He eschews politics and popular rhetoric for a pursuit of objective reality and nuanced analysis. Find him at: www.yourlistener.com.au -------------------- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/storiesandstanza/ Follow Us on Audio Podcast: Want to grow on YouTube? Try vidIQ: https://vidiq.com/storiesandstanza
Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Writing After Trauma: How Lived Experience Fuels Creative Writing | 23 Apr 2026 | 00:57:07 | |
In this intimate conversation on Stories and Stanza, Teri shares how lived experience with trauma — including surviving a 14-year emotionally abusive marriage — became the foundation for her most authentic and powerful creative writing. If you're a writer, a reader, or anyone who has ever wondered whether your hardest seasons have a purpose, this episode is for you. This episode explores the impact of a toxic relationship and the healing journey that can follow, emphasizing how true stories can fuel powerful writing. Born in Athens, Greece as an Air Force brat and now calling the North Carolina coast home, Teri M Brown came into this world with an imagination full of stories to tell. In this intimate Between The Lines conversation on Stories and Stanza, Teri shares how lived experience — including surviving a 14-year emotionally abusive marriage — became the foundation for her most authentic and powerful creative writing. If you're a writer, a reader, or anyone who has ever wondered whether your hardest seasons have a purpose, this episode is for you. What You'll Learn in This Episode:
About Teri M Brown: Teri M Brown is a multi-award-winning author, podcast host, and public speaker based on the North Carolina coast. A UNC Greensboro graduate with degrees in Elementary Education and Psychology, she began her writing career creating content for small businesses while homeschooling her four children. Her published works span an impressive range: 📚 Sunflowers Beneath the Snow (2022) — historical fiction set in Ukraine Beyond writing, Teri is a passionate mentor to women and young girls who are working to discover their own worth and potential. 🌐 Learn more: www.terimbrown.com Episode Chapters: 0:00 – Writing After Survival -------------------- Stories and Stanza is a podcast exploring creativity, resilience, and the transformative power of human stories. Through two series — Between The Lines (intimate craft conversations with writers and creators) and Fail With Me (unfiltered mental health and wellness discussions) — we bring you authentic voices from around the world.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/storiesandstanza/ Follow Us on Audio Podcast: Want to grow on YouTube? Try vidIQ: https://vidiq.com/storiesandstanza Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Haiti Never Left Her: Marissa Germain's Writing Journey | 17 Apr 2026 | 00:34:06 | |
Marissa Germain, who lives in the DC area and whose family ties to Haiti shaped her work and writing. Germaine discusses her debut novel, It’s Always Mango Season, begun in early 2020 during COVID after leaving her job, and inspired by her time working in Haiti and her parents’ immigration story. She explores themes of who gets to claim Haitian identity, the frictions between those who leave and those who stay, and how places and people evolve over time, including diaspora perceptions after decades away. She describes writing a romance between Saskia, returning after career failure, and Paul, who stayed, and uses the Haiti earthquake to examine responsibility, grief, and connection. Germaine reads an excerpt and explains how writing short stories helped her build tension for the novel; she also previews a second book focusing more on Paul and post-disaster Haiti. Biography: She’s traveled to Australia, France, England, Afghanistan, Turkey, Chile, Peru, Montserrat West Indies, Dominican Republic, and naturally, Haiti. She is now growing her work as an independent author and lives in Northern Virginia with her dog. Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Mom's Depression Looks Nothing Like You Think | Podcast ft. Kendall Concini Moore | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:50:06 | |
In this episode of Stories and Stanza (Fail With Me), the host Abhra speaks with Kendall, a mental health advocate, mom, and author, about reframing failure, the limits of self-help, and the importance of community support. Kendall describes how depression can look different than stereotypes, shares strategies for communicating needs to friends and caregivers (including asking for comfort vs solutions), and discusses diagnosis, stigma, and building person-centered support. She explains her children’s picture book, “Mom’s Cloud and the Beach Adventure,” which uses a cloud metaphor to help kids understand a parent’s depression and emphasizes that “clouds don’t last forever.” Kendall also shares experiences with miscarriage, pregnancy, postpartum challenges, and the need for more honest conversations among mothers, while the host reflects on caregiver support and generational shifts in mental health awareness. Kendall’s greatest adventures began at home, as a mother. Her stories are inspired by the curiosity, humor, and boundless imagination of her children, who often help shape the characters and moments that appear on the page. Alongside her family, including her husband, Matt, and their dog, Kiaora, she fills her days with laughter, exploration, and just the right amount of playful weirdness. When she’s not creating stories, Kendall can usually be found where the wild things are. Kendal's Website: https://cloudydaychronicles.org/books/ Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Iran's Fight for Freedom Beyond War and Appeasement ft. Zolal Habibi | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:49:53 | |
Iran’s Organized Resistance, 1988 Massacre Warnings & the Call to End Appeasement | Zolal Habibi In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host interviews Zolal Habibi of the National Council of Resistance of Iran’s Foreign Affairs Committee about Iran’s ongoing struggle for freedom, the heavy toll of repression, and the risk of renewed mass executions reminiscent of the 1988 massacre of 30,000 political prisoners, which she says remains largely unacknowledged internationally. Habibi argues real change is possible through an organized resistance, rejecting both war and appeasement, and calls on governments to recognize Iranians’ right to resist, condemn executions, and stop enabling the regime through technology and trade. She shares her personal history, including her father’s killing, addresses misconceptions about the NCRI/PMOI, rejects a return to monarchy, and outlines Maryam Rajavi’s 10-point plan for a secular, democratic republic, urging listeners to raise awareness and contact lawmakers. Zolal Habibi is an Iranian human rights activist and a prominent voice for justice, democracy, and women's rights in Iran. She serves on the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI @NCRIRAN ) where she advocates globally for a free, secular, and democratic republic in Iran. With over two decades of dedicated activism, she has become a fierce advocate on behalf of the voiceless inside Iran, regularly appearing in international forums, human rights conferences, and live broadcasts across major media platforms. https://maryamrajavi4change.com/ Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| I Never Expected Grief to Feel Like This | A Mother's Story | Katie Rizzo | 03 Apr 2026 | 00:53:58 | |
In this poignant Stories and Stanza episode, we sit down with Katie Rizzo as she shares her deeply personal journey following her son's passing from a drug overdose. She bravely discusses the profound impact of addiction on her family and her coping mechanisms for grief. Discover how she navigated this challenging period, ultimately finding peace and embarking on a path of healing. Katie Rizzo’s memoir, The Trimesters of Grief, will be released on October 6 by Koehler Books, with Blackstone Publishing handling audio licensing. None of Them Are You - A book of Poems is being published by Extra Extra Publishing on Dia de los Muertos, October 31st. For the last fifteen years, Katie Rizzo taught Anatomy and Biology at her local community college and public high school. She holds two masters, one from Yale University and another from University of Colorado School of Medicine. Her short stories have been published in literary journals such as Prosetrics, The Literary Magazine and in anthologies such as the HG Wells Short Story Competition. She has earned spots in the juried Aspen Words Conferences. She lives in Arizona with two dogs and her husband. Details about her book signings and speaking calendar can be found at her website. Sometimes you don't need solutions. You need a soothing voice. What makes this conversation so healing isn't just her story—it's how she found peace by inviting grief to "sit beside her" rather than carrying it alone. Katie discovered that grief isn't love with nowhere to go—it's something we can befriend. Through poetry, journaling, and connecting with nature (especially stargazing under the Milky Way), she learned to find meaning in the midst of unimaginable loss.
Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Your Words Have Power | Podcast ft. Jo Worsfold | 31 Mar 2026 | 01:01:08 | |
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, Abhra speaks with healer, chanel, and author Jo Worsfold. They discuss how writing can be a powerful tool for personal growth and healing, especially when navigating hardship. Discover the magic in pain and suffering, and the importance of mindfulness in this journey. Jo Worsfold talks about creativity, wellness, and emotional intelligence, exploring why many writers create from pain and how writing can help move through hardship rather than staying stuck in it. Jo shares practical ways to ease writer’s block and perfectionism through play, curiosity, and stepping away so ideas can “drop in,” emphasizing that stories arrive when they’re ready and writers are conduits. They discuss structure versus flow in writing, and Jo reads a poem, “Dear Human with Love,” from her 2019 spiritual self-help book Equilibrium. The conversation also connects “failures” to energetics, reclaiming personal power, intuition, change, and support, concluding with journaling as a flexible, intentional tool for reflection and healing. Please find Jo's details below:
Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Nothing Lasts: Mindfulness, Failure & Self-Care | Stories & Stanza | Podcast ft Saw Myint | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:37:52 | |
In this episode of Stories and Stanza (Fail With Me), host Abhra speaks with Saw Myint, a Burmese Australian based in Sydney, about mental health challenges in a technology-driven world with reduced human connection. They discuss the importance of awareness, opening up to trusted people or seeking professional help, and using journaling or simply being listened to as ways to release emotions before they build up. Saw shares personal experiences of childhood hardship, lessons from failures in business, parenting, and relationships, and how Buddhist practice shaped her approach to mental self-care. Her core idea is that both satisfaction and dissatisfaction are temporary—good and bad experiences pass—so people should relax, live in the moment, avoid attachment, and practice brief daily mindfulness to observe worries as imagination. She also emphasizes taking action and helping others as a path to healing. Saw Myint is the founder of Wake Up Ltd, an Australian charity dedicated to mental wellbeing. For over a decade, Buddhist practice has transformed her own mental health journey—and she now shares these science-backed insights with others. Whether through mindfulness coaching or mortgage brokering, Saw helps people navigate stress, anxiety, depression, and major life decisions with clarity and confidence. Her approach is simple: recognize that feelings are fleeting, and cultivate resilience in the present moment. Available for speaking engagements, interviews & workshops on practical, Buddhist-inspired mental health practices. Reach Out / Support Her work: https://www.facebook.com/likesawkmyint Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Pop Psychology vs Real Psychology: Gaslighting, Triggers, Narcissism, Trauma & Trauma Bonds Explained | 23 Mar 2026 | 01:32:58 | |
In this Stories and Stanza episode, host Abhra and psychologist Silvia Russen discuss why pop psychology and viral mental-health advice can distort clinical terms, turning descriptive tools into moral judgments, pathologizing normal discomfort, and turning relationships into battlegrounds of labels. They highlight risks of unqualified advice, privacy and research-ethics issues, and the need for evidence-based, individualized care since psychology is not one size fits all. Russin clarifies commonly misused terms: gaslighting as a repeated pattern of manipulative psychological abuse that undermines a person’s reality, not simple lying or disagreement; “triggered” as a stimulus causing sudden symptom spikes in conditions like PTSD or OCD, not everyday irritation; narcissistic personality disorder as a persistent, pervasive diagnosis causing dysfunction, not a synonym for selfishness; trauma as lasting adverse effects after harmful events; and trauma bonding as attachment formed through cycles of abuse and intermittent reinforcement, not bonding over shared hardship. Silvia Russen is a Business Psychologist, Neuroscience Coach, and PhD Researcher specialising in emotional well-being, resilience, and recovery in the workplace. Integrating psychology and neuroscience, Silvia applies evidence-based practices - including Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) - to empower leaders and teams in navigating stress, decision-making, conflict resolution, and workplace relationships. Silvia has collaborated with organisations worldwide, providing tailored interventions and workshops on transformational leader hological safety, emotional intelligence, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). Her engaging speaking style and ability to translate complex neuroscience research into actionable insights have made her a popular keynote speaker at international conferences, industry events, and leadership summits. Alongside her client work, Silvia serves as an Adjunct Professor of Psychology, teaching undergraduate and postgraduate modules in areas such as cognitive neuroscience, organisational psychology, and advanced research methods. Her current PhD research focuses on the neuroscience behind emotional regulation strategies, investigating how these can enhance cardiovascular health, emotional resilience, and overall well-being in professional settings. Passionate about giving back, Silvia also regularly volunteers her expertise to first responders, charities, and frontline aid organisations, providing workshops and strategies on managing stress, building resilience, and improving mental health. Silvia’s ultimate aim is simple yet powerful: to help individuals and organisations leverage psychological insights, enhance their emotional well-being, and thrive both personally and professionally. Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Failure, Emotional Availability and Healing | Podcast with Doug Belkofer | 13 Mar 2026 | 00:52:24 | |
In this Stories in Stanza episode, host Abhra welcomes guest Doug Belkofer to discuss how childhood-formed beliefs like “I don’t matter” or “people always leave” become subconscious filters that shape perception, relationships, work, and repeated “failures.” Doug explains how these emotion-based beliefs can drive negative manifestation, emotional withdrawal, and lowered investment in relationships, and why self-improvement efforts can feel ineffective when filtered through the same core beliefs. He describes revisiting formative events in a calm, meditative process to create conflicting adult perspectives that lead to memory reconsolidation and new neural pathways. The conversation also explores men’s emotional unavailability, learned modeling from parents, and practical ways to practice emotional expression. Doug shares a poetic excerpt from his book-in-progress and previews his upcoming ebook Finding the Path back to You and a live course, The Pass Back to You, emphasizing that feeling stuck is normal. Doug Belkofer is a U.S. Army veteran, tech leader, and founder of Forging Truth, where he helps people uncover the hidden beliefs shaping how they experience life, relationships, and faith. His work is grounded in lived experience and shared to encourage others that hope and clarity are possible when we’re willing to face what’s real. Book link: --------------------- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/storiesandstanza/ Follow Us on Audio Podcast: Want to grow on YouTube? Try vidIQ: https://vidiq.com/storiesandstanza Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Inner Peace, Trauma & Forgiveness | Podcast ft. Somia Sadik | 09 Mar 2026 | 00:54:24 | |
In this Stories in Stanza conversation, host Abhra welcomes back Somia Sadik to explore how creativity is linked to healing, resilience, and inner peace. They discuss peace as balance, healing as reframing, and how trauma can erode trust and connection, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness. This insightful podcast offers valuable perspectives on self improvement and navigating life's challenges with curiosity. Drawing from Somia’s novel Gajrah, they unpack the protagonist Iman’s journey of meeting grief with curiosity, and connect this to reframing failure without tying it to human worth. The episode also examines intergenerational trauma and resilience, the teaching and perpetuation of hate, and the individual responsibility to choose compassionate responses. They close with lines from Sufi poet Baba Farid about seeking answers in the “ocean” rather than “small ponds.” #peace #trauma #forgiveness #resilience #podcast #motivationalpodcast #storiesandstanza #failwithme Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| 365 Days of Nervous System Care: Somatic Intelligence | Podcast with best selling writer Tracy Whitton | 02 Mar 2026 | 00:49:41 | |
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host speaks with Tracy Whitton about her book 365 Days of Nervous System Care, a practical response to widespread post-COVID nervous system dysregulation and limited attention and time for long-form reading. Whitton shares her background in meditation, yoga, yoga therapeutics, retreats, and studio work, and reads from her “Nervous System Repair Model,” outlining four pillars—safety, surrender and compassion, uninterrupted pauses, and space—and six regulating qualities: dark, quiet, warm, slow, soft, and still. They discuss hyper- vs hypo-arousal, why brief daily check-ins matter, and how stress hormones cause inflammation, digestive issues, anxiety, and depression when not discharged. Whitton shares a personal story about guilt and hypervigilance after two daughters’ life-threatening illnesses and explains a three-step somatic approach: meet the state, build safety, and integrate.
Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Reimagining Relationships: Conscious Uncoupling & Somatic Healing with Eman Alves | 08 Feb 2026 | 00:43:11 | |
In this episode, we explore the nuances of healthy relationships, focusing on how embracing change in love can lead to profound personal growth. We discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in navigating dating and relationships, highlighting that the process of coupling and uncoupling can both be beautiful journeys. Tune into our podcast for insights on fostering a deeper understanding of love and connection. We dive deep into the transformative power of conscious uncoupling and somatic healing with coach and writer Eman Alves. Eman shares insights from her book 'Uncoupling Reimagined', which draws from her personal experiences of seven marriages and breakups. Discover how the process of being present and understanding our trauma can help us heal and prepare for new relationships. Explore the importance of emotional awareness, resilience, and practical steps to navigate through life's challenges. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their journey of self-awareness and personal growth. Eman Alves is the author of Uncoupling Reimagined and a Love, Sex, and Relationship Coach. She works with men and people in male bodies after breakups or relational crises, helping them rebuild emotional presence, sexual integrity, and maturity so they do not repeat the same relationship again. https://www.eman.coach/uncouplingreimagined ---------------------- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/storiesandstanza/ Follow Us on Audio Podcast: Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Navigating Narcissism and Self-Discovery with Tina Djuretic | 27 Dec 2025 | 00:57:55 | |
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, we explore the journey of healing from a "toxic relationship" and the profound impact of "narcissistic abuse." Discover the importance of "setting boundaries" for well-being and the path to cultivating "self-compassion." Tune in to learn how to foster "emotional resilience" and navigate life's challenges with greater strength. Tina shares her personal journey of healing from toxic relationships and narcissistic patterns, rooted in her childhood trauma. Her first book, 'Finding My Sovereignty,' is a memoir detailing this journey. With the onset of COVID-19, Tina found herself isolated but turned towards self-guided healing practices and took extensive notes, which eventually formed the basis of her practical workbook, 'Lost in the Overwhelm.' The conversation delves into generational trauma, the identification and healing of narcissistic relationships, the importance of setting boundaries, and the ongoing nature of healing. The host also shares personal anecdotes, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and self-compassion in the healing process. Both agree that healing is a continuous journey that requires self-awareness and willingness to change. ----more---- About Tina Djuretic: Tina Djuretic is a Canadian author living in Vancouver. She was raised by strict, religious parents who isolated her from the rest of the world. What followed were three toxic relationships that nearly destroyed her. While writing her memoir she was able to find forgiveness; for herself and her abusers. This taught her a lot about generational trauma, healing, and putting up healthy boundaries. It's Tina's goal to share her story with anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation, and to educate people on the subject of toxic relationships, healing, spirituality, and not just surviving...but CREATING.
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Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Unveiling the Power in Your Voice: An Intimate Talk with Voice Coach Sam Malone | 30 Nov 2025 | 00:53:09 | |
In this episode of 'Stories and Stanza', host Abhra chats with Sam Malone, a distinguished spoken voice coach at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Delving into the nuances of the power of the spoken voice, Sam shares stories about his work ranging from coaching West End actors to helping corporate leaders improve communication. The conversation explores how our voices are tied to our identities and discusses practical ways to overcome the fear of speaking. They also touch on Sam’s upcoming book, 'Why They Can't Hear You,' which aims to empower individuals to be heard and to find their natural power and presence. Tune in to learn how connecting with your voice can transform your personal and professional life. Follow Sam's Work here: Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| The Essence of Poetry: Moonlit Mess | 15 Nov 2025 | 00:30:15 | |
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra speaks with poet Priyanzel, about her journey into writing and the emotional depth that poetry brings to life. Priyanzel is a poet who writes from the quiet edges of becoming. Through her debut collection, Moonlit Mess: The Beautiful Ruins of Becoming, she explores the tender chaos of healing—where pain softens into light and silence learns to speak. Her words dwell in the in-between—shadow and self, ache and awakening—offering comfort to anyone learning to start again. They discuss the personal and therapeutic nature of poetry, the limitations of AI in capturing human emotion, and the challenges and rewards of being a writer. Priyanka shares her inspiration and the process behind her book 'Moonlit Mess,' emphasizing the importance of rawness, vulnerability, and inner light in creative expression. Tune in to explore the intimate world of poetry and creativity, and be inspired by Priyanka's heartfelt words and experiences. Book Link: Amazon Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Embracing Self-Love and Healing with Denise Michelle | 01 Nov 2025 | 00:46:34 | |
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra talks with Denise Michelle, a self-love alchemist, coach, writer, and hypnotherapist. They discuss the journey of healing from borderline personality disorder, the power of self-love, and how failure can be a tool for growth. Denise shares her personal experiences and insights on various healing modalities, including yoga, hypnotherapy, and self-acceptance practices. Tune in to learn about the importance of intention in self-care, the transformative power of kind self-talk, and how to cultivate authenticity in your life. About Denise: Denise Michelle is The SelfLove Alchemist®, an Award-Winning Life Coach, Hypnotherapist, and Trainer with Tony Robbins. She empowers soulful leaders through SelfLove Mastery, drawing from her 25-year healing journey overcoming trauma and addiction. Denise believes living a vision-driven life is the ultimate expression of SelfLove, where transformation ignites. Social Media Links:
Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Unlocking the Power of Shadow Work: A Deep Dive with Oliver Mann | 19 Oct 2025 | 01:21:11 | |
In this insightful episode of 'Stories and Stanza', host Abhra dives deep into the transformative practice of shadow journaling with Oliver Mann, a renowned journaling coach. They explore the importance of self-awareness, the impact of triggers, and the process of integrating shadow aspects into the psyche. Through practical examples, prompts, and personal anecdotes, they uncover how shadow work can help rewrite one's story, embrace vulnerability, and achieve wholesome growth. By examining regret, joy, and even resistance, they illustrate how to navigate emotional complexities and live authentically. About Oliver Oliver Mann is a journaling mentor and teacher, with a passion for Shadow Journaling. Diving into Shadow work was a pivotal moment in Oliver’s life, after which writing and journaling took on completely new powers. By opening up to the process of delving into the psyche through writing, he discovered the power of curiosity and acceptance of the complete self. Through his work, Oliver is now inviting others to take gentle steps into the shadow. With the bright lights we shine, we can soon become friends with what once scared us. Oliver is also the co-founder of the Barcelona Journaling Festival, an annual writing event attracting a global audience. He is a council member of the International Association of Journal Writers, and is a certified JTTS instructor. Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Exploring Generational Trauma, Perfectionism, and Self-Awareness | 11 Oct 2025 | 00:50:40 | |
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra is joined by psychologist Patty from Chicago to dive into the complexities of generational trauma, perfectionism, and self-awareness. They discuss how cultural expectations can shape behaviors, the importance of unlearning harmful patterns, and the impact of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) on daily life. Throughout their intimate conversation, Patty shares her personal experiences with immigration and identity while offering insights into how trauma and perfectionism are interconnected. Tune in to learn more about the significance of self-awareness and strategies to foster a lifestyle of calm and well-being. Patty Johnson is a psychologist who specializes in trauma healing and obsessive-compulsive disorder. She also creates art related to culture, justice and the bizarre and beautiful intricacies of life. She is the author of Essays of Night and Daylight, on movement through life as she explores kaleidoscopes of identity, pondering comments such as, "Oh, you speak such good English!" She wonders about the shame behind her grandmother's tribal tattoo after being visited by Christian missionaries. She revels in the making of chai, this earthy elixir that reminds her of the power of each brown-skinned woman. Patty’s work can be found in The Broken Spine, Write City Magazine, Riksha Magazine and elsewhere. She gave a TEDx talk on changing the narrative of inequity. She is also a guitar goddess but only in the eyes of her dog, Marley. Links: Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Brooke Bounce Reveals Secrets to Overcoming Self-Sabotage | 22 Sep 2025 | 00:46:57 | |
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra welcomes back Brooke Bounce, a breakthrough coach known for simplifying complex concepts. Together, they dive into the intricate topics of inner child healing and reparenting. Brooke shares her personal journey with a narcissistic mother and how it shaped her beliefs. She explains how anxiety, self-sabotage, self-doubt, procrastination, and perfectionism are linked to unmet inner child needs. The discussion covers the importance of acknowledging and addressing these fears, how generational trauma impacts behavior, and practical strategies for reprogramming the inner child for a more fulfilling life. Brooke also introduces her book, 'You Can Have It: How to Break Through the Self-Sabotage Cycle,' which offers step-by-step guidance for overcoming these deep-seated issues. Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| What's the secret to Mind and Body Connection for Weight Loss? | 07 Sep 2025 | 00:45:02 | |
In this episode of 'Stories and Stanza,' host Abhra engages in an intimate conversation with health coach Megan Gaul on the mind-body connection in weight loss. They discuss Megan's personal journey of losing 100 pounds, the importance of understanding the deeper motivations behind weight loss goals, and strategies for fostering a healthy relationship with food. The discussion also touches upon the benefits of walking as a mindfulness exercise, the value of journaling, and the concept of failure and resilience in achieving long-term health objectives. Tune in to gain insights into how emotional and physical well-being are interconnected and discover practical tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Weight Loss Journey Link to our previous episodes
"If you are ready to lose weight, and you know that the things we talked about in this interview are standing in your way, I created this free call specifically as a resource for you. During this call, we'll accomplish 3 outcomes: Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Puya Delavar's Secret to Making Relationships Successful | 05 Sep 2025 | 00:53:12 | |
Discover the surprising secret to making relationships successful with Puya Delavar! In this video, Puya shares his top tips and strategies for building strong, healthy, and long-lasting relationships. Whether you're looking to improve your romantic partnership, strengthen your friendships, or even boost your professional relationships, Puya's expert advice will give you the tools you need to succeed. From effective communication techniques to conflict resolution strategies, Puya covers it all. So, what's the secret to making relationships successful? Watch to find out! Puya Delavar is a leading Men’s Relationship Coach and founder of Puya Delavar Coaching, where he helps high-performing men in senior leadership roles protect what matters most: their relationship, their family, and their legacy. Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Exploring Cultural Identity, Trauma, and Healing with Somia Sadiq | 17 Aug 2025 | 00:53:16 | |
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, we welcome author and peace builder Somia Sadiq as she discusses her debut novel 'Gajarah.' Somia explores the cultural significance of Gajarah, a traditional flower assembly, and delves into its representation of beauty, tradition, and spiritual resonance. Throughout this heartfelt conversation, Somia shares her insights on language, identity, trauma, and the complexities of healing. Join us as we uncover the layers of her book, understand the nuances of cultural identities, and reflect on the responsibilities of writers in today's world. Somia also reads a poignant excerpt from her book, beautifully weaving poetry and prose to illustrate the journey of her protagonist, Iman. 00:00 Introduction to Gajarah Somia Sadiq is an award-winning Pakistani Canadian entrepreneur, peace negotiator, and conflict
Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Why Do So Many People Cheat? | 09 Aug 2025 | 01:00:10 | |
Join relationship coach, Jeanell Greene, as we dive into the unexpected confessions that emerged at a Coldplay concert! From shocking infidelity revelations to surprising relationship breakthroughs, we explore the emotional rollercoaster that unfolded at the iconic band's live show. What secrets did the music uncover? Watch to find out! Jeanell is a Relationship Coach and Marriage Expert well-known for saving countless marriages from loneliness and divorce while addressing generational trauma. Her passion lies in rekindling the 'best friend' dynamic for couples, allowing them to rediscover profound love, peace, and fun again. Jeanell firmly believes that self-love and forgiveness are necessary for a happy and healthy relationship and that couples can attain the marriage they've always desired by embracing healing, growth, and change. She's here to guide you on a beautiful, transformative journey full of compassion, love, and wisdom, empowering you to be not only the best partners for each other but also inspiring role models for your family. Link to previous episode: https://youtu.be/5vzeCUKqBA0 In this compelling episode of 'Stories in Stanza,' host Abhra and relationship coach Janelle from Ontario dive deep into the complexities of infidelity in relationships. They explore cultural norms, personal experiences, and the broader societal implications of cheating. Through thoughtful discussion, Janelle shares her professional insights and personal stories, highlighting the importance of communication, self-awareness, and self-love. They discuss how generational traumas, personal insecurities, and societal expectations influence our relationships and actions. This episode offers a sensitive and nuanced perspective on a topic often shrouded in judgment and taboo, aiming to foster understanding and compassion. Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| How Do You Know If You Need a Therapist? | 09 Aug 2025 | 01:02:21 | |
Jamie Hughes is a passionate advocate for mental well-being and the author of insightful works on resilience and self-care. Drawing from a Master's Degree in Psychology with a specialization in trauma, resilience, and self-care, Jamie brings a wealth of academic knowledge and practical experience to his coaching and writing. His expertise is further solidified by years of dedicated service in non-profit program development and management, where he honed his skills in victim advocacy, as well as social and forensic psychology. Jamie's commitment to empowering individuals to navigate life's challenges shines through in his writing, offering readers a blend of compassionate guidance and evidence-based strategies for cultivating inner strength. Bachelor's Degree in Applied Psychology, Master's Degree in Social Psychology with a specialization in trauma, Member of the Society for Police and Criminal Psychology, Certified Professional Life Coach, Member of the National Association for Poetry Therapy, and Certified Therapeutic Writing Instructor. His website: http://managingmentalhealth.net/ In this episode, we delve into the critical question of when to seek therapy, addressing issues from past trauma to persistent mental illness symptoms. Our guest, Jamie, shares insights on recognizing the need for professional help, the differences between therapists and psychiatrists, and the importance of finding a therapist whose style matches your personal needs. We discuss how mental health symptoms often manifest physically and the role of diet and exercise in mental health. This discussion also covers the journey of healing, dealing with unresolved parental relationships, and coping mechanisms. Tune in for a heartfelt and educational conversation that aims to guide you towards growth and healing. Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Healing Through Science and Ancient Wisdom - Secrets of Vagus Nerve with Melanie Weller | 14 Jul 2025 | 00:57:25 | |
In this enlightening episode of 'Stories and Stanza,' host Abhra welcomes special guest Melanie Weller, an expert in athletic training and physical therapy. Melanie shares her journey of discovering the profound connection between the vagus nerve, modern neuroscience, and ancient wisdom like astrology. They delve into topics such as the mind-body connection, breathing exercises, failure, trauma, and the importance of aligning physical and mental well-being. Melanie also provides practical advice on how to activate and maintain the health of the vagus nerve for overall wellness. This episode is a part of the 'Fail with Me' series, offering listeners insight into overcoming life's adversities and rediscovering balance. Don't miss this deep and informative discussion on how to bring harmony to your mind and body. Melanie Weller, known as "The Body Whisperer," is a physical therapist and athletic trainer with thirty years of experience specializing in complex cases. Through her study of astrology and celestial patterns, Melanie discovered that our bodies function as biological clocks mirroring the zodiac's architecture, with wellness dependent on synchronizing our nervous systems with cosmic rhythms. Website: https://www.melanieweller.com Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||
| Eustress vs. Distress: Harnessing Stress for a Healthier Mind | 06 Jul 2025 | 00:51:19 | |
This video explores the concept of "eustress," or positive short-term stress, presenting it as a "healthy workout" for your brain. Learn how the right amount of stress can boost performance and mental growth, and how to implement effective "stress management" techniques. Dive into "self improvement" and "mental health" strategies to maximize your "coping ability"! Join us on this episode of 'Stories and Stanza' as we dive deep into the concept of eustress—the positive, short-term stress that acts like a healthy workout for your brain. Our guest, Sylvia Rusan, a psychologist from London, discusses how eustress can motivate us, improve our resilience, and even boost our immune system. Learn practical techniques to reframe stress, understand the differences between eustress and distress, and discover how to manage stress effectively in professional settings. This episode is packed with fascinating insights and practical advice to help you transform stress into a tool for personal growth and success. Silvia Russen is a Business Psychologist, Neuroscience Coach, and PhD Researcher specialising in emotional well-being, resilience, and recovery in the workplace. Integrating psychology and neuroscience, Silvia applies evidence-based practices - including Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) - to empower leaders and teams in navigating stress, decision-making, conflict resolution, and workplace relationships. Silvia has collaborated with organisations worldwide, providing tailored interventions and workshops on transformational leader hological safety, emotional intelligence, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). Her engaging speaking style and ability to translate complex neuroscience research into actionable insights have made her a popular keynote speaker at international conferences, industry events, and leadership summits. Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. 📌 Follow us: YouTube | Facebook | X | Instagram 🛠️ Tools we love: vidIQ · Descript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📩 CONNECT WITH STORIES AND STANZA Wish to read about the episodes in advance or need a recap? Find us on 👉 SubStack. | |||