A Quest for Well-Being

— Most women in disconnected marriages have read the books, tried the conversations, and done their own healing work — and still can't reach him. In this episode, licensed clinical therapist and certified sex therapist Stephanie Larsen explains what's actually happening neurologically and relationally when a man emotionally shuts down — and why it almost always traces back to wiring built in childhood, not a failure of love. She breaks down the nervous system patterns that keep men emotionally unavailable, what women misread as rejection or indifference, and what creates the conditions for a man to come back online relationally. This conversation gives women a clinical map they've never had — and gives men a language for something they've never been able to name. Valeria interviews Stephanie Larsen — She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist, and founder of the Men's Intimacy Blueprint, a clinical framework helping high-functioning married men rebuild emotional and sexual intimacy from the inside out. To learn more about Stephanie Larsen and her work, please visit: https://www.restorebehavioral.com/ and https://www.restorewithsteph.com/ Substack:  mensintimacyblueprint.substack.com Instagram: @mensintimacyblueprint YouTube:   @mensintimacyblueprint LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-larsen-lcpc-cst-e-ryt-aa482368/

— How do we heal from wounds that were never acknowledged? What happens when the pain we carry has been minimized, dismissed, or hidden for years? And how do we begin to trust ourselves again when we've been taught to doubt our own memories, feelings, and instincts? In this episode, we explore the lasting impact of childhood trauma, emotional manipulation, narcissistic abuse, and the invisible wounds that can follow us long into adulthood. These experiences often shape far more than we realize—affecting our self-worth, relationships, boundaries, sense of safety, and even our ability to experience joy. Yet healing is possible. We discuss what it means to gently face painful truths without becoming overwhelmed by them, how to reclaim your voice after years of silence, and why self-compassion is such an essential part of the healing journey. We also explore the importance of validating our own experiences, honoring our emotions, and releasing the pressure to heal according to someone else's expectations or timeline. This conversation is not about staying stuck in the past. It is about understanding how the past may still be influencing the present—and discovering that awareness can become the first step toward freedom. Most importantly, we explore the profound truth that healing is not about fixing what is broken. It is about remembering who we were before the wounds, reconnecting with our inner wisdom, and finding the courage to live from a place of authenticity rather than survival. Whether you are on your own healing journey, supporting someone you love, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience, this episode offers compassionate insights, hope, and a reminder that no matter what you have endured, your story is not over. You deserve to feel safe. You deserve to trust yourself. You deserve to be heard. And perhaps most importantly, you deserve permission to heal. Valeria interviews Melonie Packer — She is the author of  " Permission To Heal: From Sexual Abuse, Narcissistic Abuse, and Childhood Trauma." Melonie's book is a deeply personal memoir exploring narcissistic abuse, childhood sexual trauma, and the many paths to healing. Melonie speaks with raw honesty, compassion, and hope, drawing from her lived experience and the practical tools that helped her heal. To learn more about Melonie Packer and her work, please visit: https://permissiontoheal.org/

— What does it truly mean to find peace with your adoption story? For many adoptees, questions about identity, belonging, loss, love, and family can linger for a lifetime. In this episode, Lauren Williams, a respected and dedicated psychotherapist and founder of Park Avenue Mental Health Counseling in New York City, explores the complex emotional landscape of adoption and the path toward healing, acceptance, and forgiveness. Lauren Williams discusses the realities and myths surrounding biological and adoptive bonds, the importance of releasing resentment and idealized narratives, and how embracing compassion for both birth and adoptive parents can create space for peace. Ultimately, Lauren reminds us that family is not defined solely by biology, but by the people who love, support, and cherish us throughout our lives. Join us for a heart-centered conversation about finding wholeness, belonging, and the freedom to create your own definition of family. Valeria interviews Lauren Williams — She is a psychotherapist and founder of Park Avenue Mental Health Counseling in New York City, and a graduate of Columbia University.  An adoptee herself, Ms. Williams' keen insights on how adoptees can navigate the complex relationships with birth and adoptive families, gain confidence in their identities and self-worth, and find peace and empowerment through their life stories has been recognized by the Marquis Who's Who, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, International Business Times, and others.  To learn more about Lauren Williams and her work, please visit: https://parkavetherapy.com/

— Many parents, teachers, and caregivers spend years trying to manage a child's challenging behaviors, learning difficulties, emotional struggles, or lack of motivation—often addressing the symptoms without identifying the true cause. But what if there is one underlying factor acting as a bottleneck, quietly limiting a child's ability to thrive? In this episode, we explore a fascinating and innovative approach to child development through the lens of the Theory of Constraints—a framework originally developed to improve performance in complex systems. Applied to child psychology, this model asks a powerful question: What is the primary constraint preventing this child from reaching their full potential? That constraint may be emotional, such as anxiety, shame, grief, or unresolved trauma. It may be cognitive, such as executive functioning challenges, attention difficulties, or learning differences. Or it may be environmental, including family stress, social pressures, lack of support, or unmet developmental needs. Rather than trying to fix everything at once, the Theory of Constraints encourages us to identify and address the single most significant factor limiting growth. This conversation offers a compassionate and practical perspective on helping children flourish—not by asking, "What's wrong with this child?" but by asking, "What is standing in the way of this child's growth, and how can we help remove it?" Join us for an insightful discussion about unlocking potential, fostering well-being, and creating the conditions for every child to thrive. Valeria interviews Paula Noble — She is an Educational and Developmental Psychologist, and Director of Noble Psychology, with over 30 years of experience helping children and families navigate the complexities of growing up. Paula's work is shaped by more than her professional training—it's grounded in lived experience. As a teacher, psychologist, parent, and grandparent, she understands firsthand the challenges families face when a child is struggling with anxiety, learning, friendships, or emotional regulation—and how powerful the right support can be. Paula began her career in classrooms across Australia and Singapore before moving into school psychology in some of Sydney's leading independent schools. Today, she provides evidence-based assessment and therapy, helping families move from overwhelm to clarity, confidence, and connection. In recent years, Paula has also faced her own life-changing challenge—undergoing open heart surgery for a congenital condition. This experience has deepened her perspective, strengthening her belief in resilience, gratitude, and the importance of truly living. Alongside her clinical work, Paula is a creative writer. She has written two plays—Deli Chick and Brad Checks In—both staged at Sydney's iconic Old Fitzroy Theatre and is the author of the satirical novel Deli Chick. Whether working with families or speaking to audiences, Paula brings warmth, honesty, and insight—helping people feel understood, supported, and empowered to move forward. To learn more about Paula Noble and her work, please visit: https://noblepsychology.com.au/

— Mick Emandi believes that true healing begins by looking beyond symptoms and identifying the underlying causes of disease, dysfunction, and chronic pain. Rather than focusing solely on managing conditions through temporary solutions, his work in regenerative medicine aims to support the body's innate ability to repair, restore, and heal itself. Over the past decade, Mick and his team have helped tens of thousands of people improve their health, mobility, energy, and overall quality of life through innovative regenerative therapies. His approach is rooted in the understanding that when the body is given the right support, remarkable healing and renewal can occur—often leading to outcomes that traditional symptom-focused treatments may not achieve. This conversation will explore not only the science behind regenerative medicine but also the deeper question of what it means to truly heal. Listeners will gain insight into how restoring physical health can create a ripple effect throughout all areas of life, empowering people to pursue their passions, reconnect with what matters most, and experience a greater sense of fulfillment and joy. Mick's perspective aligns naturally with the themes of holistic well-being, self-empowerment, and joyful living. His work reminds us that health is not merely the absence of disease—it is the foundation that allows us to fully participate in life, cultivate meaningful connections, and become the most vibrant version of ourselves. Valeria interviews Mick Emandi —  He is the CEO of Regen MDs, a regenerative medicine practice dedicated to helping people overcome chronic pain and complex health conditions through innovative, science-based therapies.  With more than nine years of experience in the field, Mick has helped over 30,000 patients improve their health, restore function, and enhance their quality of life. Passionate about advancing breakthrough regenerative technologies, he is committed to empowering individuals to heal, recover, and live with greater vitality. To learn more about Mick Emandi and his work, please visit: https://RegenMDs.com

— What if your body has been trying to guide you all along—and the real challenge is learning how to listen? In this episode,Dr. Angela Zeng, inspired by her grandfather, a Traditional Chinese Medicine herbalist, shares why true healing begins not with fixing ourselves, but with reconnecting to the body's innate intelligence. We explore the lost art of self-trust, the powerful messages hidden within our symptoms, and why joy, connection, and vitality are essential ingredients for lasting well-being. If you've ever wondered how to cultivate a deeper relationship with your body and access the wisdom that already lives within you, this conversation is for you. Valeria interviews Dr. Angela Zeng — Founder Of Karviva Wellness Beverages, Wellness Entrepreneur, and Professional Speaker.  With nearly three decades of expertise spanning food science, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and entrepreneurship, Dr. Angela Zeng is one of the most distinctive voices at the intersection of ancient healing wisdom and modern nutritional science. Born into generations of traditional Chinese herbalists and later trained as a food scientist with formal grounding in pathology, biochemistry, and TCM, Zeng's career was catalyzed by a defining realization: American wellness culture had become obsessed with restriction, hype, and quick fixes, while overlooking the centuries-old truth her family had always practiced: that food, when chosen with intention, is itself the most powerful medicine. Zeng spent years inside the food and beverage industry as a scientist and product innovator before stepping out to challenge what she saw as a system optimized for marketing rather than meaningful health outcomes, grounded in the conviction that consumers deserve products built on evidence, not aesthetics, and that wellness must be measured in vitality, not deprivation. She is the founder of Karviva, a multi-award-winning functional beverage brand headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, dedicated to bridging modern nutritional science and Traditional Chinese Medicine through clean, plant-powered drinks. Her product portfolio spans Unwined, Detox, Immunity, ACE Sport, Wellness, Sprouts of Hope, and the newly launched Energy Juice lines, translating ancient herbal philosophy into a structured, accessible framework for everyday hydration, recovery, and longevity. Karviva's guiding philosophy, Food Is Better Medicine™, has driven more than one million bottles sold across 2,000+ retail locations, with features in Forbes, Bon Appétit, USA Today, Bloomberg, Yahoo Finance, and MarketWatch. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Zeng is a TEDx speaker, a 2025 and 2026 St. Louis Titan 100 honoree, a 2026 Titan CEO honoree, and the recipient of the 2025 World Beverage Innovation Award for Best Low/No Alcohol Beverage, with three additional Karviva product lines named finalists at the same awards in Best Energy Beverage, Best Natural/Organic Beverage, and Best Plant-Based Beverage. She is also the author of the forthcoming book The Balance Cure: Unlock Your Body & Ancient Code for Lasting Weight Loss (June 2026), a practical guide that translates Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern nutritional science into a personalized framework for matching food, movement, and habits to individual body type, including dedicated support for those using GLP-1 medications.  Learn more about Dr. Angela and her work! 

— We live in a time of tremendous change, uncertainty, and division. Yet despite our differences, most of us share a common desire: to create a better future for ourselves, our communities, and the world around us. What if the greatest obstacles to positive change are not external circumstances, but the emotions that shape how we think, relate, communicate, and lead? What if understanding and working with these emotions could help us build trust, foster collaboration, navigate conflict, and inspire meaningful action? Today, we'll explore the powerful role emotions play in shaping our lives and our ability to influence positive change. We'll discuss how qualities such as optimism, trust, resilience, courage, and compassion can help us move beyond division, strengthen our leadership, relationships, and create lasting impact—whether in our families, workplaces, communities, or within ourselves. At its heart, this conversation is about discovering how each of us can become a more conscious, effective, and inspiring force for positive change, no matter where we are or what role we play. Valeria interviews Reiner Lomb — He is the author of  "ASPIRE: Seven Essential Emotions for Leading Positive Change, No Matter Where You Are" AND "The Boomerang Approach." Reiner Lomb is the founder of BoomerangCoach, an executive coaching firm specializing in leadership and career development, innovation, and transformational change. Reiner's mission is to mobilize and develop leaders to create a more sustainable and positive future for all. As an executive coach, he works with leaders and changemakers in a wide range of organizations, from start-ups and multinational companies to non-profits and local communities - all who aspire to create transformational change. Whether he's working with corporate executives, entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, or indigenous tribal leaders, Reiner's clients appreciate his international business and cross-cultural leadership experience. Before becoming an executive coach, Reiner had a 30-plus year career in technology, started and developed software businesses, and led leadership development.  To learn more about Reiner Lomb and his work, please visit: https://reinerlomb.com/books/

— How many times have we remained silent when something important needed to be said? How often have we hidden our thoughts, emotions, needs, or truths out of fear of judgment, rejection, conflict, or simply not being heard? Many of us learn, often from an early age, that staying quiet is safer than speaking up. Over time, those patterns can become so familiar that we hardly notice them. We silence our ideas, our creativity, our boundaries, our needs, and sometimes even our authentic selves. But what is the cost of that silence? Today, we'll explore how silence shapes our lives, relationships, workplaces, and communities, and how we can begin to recognize and unlearn the unconscious patterns that keep us from fully expressing who we are. We'll discuss the courage required to speak our truth, the importance of creating spaces where all voices are welcomed, and how authentic self-expression can lead to greater connection, belonging, personal growth, and well-being. At its heart, this conversation is an invitation to reclaim our voice—not to speak louder, but to speak more honestly, more intentionally, and more fully from who we truly are. Valeria interviews Elaine Lin Hering  — She is the author of  "Unlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully." Elaine Lin Hering is a speaker, facilitator, and former Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School. She works with organizations and individuals to build skills in communication, collaboration, and conflict management. She has worked on six continents and facilitated executive education at Harvard, Dartmouth, Tufts, UC Berkeley, and UCLA. She has served as the Advanced Training Director for the Harvard Mediation Program and a Managing Partner for a global leadership development firm. She has worked with coal miners at BHP Billiton, micro-finance organizers in East Africa, mental health professionals in China, and senior leadership at the US Department of Commerce. Her clients include American Express, Chevron, Google, Nike, Novartis, PayPal, Pixar, and the Red Cross. She was named a Thinkers50 global management thinker on the rise.  To learn more about Elaine Lin Hering and her work, please visit: https://elainelinhering.com/

— Today we dive into how hidden emotional wounds shape the body, influence illness, and quietly steer our capacity to heal. We'll explore trauma as a learned pattern lodged in the subconscious, why the body often becomes the messenger when emotional pain goes unheard, and how shifting subconscious meaning can dissolve those patterns. Expect practical, science-informed insights into psychoneuroimmunology, what intensive subconscious work can unlock that weekly therapy sometimes can't, and real guidance for anyone carrying long-held hurt or facing serious illness. If you've ever wondered why symptoms persist despite good care, or how transformation can move from surviving to living with more ease and purpose, this conversation offers hopeful, actionable paths forward. Valeria interviews  Avinoam Lerner — He is the author of  "The New Cancer Paradigm: Mobilizing the Mind to Heal the Body andMindful Remission: The Mental Science of Healing." Avinoam is a cancer and trauma recovery expert, TEDx speaker, author and founder of the rapid trauma solution (RTS) and the mindful remission programs He has over 25 years of experience working with people facing cancer and trauma. Avinoam's work sits at the intersection of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), subconscious reprogramming, and trauma recovery — grounded in science, rooted in the human experience. To learn more about Avinoam Lerner and his work, please visit: https://www.avinoamlerner.com/

— In this profound and deeply heartfelt episode, Valeria sits down with Colleen Quinn to explore the sacred intersection of psychology, spirituality, breathwork, and soul awakening. Together, they dive into the transformational journey behind her upcoming book, Essence Merging — a raw and intimate exploration of trauma, healing, divine love, and the courage to return home to the authentic self. Through near-death experiences, conscious breathwork, mystical synchronicities, and emotional truth, Colleen shares how life's deepest wounds can become portals into awakening and radical self-love. Blending decades of clinical expertise with spiritual insight, this conversation invites listeners into a deeper understanding of what it means to heal not only the mind, but the soul itself. This episode is a powerful reminder that within every breakdown lies the possibility of transformation, and within every breath lives a pathway back to love. Valeria interviews Colleen Quinn — She is the author of  "Essence Merging." Colleen Quinn is a transpersonal psychologist with a child specialty along with certification in breathwork. The word psychology comes from the Greek meaning study of the soul. True healing always takes us into direct relationship with our own soul, bringing coherence to mind, body, and heart. This is Colleen's devotion, not only for herself, but for all. The most reliable way to converse with our own soul is through conscious, integrative breathwork. Colleen has taught psychology at The Ohio State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Columbus State Community College and was the dean at Hondros College.  Colleen has published research in many top-tier scientific journals, among them Emotion, Adolescent Psychology, and Residential Treatment for Children and Youth to name a few. In her private practice, spanning decades, Colleen used Somatic Experiencing (SE) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Both techniques use breathwork to find and feel our body's stored traumas, loving them to bring healing.  In 2018, Colleen had her second near-death experience, leading her to utter the plea, "let me be love in every moment." This was the catalyst for her spiritual awakening. Her profoundly intimate and raw transformation is chronicled in the upcoming book by Vanguard Press, Essence Merging, due out in April 2026. Colleen uses story to inspire others that there is so much more to life. Emotional truths are interwoven into an unconventional love story that connects us with Colleen and her breathwork partner as they follow the leadings of conscious breath into rediscovery of ancient tantric practices. SE and IFS come to life in her breathwork descent journeys. She weaves in pop culture, mystical synchronicities, psychology, and ancient traditions as she sheds her shame to in-spire others. This story is an invitation for readers to discover their own divine blueprint, and a guide to returning home to the sacred self.  To learn more about Colleen Quinn and her work, please visit: https://www.essencemerging.com/.

— Welcome to A Quest for Well-Being! Imagine waking up every day feeling exhausted no matter how much you sleep. Simple tasks become overwhelming, your energy disappears without warning, and despite countless doctor visits, tests, treatments, and well-meaning advice, nothing seems to help. For the millions of people living with chronic fatigue syndrome this is a daily reality. Yet recovery stories do exist. Today, we'll explore what Chronic Fatigue Syndrome really is, why so many people struggle to find effective solutions, and what approaches may help when conventional methods have fallen short. We'll discuss the role of the nervous system, stress, lifestyle, emotional well-being, and the practical steps that can support healing and recovery. If you or someone you love has ever struggled with chronic fatigue, burnout, unexplained exhaustion, or the feeling of losing hope after trying everything, this conversation is for you. Valeria interviews Miguel Bautista — He is the founder of CFS Recovery, a global recovery program helping people overcome Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Long Covid, fibromyalgia, and related nervous system-driven conditions.  After personally spending years bedridden, hospitalized, and searching for answers to debilitating symptoms, Miguel developed a structured recovery approach centered on nervous system regulation, behavioral recalibration, and long-term stability. Today, CFS Recovery has helped thousands of people worldwide regain function, rebuild confidence, and return to living full lives. Miguel is known for simplifying complex recovery concepts into practical, actionable frameworks that help people move from surviving to thriving. Through his coaching programs, educational content, and YouTube channel with over 37,000 subscribers, Miguel shares strategies designed to help people break free from cycles of fear, crashes, and symptom management so they can reclaim their health and independence. To learn more about Miguel Bautista and his work, please visit: https://cfsrecovery.co/

— Many people today are exhausted—not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. We move through our days carrying stress, anxiety, old wounds, endless responsibilities, and the quiet feeling that somewhere along the way we lost touch with our vitality, our creativity, and perhaps even ourselves. But what if exhaustion is not simply a lack of energy? What if it is a signal inviting us to reconnect with something deeper—our passions, our intuition, our authentic nature, and the creative spirit that exists within each of us? Today, we'll explore what it truly means to love your life—not because everything is perfect, but because you have learned to embrace yourself fully, listen to your inner wisdom, and live in alignment with who you really are. We'll talk about emotional healing, resilience, creativity, intuition, and the surprising ways that self-expression can help us access parts of ourselves that words alone often cannot reach. We'll also explore how following our passions, trusting our hearts, and becoming more present to our inner experience can lead to greater vitality, purpose, and joy. At its core, this conversation is an invitation to move beyond merely surviving and begin thriving—to reconnect with the energy, creativity, and aliveness that have been within you all along. Valeria shares sacred space with Elke Scholz  — Elke is the author of  "Loving Your Life and the Anxiety Warrior series." Elke Scholz is a registered Psychotherapist, an internationally registered Expressive Art Consultant/Educator, and internationally certified EMDR Therapist.  She is the well-known author of 3rd edition, Loving Your Life, containing over 40 creative exercises as an e-book and paperback.  This book is internationally available, teen friendly and is translated in German. Elke has launched Anxiety Warrior Vol One and Vol Two, both with powerful tools for your journey to emotional freedom.  Elke manages her own anxiety. She believes strategies can be accessible and easy for people to lower their anxiety levels. As an Energy Rich Vitality Specialist: living with passion and abounding energy, Elke is excited to announce her new webinar "Energy Rich" and her audio meditation series based on her book, Loving Your Life. Her work includes creative anti-anxiety-wellness kits for employees, youth-at-risk and seniors in managing anxiety and depression.  For over 30 years Elke has helped people and runs her private therapy practice in Bracebridge, Muskoka, in person and zoom sessions. She is a keynote speaker and has facilitated at conferences, enjoys giving interviews on podcasts, radio and TV.  Find Elke's work on You tube, Spotify, I-tunes and international audio platforms. Her passion is to empower people.  To learn more about Elke Scholz and her work, please visit: https://elkescholz.com/

— Life doesn't always unfold according to our plans. Sometimes adversity arrives unexpectedly, shaking the very foundations of our lives and forcing us to confront fears, uncertainties, and challenges we never imagined facing. Yet some of the most inspiring stories of transformation emerge not despite adversity, but because of it. Today, we'll explore what it means to create prosperity in the midst of life's greatest challenges. We'll discuss how difficult experiences can become catalysts for growth, resilience, and reinvention, and why so many talented, caring, and gifted people struggle to recognize their own value and build a life that supports both their purpose and their well-being. We'll talk about the beliefs that hold us back, the courage required to move forward when everything seems uncertain, and the practical steps we can take to unlock our potential and create meaningful success. Most importantly, we'll explore how prosperity is about far more than money—it's about confidence, purpose, contribution, freedom, and the ability to live fully even after life's hardest seasons. At its heart, this conversation is about hope: the possibility that no matter what challenges we face, we have the capacity to rebuild, grow stronger, and create a future that is richer, more meaningful, and more aligned with who we truly areValeria shares sacred space with Carrie Wallis  —Carrie is the author of  "From Strangers to Clients: A Practical Guide to Confident, Respectful Marketing, Giving You the Courage to Enroll Clients You Love Working With." Carrie Wallis is a best-selling author, international speaker, and business growth mentor who helps coaches, counsellors, healers, and other heart-centered entrepreneurs attract ideal clients and build sustainable, profitable businesses. Her journey began during one of the most challenging periods of her life. After losing her husband to cancer while raising young children, Carrie found herself facing financial uncertainty, struggling to keep a roof over her family's head, and on the verge of bankruptcy. Determined to rebuild her life, she stepped back to study what truly worked in attracting clients and growing a business. From that experience, she developed her signature From Strangers to Clients system, a proven framework that helps business owners attract buyer-ready prospects, nurture meaningful relationships, and confidently convert opportunities into clients. Today, Carrie is recognized for her business expertise, having received the UK's Fastest Business Growth Award. She speaks on virtual stages around the world and is passionate about helping gifted solopreneurs move from inconsistent income to greater confidence, profitability, and long-term success. To learn more about Carrie Wallis and her work, please visit: https://enlightenusolutions.com/

— In this episode, we explore what it means to truly live in connection with the Divine and awaken the wisdom of the intuitive self. Together, we dive into the beauty of inner guidance, spiritual presence, and the subtle ways life invites us into deeper trust, healing, and alignment. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, listen inwardly, and rediscover the sacred intelligence that exists within us all — reminding us that empowerment often begins the moment we become still enough to hear our soul speak. Valeria interviews Beth Wilson — She is the best-selling author of several books including "Escaping Crazytown, The Recovering Feminist, He's Just No Good for You and Meditations for New Mothers." Beth Wilson is an intuitive guide, energy healer, best-selling author and Biomagnetism practitioner. Her work is spirit-driven and deeply personal, offering support, guidance and healing for those navigating transformational shifts, emotional blocks, or a desire to align more fully with soul expression. She began her career in the U.S. Congress, eventually moving into publishing. Her first book, Meditations for New Mothers, was a runaway international best-seller. Beth published four additional parenting books to great success. During media tours, radio, television and speaking, she enjoyed connecting with others, giving voice to the anxieties, joys and challenges of parenthood.  Determined to present cutting-edge ideas to a broad audience, she launched Quantum Leaps. The podcast went to #1 in six weeks. Beth then hosted a Bay Area television show, In the Sisterhood, offering a new voice for women. She also appeared as a regular guest on ABC's View from the Bay, writing segments to provide guidance and advice based on her books.  To build on her success, Beth wrote and produced a wryly absurd comedy news show for women, The Feminine Front. Her media talents caught the attention of Hollywood. She was offered a national TV show featuring her warm guidance and humor alongside her psychic medium talents. Diagnosed with Lyme, she was forced to turn it down. Determined not to allow the disease to derail her, Beth found Biomagnetism.  This wellness modality returned her to health. Beth trained extensively with Dr. Goiz to become a skilled Biomagnetism practitioner. Currently, she has a thriving international practice that incorporates a variety of energy medicine systems alongside her intuitive talents. To learn more about Beth Wilson and her work, please visit: https://www.bethwilsonlifecoach.com/

— Today we welcome Susan Winchester — a guide for professionals who want to transform career conflict into healing and growth. Susan helps people whose difficult childhoods quietly shape their work lives, turning perfectionism, people-pleasing, and overdrive into sources of insight rather than shame. Her message is simple but powerful: damage is not destiny, and the workplace can be a training ground for new, healthier ways of being. We'll explore the idea of the ASDP — the Adult Survivor of a Damaged Past — and the "bumper car" moments that trigger old beliefs in everyday career conflicts. Susan will share why most human suffering springs from unresolved wounds and automatic patterns, how those patterns show up at work, and how practical, research-based tools (career coaching, positive psychology, and neuroplasticity) can rewire responses for better relationships, leadership, and meaning. We'll also delve into her book, Healing at Work, co-written with Martha I. Finney: why it was written, the intention behind it, and how readers can use career challenges as opportunities to practice boundaries, self-love, and new behaviors. Valeria interviews  Susan Schmitt Winchester  — She is the author of  "Healing at Work: A Guide to Using Career Conflicts to Overcome Your Past and Build the Future You Deserve." Susan J. Schmitt Winchester is the past Chief HR officer for Applied Materials, a Fortune 150 Silicon Valley company, & Rockwell Automation, a Fortune 500 Midwest company.  She is an author & sought-after keynote speaker, TEDx speaker and Executive Coach/Consultant, known for her book, "Healing at Work" with co-author Martha Finney. Healing at Work was recently recognized as an Amazon International Best Seller in 5 countries.  Susan leverages her 36+ years of experience as a Human Resources Executive to help organizations reduce turnover, elevate employee engagement, and boost corporate performance by focusing on innovative strategies to accelerate human potential and performance. She has worked across industries including consumer packaged goods, management consulting, automotive, industrial automation, technology, banking, and semiconductors. She has lived, worked, and studied, both in the US and in Europe.  Susan's passion lies in teaching and inspiring executives, leaders, and professionals to discover greater self-acceptance, fulfillment, and joy at work and in life.  She is a fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources, the highest professional honor for leaders in HR. Learn more about Susan Schmitt Winchester and her work, please visit: https://susanwinchester.com/

— Today, it is a joy to welcome Gideon Enok to A Quest for Well-Being. Since 2010, Gideon has traveled the world, lived in multiple countries, and walked more than 7,000 kilometers with a backpack. He describes himself not simply as a traveler, but as a pilgrim on a lifelong journey of discovery, growth, and transformation. Gideon is the author of The Pilgrim Spirit: The Longer You Walk, The Deeper You Go, a powerful memoir inspired by an extraordinary 3,500-kilometer walk from Denmark to Santiago de Compostela during the height of the 2020 pandemic. At one of the lowest points in his life, he heard an inner calling that led him on a five-month pilgrimage across Europe—a journey that ultimately brought him greater serenity, purpose, self-understanding, and even true love. At the heart of Gideon's work is a beautiful message: that life itself is a pilgrimage, that every person we meet is a fellow traveler, and that what matters most is not where the journey takes us, but who we become along the way. Today, we'll explore the lessons he learned through millions of steps on the Camino de Santiago, the transformative power of trusting life's callings, the wisdom of the pilgrim spirit, and how courage, resilience, gratitude, and openness can guide us toward a more meaningful life. Valeria interviews  Gideon Enok — He is the author of  "The Pilgrim Spirit: The Longer You Walk, The Deeper You Go - Walking 3,500 km Toward a New Life on the Camino de Santiago." Gideon has traveled the world since 2010 and has lived in several countries, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovakia, and Spain. He has walked over 7,000 km with a backpack and considers himself a pilgrim on a lifelong pilgrimage. A couple of years before the long journey, Gideon had written down a bucket list of over 100 things he wanted to learn, experience, accomplish, and places he wanted to visit, as well as people he wanted to meet. At the top of the list, he wanted to have dinner with his favorite author, Gregory David Roberts, who is the author of the International Bestselling book Shantaram. It was an impossible task, because he was no longer in public life.  Nevertheless, Gideon often looked for when Gregory got online again, and when he did, he began following him, and eventually Gideon and Gregory found each other and amplified the maxim that when the student is ready, the teacher will appear, and how the starting point for the book The Pilgrim Spirit began. A few years later, when the finishing touches was made on the book, Gideon was in Finisterre again, and on a walk toward the 0,0 km marker at The End of The World, he laid eyes on K, found true love and they are still together. To learn more about Gideon and his work, please visit: https://thepilgrimspirit.com/   Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thepilgrimspirit Free Chapter link: https://thepilgrimspirit.com/free-chapter/   Buy the book: USA:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 EU: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 Australia: https://www.amazon.au/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 India: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0H5CNPQ52   All Other Amazon Markets: France: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 Italy: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 Spain: https://www.amazon.es/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 Netherlands: https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 Sweden: https://www.amazon.se/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 Poland: https://www.amazon.pl/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 Belgium: https://www.amazon.com.be/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 Japan: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 Singapore: https://www.amazon.sg/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 Mexico: https://www.amazon.com.mx/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 Brazil: https://www.amazon.com.br/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 India: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 Turkey: https://www.amazon.com.tr/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 United Arab Emirates: https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 Saudi Arabia: https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 Egypt: https://www.amazon.eg/dp/B0H5CNPQ52   Instagram: @thepilgrimspirit Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gideon-nielsen-85810b33/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepilgrimspirit  

— Today Alexis Faere, author of Invisible Wounds, explore how honest storytelling and human connection open a path from trauma toward wholeness — the slow, tender work of moving from victim to survivor to an integrated whole person. Alexis offers practical insight on emotional responsibility, the long-term effects of violence, and the small practices that help people rebuild trust in themselves and others. This conversation centers on hope and resilience: how survivors and supporters can find language to heal, how professionals and treatment programs can use personal testimony to foster change, and how accountability matters for preventing future harm. Alexis's lived experience and years of speaking with therapeutic organizations, treatment programs, and incarcerated individuals bring clarity and compassion to difficult questions. If you're coping with past hurt, supporting someone who is, or seeking a deeper understanding of trauma's ripple effects, this episode offers compassionate guidance and honest reflection on recovery, repair, and the ways we rediscover resilience together.Valeria interviews Alexis Faere — She is the author of  "Invisible Wounds: An Inside Story." Alexis Faere is an award-winning, best-selling author who believes in the healing power of honest stories and human connection. Her memoir, Invisible Wounds, shares the true account of a life-altering moment and the long, tender work of finding one's way back to wholeness. The book has received three honors, including Gold Awards from the International Impact Book Awards and the Global Book Awards, and a Silver Award from Readers' Favorite. A retired project manager and musician, Alexis now speaks with therapeutic organizations, treatment programs, and incarcerated individuals about emotions, responsibility, and the parts of ourselves that still know how to care. Her work creates spaces where people can slow down, listen deeply, and remember that healing often begins with being seen and heard. Through storytelling and shared reflection, Alexis gently reminds us that resilience is not something we earn—it's something we rediscover together. To learn more about Alexis Faere and her work, please visit: https://alexisfaere.com/

— Today's conversation explores what happens when the old strategy of "pushing through" stops working—and how resilience can be reinvented into a way of living, not just surviving. Nancy and I had a candid, hopeful conversation about learning to live differently after injury and chronic pain. We cover meaningful reflections on shifting identity, the emotional toll of being told you're "fine," rebuilding trust with your body, and the surprising possibilities that open when you stop forcing the old path. This episode is for anyone exhausted by effort that no longer yields results—and for anyone ready to discover a new kind of well-being rooted in acceptance, curiosity, and practical change. Valeria interviews Nancy Deyo  — She is a former Silicon Valley CEO and Stanford University Distinguished Careers Institute Fellow whose career and identity were upended by chronic pain and disability.  After a spinal injury on Mount Kilimanjaro, she spent fifteen years navigating chronic illness, opioid dependence, medical uncertainty, and identity collapse. Once accustomed to a life of constant motion—leading a technology company and traveling the world—pain forced Nancy to live lying down, as the strategies that had defined her no longer worked. When medicine offered no clear answers, she explored everything from cutting-edge treatments to energy healers and shamans. The turning point was not a cure, but a shift: learning to rebuild her life within the constraints of chronic pain. She returned to the world on new terms—attending graduate school lying on an army cot and eventually resuming travel and work the same way. Today, Nancy writes and speaks about chronic pain, identity, and resilience. Her forthcoming memoir is Perilous Ascent. To learn more about Nancy Deyo and her work, please visit: https://nancydeyo.substack.com

— Today we're exploring the Loyalty Problem — the quiet, powerful force that makes changing how we parent feel like a betrayal of the people who raised us. It shows up as hesitation, half-changed habits, and the painful cycle of doing the work in theory but undoing it in practice. In this episode Olivia names what keeps so many parents stuck, unpack why love and loyalty can block real change, and offer ways to move forward without severing the ties that matter. You'll hear concrete ideas for making shifts that actually stick, compassionate language to use with yourself, and a new lens for understanding why parenting advice so often fails. If you've ever tried to parent differently and felt pulled back by guilt, fear, or family expectations, this conversation will give you clarity, permission, and practical next steps to begin shifting those patterns. Valeria interviews Olivia Bergeron, LCSW — She is a psychotherapist, parent coach and speaker, who founded Mommy Groove Therapy & Parent Coaching (mommygroove.com) to help parents successfully navigate the huge changes that come with having a child. A mom to twins and a singleton, Olivia understands the demands that come with parenting in New York City. Olivia received her Bachelor's from Vassar College and her Master's in Clinical Social Work from New York University. She has a Post Master's Certificate in Advanced Clinical Social Work also from New York University and a Certificate from the Postpartum Stress Center. Olivia was selected to be a part of the first ever coaching training by Dr. Laura Markham, author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids and the site ahaparenting.com. She is proud to help parents find a way to "stop yelling and start connecting" with their child. She speaks Spanish and French fluently, and offers her services in these languages as well. Olivia has appeared in the New York Times, Huffington Post, Self Magazine, ABC News, TheBump.com and on Fox 5 New York. She has contributed articles to Brooklyn Family Magazine, Manhattan Family Magazine, A Child Grows In Brooklyn, Parenting and the City, and YourTango.com. To learn more about Olivia Bergeron and her work, visit https://mommygroove.com/.

— "The universe, including the sun, moon, waters, breeze, trees, and leaves, is here to bathe in, on, and around us. These elements of nature are the source of our beauty and replenish our beings" Valeria interviews Nadine Artemis  — She is the founder of Living Libations, is the author of Holistic Dental Care: The Complete Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums, and Renegade Beauty: Reveal and Revive Your Natural Radiance. Renegade Beauty was named one of "The Top 10 Books on Skin Care" by The Strategist of New York Magazine. A media contributor and visionary formulator, Nadine's creations have received acclaim in the New York Times, Vogue, and The Hollywood Reporter. Described by Alanis Morissette as "a true-sense visionary," Nadine formulates elegantly effective, pure solutions that optimize oral care, awaken the skin's inherent glow, and replenish the body's resonance. Her concept of Renegade Beauty encourages a return to ease through biological wisdom, inspiring a shift in how we understand wellness and the alchemy of beauty. To learn more about Nadine Artemis and her work, visit https://livinglibations.com.

— "Understanding our essential human struggles, the compassionate heart naturally wants to help—not quiet—our thinking. It does so through the emanation of care and connection, soothing the wanting and non-wanting and making the present pleasant and nourishing to be in. Feeling the support, our thoughts will often be happy to rest, and our heart-minds can finally relax and enjoy the moment. This joy then further stabilizes the mind and opens us to deeper concentration and insight. " Valeria interviews Justin Michelson — He is the author of  "The Dharma of Healing: The Path of Liberation from Stress, Pain, and Trauma." Justin Michelson is a meditation teacher, author, and wilderness guide. Through his root teacher Rodney Smith, and Rodney's teacher Ajahn Buddhadasa, Justin carries on the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition of Theravada Buddhism. His unique style blends nature-based practice, emotional healing, and traditional Dharma teachings. He currently lives with his partner outside of Eugene, Oregon in a rural intentional community where, in addition to teaching and writing, he owns and operates Native Foods Nursery, a native edible plant nursery. Learn more about Justin Michelson and his work!

— As we release stored tension, soften resistance, and move in ways that feel aligned rather than performative, the way we relate to the world begins to shift as well. Our nervous systems regulate. Our reactions soften. Our presence becomes less guarded and more genuine. Self-awareness creates coherence within the individual. And coherence within individuals quietly contributes to coherence within the collective. This is not dramatic change. It is gentle evolution. Calmer conversations. More compassion. More people feeling safe enough to be themselves. Movement, in this way, becomes more than physical expression. It becomes participation in the evolution of our own consciousness. And as each person reconnects with their body, their truth, and their internal rhythm, the ripple extends far beyond what can be measured. What begins as remembering ourselves becomes a quiet contribution to a world that feels more present, more connected, and more alive. Valeria interviews Caren Carnegie — She is an Intuitive Momentum Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, Spiritual Life Coach, and Channeler, and the founder of Transform Fitness Coaching. She guides individuals beyond traditional fitness into a deeper relationship with their body, mind, and inner awareness—where movement becomes a pathway to self-leadership and remembrance. With nearly two decades of experience working closely with people, Caren blends physical training with intuitive insight to support sustainable, embodied transformation. Her work redefines fit-ness as a state of being—one rooted in self-acceptance, coherence, and personal truth. Through her coaching, writing, and speaking, Caren invites others to move with what moves them, reconnect with their inner wisdom, and create momentum that reflects who they truly are. Learn more about Caren Carnegie and her amazing work at https://transformfitnesscoaching.com/ and her Instagram: @carencarnegiefitness.

— Master the Art of Emotional Intelligence in Just Weeks, Even if You've Struggled with It Your Entire Life! Do you find emotional misunderstandings at home or work derail your day? Are you overwhelmed by juggling personal growth with your professional demands and personal relationships? Do the nuances of empathy and emotional communication seem like a puzzle with too many missing pieces? If you answered "yes," you're not alone. Parents, business professionals, caregivers, and numerous others in your position have felt that same sense of overwhelm, yet the path to enhanced relationships and satisfying work-life balance is simpler than you might think. Valeria interviews Meg Colby — She is the author of THE EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE MASTERY SERIES; "From Emotional Intelligence to Sacred Wisdom", "Mindful Women - Resilient Lives" and "Emotional Intelligence Mastery in Working With Death & Dying." For more than twenty-five years, Meg walked through the fire of her own emotional awakening. She didn't grow up knowing how to name her feelings, tend to them, or navigate the rich inner landscape that shapes how we love and who we become. Her emotional intelligence wasn't inherited or handed down — it was forged. What began as her own path toward healing slowly deepened into an understanding of how women lose touch with themselves, how old wounds quietly take hold, and how profound the shift can be when they finally turn inward and listen. As Meg learned to recognize, honor, and move with her emotions, a quiet truth emerged: countless women were carrying the same silent weight. That knowing changed everything. For years now, Meg has worked alongside women ready to soften the grip of old patterns — those longing for lives shaped by clarity, honesty, and a truer sense of self. Her approach is grounded, warm, and born of lived experience rather than theory alone. Through her writing, Meg invites readers into a gentler, wiser relationship with themselves. She believes emotional intelligence isn't about getting it right — it's about showing up, finding the courage to feel, and reclaiming the tender parts of us that have waited so long to be heard. When she's not writing or walking beside others on their journeys, Meg can be found in the quiet, meaningful corners of life — the ones that bring her joy, purpose, and a deeper kinship with what it means to be human. Learn more about Meg Colby and her work!

— Welcome to today's episode, where we explore the transformative power of practical psychological skills with David Hernandez, a seasoned psychotherapist, coach, and co-founder of Stoa Life. David is dedicated to helping high-functioning adults achieve personal growth and resilience. Drawing from his extensive experience as a Navy Hospital Corpsman and over 20 years in law enforcement, he seamlessly integrates modern psychology with Stoic-inspired principles. This unique approach equips individuals with the tools they need to manage thoughts, emotions, and relationships effectively. Join us as we dive into practical strategies for overcoming anxiety , building confidence, and enhancing emotional resilience to empower your everyday life. Learn more about David Hernandez and his work!

— Welcome to today's episode, where we dive deep into the concept of the Authentic Self with Heejin Ryoo, a licensed mental health counselor and the founder of HJ Holistic Therapy in Florida. Heejin is renowned for her trauma-informed psychotherapy, focusing on integrative, somatically informed mental health care. With licenses in multiple states, her approach empowers individuals to reconnect with their inner strength by balancing Eastern-informed healing wisdom with practical, evidence-based interventions. In this episode, Heejin shares her insights on uncovering and embracing the Authentic Self amidst life's challenges. We'll explore how cultural influences shape this journey, the significance of nervous system regulation, and practical strategies for living authentically. Join us as we discover how recognizing and aligning with our Authentic Self can lead to greater emotional resilience and a more empowered life. Valeria interviews Heejin Ryoo - LMHC (FL), LPC (AZ & SC), and LPCC (OH), — She is the founder of HJ Holistic Therapy in Florida, offering trauma‑informed, somatically grounded psychotherapy for adults facing anxiety, trauma, identity work, relational challenges, and major life transitions.  Blending Eastern‑informed wisdom with evidence‑based interventions, she helps clients regulate their nervous systems, build emotional resilience, and translate insight into sustainable change—always with direct attunement, practical tools, and room for humor. Bilingual in Korean, Heejin also provides psychological evaluations and immigration‑related clinical documentation, guided by rigorous ethical standards. Her core belief: you are not broken—therapy helps you remember the strength you already have. Learn more about Heejin Ryoo and her work!

— In this meaningful podcast episode, we explore resilience, survival, and the indomitable human spirit through the lens of personal stories. Chaz Holesworth shares his journey, his heart, his inspiring artistic work and profound view of life. With a focus on authenticity, humor, and heartfelt advocacy for social justice , this podcast is about standing up for the underdog and championing causes that matter. Chaz's "Life and How to Live" memoir series is a testament to the power of hope and renewal. Tune in as he shares his vulnerabilities, embraces his unpredictable journeys, and discover that no matter the obstacles, there's always a way forward. Valeria interviews Chaz Holesworth — He is the author of the memoir series "Life and How to Live It." Chaz Holesworth grew up in Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood, where addiction, poverty, and faith defined his daily life. Those experiences shaped his perspective and fueled his drive to write honestly about survival, memory, and meaning. Now living in the suburbs with his wife and their dog, he still carries Philly with him in his humor and his belief in standing up for the underdog. When he isn't writing, Chaz can be found at a live show, exploring new corners of the world, or enjoying a craft beer. A passionate advocate for social justice, he is deeply committed to championing the rights of workers and animals, striving to make a difference in the causes closest to his heart. Life and How to Live It is his memoir series told with unflinching honesty. With his gift for storytelling, he writes to connect, to remember, and to show others that even in the darkest corners of the past, there is a way forward. To learn more about Chaz Holesworth and his work!

— Welcome to a Quest for Well-Being podcast, where we explore the depths of personal growth, emotional well-being, spiritual and holistic living. Today we're diving into a conversation that challenges conventional ideas of healing with our special guest, Tricia Parido. Tricia is an innovative Emotional Performance Strategist and the creator of Total Emotional Performance™, an empowering framework designed to enhance emotional agility, expand nervous system capacity, and facilitate sustainable personal change. Tricia's work uniquely bridges performance psychology, emotional intelligence, and psycho-nutrition to help individuals understand the profound impact of physiology and nervous system burdens on behavior. Her approach shifts the focus from constant healing to building emotional capacity, enabling people to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. This empowers people to lead themselves with clarity, break free from coping loops, and achieve sustainable self-leadership. In this episode, Valeria interviews Tricia and together they explore the intricacies of emotional capacity, the collaboration of the nervous system and body intelligence, and how Tricia's practical framework steers individuals towards lasting well-being. Get ready to discover why most people don't need more healing—they need the power of emotional capacity. Learn more about You Don't Need Healing. You Need Emotional Capacity with Tricia Parido.

— In this episode, we delve into how mindfulness and meditation serve as vital tools in connecting with the present, and how therapy cultivates openness to new possibilities. We explore key topics such as defining mental health and human suffering, the role of mindfulness in therapy, and the art of rewriting personal narratives to alleviate anxiety and depression. Samantha shares her insights on nurturing our inner child, transforming language and perception, and utilizing art as a healing medium. Our conversation touches on the complexity of suffering, how simple changes in our environment help combat overstimulation, and the profound impact of finding fullness in stillness. We also discuss the concept of "glimmers" in nature, experiences to cherish before death, and how they aid in overcoming triggers. Throughout the discussion, Samantha shares how mindfulness, creativity, and a simplified life help us embrace authenticity and clarity.  Valeria interviews Samantha Maederer  — She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, with over a decade of experience. With a background in Art Therapy from Florida State University, her unique path intersects art and mental health. Samantha began her career by co-creating a public art installation highlighting patient voices from the Florida State Psychiatric Hospital, and now encourages creativity in her clients to navigate challenges. She spent 12 years in community mental health, offering therapy to survivors of sexual trauma and postpartum clients. Samantha's approach is informed by her own mental health journey and a belief in art as a tool to process experiences. She integrates Zen Buddhism and Daoism principles, helping clients embrace non-judgment and reality awareness. Samantha specializes in working with women with complex trauma histories. She employs somatic work, mindfulness, and focuses on anxiety, panic, and OCD. Her therapeutic approach includes helping clients reconnect with their younger selves. Outside of therapy, Samantha enjoys gardening, kayaking, and promoting a holistic approach to mental health, emphasizing focus and the mind-body connection. Learn more about Samantha Maederer and her work. 

— "No two human beings are exactly the same. We might have similar paths, but everybody is different and needs to be honored in their uniqueness. Therefore, therapeutic approaches that just do a one size fits all just don't work" Valeria interviews  Dr. Claudia Herbert — She is a Clinical Psychologist, PTSD and trauma psychotherapist, and senior executive development facilitator. Dr Claudia Herbert's life has been dedicated to discovering, learning, and facilitating the most effective and powerful inner transformation journeys to help her clients achieve meaningful purpose, healthy growth, inner strength, and alignment in their lives. With over 30 years of experience as a Clinical Psychologist, PTSD and trauma psychotherapist, and senior executive development facilitator, along with more than 25 years as director of The Oxford Development Centre, Claudia has developed a profound palette of therapeutic life-changing processes. These processes enable clients to uncover and transform deeply entrenched, initially adaptive but now restrictive, survival-based coping strategies, including dissociative processes. Her work helps individuals reconnect with nature, life's energy, and their true essence, ultimately guiding them back to their authentic selves. Learn more about Lifting The Veil Of Dissociation with Dr. Claudia Herbert

— Today we embark on a journey with Misha Blaise, author and illustrator of the captivating book, "Your Life Is a Hero's Journey!. This insightful guide invites you to embrace life's adversities as transformative quests rather than problems to be solved. Misha, known for her vibrant style, combines art and humor to map out the hero's journey—a timeless narrative of personal growth found in ancient mythology and modern life. As you listen, discover how challenges serve as opportunities for growth and resilience, reminding us that being human means navigating the tests life presents with courage and innovation. Tune in as Misha shares her wisdom on finding strength and clarity in our ever-evolving adventure. Valeria interviews Misha Blaise  — She is the author of  "Your Life Is a Hero's Journey!: An Illustrated Guide to Facing Life's Challenges" and several other books. Misha Blaise is an author-illustrator known for the fresh and original style of her illustrated gift books, blending art, humor, and soulful reflection. Through her work, she explores themes of interconnectedness, the mysteries of the universe, self-discovery, and the oneness of humanity. Her books invite readers to reflect on life's deeper questions while staying grounded in creativity, joy, and hope. She lives with her husband and two sons in Arkansas. Learn more about The Hero's Journey: Initiation, Challenge, and Transformation with Misha Blaise!

— Today, it is a JOY to have Dr. Elaine Aron, a distinguished author and psychologist known worldwide for her groundbreaking work on highly sensitive individuals. Dr. Aron is here to discuss her latest book, "Spirituality Through a Highly Sensitive Lens: An Objective Look at Meditation Methods and Enlightenment. "In this insightful guide, Dr. Aron provides readers with practical pathways to find peace and equanimity amidst life's chaos. Reflecting on the seeker culture of the 1960s, which sparked a quiet spiritual revolution, she explores how people have achieved profound inner calm in challenging times. Her book is the first to offer an objective overview of meditation methods and enlightenment, incorporating her personal experiences from 55 years of practice and recent brain research insights. With her signature empathy and a keen scientific perspective, Dr. Aron helps both highly sensitive individuals and the broader audience to discover the spirituality that best suits them. This episode promises to open doors to new spiritual paths, encouraging everyone to embark on their unique journey of self-discovery and transformation. Valeria interviews Dr. Elaine Aron  — She is the author of  "Spirituality Through a Highly Sensitive Lens: An Objective Look at Meditation Methods and Enlightenment." She is a clinical and research psychologist, the internationally bestselling author of The Highly Sensitive Person, in print for nearly thirty years and translated into 35 languages. In her latest book, Spirituality Through a Highly Sensitive Lens, Dr. Aron aims to helps readers better understand the various types of meditation—mindfulness, TM, Zen, and all the rest--so that they can choose for themselves. She also delves into the solid research that exists regarding enlightenment.  She does not know of any other book that does either of these!  This one does both, She is also the author of The Highly Sensitive Parent, The Highly Sensitive Person Workbook, The Highly Sensitive Person in Love, The Highly Sensitive Child, and Psychotherapy and the Highly Sensitive Person. Credited with first recognizing high sensitivity as an innate trait and pioneering the study of HSPs since 1990, she maintains a website and newsletter at HSPerson.com. Dr. Aron obtained her doctorate in clinical psychology from Pacific Graduate Institute and trained at the Jung Institute in San Francisco. She is widely published in academic journals on research regarding both sensory processing sensitivity and, along with her husband, Arthur Aron, the scientific study of close relationships. Learn more about Dr. Elaine Aron and her Spirituality Thru HS Lens!

— Today, we are honored to have Darren Starwynn, a Quantum Catalyst and master healer, inspiring holistic health professionals and meditators to elevate their consciousness. In this episode, we explore key concepts such as Quantum Healing and Consciousness, the role of a Quantum Catalyst, and unlocking individual superpowers. We discuss the journey to self-discovery, embracing life's mysteries, and defining the Avatar Within. Darren shares his thoughts on confronting inner challenges, finding empowerment through vulnerability, and the soul's essential role of love. We'll also consider solutions for a troubled world and reflect on the potential for collective awakening. Darren guides us through these transformative topics, helping us understand the divine mystery of life. Valeria interviews Darren Starwynn — He is the author of  "Awakening the Avatar Within: A Roadmap to Uncover Your Superpowers, Upgrade Your Body and Uplift Humanity." Darren Starwynn is a Quantum Catalyst and master healer who activates holistic health professionals, healers and meditators to awaken their consciousness, make their most valuable contribution and thrive. He has written five groundbreaking books including bestseller Awakening the Avatar Within and has led hundreds of workshops and trainings internationally. His newest book Avatar Master Healer will be published Spring, 2026. Darren has over 30 years clinical experience in acupuncture, Chinese medicine, energy medicine and Quantum healing. Darren has mentored or inspired thousands of healthcare practitioners, business owners, healers and meditators to embody Quantum principles of healing, leadership and spirituality. He is director of Bridge to Mastery Consciousness Institute and Lightworker Ministry. Inventor of vibrational medical devices sold world-wide, he also led a medical device manufacturing and training company starting in 1990. Learn more about Darren Starwynn and his Awaneking Avatar Substack.

—It's a joy to welcome Heather Theisen-Gandara, a transformative coach and author of "The Ultimate Glow-Up Guide for Women Over 40." Heather's journey from rural Wisconsin to international diplomacy has shaped her dynamic approach to helping women reinvent their futures. With a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and over two decades in team management with entities like the U.S. Department of State, Heather uses her strategic vision and compassionate mentorship to guide women towards empowerment. As the founder of Reignite Collective, LLC, she focuses on holistic recovery—emotional healing, wellness, and financial mastery. In this episode, we explore Heather's journey from fear to purpose, the power of self-compassion, and becoming your own midlife muse. Join us as Heather shares insights on self-care, intuition, and reclaiming personal style. Discover how life after challenges like divorce can lead to your most empowered chapter. Valeria interviews Heather Theisen-Gandara  — She is the author of  "The Ultimate Glow-Up Guide for Women Over 40: Build Confidence, Redefine your Style, and Reclaim your Spark. Heather Theisen-Gandara grew up in rural Wisconsin as the first in her family to hold a passport, sparking a lifelong journey of discovery. Traveling extensively throughout Latin America, she became fluent in Spanish and cultivated a deep appreciation for cross-cultural connections. With an ICF Coaching certification from the Center for Divorce Coaching, a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, and a Master's in Counseling, Heather has over two decades of experience in international diplomacy and large-scale team management. She has partnered with organizations like the U.S. Department of State, ExxonMobil, and Baker Hughes. Heather brings a unique mix of strategic vision, cultural insight, and compassionate mentorship to help women reinvent their futures and achieve results. She founded Reignite Collective, LLC, blending professional expertise with personal experiences.  After a 24-year marriage, she rebuilt her life, reclaiming financial independence, shedding nearly 100 pounds, and designing a life with self-care and purpose. Overcoming an abusive childhood, she now thrives and helps other women do the same.  Heather guides women through holistic recovery—emotionally healing, enhancing wellness, mastering finances, and expressing confidence through personal style. Her mission is to show women that life after divorce marks he beginning of their most empowered chapter. Learn more about Heather Theisen-Gandara!

— Today we explore the transformative power of failure with business transformation specialist and author Matthew Egan. In his groundbreaking book, The Failure Advantage: Why Setbacks Are Your Secret Weapon for Success, Matt challenges conventional beliefs about failure. He argues that our most significant missteps are not enemies but rather powerful allies that can propel us toward success. Are you a high-achieving professional burdened by the fear of failure? You're not alone. Many of us mask our struggles with polished performances, but underneath lies burnout and doubt. Matt helps us break free from fear-based thinking and reframe our setbacks as valuable feedback. Drawing on real-world case studies, cognitive science, and his own experiences, Matt teaches us how to cultivate resilience, embrace risk-taking, and lead with authenticity. Join us as we dive into insightful discussions about how to reclaim failure as a catalyst for growth and leverage it into your unfair advantage in both your career and life. Get ready to learn how to stop playing defense and start thriving in the face of adversity. Valeria interviews Matthew Egan — He is the author of  "The Failure Advantage — an Advisor, Thinker and Writer on Leading Change. Matthew Egan has over 20 years of experience leading change at organizations, including Microsoft and PwC. Throughout his career managing teams, working with C-suite executives, and driving transformation projects, he has observed how setbacks can either limit potential or serve as powerful catalysts for growth. Matthew is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, and recipient of multiple business accolades, but it's his personal experience with anxiety and failure that shapes his approach. Having faced his own professional challenges, he's passionate about helping others transform their relationship with failure.  Originally from Australia and now based in the UK, Matthew lives with his wife and son, who continue to teach him the most valuable lessons about embracing imperfection and finding opportunity in adversity.  Learn more about Matthew Egan!

— Allow yourself to grieve. Grief is a process that requires patience—with yourself, your emotions, and the journey ahead. It isn't something you can rush or resolve overnight because grief isn't about "getting over" your loss; it's about learning to live with it. It's about finding ways to incorporate the love and memories of your loved one into your life in a healthy and meaningful way. There will be moments when the waves of emotion hit unexpectedly— sometimes as a gentle ripple and other times as a crashing tide. Allow yourself to feel them. These emotions are a reflection of the depth of your love and the significance of the bond you shared. They're not something to push away or suppress but to honor as part of your healing. Be kind to yourself on this journey. Healing doesn't mean forgetting, and moving forward doesn't mean leaving your loved one behind. Instead, it's about carrying them with you differently—as part of who you are, as inspiration, and as a source of love that continues to shape your life. Valeria interviews Marcia Earhart  — She is the author of  "Gripping Grace in the Garden of Grief: A Place for the Heart." Marcia Earhart is the founder of the Sterling Rose Sanctuary, life coach, grief, brain, and trauma specialist, HeartSync minister, mediator, author and speaker.  Marcia's story is one of unimaginable loss, unshakable faith, and undeniable resilience. After enduring the deaths of two sons—one to sudden tragedy and another to murder— losing life as she knew it-she has allowed God to transform her pain into a lifeline for others. Her book, Gripping Grace in the Garden of Grief: A Place for the Heart, is a raw, powerful testament to surviving the darkest valleys and finding hope on the other side. Her determined faith, unshakable hope, and belief in the healing power of the Lord gave her the ability to fight for her family through prayer and practical decision-making. Marcia's story isn't just about survival—it's about learning how to breathe again after life knocks the wind out of you. Marcia will tell you the losses she had early on in life prepared her for the losses she has continued to experience. But instead of letting grief consume her, she learned—through the quiet strength of her parents—how to live with sorrow without being crushed by it. Today, she doesn't just carry that wisdom for herself; she offers it to others as a certified Grief, Trauma, Brain, and Mental Health Responder and Coach. She is also a Mediator, HeartSync Minister, Author, and Speaker. Her work is deeply personal. Her ministry is boots on the ground for those suffering with mental health due to trauma, loss, and grief. She works with survivors of sexual ritual abuse, addiction, those haunted by suicidal thoughts, and anyone drowning in the weight of depression or anxiety—not as a distant expert, but as someone who's felt fractures in her bones. What sets her apart isn't just her training, but her lived truth: Healing isn't about erasing pain. It's about learning how to live alongside it, tenderly and without shame. To learn more about Marcia Earhart and her work, please visit: https://www.thesterlingrosesanctuary.us/

— "I want a second chance with you in a world where time is infinite boundaries will not divide religion will not win and loving you is not a sin."   For Shuchi, writing has always been a form of healing — not in the sense that it erases pain, but that it gives pain meaning. Every poem is an attempt to understand a feeling more deeply, to honor it, and to transform it into something that might help someone else feel less alone. Through her bestselling books "You Belong With Me" and "Why Did You Let Me Go?", she has explored the full spectrum of love and loss. These works emerged from personal experiences, but they belong to everyone who has ever loved deeply, lost painfully, and found the courage to begin again. Valeria interviews Shuchi Batra  — She is the author of  "You Belong With Me , A Million Times Over and Why did you let me go?." Shuchi Batra is an internationally recognized prose-poetry author known for blending narrative and micro-poetry to explore themes of identity, belonging, healing, and emotional resilience. She has written over 1,000 poems and authored the bestselling book "You Belong With Me", a prose-poetry novel that guides readers through heartbreak, self-discovery, and inner wholeness. She has authored 2 more books: "A Million Times Over" and "Why did you let me go?".  Elected Secretary of the Poetry Society of Virginia, Shuchi also serves as a literary judge and has been invited to speak and perform across literary platforms. Her work bridges cultural nuance and personal transformation, positioning poetry not as ornament, but as emotional architecture - a pathway toward integration, reflection, and healing. She was born in Delhi, India. At 17, she left home to pursue her education. She holds 3 degrees, including a CS engineering degree and 2 MBAs, and has worked in the fintech industry for over 11 years. Shuchi started writing poetry when she was just 8 years old. After losing her father at age 10, she coped with her emotions through poetry, diaries, and letters to God. She never imagined that her book- " You belong with me" that was written in the same format- in the form of diary writing will be loved by so many people across the world. She has been posting micro poems since 2021 and have 68k+ followers on Instagram and FB To learn more about Shuchi Batra and her work, please visit: https://shuchibatrapoetry.com/

— In a world where our experiences can challenge our sense of self-worth, it's essential to remember that we are inherently worthy just because we exist. Join Renée, the founder of True North Coaching and a dedicated trauma-informed guide, as she explores the journey of healing and growth. Together, we'll uncover how to create space for love, compassion, and authentic connections in our lives. True healing encompasses the mind, body, spirit, and soul, allowing us to develop a deeper relationship with ourselves. As we evolve, we invite more empowering energies into our existence. Discover how protective patterns that once kept you safe can lead you to your true self. Renée draws upon her expertise in neuroscience, timeline therapy, and emotional integration to guide you in gently dissolving unconscious patterns that shape your relationships and choices. Join us as we delve into the powerful topics of subconscious patterns, the missing link in healing, and the reflections our relationships provide about our inner world. So, get ready to embark on a journey toward freedom and transformation, where healing becomes evolution and your true self awaits! Valeria interviews Renée Guay — She is the author of  "Why We Attract Narcissists: Three Steps to Freedom."  Renée Guay is the founder of True North Coaching and a trauma-informed guide in emotional integration, subconscious patterning, and inner authority. Drawing from neuroscience, timeline therapy, neurolinguistic programming, nervous-system work, and lived experience, Renée guides others to recognize and gently dissolve the unconscious patterns shaping their relationships, choices, and sense of self.  After healing from PTSD herself, Renée discovered that insight alone doesn't create lasting change, safety and integration does. Her work focuses on helping the body complete what it never had the chance to finish, allowing clarity, choice, and self-trust to return naturally.  Known for her grounded compassion, and clarity, Renée brings conversations back to what truly creates freedom: integration, not fixing. Listeners leave feeling regulated, empowered, and equipped with simple tools they can use immediately.  At the heart of her work is one guiding truth: when the nervous system feels safe, life reorganizes and freedom becomes possible. All conversations are grounded in nervous- system safety, emotional integration, and restoring choice.  To learn more about Renée Guay and her work, please visit: https://www.truenorthcoaching.org/

— "Sustainable success isn't about big breakthroughs or dramatic changes—it's about the small, steady actions that keep you moving in the right direction. Daily Questions and self-reflection aren't just concepts; they're the habits that build a life of purpose, growth, and accountability. Whether you're leading a team, moving up in your career, or simply trying to be a better version of yourself, the key isn't just reaching your goals—it's keeping the momentum going. Keep measuring what matters, stay open to feedback, and surround yourself with the right people. That's permanence." — says Lisa. Valeria interviews Lisa Broderick  — She is the author of  " Permanence: Become the Person You Want to Be—and Stay That Way." Lisa Broderick is a seasoned C-suite executive, corporate board member, and nonprofit founder with three decades of leadership experience across diverse industries, blending science with personal transformation.  Lisa is also the author of the international bestseller All the Time in the World, which was translated into dozens of languages, and a frequent contributor to Psychology Today, Lisa distills human behavior, science, and systems thinking into complex organizational and behavioral insights. Her books deliver practical, results-driven strategies that empower individuals and organizations to achieve lasting success.  To learn more about Lisa Broderick and her work, please visit: http://permanencebook.com/

— Welcome to A quest Of Well-Being podcast where we explore the intricate connections between our minds, bodies, and the food we eat. In today's episode, we're diving into the transformative insights from Galina Denzel's powerful book, Peace with Self, Peace with Food: A Trauma Healing Approach for Emotional Eating. If you've ever found yourself reaching for food during moments of stress or emotional turmoil, you're not alone. Emotional eating is a common struggle for many, often stemming from unresolved traumas. That's why we're here to discuss how identifying these patterns is the first step toward healing. Galina Denzel emphasizes the importance of self-compassion on our journey to overcoming emotional eating. She guides us through mindfulness practices to help recognize our triggers and cultivate a more conscious relationship with food. We'll also explore practical trauma healing techniques that Denzel presents, aimed at fostering a supportive environment for personal growth. With the right tools and awareness, we can create lasting change and find peace within ourselves—both mentally and physically. So grab your favorite cup of tea, settle in, and join us as we unpack the wisdom of Peace with Self, Peace with Food and discover how to nourish our bodies and souls. Valeria interviews Galina Denzel — She is the author of  "Peace with Self, Peace with Food: A Trauma Healing Approach for Emotional Eating." Galina is also the creator of the Peace with Food Transformation Group method, an intensive small group program that helps people resolve emotional eating by working directly with the body and the nervous system imprints from the past.  For 25 years, Galina battled her own complex relationship with food, trying every diet, nutrition plan, and therapeutic approach available - nothing worked. It wasn't until her training as a somatic practitioner working with trauma that she experienced an unexpected shift. Through learning to care for her nervous system, her decades-long food struggles dissolved. This led her to create a method that addresses the neurobiological roots of emotional eating rather than just the behaviors on the surface.  As a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), NeuroAffective Relational Model Practitioner (NARM-P), and Somatic Practice Practitioner, Galina combines somatic exploration, movement, breath, art, and the power of human connection to help people come home to themselves.  Based in Colorado, Galina teaches workshops, leads small transformation groups and retreats, and has worked with thousands of students worldwide. Her approach is grounded in compassion, neuroscience, and the deep belief that our bodies already know how to heal - they just need the right support. To learn more about Galina Denzel and her work, please visit: https://purebelonging.com/

— The richest aspects of the journey aren't the big spiritual experiences. They're where the mystery meets each moment of our daily lives. Experiencing deep healing and insight there doesn't require practicing harder or longer. It just requires that we prioritize presence. Our practice comes alive when we prioritize presence above the deeply ingrained urges to self-protect. As each fear challenges us, we reassure ourselves that even if (or when) it came to pass, it could never take our connection to life itself. We will always have a home in awareness. No one and nothing can take that truth. In this way, we can grieve our worst-case scenarios now. We can soothe our gravest insecurities. And then live the day we already had planned to live—or the one we dream of—but from this fearless and connected place. Valeria interviews Justin Michelson — He is the author of  "Path to Peace: Healing from Stress, Pain, and Trauma." Justin Michelson is a meditation teacher, author, and wilderness guide. Through his root teacher Rodney Smith, and Rodney's teacher Ajahn Buddhadasa, Justin carries on the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition of Theravada Buddhism. His unique style blends nature-based practice, emotional healing, and traditional Dharma teachings. He currently lives with his partner outside of Eugene, Oregon in a rural intentional community where, in addition to teaching and writing, he owns and operates Native Foods Nursery, a native edible plant nursery.  To learn more about Justin Michelson and his work, please visit: https://www.justinmichelsondharma.com/

— This episode explores the transformative journey of embodiment and nondual realization. These practices, when integrated into daily life, foster a deeper sense of wholeness and oneness. The journey is continuous, with senses becoming more refined, love and compassion more accessible, and the body finding greater balance and relaxation. Challenges like pain and emotional turbulence are natural, but resilience grows, enabling a return to comfort and safety. Embodiment is a gradual process, requiring consistent, mindful practice. This personal journey involves exploring inner depths and attuning to the surrounding world. It emphasizes that each individual is their own teacher, encouraged to approach the process with gentleness, patience, and love. Valeria interviews Judith Blackstone, PhD  — She is the is the founder of the Realization Process, a method of embodied psychological and relational healing and nondual spiritual awakening.  Judith teaches workshops and teacher certification trainings world-wide and online.  She was a psychotherapist in private practice for thirty-five years and before that, a professional dancer.  The Realization Process includes practices for stabilizing in nondual realization, as well as a method of recovering from trauma called Healing Ground, and a method of embodied movement called Stillness Moving.  She is the author of several books, including Trauma and the Unbound Body: the Healing Power of Fundamental Consciousness, The Fullness of the Ground: A Guide to Embodied Spiritual Awakening; The Enlightenment Process, and Belonging Here: a Guide for the Spiritually Sensitive Person.  Her latest book is The Embodiment Workbook for Women: Feel Centered, Grounded and More Fully Alive. To learn more about and her work, please visit: https://realizationprocess.org/

— The deep emotional pain you carry seeps into every part of life - waves of intense sadness, anxiety, or sudden anger that leave you drained. Thoughts spin endlessly, relationships grow tense, and exhaustion becomes constant. At times, you no longer recognize yourself, as though something unseen is shaping your feelings. It feels like you're losing control of your own life, and no one truly understands the depth of your suffering. For others, the pain is in watching a loved one change before their eyes. A partner, child, or parent becomes withdrawn, irritable, or almost unrecognizable, and nothing explains the sudden shift. When distress lingers without reason and nothing seems to help, the true cause may be something rarely discussed: spirit attachment—also known as spirit possession. This subtle influence can affect anyone, quietly disrupting emotional balance, physical well-being, and inner peace. Since 1968, the Dr. Wanda Pratnicka Center has quietly helped over 10,000 people worldwide find freedom from these unexplained symptoms. With formal education and five decades of experience, we understand what you're going through—and we know how to help. Our findings are documented in five books, including Possessed by Ghosts, translated into nine languages.  But what matters most is this: this suffering is real, and healing is possible. Valeria interviews Mike Pratnicka— He is the co-founder of The Dr. Wanda Pratnicka Center.  Mike gained a tremendous amount of spiritual insight about spirit attachment removal under Wanda's mentorship. Today, he performs the removals using Wanda's method. Thanks to Michael's ability to speak English and German, he handles all media inquiries, lectures and events in English & German languages. Wanda Pratnicka, PhD. - internationally recognized leader in esoteric science and a leading voice in spirit attachment phenomenon. She dealt with tens of thousands of people around the world who have suffered from emotional/mental disturbances and physical illnesses that were considered to be incurable. Wanda's unique ability is that she is able to diagnose and remove spirit entities, aka ghosts, from people remotely; no matter where a person is located. Wanda is also the author of the book series In the Wheel of Life Volumes 1-3. Her most recent book is Know the Truth and Be Free. To learn more about Wanda Pratnicka and her work, please visit: https://www.wandapratnicka.com/ 

— In the hustle and bustle of modern life, woman often find themselves disconnected from our true selves, entangled in the web of endless responsibilities and relentless stimuli. Yet, deep within, there is a yearning to return to Self, to a state of being where we are grounded and whole. This is an invitation to step back from the chaos and create a moment of stillness—a sanctuary where you can breathe deeply and feel your body's gentle rhythms. It's a call to journey inward, to the sacred center where your innate wisdom resides, and your soul's deepest memories and truths are kept. This space is always within reach, waiting patiently for you to remember and embrace it. Morrighan beautifully guides us to the golden gate of true being where you nurture yourself, honor your inner voice, and reconnect with the essence of who you truly are. Valeria interviews Morrighan Lynne  — She is a trauma-informed coach, intuitive guide, author, speaker, and spiritual mentor with nearly two decades of experience helping people navigate life's challenges with clarity and confidence. She is the author of The Spirited Human – Proactive Tools for a Reactive World and creator of her debut oracle deck, The Sovereign Path. Over the past 19 years, Morrighan has worked with clients around the world, appeared on dozens of radio and podcast interviews, and collaborated on multiple television projects. Known for her down-to-earth approach, she blends practical insight with compassionate storytelling, making complex ideas accessible and engaging for audiences of all backgrounds. Whether she's talking about personal growth, resilience, or reclaiming one's voice, Morrighan brings humor, heart, and a refreshing perspective to every conversation—leaving listeners feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to take their next step. To learn more about Morrighan Lynne and her work, please visit: https://www.morrighanlynne.com/

— Creative thinking enhances problem-finding, problem-solving, flexibility of thought, and the ability to see challenges from different perspectives. It also enhances emotional intelligence, and engaging in creative activities correlates with increased happiness. An all-around win-win! The power of this tool, for both coach and client, lies in its use of both deductive and intuitive thinking. By integrating creative techniques into your practice and thinking, you can offer clients not only improved outcomes but also a deeply engaging coaching experience conducive to powerful and efficient transformation. In other words, a different way to view your and their world. Dr. André invites you to explore with him the incredible benefits and the true origins of creative thinking, a core human drive! Valeria interviews Dr. André Walton  — He is a social psychologist, international best-selling author, and keynote speaker known for his groundbreaking work on creativity, burnout, and innovation.  Creator of the Banish Burnout™ framework and Spherical Thinking™, he helps individuals and organizations rewire stress into resilience and creative flow. A Visiting Professor at Newport Business School, Dr. Walton has delivered programs for The Smithsonian, Virgin Group, and NASA. With two decades of research and entrepreneurial experience, he inspires audiences to embrace intuitive creativity, strengthen emotional intelligence, and unlock human potential. To learn more about Dr. André Walton and his work, please visit: https://www.hiredrandre.com/

— Wellness is an embodied, ongoing practice that integrates body, mind, and habits. Recovery and growth arise from personalized, compassionate support, evidence-informed tools, and sustainable daily practices rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. Meaningful change is co-created: clients bring lived experience and goals; practitioners offer guidance, skill-building, and accountability. Reducing harm (including alcohol use), restoring balance, and cultivating resilience are interconnected aims best served by holistic interventions that honor individual values, foster agency, and prioritize long-term wellbeing over quick fixes. Learning, reflection, and incremental action transform survival into thriving. Valeria interviews Emma Gardner  — She is a UK-based solopreneur and recovery catalyst, helping individuals reclaim well-being through evidence-based coaching, practical nervous-system tools, and transformative programs. As founder of Evolve Recovery, Emma builds accessible resources—cards, journals, books, and courses—that support sustainable, compassionate change. With a background in addiction recovery, forensic science, and criminal justice, Emma blends science, lived experience, and practical strategies to guide listeners toward resilience. The work spans podcasting, course creation, and coaching, with a focus on trauma-informed, human-centered approaches that empower individuals and communities. Notable achievements include the development of the Recovery Box and a silver award for Best Product at the Mental Health Awards, reflecting a commitment to quality, impact, and accessibility. Emma hosts The Healing Odyssey podcast, featuring expert guests and real-world insights on recovery, mindfulness, and personal growth.  Emma has released her first book 'Life Re-imagined: A practical guide to recovery & growth'  and soon to release her new book, showing the different therapies and personal stories out in the world for people to discover, as 'AA is not the only way'. To learn more about Emma Gardner and her work, please visit: http://www.evolve-recovery.co.uk

— Music is a remedy of the soul, a bridge between cultures, languages, and a range of emotions. Music Therapy is a clinical and evidenced-based healthcare profession that combines the power of music with skilled therapeutic interventions to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. Through musical involvement in the therapeutic context, clients' abilities are strengthened and transferred to other areas of their lives. Music therapy also provides avenues for communication that can be helpful to those who find it difficult to express themselves in words. The expressive nature of music can bring self-awareness and insight to individuals who desire increased wellness in their lives, and can be a powerful mode of therapy for anyone interested in exploring their inner world through music. Valeria interviews Alon Yizhak  — He is a PLPC clinical counselor and a Board Certified Music Therapist MT-BC based in New Orleans, LA grounded in mindfulness, present based approaches & wisdom traditions. Alon holds a bachelor degree in Psychology from the Open University in Tel-Aviv (2008), associates degree in Music and Movement Therapy from Levinsky College of Music & Education (2012), and MA in Mindfulness Transpersonal Based Clinical Counseling from Naropa university in Boulder, CO (2025). Alon has served as student supervisor and adjunct professor teaching music therapy at Loyola University in New Orleans (2022-2024). His professional and personal focus is to enable space for growth, healing and expansion of awareness through present based approaches, creativity and genuine self-expression. Alon has worked with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, substance use and life transitions.In his sessions Alon holds an integrative approach that supports people through present-based and mindfulness practices, music therapy, trauma-informed lens as well as enabling space to re-connect with inner wisdom & resourcing. To learn more about Alon Yizhak and his work, please visit: https://www.alonmusictherapy.com/

— What if reality isn't material at all—but a shared dream, woven by infinite, eternal minds? In James book, The Dream of Matter, he explores the radical idea that our brains are not just organs of survival, but reflections of the soul's deeper activity. If that's true, then the existence of the soul is not only real, but measurable—visible in the patterns of thought, the rhythms of brainwaves, and the coherence or incoherence of our lives. This is more than spiritual speculation. By decoding the mathematics behind mind and matter, the book offers a structured, rational approach to consciousness—showing how personal growth, mental health, and even the future of civilization depends on the same principle: the evolution of mind toward coherence. Mental health, in this light, is not a private luxury but social infrastructure. When minds fracture, families, institutions, and nations fracture with them.  Drawing on neuroscience, ontological mathematics, and systems theory, The Dream of Matter reveals how the soul can be approached as rigorously as any science—and why recovering it is essential for both individual well-being and collective survival. From the intimate journey of self-actualization to the emergence of a new social logic, this is a vision of coherence as both healing practice and civilizational compass.  Valeria interviews James Croall — He is the author of  "The Dream Of Matter: Neuroscience And Decoding The Mathematics Of The Soul." James is a former Silicon Valley cybersecurity leader turned neurotherapy practitioner and the author of the upcoming book The Dream of Matter: Neuroscience and Decoding the Mathematics of the Soul. After years of grappling with attention issues, burnout, and daytime fatigue, James discovered neurotherapy—an experience that profoundly reshaped his brain, his performance, and ultimately, his path. He now specializes in quantitative EEG (QEEG brain mapping), neurostimulation, and applied neurofeedback training. James holds certification as a QEEG technician and is trained in neurofeedback approaches that help clients build healthier brain patterns over time. Drawing from both systems engineering and cutting-edge neuroscience, he helps people manage and overcome symptoms related to focus, stress, mood, and trauma—without relying on medication or traditional talk therapy. His mission is to raise awareness of these science-backed tools, which remain surprisingly unknown to the general public despite their potential to change lives. The Dream of Matter grew out of a convergence between James's technical background, his transformation through neurotherapy, and a lifelong spiritual search for meaning and coherence. The book explores the deep structure of consciousness—arguing that the soul is real, governed by the same elegant mathematics that underlies the physical world, and may even be measurable. To learn more about James Croall and his work, please visit: https://thedreamofmatter.com/ and https://peakmind.health/

— What if the greatest challenges in life were actually opportunities for profound spiritual growth? Many of us are navigating a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, searching for our true purpose and a sense of inner peace. In this episode, Bernice Cruz, a spiritual mentor and teacher who has walked that path herself, shares her incredible journey of healing and transformation, offering guidance and inspiration for remembering who you are and living in alignment with your soul's calling. Valeria interviews Bernice Cruz  — She is a multi-dimensional holistic mentor and practitioner dedicated to guiding individuals on transformative journeys of healing, self-discovery, and spiritual awakening. With a deep commitment to helping others reconnect with their higher consciousness and the wisdom of the heart, Bernice empowers clients to access greater clarity, purpose, and inner alignment. Her integrative approach blends intuitive insight with grounded mentorship, creating a safe and expansive space for personal evolution. To learn more about Bernice Cruz and her work, please visit: https://www.spiritualjourneyhealing.com/

— In a world that often feels increasingly fast-paced and uncertain, it's no surprise that anxiety has become a prevalent challenge, especially for our children. From academic pressures to social anxieties to the constant barrage of information from screens, young people today face a unique set of stressors that can significantly impact their well-being. But what if we could equip them with the tools, the understanding, and the resilience to navigate these challenges not with fear, but with courage, self-compassion, and a sense of hope?  That's the mission behind "Benny's Adventure: Overcoming Anxiety," a beautifully written and thoughtfully crafted book by Paloma Scott. More than just a story, it's a gentle guide, a roadmap for young readers to understand their anxieties, identify their triggers, and develop practical coping mechanisms that empower them to take control of their inner world. Through the relatable journey of Benny, a young character who faces his own fears with the help of a wise friend and some simple yet effective techniques, children learn that anxiety doesn't have to be a barrier to living a full and joyful life. Paloma Scott talk about her inspiring book, the importance of addressing anxiety in childhood, and the power of storytelling to connect with young readers on a deeply emotional level. Valeria interviews Paloma Scott  — She is the author of  "Benny's Adventure Overcoming Anxiety." Paloma Scott is a dynamic and compassionate Registered Psychologist. Paloma empowers her clients with warmth and care, ensuring they feel truly valued. She specializes in counseling children and adults with ADHD and ASD, helping them develop crucial emotional regulation skills and strategies. Other specialties include complex cases of PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression.  Additionally, Paloma supports clients recovering from motor vehicle accidents, guiding them through trauma and helping them on their road to recovery. With Paloma, you're not just supported—you're understood and empowered to thrive. To learn more about Paloma Scott and her work, please visit: https://www.insightsolutionspsychology.com/ Sign up for Paloma's Private Practice Start Up course here: https://www.insightsolutionspsychology.com/challenges

— You've spent countless years living a life filtered through a number on the scale and exhaustive energy trying to control that number. Every fight you have with yourself pulls precious energy away from your dreams. You get that restrictive eating and excessive exercise are not going to work for you personally. You even recognize these approaches are triggering you and making the problem worse, but you just don't know where to turn anymore. When you realize who you are and what you have to offer the world matters, your life will expand, and your body will slim naturally. This is what Kathrine means when she says: Bigger Life. Smaller Body.™ WHO are you beyond a number on the scale? What would happen if you were to know yourself so deeply, that no person or situation could ever dictate how you feel about yourself? You would love yourself, love your life and love your body. Many smart, caring and competent people struggle with weight issues. Do you struggle with your relationships with food, movement or your body? And has this led to resistance, self-sabotage, food addiction, or binge eating issues? The longer these go on, the more entrenched they become. Are you finding these issues increasingly resistant to change, no matter what you've tried? Is this making you doubt your sense of self-worth and hold yourself back in life? You CAN live your bigger life now and every day while enjoying more Soulful relationships with food, movement and your body – really satisfying relationships that have a sense of choice, energy, freedom and joy to them. Valeria interviews Kathrine Brown  — She is Master-Level Weight Loss & Wellness Coach, Founder of Conscious Weight Loss. At the leading edge of health and wellness coaching for over 22 years, with about 13,000 hours of weight loss specific coaching experience. Kathrine Brown (Coach Kath) is the developer of the leading edge Conscious Weight Loss® coaching process, author of the Wisdom Bites™ blog and co-host of the Conscious Weight Loss Podcast. She is a weight loss expert from the perspectives of personal growth, spiritual evolution and unconditional love. Through her process, she has helped thousands around the world live bigger lives in smaller bodies. Kathrine has been teaching her innovative approach since 2002, specializing in working with those struggling with resistance, self-sabotage, food addiction and binge eating. On this, she speaks from deep personal experience. A master-level coach and world-class communicator, she has the creativity and insight to effect profound, lasting change. Her pioneering work draws upon the latest findings from the fields of coaching, psychology and addiction, as well as wisdom traditions. Her powerful bridging of the practical and the spiritual is redefining the way the world approaches weight loss. She was the first and is still the only weight loss expert teaching such an innovative and insightful approach. She still eats French fries occasionally but no longer drives while under their influence. To learn more about Kathrine Brown and enjoy a FREE LIVE ONLINE TRAINING: https://consciousweightloss.com/training/