Connected with Iva

'What if happiness isn’t a feeling?'Today I sit down with Irena Tyshyna, founder of CODA:GENE, to explore the stories we inherit from our families, the emotional patterns that shape our relationships, and the hidden beliefs that influence how we live, love, and see ourselves.We talk about intergenerational trauma, identity, healing, feminine and masculine energy, and what it really means to stop surviving and start consciously participating in your own life.A conversation for anyone trying to break old cycles, understand themselves more deeply, and create a more meaningful life.

Matthew Monaghan was told he would never walk, but his life went in a very different direction. Today he is a pilot and the author of The Weight of Progress, a book about living with a rare condition, rebuilding independence, and learning who you become through life.In this conversation, we talk about feeling stuck, the moments that change you, and how your sense of self can grow over time. We also talk about fear, connection, and how the right people can help you move forward when things feel uncertain.If you’ve ever felt like you are in a space between where you were and where you are going, this one is for you.

Close your eyes for a moment. Breathe in. What if the bloating, the fatigue, the brain fog… isn't about food? In this episode, I’m joined by Dani Luna — ex-investment banker turned yoga teacher, breathwork and detox guide — as we explore the deeper connection between your nervous system, your gut, and your energy. From breathwork to detoxing, this is about releasing what your body has been holding onto — physically, mentally, and emotionally — and returning to a state that actually feels like you.

In today's episode, discover how embracing life as play can lead to greater confidence, growth, and joy. Through mindfulness, daily brave actions, and a people-centred approach, explore how courage, curiosity, and small steps outside your comfort zone can transform your mindset and unlock personal expansion.

In today’s episode of Connected with Iva, I’m joined by Nidhi Uppal to explore colour, confidence and self-expression through the timeless sari. We talk about identity, creativity, cultural connection and how what we wear can shape how we feel. This is a conversation about joy, openness and reconnecting with yourself in a more playful and expressive way.

Today I'm speaking with Masha Del Bono about shadow work, the subconscious mind, and why we keep repeating the same patterns in our lives.We explore how childhood conditioning, triggers, and unresolved emotions shape the way we think, feel, and show up in relationships. Masha shares her journey from modeling into deeper inner work, and how practices like meditation, breathwork, and Jungian-based coaching helped her reconnect with herself.We also talk about dreams, anxiety, feeling stuck, and the constant chase for “something more.” This is a conversation about learning to be present, breaking old cycles, and understanding that you’re not your past or your patterns.If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right but still feel stuck, this episode will give you a different way to look at it.

In this episode, I’m joined by Jacqui Ponde, the voice behind Instagram account My Incomplete Wardrobe, who shares her life after a life-altering C4/5 spinal cord injury. A former primary school teacher, Jacqui’s life changed in an instant after a fall that left her paralysed from the neck down, forcing her to reimagine everything she thought she knew about identity, motherhood and purpose.We talk about what it really means to lose the “before” version of yourself and the often unseen work of building a life again from scratch. Jacqui reflects on the power of community, from the army wife network that carried her family through crisis to the small, human moments of connection that can change a day, or even a life.This is a conversation about resilience, yes, but also about loneliness, identity, and the unexpected beauty that can exist alongside loss.Jacqui is committed to supporting charities that help people living with spinal cord injuries. If you’d like to support her work, you can find out more or donate at Spinal Injuries Association and Flying Scholarships for Disabled People, both of which provide vital support, community and opportunities for people rebuilding their lives after injury.

In this 7 minute guided meditation, you’re invited to slow down, breathe, and notice how you’re feeling.Instead of trying to change or fix your emotions, this mindfulness practice helps you to simply allow them to be present. Emotions naturally rise and fall like waves, and when we give them space, they often begin to subside on their own.Take a few minutes to relax your body, calm your nervous system, and reconnect with the present moment.Whatever you're feeling today is welcome here.

In this episode of Connected With Iva, I’m joined by photographer and creative storyteller Laura from Seek Happy Days for a conversation about finding your creative path.We dive into Laura’s journey through photography and the modelling world, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from early test shoots, unexpected lessons from creative projects, and the moments that helped shape her perspective on confidence, image, and self-expression. It’s a conversation about creativity, growth, and learning to trust your own path.If you’re interested in creativity, photography, modelling, and personal growth, this episode is a reminder that every story evolves—and learning to own it can be the most powerful part of the journey.

In this episode of Connected with Iva, I talk to Elles Ottens, international model and hypnotherapist, about what hypnotherapy actually is and how it helps rewire the subconscious mind.We get into anxiety, nervous system regulation, inner child wounds, imposter syndrome and those 'I’m not good enough' beliefs so many of us carry from childhood. Elles breaks down hypnotherapy in a really simple, grounded way and shares practical tools like visualisation and EFT tapping that you can start using straight away.If you’ve been curious about hypnotherapy, struggling with self-doubt, or trying to grow in a way that feels safer and more aligned, this episode will help you understand what’s going on beneath the surface — and how to start changing it.

Is that gut feeling anxiety… or intuition? How to tell the difference, trust yourself, and act with clarity.

Today I’m speaking with Saraya about stepping out of our safe bubble, uncovering the roots of limiting beliefs, and noticing how we grow when we move beyond what feels comfortable. We were introduced through Elles Ottens, who Saraya worked with for a year before starting her brand, which played an important role in her personal journey. We talk about supporting friends as they evolve, her journey creating Awaken by SVD, discovering what makes matcha truly mindful, and how rituals can bring us into the present moment. We also reflect on social media, meaningful connections, and finding space for stillness in a world of endless content.

Join me as I speak with Juliana van den Boogaard about how curiosity creates connection and inspires us to protect heritage. We explore the importance of hidden artisans, preserving cultural identity, and keeping traditions alive through her incredible projects and journey.

There Is Enough for Everyone is a conversation about connection, fear, and what happens when women choose abundance over competition.I’m joined by Lori, a jewellery designer I was introduced to by someone we both know — and felt instantly connected to. We talk about her move from America to the UK, how fear shows up when you’re evolving, and why fear doesn’t always mean stop — sometimes it means grow.We explore why women who work for themselves are often the ones opening doors, bringing someone’s name into the room, and creating space for others. This episode is about trusting that there’s enough to go around, sitting with discomfort when it comes, and taking risks instead of staying still.It’s a reminder that growth is shared, abundance is contagious, and what goes around really does come around.

In this episode of Connected with Iva, I’m joined by Anja Joy Bont for a conversation about what happens when life takes a turn you didn’t plan for — and how to stay with it instead of fighting it.This conversation was inspired by an Instagram post Anja shared — her 2025 recap — where she openly talked about how things didn’t unfold the way she expected. That honesty became the starting point for a deeper discussion about trusting life when it feels uncomfortable, confusing, or simply harder than we imagined.We talk about how much the way we see things shapes how we experience them, and how our conditioning — everything we’ve been told, taught, and absorbed —influences how we interpret challenges, success, and even ourselves. We explore the idea that many of our thoughts and reactions aren’t really us but learned responses we’ve been carrying for years.We also speak about learning to listen to your deeper self, especially during moments when life feels challenging, uncertain, or out of your control — and what it looks like to allow life to unfold without forcing it to match a plan.This episode isn’t about bypassing hard moments or pretending everything happens for a reason. It’s about developing a more honest relationship with life as it is, and learning how to meet challenges with awareness, trust, and a little more softness.

My first guest of 2026 is Alicia Berkvens, a deep rest facilitator and systems microbiology PhD researcher who brings together science, rest, and the wisdom of the body.In this episode, we explore the practice of Yoga Nidra and the powerful, life-changing effects it can have on sleep, dreams, and the nervous system. Over the past year, I have been experiencing recurring nightmares, but since starting the practice of Yoga Nidra, my dreams have shifted into a space I actually look forward to entering. We talk about why this shift can happen — how Yoga Nidra helps the nervous system process stress, how it brings awareness closer to the subconscious mind, and how this can influence the quality of our sleep and dreams. We also talk about intention setting and why deep rest is far more than “doing nothing.”If you’ve been struggling with sleep, stress, or an overactive mind, this conversation will resonate.

This episode is a look back at the last 2.5 years.I share a few thoughts on how my mindset changed, how my priorities shifted, and how alone time went from something uncomfortable to something I really needed. I also talk about creating space — not to do more, but to let ideas and clarity show up naturally.

January often arrives with long lists of expectations, so today's episode offers a resolution that’s actually helpful. The magic of whimsy lies in its ability to gently rewire the brain, opening us to creativity, flexibility, and new ways of seeing the world. Playful thinking loosens rigid patterns, eases stress, and helps us meet the year with curiosity instead of pressure. I invite you to choose whimsy as a way to think more lightly, see more clearly, and let possibility back in.

As the year ends, I return to my most-played episode — a throwback chat with Rankin on AI, creativity, and the power to take charge of what comes next.

In today's cosy catch-up episode, I’m joined by makeup artist Chloe Bond, who I met on a shoot about a year and a half ago. We talk about everything from old memories (hello first computers and everyone's original favourite Solitaire), to creativity overload, comfort zones, and choosing change — even when it feels scary.We chat about what it’s really like working in the bridal industry, the December feeling of asking 'have I done enough?', and the important realisation that what you’re not changing is actually what you’re choosing.

Today's episode is about slowing down in December — enjoying the little things, protecting downtime, and still keeping up with life at a pace that feels right for the season. If December ever feels a little rushed, this is your reminder that it’s okay to do less and really enjoy the season.

In this solo episode, I break down the illusion that people online are always doing more than us — and why what we see on social media rarely reflects reality. Inspired by a message I received, I dive into how curated posts shape our perception, why we assume others are constantly achieving, and what’s actually happening behind the scenes.

In this episode, Nikki Heyder and I unpack the Frenemy — the bad self-talk that feels protective but quietly shapes the limits of our lives. We explore how this voice keeps us stuck, how inner safety shifts everything, and why recognising it is key to genuine self-awareness. We also dive into the ripple effect of our energy — the impact we create far beyond what we can see — and how changing our inner dialogue transforms the world around us.

In today’s episode, Lauren Ray from Never Just Fine dives into how a healthy kind of delusion can help you move through fear, rethink anxiety, and step into possibilities you’ve been too hesitant to claim. We explore why imposter syndrome might actually be a sign of growth, how to feel safer in the unknown, and how small shifts in what you imagine — and what you consume — can reshape your entire reality.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Stella from @theflowerhabitwithstella to explore purpose, meaning, and the quiet wisdom of flowers. We discuss why reinvention doesn’t have to wait, how the brain responds to the colours, shapes, and scents of flowers, and the symbolic messages flowers have carried throughout history. Stella shares how different blooms shift our emotions, support our happiness hormones, and the language of flowers that conveys meaning across time. We also talk about facing fear, taking brave steps, and connecting with flowers in a more spiritual, intuitive way—a conversation about courage and the beauty that helps us come back to ourselves.

In today's episode, I sit down with Lydia Mae, intuitive coach and Reiki healer, to explore what it truly means to heal after heartbreak. We talk about feeling safe in your body, setting boundaries, releasing emotional blockages, and learning to be your own support.Lydia shares wisdom on nervous system regulation, intention, and why affirmations often fail — plus how to make them actually work. This conversation is your reminder that you are your own healer, and safety begins within.

In today's episode, I'm joined by George Kakas to explore what it really means to live a balanced, multifaceted life. Why limit ourselves to one thing when we’re meant to grow, play, and evolve?We talk about work-life harmony, sustained growth, and how to keep showing up even when things don’t go as planned. Together, we dive deep into self-worth, the importance of community, and the truth behind the phrase 'what you put out, you get back.'From embracing your inner child to finding healing through therapy and purpose through passion, this conversation is a reminder that growth isn’t a straight line—it’s a journey.Tune in to reconnect with your energy, your purpose, and the part of you that still believes anything is possible.

Resilience is how quickly you get back to feeling safe after life shakes you — whether it’s a breakup, setback, or a difficult moment. In this solo episode, I explore what that really means and share simple ways to find your centre again.

Dating today feels more complicated than ever — but maybe the problem isn’t dating itself. In today's episode, I’m joined by Kaily Nathan to explore what we get wrong about dating and why the 'ick' isn’t really the problem.We talk about why dating feels harder than it used to, how to manage overwhelm and self-doubt, and the truth about the 'ick' and what it actually says about you. Kaily shares how perfectionism can block real connection and offers simple ways to use dating apps more efficiently and mindfully.Together, we explore how unrealistic standards and pressure have shaped the way we connect, and why getting to know yourself first changes everything. If you’ve ever felt frustrated, confused, or burnt out by modern dating, this conversation will help you see love — and yourself — in a new light.Tune in for an honest conversation about dating, self-awareness, and building real connection in a modern world.

End your day with calm. This solo episode shares an easy five-minute journaling method to reflect, reset, and plan for tomorrow — perfect for busy minds who want peace, not pressure.

You’re great at celebrating others — but what about celebrating you? In today's solo episode, I’ll walk you through 5 self-recognition exercises to help you boost your confidence, build self-worth, and speak about yourself with genuine kindness. These simple practices will help you see yourself the way others already do — empathetic, capable, and full of light. A gentle guide to feeling grounded, confident, and connected to who you truly are.

Join me and Ceren Ocal in a deep conversation about how collective peace and ancestral healing can transform the way we live. We explore reconnecting with our roots, understanding the subtle ways ancestral trauma shapes us, and finding clarity by stepping away from life’s constant noise. This episode invites you to embrace stillness, nurture meaningful connections, and cultivate a life rooted in quiet purpose and shared humanity. A guide for anyone seeking calm, reflection, and a deeper understanding of how we carry—and can release—the past to create a more peaceful present.

Why do we really need sleep, and why is it so hard to get right? Dr. Andrea Matsumura reveals the overlooked causes of poor rest, the myths we’ve been told, and the actionable strategies to reset your nights—and your life.

You’ve done the mindset work, raised your frequency, and started living with more awareness — but then life throws a curveball. Why do challenges still show up even when you’re growing? In this solo episode, I explore what it means when downs happen during your ups, how old unhelpful loops can be triggered, and the mindset shifts that help you see setbacks differently. If you’re on a self-development journey, this conversation will remind you that growth isn’t about avoiding the downs, but about how you move through them.

Today I’m speaking with Rashina of Amplify Studio about the power of our beliefs, how limiting narratives hold us back, and the constant, never-ending nature of growth. We dive into how to break free from limits and fully step into your true potential.

What if your dating app skipped the endless chat and sent you straight to the date? That’s exactly what Breeze does. In this episode of Connected with Iva, I sit down with co-founder Marsha Goei to talk about the bold app that’s cutting out small talk and helping singles meet in real life, faster.We dive into how Breeze works, why removing the chat makes dating more intentional, and how this fresh approach is changing the way people connect.If you’ve ever been stuck in conversations that go nowhere or matches that never leave the app, you’ll want to hear this one.

Rankin on AI, creativity & the future of human connection. AI promises limitless possibility—suddenly, anything feels within reach. But does this push us toward an artistic revolution, or a loss of our humanity? In a world starved for authentic interaction, this is the conversation we can’t afford to miss.

In this episode of Connected with Iva, I sit down with Lindsay Davis — Consultant, Award-Winning Founder of FemTech Association Asia, and global advisor with the UN and Milken Institute. We talk about the fearless side of entrepreneurship, the power of stepping beyond your comfort zone, and what it really means to embrace a purposeful hustle. Lindsay’s insights on action, intention, and creating meaningful change will leave you rethinking how you move through the world, and inspire you to start now.

In this special birthday episode, I’m reflecting on the year I chose to follow my passion and finally launch my podcast.I share the ups, downs, and everything in between — from the excitement of starting something new, to the challenges of finding my authentic voice, and the growth that came from putting myself out there.If you’ve ever dreamed of creating something meaningful or wondered what it really takes to start a podcast, this episode is for you.Join me as I talk about:– Taking the leap into podcasting– Finding my unique voice and style– Overcoming fear and self-doubt– The lessons I learned about consistency and connection– Why choosing myself meant committing to this creative journeyThis is my year in review.

Clarity lives in action. Confidence does too.If you’ve been feeling stuck, paused, or unsure — this short episode is for you.You’ll hear why thought has a limit, why movement matters, and why some opportunities don’t come back.A 6-minute wake-up call to commit to your goals — and your becoming.

In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Pearson, who has spent nearly 25 years in the modelling industry. Together, we explore what it truly means to grow up in a world obsessed with image, beauty, and perfection. We share honest reflections on the burnout, the pressure, and the hidden costs that come with being constantly in the spotlight. From Rebecca’s early days to her decision to speak out through her blog Modeltypeface, we dig into the realities most models don’t talk about openly. Our conversation reveals how the industry has—or hasn’t—changed, and what it takes to reclaim your identity beyond the camera. Now a facialist, Rebecca shares how she found grounding after stepping away from modelling full-time. If you’ve ever wondered what life behind the runway really looks like, or how to find authenticity in an image-driven world, this episode offers raw truths, personal lessons, and hopeful insights. Tune in to hear a candid, inspiring conversation about beauty, mental health, and finding your own path.

In this heartwarming episode of Connected with Iva, I sit down with Tamta Mosulishvili, the founder of the poetic and emotionally rich brand Quintet London. Our conversation unfolds like the story behind her brand—deeply personal, beautifully crafted, and grounded in meaning.We reflect on serendipity—how it brought us together and how it continues to shape the friendships and possibilities in our lives. Tamta shares the message behind Quintet, how each gift is more than an object—it's a vessel for storytelling, evoking emotion, and creating meaningful connections.Together, we explore: The power of creating possibility and expanding your mindset Choosing friendships with intention and resonance How Tamta weaves soul and story into design Why emotionally intelligent branding leaves a lasting impactIf you're drawn to beauty with meaning, intentional living, and the magic of chance encounters, this episode is for you.

What if the fear you feel isn't a stop sign, but the doorway to your purpose?In this solo episode, I get honest about my own journey with loneliness and that unsettling feeling of not knowing what I’m here for. I talk about how fear almost kept me from stepping into the work that lights me up — and how I learned that clarity doesn’t come before action. It comes because of it.If you’ve ever waited to feel “ready,” or thought everyone else knows what they’re doing but you — I made this one for you. We’ll talk about what purpose really is (and isn’t), why fear often masks potential, and how starting messy, scared, and unsure is actually the most powerful thing you can do.Let’s stop waiting for perfect. Let’s just start.

In this expansive episode of Connected with Iva, I sit down with the multi-talented Noemi Gunea to explore the layered theme of identity, especially through our shared Eastern European roots. We dive into what it means to unlearn inherited cultural conditioning, how to gamify life to reconnect with joy, and why putting your desires on a pedestal can distance you from your power.Together, we reflect on the energetics of manifestation, navigating the tension between scarcity and safety, and how most of us live stretched across time — carrying old wounds, chasing future dreams, and forgetting the quiet strength of the present.We ask:– Can your pain become a portal to deeper self-connection?– Can your future self guide you, while you help your past self feel safe?– What truly makes you you?This episode is for anyone redefining who they are, reclaiming where they come from, and reimagining where they’re going.

In this episode, I catch up with the wonderful Melise (@melise_w) for a real, relaxed conversation that goes deeper than the surface. From the highs and heartbreaks of the modelling world to quiet shifts in how we relate, date, and create — nothing’s off-limits. We explore boundaries, life in front of a camera, and how AI is changing the way we express and protect ourselves online.It’s part catch-up, part therapy, and completely unfiltered.

What does it mean to live like no moment is secondary? Model and founder Ella Eiveren shares her journey through modelling, entrepreneurship, and self-trust—with practical wisdom on building something real while staying deeply present.

Today I'm joined by Aziza Ransome, host of Psychology Of The Heart, for a heart-centered talk on breaking loops, realigning with your truth, and why “let’s be excellent” beats chasing perfection—every time.

Clothes can spark connection—and in this episode with Harriet, founder of Saywood, we explore the serendipity of style. From slow fashion to sustainability, we talk about how what we wear shapes conversations, inspires community, and reflects conscious living. We also chat about social media, shared ambition, and why success is sweeter when it’s collective.Don’t miss Saywood’s limited-time pop-up events:📍 50 Cross Street, Islington: 4–29 June📍 The Hair Shop, Hitchin: 14 June📍 Avantelier, Notting Hill: 2–13 JulyTune in for stories, inspiration, and the magic of fashion that means something.

Janice has crafted a fascinating career journey - from working as a model to becoming a communications consultant focusing on venture capital funds in Berlin. In this episode, we explore reinvention, learning from failures (or the lessons that help us grow), and trusting your instincts. She reveals what modelling really teaches you (hint: it's not just about photos) and how those skills translate to the business world. We also discuss industry pressures, AI's growing role, and how to define success on your own terms.

In this episode I chat with Em-J Smith, who I met on a film set a year ago, about healing, authenticity, dating, and the messy joy of human connection. Recorded in our pyjamas (because why not?), we explore:People-pleasing - How to undo it, even if it costs us relationships.Dating's perfection myth - Why apps feel fake and real life flirting is oddly hard.Trauma and resilience - Smiling as armor, and why feeling down is human. Authenticity starvation - Craving real talk in a world of small talk.Social media vs. self worth - Rejecting the 'always-camera-ready' lie.No fluff - a raw conversation on saying 'no', trusting your path, and finding joy in the imperfect. Listen for a dose of realness!