Empowered Conversations

Steve Barton is an executive coach, author, and creator of The Game of Ten® – a powerful awareness-based framework helping leaders operate at their highest level of clarity, confidence, and performance. He has over 47 years of business experience, growing a company from $200,000 to $2 million in annual revenue, and has presented his coaching process to the Harvard Business School Case Study Team.‎His core message is simple: when we operate from awareness rather than fear, self-doubt, guilt, or shame, we naturally perform, lead, and live at a higher level.‎‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- What The Game of Ten® is – and how it helps eliminate self-doubt, fear, guilt, and shame‎- The difference between The Game of Ten® and The Game OFTEN Played©‎- Why awareness as the absence of thought improves decision-making‎- How to move from overthinking and stress into clarity and action‎- Why successful people still struggle internally‎- The role fear, self-doubt, guilt, and shame play in limiting performance‎- How to develop intuition without abandoning reason‎- Why intuition is a measurable leadership advantage‎- How the concept of "I Am Enough" impacts leadership and relationships‎- Why high-achievers secretly feel like they are not enough‎- What transformation to expect from applying The Game of Ten®‎- How to create extraordinary results without sacrificing inner peace‎- One small thing you can do today to start shifting from fear into clarity‎‎If you have ever achieved success but still felt like something was missing – this conversation is for you.‎‎Success alone does not guarantee peace of mind. The real game is not about what you achieve – it is about who you become along the way. When you operate from awareness rather than fear, everything changes.‎‎Connect with Steve Barton‎Website: stevebartoncoaching.comCreator of The Game of Ten® (US Registered Coaching Process)Follow and rate the show.‎

Tomide Akinola is the co-founder of Reviel, a proactive emotional intelligence platform helping people recognize stress patterns, prevent burnout, and regain control of their wellbeing before they hit a breaking point. After years of relentless pressure pushed him into burnout himself – nothing looked wrong from the outside, but internally, the constant drive and stress had taken a serious toll – he built a solution to help others catch the signals he missed.‎‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- What burnout felt like – and what was happening behind the scenes‎- The moment he realized he couldn't keep going‎- "What if the destination I've been running toward doesn't actually exist?"‎- "If I strip away my calendar and my title, who is actually left?"‎- "Does anyone actually love me, or do they just love a winner?"‎- "Did I sell my soul for success?"‎‎- What Reviel is – and how it helps catch hidden stress‎- How Reviel is different from other mental health apps‎‎- What it means to have enough‎- Can you be authentic and succeed in your professional life?‎- One small thing you can do today to start paying attention to your internal state‎‎If you have ever wondered what is left when you strip away your calendar and your title – this conversation is for you.‎‎Burnout does not always look like collapse from the outside. Sometimes it looks like success. But your internal data matters. The questions you avoid asking are often the ones that will save you.‎Connect with Tomide AkinolaEarly-access waitlist: launch.reviel.appCo-Founder of RevielFollow and rate the show ‎

Caroline Hood is a certified sex therapist, licensed clinical social worker, and author of the forthcoming book Sex Begets Sex: Reclaiming Desire as an Act of Female Empowerment. She holds a BA from Columbia University, an MSW from USC, and an executive certificate from Harvard Kennedy School. She is also a mother of three and has been in a committed partnership for eighteen years.‎‎She challenges one of the most deeply ingrained myths about long-term relationships: that desire inevitably fades over time. She argues that what disappears is not libido, but intention, agency, and practice.‎‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎- Where women's desire actually goes in long-term relationships‎- What women are longing for when they say they've "lost desire"‎- Why women feel disconnected from sex after motherhood‎- Whether stress really kills desire – or if something deeper is happening‎- The hidden impact of motherhood, mental load, and cognitive overload on sex‎- What women privately think about sex that they rarely say out loud‎- Why sex becomes obligation or performance instead of something women want‎- Why play is essential to desire and intimacy‎- The difference between having sex and playing sexually‎- What reclaiming sexual agency looks like in real life‎- How to rebuild intention, agency, and practice in long-term love‎- The role of frequency versus perfection‎- One small thing you can do today to start reconnecting with your desire‎‎If you have ever wondered where your desire went – this conversation is for you.‎‎Desire does not have to disappear. What fades is not your libido – but intention, agency, and practice. And those can be reclaimed. You are not broken. You are not alone. And pleasure is not selfish.‎Connect with Caroline Hood‎Website: desireinreallife.com‎Book: Sex Begets Sex: Reclaiming Desire as an Act of Female EmpowermentFollow and rate the show.‎

Stacey and Justin are professional mindset coaches who help high-capacity women stop fighting themselves and start operating from clarity instead of pressure. Their work goes beyond surface-level mindset shifts – they focus on behavior change, nervous system regulation, and pattern interruption because insight alone doesn't change behavior under stress.‎‎They are the co-founders of The Fortified Mindset. Their work doesn't rely on hype, willpower, or motivation. It's about building a nervous system and mindset that can handle real life – consistently, sustainably, and for the long haul.‎‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- What the real issue is behind motivation and information gaps‎- What the victim mentality is – and how it shows up‎- How to define mindset – and why it's different from positive thinking‎- Why mindset is important to health goals‎- The difference between a growth mindset and a fortified mindset‎- How the words we think, speak, and write affect us‎- Why insight alone doesn't change behavior under stress‎‎- Physical signs that your nervous system is in survival mode‎- How to regulate your body and make cleaner decisions‎- How your story affects your life‎- The difference between understanding patterns and interrupting them‎- One small thing you can do today to start building a fortified mindset‎‎If you have ever felt like you know what to do but can't make yourself do it under pressure – this conversation is for you.‎Mindset is not about positive thinking. It is about building a nervous system and a set of patterns that can hold up when life gets hard. You don't need more motivation. You need less reactivity.‎‎Connect with The Fortified Mindset‎Website: fortifyhealth.com‎Podcast: I Heard You When You SaidCo-founders: Stacey & JustinFollow and rate the show.‎

Steve Gamlin is The Motivational Firewood® Guy and Vision Board Guy who blew up his life at 35 and rebuilt it better than before. He shares his rock bottom moment – hitting golf balls in a thunderstorm – and how that became the turning point. He discusses vision boards, finding purpose, gratitude, positive self-talk, and the importance of knowing WHY you want something. He also shares how he found the love of his life, Tina, and his journey through grief after losing her in December 2024.In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎- The lowest moment of his rock bottom – and how he survived‎- What was going through his mind in that thunderstorm‎- The turning point when he decided to rebuild‎- Why so many people miss their purpose‎- How critical it is to know WHY you want something‎- How gratitude and positive self-talk revamped his life‎- How dressing up as Keith Richards helped him meet an Olympian‎- The greatest gift you can give your Future Self‎- How he found the love of his life after destroying everything‎- His grief journey after losing Tina‎- One small thing you can do today to start moving from rock bottom to rebuilding‎‎If you are in a season of loss, rebuilding, or wondering what comes next – this conversation is for you.‎‎Rock bottom is not the end. It is not even the bottom – it is the foundation you build from. Whether you are rebuilding from failure, loss, or grief, you get to decide what comes next. And you do not have to do it alone.‎‎Connect with Steve Gamlin‎Website: SteveGamlinSpeaker.comFollow and rate the show.

Christopher Castagnoli is the editor and publisher of Our Catholic Prayers, a website devoted to helping people in their spiritual journeys with Jesus and Mary through many different prayers for all occasions. He converted to Catholicism in 1999, baptized by John Cardinal O'Connor at Saint Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, and has served as an instructor for the Cathedral's RCIA program.‎‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- What drew Chris to the Catholic faith – and what his baptism experience was like‎- What his spiritual life was like before conversion‎- What it is like to guide others through RCIA‎- How prayer has helped him live better‎- How Catholic prayers can help people become more spiritual‎- The difference between praying out of obligation and praying from the heart‎- What to do when prayers feel unanswered‎- The power of the Rosary and novenas‎- Different kinds of prayers – including lesser-known ones‎- How to find the right prayer for your situation‎- The role of written prayers versus spontaneous prayer‎- How to incorporate prayer into a busy life‎- The Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist‎- The importance of God's grace‎- One small thing you can do today to deepen your prayer life‎‎If you have ever wondered how prayer can help you live better – this conversation is for you.‎‎Prayer is not just a ritual or an obligation. It is a deeply human practice of presence, silence, and meaning-making that helps us reconnect with ourselves and with God. In a noisy world, it can be your anchor.‎‎Connect with Christopher Castagnoli‎Website: ourcatholicprayers.com‎Podcast: ourcatholicprayerspodcast.com‎Follow and rate the show.

Jacqueline Kelly is a Certified Mental Performance Coach and Strength and Conditioning Coach who helps athletes unlock their full potential. She blends mental coaching, strength training, hypnosis, and sleep science – because she believes that thriving in sports and in life requires a balance of mindset and physical readiness.‎‎She has worked with athletes from high school competitors to elite performers, guiding them through mental resilience and physical training.‎‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- The "aha" moment that convinced Jacqueline the mind is the ultimate performance multiplier‎- Why she blends mental coaching, strength training, hypnosis, and sleep science‎- What misconceptions athletes and coaches still cling to about the mind-body connection‎- The difference between nerves and flow – and how to switch in minutes‎- What sports hypnosis actually looks and feels like‎- How to decide between visualization, self-talk rewiring, or hypnosis‎- A client case where shifting one mental habit changed physical metrics‎- One underrated mental drill you can try today‎- One rule Jacqueline would rewrite in youth sports to protect mental health‎- One small thing you can do today to start improving mental performance‎‎If you have ever wondered how elite athletes get into flow and handle pressure – this conversation is for you.‎‎The mind is the ultimate performance multiplier. The difference between nerves and flow is not luck – it is trainable. And the same mental skills that help elite athletes perform under pressure can help you in your own life.‎‎Connect with Jacqueline Kelly‎Website: kellyperformancewellness.com‎Certified Mental Performance Coach‎Follow and rate the show.

Ryan Reichert served 23 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after forty-two months in combat. After military service, he translated his skills into the Fortune 500 world. But behind the accolades, Ryan struggled with alcohol addiction – and found his way through faith, recovery, and a relentless commitment to transformation.‎‎He is a professional speaker, mindset trainer, executive coach, best-selling author, and founder of Our Protector Development.‎‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- What Ryan learned about leadership and resilience in combat‎- The hardest moment he faced – and how he got through it‎- His struggle with alcohol addiction – and the low point‎- How military discipline both helped and hindered his recovery‎- The role faith played in his recovery‎- What Our Protector Development is – and what inspired it‎- What his books cover‎- The 6-Step Method to Transform Your Life‎- The miracles he has witnessed in his own life- What a second chance at life looks like‎- One small thing you can do today to start moving from surviving to thriving‎‎If you have ever wondered how to break free from limiting beliefs and find purpose – this conversation is for you.‎‎Your greatest struggles do not have to define you. They can become the foundation of your greatest strength. You can be built to break – and still choose to rise.‎‎Connect with Ryan Reichert‎Website: ourprotectordevelopment.comProfessional Speaker, Best-Selling Author‎Born-again believer, recovery advocateFollow and rate the show.

Jihane Laraichi is a coach, therapist, and energy healer who helps people identify and release the invisible blocks holding them back – personally, professionally, or physically. She blends coaching, therapy, and energy work to guide clients through deep transformation.‎‎She helps listeners understand the root causes of their challenges – whether they stem from birth circumstances, past-life imprints, or energy disruptions – so they can break free from repeating patterns and align with their true potential.‎‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- How birth circumstances shape the patterns we repeat in adulthood‎- Surprising subconscious patterns linked to birth story and early childhood‎- Where to begin with energetic healing if you feel stuck‎- Common energy blocks that sabotage success‎- How unresolved trauma affects relationships‎- The role of forgiveness and emotional release in healing‎- How to create healthy energetic boundaries‎- One small thing you can do today to release an invisible block‎‎If you have ever felt stuck despite working hard – this conversation is for you.‎‎The blocks that hold you back are not always visible. They can be rooted in your birth story, your childhood, or patterns you did not consciously choose. But they can be released. Healing is possible. And you do not have to do it alone.‎Connect with Jihane LaraichiWebsite: jihanelaraichi.comhttps://healer.luminara.care/jihane-laraichihttps://www.jihanelaraichi.com/en/cancer-healinghttps://chat.whatsapp.com/FleLZe47sYCFUjikpjehrz‎‎guided meditations and energy-clearing practicesFollow and rate the show.‎

Shaun Dawson is a husband, father of two, and tech leader who – like many dads – is figuring out what it really means to raise boys in today's world. He is the creator of the Raising Men podcast, which began as his own search for guidance while raising his son in a world that often misdefines masculinity.‎He sits down with leading voices in parenting, mental health, leadership, and boyhood development to uncover practical wisdom fathers can use right away.‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- The moment Shaun realized fathers needed a different conversation about raising boys‎- What was happening in his own home that made him start asking questions‎- The biggest misconception about raising boys he's had to unlearn‎- How to define healthy masculinity for boys today‎- The biggest mistakes fathers make when trying to teach it‎- The difference between strength and hardness‎- How to teach emotional resilience without teaching emotional suppression‎- The role of vulnerability in raising strong men‎- The biggest challenges facing boys today that fathers didn't face‎- How digital life affects boys' sense of self‎- Top principles every dad should implement at home‎- How to lead with intention as a father‎- One small thing a father can do today to strengthen connection with his son‎- How to teach character without lecturing‎- The difference between discipline that builds character and discipline that breeds resentment‎- One small thing a father can do today to become the dad his son needs‎‎If you are a parent wondering how to raise boys of strength, character, and emotional resilience – this conversation is for you.‎Raising boys is not about turning them into a certain mold. It is about helping them become strong, kind, emotionally whole men who know how to love and be loved. And that work starts with you.‎‎Connect with Shaun Dawson‎Website: raising.men‎Podcast: Raising MenFollow and rate the show.

Russell Anders is a science fiction and cyberpunk author who spent decades finding his voice. He shares his path to publication, including the bloated manuscript he wrote over a decade and the rejection he faced.In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎- Russell's path to getting published – and what it taught him about persistence‎- The bloated manuscript he wrote over a decade – and why he let it go‎- How he handled rejection without giving up‎- The best creative advice he received – and what he ignored‎- His writing process – and how it evolved‎- Why "give yourself permission to suck" is essential‎- Where he gets his ideas – and how he turns reality into fiction‎- Why stories are important – beyond entertainment‎- What being an "intentional audience" means‎- The difference between being a writer and being an author‎- One small thing you can do today to start finding your creative voice‎‎If you have ever struggled to find your creative voice – this conversation is for you.‎Finding your creative voice takes time. You will write things that don't work. You will face rejection. But if you keep going – if you give yourself permission to suck and keep showing up – you will eventually find your voice. And it will be yours alone.‎Connect with Russell AndersWebsite: russellandersbooks.com‎Facebook: Russell Anders Instagram: Russell Anders Author ‎Follow and rate the show.

Julie Hutton has been a success coach for 39 years. She helps people experience a profound, irreversible realization of their own beauty and inner brilliance – the kind that changes how they live forever. She believes that true self-love solves everything. Not egoic arrogance – but true self-love.‎‎She offers one free scholarship each month for her 3-day private retreats (normally $4,000) to support, champion, and encourage those with a strong desire to positively impact their world.‎‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- The challenge that shaped Julie into who she is today‎- A betrayal that sparked a 10-year intense self-examination‎- Why she says "stop listening to everyone else – go your own way"‎- One personal growth thing she is currently unlearning or struggling with‎- The difference between true self-love and egoic arrogance‎- Why self-love is so hard for high achievers‎- What the Sweet and Whole process is – and why it's so powerful‎- What actually happens during a 3-day private retreat- Why she says "you always get what you really want"‎- Why she offers one free scholarship each month‎- One small thing you can do today to start loving yourself truly‎‎If you have ever wondered what it would feel like to truly see yourself with new clarity, compassion, and possibility – this conversation is for you.‎True self-love is not arrogance. It is not selfishness. It is the foundation for everything else. When you truly love yourself, you stop settling. You stop pretending. You start living.‎‎Connect with Julie Hutton‎Website: juliehuttoncoaching.com‎Email: [email protected] Private Retreat Leader (Northern California)‎🎁 One free scholarship available each monthFollow and rate the show.

Kimberly Miller is the founder and primary Bible teacher of Woman at the Well Ministries – a ministry rooted in the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman in John 4. She is a minister, evangelist, Christian author, and certified Biblical Life Coach. Called to ministry from a young age, she is devoted to helping others deepen their relationship with God and apply Biblical truth in everyday life.‎‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- The story behind the name Woman at the Well Ministries‎- Her father's final charge – and how it shaped her ministry‎- What distinguishes her ministry from others‎- Her latest book – and how it can help your Christian walk‎- What daily discipleship is – and how to do it‎- The benefits of a daily routine of Scripture study‎- How to truly know God and His Son Jesus‎- Why a personal relationship with Jesus matters‎- The difference between religion and relationship‎- What it means to "sit at the feet of Jesus"‎- The fundamentals of forgiveness‎- The value of prayer – and how to stay persistent‎- Why she trusts Jesus‎- What it means to deny yourself and take up your cross‎- How to rest in God's presence and walk confidently in salvation‎‎If you have ever wanted to understand the Bible more deeply or draw closer to Jesus – this conversation is for you.‎Jesus meets you exactly where you are. Not where you should be. Not where you hope to be. Right where you are. He offers living water – and He invites you to drink.‎‎Connect with Kimberly Miller‎Website: womanatthewellministries.orgPodcast: Woman at the Well MinistriesFollow and rate the show.

Vesta Hurlbutt is an empowerment strategist, cardiovascular technologist, Ho'oponopono practitioner, health coach, and single mother. She works with strong women and men who have forgotten their power and want it back. As a single mother and provider, she has tested the tools that cultivate self-love and compassion in the throes of stress and responsibility.‎‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- What being stuck looked like for Vesta – and the turning point‎- The changes she made to find her happy – and which mattered most‎- The hardest season as a single mother – and how she got through it‎- The difference between earned self-esteem and inherent self-worth‎- How to forgive yourself for past mistakes‎- The role of forgiving others in your own healing‎- What "choosing yourself" actually looks like in daily life‎- What Ho'oponopono is – and how the four phrases create healing‎- How to open your heart after being hurt‎- Letting go of expectations – without losing your standards‎- Navigating role changes when children become adults‎- How to deal with grief and loss – while still choosing happiness‎- One small thing you can do today to start reclaiming your power‎‎If you have ever felt stuck, forgotten your own power, or wondered how to find happiness in the midst of real life – this conversation is for you.‎You are not stuck forever. Your power is not gone – it has just been forgotten. And you can reclaim it – one small choice, one moment of self-love, one act of forgiveness at a time.‎‎Connect with Vesta Hurlbutt‎Website: vitalitywithvesta.com‎Podcast: Open Heart Healing Podcast‎Instagram: VlHurlbutt‎follow and rate the show

Isa Lara Marie is a spiritual intuitive, energy medicine practitioner, and author of the #1 bestselling memoir First Light. After healing from profound trauma and learning to return to her body and inner authority, she now helps others do the same. In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- Isa's journey of healing profound trauma – and the turning point‎- What it means to "return to yourself" – and why it feels so difficult‎- How to recognize disconnection from yourself in your own life‎- What spiritual awakening really is – and how it's misunderstood‎‎- Why people feel overwhelmed by emotions or disconnected from them‎- What true healing is – and why trying to fix yourself doesn't work‎- The role of the body in emotional healing and transformation‎- How to feel emotions without becoming overwhelmed‎- Why sensitive or intuitive people often struggle – and how that becomes a strength‎- How to stop absorbing other people's energy‎- What it looks like to live from inner authority instead of external validation‎‎If you have ever felt disconnected, overwhelmed, or like you've lost yourself – this conversation is for you.‎You are not broken. You may have just been away from yourself for a while. Healing is not about fixing – it is about returning. And that return is possible, one small moment of presence at a time.‎‎Connect with Isa Lara Marie‎Website: isalaramarie.comBook: First Light (Amazon #1 Bestselling Memoir)Follow and rate the show ‎

If you are a mom who has ever found yourself awake at 3am, Googling "why won't my baby sleep" while running on fumes and second-guessing everything – this conversation is for you.‎‎Felicia Nassif is a Pediatric Registered Nurse with over 17 years of experience in adult trauma and pediatric care. She is a certified lactation educator, parent coach, and pediatric sleep consultant. Her own transition into motherhood included medical complications, prolonged bed rest, and challenges with feeding and sleep – experiences that brought feelings of isolation and self-doubt.‎‎Now she helps overwhelmed working moms go from exhausted and Googling at 3am to rested, confident, and connected in motherhood – without rigid schedules or cry-it-out methods.‎‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- Why moms are overwhelmed from uncertainty – not just lack of sleep‎- What was missing from the support Felicia received as a new mom‎- Why modern moms feel like they're failing at baby sleep‎- The hidden factors keeping babies awake every 1–2 hours‎- How a mother's nervous system impacts baby sleep‎- Why rigid schedules fail working moms‎- The biggest misconception about sleep training‎- How to get better sleep without You are not failing because your baby isn't sleeping. The system was not designed to support you. But with the right information, the right tools, and the right support – calmer nights are possible.‎‎Connect with Felicia NassifWebsite: felicianassif.com‎Free clarity call – decide if Felicia's gentle sleep approach is right for youFollow and rate the show.

Sean Adelman is an orthopedic surgeon, Air Force veteran, and father whose daughter has Down syndrome. He shares the moment of her diagnosis, what he would tell a new parent, and what was missing from his medical education.In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎- The moment Sean's daughter was diagnosed – and what went through his mind‎- What he would tell a parent of a child with a new diagnosis‎- What was missing from his medical education and life experiences‎- How his perception of success has changed‎- What Raise Expectations is – and why that name‎- How low expectations become a self-fulfilling prophecy‎- How his daughter Devon lives independently, is employed, and coaches‎- The difference between inclusion and acceptance‎- How schools and workplaces can move from token inclusion to true belonging‎- Why representation matters in books, media, and entertainment‎- How his other children have been shaped by having a sister with Down syndrome‎- How being a trauma surgeon affects his perspective on disability‎- One small thing you can do today to raise your expectations‎‎If you want to understand inclusion, acceptance, and the power of expectations – this conversation is for you.‎Our expectations shape not only our own perspective, but the lives of those around us. When we raise expectations, we open doors. When we share stories, we change minds. And when we truly accept, we create belonging.‎‎Connect with Sean Adelman‎Website: raiseexpectations.comFollow and rate the show.

Renaye Thornborrow is the founder of Adventures in Wisdom, a company that certifies life coaches to work with children using a story-based curriculum. She shares how motherhood sparked a global movement, why life coaching is so important for children, and how coaching differs from counseling and parenting.In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎- How motherhood sparked a worldwide movement‎- Why life coaching is so important for children today‎- How life coaching helps children be confident and prepared for life‎- The difference between coaching, counseling, and parenting‎- Why coaches use coaching stories instead of lectures or worksheets‎- What a coaching session with a child actually looks like‎- What self-talk is – and why it's the foundation of self-esteem‎- 3 traps that crush self-esteem – and how to beat them‎- What a "parenting team" is – and why you need one‎- How to become a children's life coach‎- What makes a great children's life coach‎- One simple exercise a parent can do with their child today‎‎If you are a parent who wants to raise resilient, confident kids – or someone who wants to become a children's life coach – this conversation is for you.‎Our children are facing a mental health crisis – but there is hope. Life coaching for kids is a powerful, proven solution that helps children build the mindset skills they need to thrive. And it starts with a story.‎‎Connect with Renaye Thornborrow‎website: adventuresinwisdom.com/free-story‎Book: A Parent's Guide to Life Coaching for KidsFollow and rate the show.

Dean Graves is a meditation teacher, mental health counselor, and spiritual guide who began his journey at age 50. He shares what led him to meditation, why spiritual information has been distorted throughout history, and what enlightenment is.In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- What led Dean to meditation – and what changed when he started‎- Why spiritual information has been repeatedly distorted or lost‎- What enlightenment is – and how to get more of it‎- What consciousness is – and why understanding it matters‎- The hard question of consciousness – where it comes from and its nature‎- Are we alone in the universe?‎- What stress and suffering are – and why they are so pervasive‎- How to heal from stress and suffering without masking symptoms‎- What happiness is – and how to get more of it‎- The purpose of creation – and everyone's purpose within it‎- Is there a god?‎- What happens when we die – birth, death, and reincarnation‎- When the human experience began – and where we are in evolution‎- What Earth's future is – and the role of humans in shaping it‎- One small thing you can do today to start awakening‎‎If you have ever wondered about consciousness, purpose, death, or the nature of reality – this conversation is for you.‎Awakening is possible. The answers you seek have been provided throughout history – and they are available to you through stillness, awareness, and the courage to ask big questions.‎Connect with Dean Graves‎Website: ddeangraves.org‎Follow and rate the show.

Brian Parana is a men's health coach with over 20 years of experience helping busy, high-performing men over 40 regain their health.In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎- What got Brian into coaching – and what keeps him doing it‎- The biggest mistake busy men over 40 make when trying to lose fat‎- Why successful men struggle with health consistency‎- The first three habits to fix for low energy and weight gain‎- What a simple weekly training plan looks like for a busy man‎- What "protein-first" actually means in real life‎- How to build consistency with a chaotic schedule or lots of travel‎- How to handle restaurant meals, travel, late-night cravings, and stress eating‎- The difference between a diet that works and a diet that is sustainable‎- What accountability looks like for a grown man with a busy life‎- One small thing you can do today to start feeling more like yourself‎‎If you are a busy man over 40 who has let his health slide – this conversation is for you.‎Your health is not separate from your leadership. How you show up in your body affects how you show up at work and at home. You don't need a perfect plan. You just need a simple system – and the willingness to start.‎‎Connect with Brian Parana‎brianparana.comthecalltorise.com (100-Day Coaching Program)‎Podcast: Driven For Health‎Follow and rate the show.

Dr. Donald Williams is an educator and co-author of Born of Nothing, a story about poverty, faith, and generational change. He shares what life was like growing up in a mill village, the contrast between people who broke cycles and those who didn't, and what inspired him to write his book.In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- What life was like growing up in a mill village – and how it shaped his values‎- The contrast between people who broke cycles and those who didn't‎- What inspired him to write Born of Nothing‎- What "generational change" really means – and how families achieve it‎- How someone rises from poverty and truly changes their life‎- Why mindset matters more than where you are born‎- The role faith played in changing his life‎- How education became the ladder for generational change‎- What advice he gives to first-generation college students‎- The first step someone should take if they feel stuck‎- How to honor where you came from without being trapped by it‎- One small thing you can do today to start changing your family's future‎‎If you have ever wondered how someone rises from a difficult beginning and truly changes the direction of their life – this conversation is for you.‎Where you start does not define where you finish. Generational change is possible – not in a single moment, but through sustained discipline, faith, education, and intentional choices.‎‎Connect with Dr. Donald WilliamsWebsite: IAmDonaldWilliams.com‎Book: Born of Nothing: From White Trash and Lintheads to Purpose Across GenerationsFollow and rate the show.‎

Alan Bodnar is a neurophilosopher and author of The Self-Driving You, a framework that explains being human as the conscious driver behind the wheel of a self-driving vehicle.In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- What inspired Alan to write The Self-Driving You‎- What the self-driving framework is – in plain English‎- Why the self-driving car metaphor works so well‎- Why the brain does most of its work automatically‎- What consciousness is – and where it fits‎- Why people struggle to change even when they consciously want to‎- What deliberate attention is – and why it's our superpower‎- How mindfulness rewires the brain‎- The brain as an impartial learning network‎- How the brain takes shape through experience‎- What human potential really means‎- How to better regulate emotions using the self-driving framework‎- One small thing you can do today to start taking the wheel‎‎If you have ever wondered why you struggle to change – or how to actually take control of your automatic responses – this conversation is for you.‎You are the driver. Your brain is the self-driving vehicle. Most of the time, it runs on autopilot. But you can take the wheel – with deliberate attention, consistent practice, and the understanding that your brain is an impartial learning network. It will learn whatever you teach it.‎‎Connect with Alan Bodnar‎Website: theselfdrivingyou.com‎Book: The Self-Driving YouFollow and rate the show.‎

Dr. Arnon Krongrad is a surgeon with nearly 60 years of experience who founded Ezz, a global community focused on functional supremacy and freedom from doctors and drugs.In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎- What a six-year-old learned on a house call that shaped a lifetime‎- How a text about goat meat turned into a global community‎- What functional supremacy is – and why it's the goal‎- Freedom from doctors and drugs – what that means and whether it's realistic‎- The Stockdale paradox and how it helped during the pandemic‎‎- The evidence that man is a persistence runner‎- What it means to view health as a lifelong relationship, not a destination‎‎If you are tired of conventional health advice and ready for deeper questions, this conversation is for you.‎Health is not a destination. It is a lifelong relationship with your body, your community, and your capacity to remain fully alive. The best questions are often the ones no one is asking.‎Connect with Dr. Arnon Krongrad‎website: worldofezz.com‎💬 Ezz Community – global community of thoughtful adults‎‎follow and rate the show.

Oliver Glozik is the founder of Harmonica Ayahuasca Retreat in Colombia, working within the Kamsá Biyá indigenous tradition. He shares his journey from seeking something he couldn't name to building a retreat center and partnering with Imperial College London for research.In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- How Oliver got into running ayahuasca retreats – and what his life was like before‎- What he was struggling with – and what he was hoping to find‎- What actually happens during an ayahuasca ceremony‎- How to tell if a retreat center is safe and legitimate‎- What integration actually looks like – and why it's the hardest part‎‎- How plant medicine can help with addiction, trauma, and the loneliness epidemic‎- One thing you can do today to prepare for a potential plant medicine journey‎‎If you are curious about ayahuasca but tired of the hype – this conversation is for you.‎Plant medicine is not a magic pill. The ceremony is only the beginning. The real work happens after – in the slow, unglamorous, day-to-day integration. If you are curious, do your research. Choose carefully. And don't believe the hype.‎Connect with Oliver GlozikWebsite: https://ayahuasca-retreat.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonica_retreat/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ayahuasca-retreatFollow and rate the show.

Olaolu Ogunyemi is a U.S. Marine Officer, award-winning children's book author, and leadership mentor on a mission to empower the next generation.In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎- What turned things around for Olaolu – and how he avoided becoming a statistic‎- The moment he realized he wanted to dedicate his life to the next generation‎- What "leading last" means – and why it's so important today‎- How "leading last" differs from traditional leadership models‎- The inspiration behind Crow From the Shadow– and how it impacted his parenting‎- How parents can use books to start conversations about emotions and self-worth‎- Practical advice for raising resilient, emotionally healthy kids‎- How to help children navigate insecurity without fixing everything‎- What Parent-Child-Connect is – and the problem it solves‎- One of his favorite practical tools or frameworks‎- The community's role in keeping kids out of the penitentiary system‎‎If you want to raise resilient, emotionally healthy kids – or become a better leader yourself – this conversation is for you.‎Leadership is not about being first. Sometimes it's about being last. It's about service over spotlight. And the most important place to lead is often at home.‎Connect with Olaolu OgunyemiWebsite: Parent-Child-Connect.com‎Children's Book: Crow From the Shadow, Lead Last (Available on the website).Follow and rate the show.

Dr. Bilal Ahmed is an interventional cardiologist and founder of Lylah Health, a gut microbiome supplement company.In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:- Why a cardiologist started a supplement company – and the unsaid question behind that‎‎- What the gut microbiome is – and why you should care‎- The latest research on the link between the gut microbiome and heart health‎- The biggest myths about heart health‎- What doctors get wrong about preventing heart disease‎- How to tell if a supplement is working or just expensive urine‎- The difference between prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics‎- One thing you can do today to improve your heart health without buying anything‎‎If you are confused about supplements, worried about your heart, or tired of marketing hype, this conversation is for you.Connect with Dr. Bilal Ahmed‎Website: lylahhealth.comTiktok: Dr Bilal Ahmed Rate and follow the show.‎

Allison Lorne is a perimenopause embodiment coach who helps women see this phase as a portal rather than a problem. After a decade of misdiagnosed symptoms – night terrors, anxiety, mood instability, irritability, and depression – she discovered somatic work and finally understood what her body was holding. She now teaches women to decode their symptoms as signals, not signs of something wrong. In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎- What most people misunderstand about perimenopause‎- Why her night terrors were the first sign – and why she didn't recognize it for a decade‎- Why perimenopause is a "portal" – not a problem to manage‎- How hormonal shifts affect the nervous system and emotional regulation‎- What somatic work looks like in practice – and why it matters‎- Why women feel like they've "lost themselves" in midlife – and how to find their way back‎- How to reconnect with your "inner wise woman"‎- The gaps in conventional care – and why "Progesterone before Prozac" matters‎- Where to start if you're overwhelmed by symptoms‎- One small thing you can do today to start listening to your body's signals‎‎If you are a woman in midlife who feels wired, tired, and unlike yourself – this conversation is for you. Perimenopause is not something to fix or survive. It is a portal. The anxiety, the irritability, the overwhelm – they are not signs that something is wrong. They are signals. And when you learn to listen, they can lead you somewhere more aligned, more truthful, and more expansive.‎‎Connect with Allison Lorne‎Website: healwithallison.comInstagram: Allison_Lorne_CNMFollow and rate the show.‎

Ben Oofana is a healer who trained under Horace Daukei, one of the last surviving traditional Kiowa medicine men, and later with Chinese Master Sifu Li Tai Liang. He combines these ancient practices to help people heal from heartbreak, trauma, and destructive relationship patterns.In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- How Ben came to train with a traditional Kiowa medicine man‎- The difference between Native American healing practices and Western approaches‎- Why people keep attracting disastrous partners and repeating relationship mistakes‎- How unhealed past hurt creates barriers to new love‎- Why people remain trapped in unhappy relationships‎- What it truly takes to heal, let go, and move on‎- How to find closure after being ghosted – without undermining your self-worth‎- Why some people might have reason to be thankful for being ghosted‎- How to transform heartache into a catalyst that opens your heart‎- The primary barriers to finding love – and how to overcome them‎‎If you have ever carried the weight of past relationships into new ones – this conversation is for you. The pain you carry from past relationships is not just emotional – it lives in your body. And until it is healed, it will continue to shape who you attract and how you love. But healing is possible. Letting go is possible. And real love is waiting for you on the other side.‎Connect with Ben Oofana‎Website: benoofana.com‎breakupfirstaid.comhealmyheartache.comInstagram: Ben Oofana YouTube: Ben Oofana Follow and rate the show.

Jennifer White is a retired RN and brain tumor surgery survivor who, after waking from a coma, had to relearn how to walk, think, and talk. As part of her recovery, she began writing – which led her to reinvent herself as an author of medical thrillers and children's books.In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- Jennifer's crisis and turning point – the moment she learned she needed brain tumor surgery‎- What she remembers from waking up from a coma – and the hardest part of relearning everything‎- How the experience affected her emotionally, physically, and spiritually‎- The invisible challenges of recovery: depression, word-finding, and exhaustion‎- What surprised her most about the person she became after surgery‎- How writing helped her heal – and why she chose medical thrillers and children's books‎- How she incorporated her experience as both a nurse and a patient into her books‎- What she sees as the biggest challenges in healthcare from both sides‎- Strategies for finding meaning and overcoming challenges‎- One small thing you can do today to start rebuilding after a life-altering event‎‎If you have ever had to rebuild your life from the ground up – this conversation is for you. You are not defined by what happens to you. You are defined by what you do after. Reinvention is possible – even when you have to relearn how to walk, think, and talk.‎‎Connect with Jennifer White‎website: www.jennywhite.caBooks: The Triggering Scent(available on Amazon)Follow and rate the show

Dr. Albert Bramante is a veteran talent agent and psychologist who helps performers overcome self-sabotage, imposter syndrome, and fear of failure.In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- What led Dr. Bramante to connect self-sabotage with performing artists‎- The most common form of self-sabotage he sees in performers‎- One piece of advice for someone overwhelmed by self-doubt‎- The difference between toxic high self-esteem and healthy self-esteem‎- What imposter syndrome looks like in performers‎- Techniques for raising self-esteem (with a success story)- How to reframe failure as a stepping stone‎- The difference between fear of failure and fear of success‎- How hypnosis and NLP can help break through mental blocks‎‎If you are a performer who has ever felt like your own mind is your biggest obstacle – this conversation is for you. Your mind can be your biggest obstacle or your greatest tool. The difference is not talent – it's mindset. And mindset can be trained.‎‎Connect with Dr. Albert Bramante‎Website: albertbramante.comInstagram: @dralbramanteFollow and rate the show.

Chris Rogers is a certified porn addiction recovery coach who works with teenagers and young people, combining his experience as a former public school teacher with his own recovery journey.In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- What led Chris from teaching to porn addiction recovery coaching‎- His own recovery journey – and the turning point‎- Why porn addiction is especially dangerous for developing brains‎- The most common signs a young person might be struggling‎- How to start the conversation with your child (without shame or panic)‎- The right age to start talking about this‎- The difference between casual use and addiction‎- What recovery actually looks like for a teenager‎- How parents can support recovery without becoming the "porn police"‎- One small thing a parent can do today to open up the conversation‎‎If you are a parent who is worried about your child's online habits – or a young person who feels trapped – this conversation is for you. Shame is not a strategy. Silence is not protection. The best thing you can do for your child is to have the hard conversations – with honesty, without panic, and with the door wide open for them to come to you.‎‎Connect with Chris Rogers‎website: rebootedteen.comInstagram and Facebook: Rebooted TeenFollow and rate the show.

Amy Vincze is a certified EFT Tapping Coach and founder of the Soar with Tapping App. After navigating her own struggles with cancer, trauma, anxiety, and depression – and finding that traditional approaches fell short – she discovered tapping and used it to heal herself from chronic medical conditions.In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- Amy's personal journey through cancer, trauma, anxiety, and depression‎- What she tried before tapping – and why it fell short‎- What EFT Tapping is – and how it works (emotionally and scientifically)‎- The acupressure points used in tapping – and why they matter‎- How tapping addresses root causes – not just symptoms‎- The role of emotions and energy in overall health‎- How unresolved trauma manifests in our lives‎- A process for identifying hidden emotional blocks‎- Profound transformations Amy has witnessed in her clients‎- One small thing you can do today to start using tapping‎‎If you have ever felt stuck in patterns of anxiety, stress, or physical pain – this conversation is for you. True healing isn't about masking symptoms – it's about resolving the patterns that create them. Tapping is a tool that puts healing in your own hands. You don't have to suffer alone.‎‎Connect with Amy Vincze‎Email: [email protected]‎App: Soar With Tapping (available on Google Playstore)Follow and rate the show.

Bonnie Butler is a certified life coach, mother of ten (four biological, six adopted), and former foster parent to 17 children. She helps overwhelmed parents and professionals move from reactivity to resilience through practical emotional regulation tools. She shares what inspired her to become a coach, the most common challenges parents face, and what misconceptions people have about foster and adoptive parenting.In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎- What inspired Bonnie to become a coach – and how her journey shaped her approach‎- The most common emotional challenges parents face today‎- What misconceptions people have about foster and adoptive parenting‎- The most important tools for emotional regulation‎- How to regulate yourself in the middle of a child's meltdown‎- What it means to "remember your why" – and why we lose sight of it‎- The difference between guilt and shame‎- How to set boundaries without causing more dysregulation‎- What trauma-informed parenting actually looks like in practice‎- One small thing a parent can do today to start moving from chaos to calm‎‎If you are an overwhelmed parent – biological, foster, or adoptive – this conversation is for you. You are not failing because you're overwhelmed. You are lacking tools – not love. And those tools can be learned. Emotional regulation is not a gift you're born with – it is a skill you can build.‎‎Connect with Bonnie ButlerWebsite: bonniebutlercoaching.comFollow and rate the show

Many people know the Bible – but don't know how to live it out. They understand biblical truth, but still struggle to apply it in areas like identity, emotional health, decision-making, and daily habits.In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎- Why so many believers struggle to live out what they know‎- What actually creates the gap between belief and behavior‎- How biblical principles can improve mental and emotional health‎- How unforgiveness impacts emotional and spiritual health‎- How to navigate sexual desires and self-control without shame‎- Why we struggle with consistency – even with good intentions‎- How to share your faith naturally – without forcing it‎- How to respond to skepticism about Christianity‎- Common misconceptions that create confusion or hesitation‎- One practical thing you can do today to start closing the gap‎‎If you know what the Bible says – but struggle to live it out – this conversation is for you.‎Knowing Scripture is not the same as living it out. The gap between belief and behavior can be closed – but it takes honesty, community, and practical steps. You don't have to be perfect to grow.‎‎Connect with Nakia EdwardsYouTube: @pursuinggodtogetherFollow and rate the show.‎

Dyslexia touches as many as 15 to 20 percent of all learners, yet most families still hear "wait and see." Russell Van Brocklen – the Dyslexia Professor – flips that script.‎‎He translates structured-literacy methods proven most effective for struggling readers into bite-size actions parents can use tonight.‎‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎- Why there is still hope for dyslexic children – even after trying everything‎- What makes Russell's approach different from usual methods‎- Why dyslexic learners are "specialists, not generalists"‎- How a child's deep passion can be used to help them learn better‎- One step parents can take right now to rekindle their child's love of learning‎- The 3 reasons your child's dyslexic education isn't working – and what to do about it‎- Why "wait and see" fails dyslexic kids‎- What to do if your child's school is not providing the right support‎- A real success story of a student who overcame dyslexia‎- What lasting confidence looks like for a dyslexic child‎If you are a parent watching your child shut down and dread reading – this conversation is for you.‎Dyslexic learners are not broken. They are specialists, not generalists. They don't need to be fixed – they need to be understood. And "wait and see" is not a strategy – it's a failure.‎‎Connect with Russell Van Brocklen‎website: https://dyslexiaclasses.com/Follow and rate the show.

‎If you are in a relationship with a "nice" guy who doesn't feel so nice behind closed doors – this conversation is for you. You are not crazy. You are not alone. And silence only protects abusers. Healing is possible.In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- What narcissistic abuse actually is – and how it's different from what people imagine‎- Why she stayed for 33 years – and what kept her trapped‎- The red flags she saw and ignored (and what women can look for)‎- What covert narcissism looks like in daily life‎- Why no one believed her – because he was so charming to everyone else‎- The role shame played in keeping her silent‎- How she finally started using her voice‎- What healing actually looks like after decades of abuse‎- Why silence only protects abusers‎- One small thing you can do today to start reclaiming your voiceConnect with Laura Richards‎website: podcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/thatswhereimatpod/https://www.youtube.com/@thatswhereimatpodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurarichpod/Follow and rate the show.

Rabesh Sukrajh is an award-winning author and lifestyle coach who spent 18 years in the corporate world. After experiencing burnout himself – working weekends, facing tough deadlines, and losing balance – he developed systems to help stressed corporate professionals get from burnout to balance in just four months. He shares practical advice on morning and evening routines, increasing energy levels, freeing up time, and getting tasks off your to-do list. He also covers easy budgeting techniques, the "super-important life file," estate planning, and managing insurance renewals. His free 7-module personal admin masterclass offers a practical starting point for anyone feeling overwhelmed by personal finances and admin tasks.‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- Rabesh's lowest point – and what made him change‎- The biggest misconception about work-life balance‎- What happens in each phase of the 4-month transition‎- The first thing to do in week one‎- Morning and evening routines that work for busy professionals‎- How to increase energy levels without caffeine and willpower‎- How to free up more time when every minute feels spoken for‎- Easy budgeting techniques that actually work‎- What the "super-important life file" is – and why you need one‎- How to manage short-term insurance renewals without hours on the phone‎‎If you are a stressed corporate professional who is tired of burnout – this conversation is for you. Burnout is not a requirement for success. You don't have to sacrifice your health, your family, or your sanity to have a career. Small systems, consistent routines, and a few key changes can get you from burnout to balance – faster than you think.‎‎Connect with Rabesh Sukrajh‎Free Masterclass: https://personaladminmasterclass.gr8.com/‎‎Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabeshsukrajh/‎Follow and rate the show.

Anu Verma doesn't speak about trauma for shock value. She speaks about it because silence nearly killed her. ‎She has survived childhood sexual abuse, suicide attempts, addiction patterns, an abusive relationship, and years of self-destruction disguised as "coping." For a long time, she lived completely disconnected from herself – masking pain through reckless behaviour, overworking, people-pleasing, and constant external validation.‎‎Now she is a trauma specialist, embodiment coach, podcaster, author, and filmmaker. Her work has been featured on BBC, TalkTV, Business Insider, The Independent, and The Telegraph.‎‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- What it means when "silence nearly killed me"‎- How childhood trauma shaped adult life and relationships‎- The moment she realized she couldn't keep going‎- What to say to someone who feels hopeless (and doesn't want to die – just wants the pain to stop)‎- How addiction and reckless behaviour become coping mechanisms‎- The difference between healthy risk-taking and self-destruction‎- How "acceptable" behaviours like overworking and people-pleasing keep you stuck‎- I confused being desired with being valued – and how she learned the difference‎- How to support a loved one struggling with trauma or suicidal thoughts‎- One small thing you can do today to start turning pain into purpose‎‎If you have ever felt hopeless, disconnected, or like silence was the only option – this conversation is for you. Silence nearly kills. But speaking – even when it's messy, even when it's hard – is how we heal. You are not alone. And your pain can become purpose.‎‎Connect with Anu Verma‎Website: victimtovictor.com‎instagram and LinkedIn: Anu Verma ‎follow and rate the show.

Rev. Dr. Robin Blair has spent over 40 years helping families answer these questions. She is an award-winning speaker, best-selling children's author, podcaster, clergy, chaplain, and spiritual director. Her work helps parents and ministry leaders see how digital culture shapes our children – and respond with wisdom, courage, and grace.‎‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- The crisis no one talks about: children losing trust in their parents‎- How to respond when your child says "but everyone else gets to"‎- How to deal with violence on TV – including the news‎- Is there a perfect age to give your child a phone?‎- What to do when parents disagree about media limits‎- The goal is not policing – it's helping children develop discernment‎- The spiritual discipline of listening in a noisy world‎- Can faith survive the smartphone age?‎If you are a parent who is tired of fighting about screens – this conversation is for you. You don't have to hate media to set healthy boundaries. The goal is not policing – it is helping your children develop their own discernment, so they can make wise choices even when you are not present.‎Connect with Rev. Dr. Robin BlairWebsite: robinblair.com‎Follow and rate the show.

Marc Paisant struggled early in his adult life – with his weight, his confidence, anxiety, and depression. He had a few bad experiences with therapy but never gave up. He decided that he was worth it.‎He dropped over 100 pounds. But even after getting in shape, he realized he needed to combine his physical health and his mental health – to work on both together. Now he is a certified personal trainer, nutritionist, podcast host, and mental health advocate.‎‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- Marc's low point – and what turned things around‎- How physical transformation affected his mental health (and what it didn't fix)‎- How to combine physical and mental health in daily life‎- The difference between exercising to punish yourself versus care for yourself‎- Why therapy worked for him – even after bad experiences‎- Why stress is literally killing us‎- How he reduced conflict in his life – and reduced his stress and anxiety‎- How he helps his kids express their feelings‎- Why he stopped relying on motivation – and what he uses instead‎- One small thing you can do today to start combining physical and mental health‎‎If you have ever struggled with anxiety, depression, or self-worth – this conversation is for you. You don't have to choose between your physical health and your mental health. They work together. And you are worth the effort – no matter how many times you've failed before.‎‎Connect with Marc Paisant‎Website: marcpaisant.com‎Podcasts: Relatively Normal & 6AMRun.com‎Follow and rate the show.

If you have ever felt like you "should be further along" in your personal growth – or wondered why the same patterns keep showing up – this conversation will come as a relief.‎‎Dr. Leslie Newman is an author and speaker who wrote A Daily Dose of Happiness. She helps people navigate life's challenges – especially in relationships and transitions – so they can feel more clear, steady, and at peace. ‎She believes growth doesn't happen in a straight line. It happens in spirals. We return to the same themes in our lives – relationships, self-worth, identity – but each time with new awareness and the opportunity to respond differently.‎‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- Why growth isn't linear – and why that's a relief‎- The difference between moving from self-improvement to self-trust‎- How constant pressure to "improve" yourself keeps you stuck‎- How to begin trusting yourself after years of trying to fix yourself‎- Leslie's out-of-body experiences at 19 – and what they taught her about consciousness‎- How expanded awareness shows up in everyday life‎- Simple practices that help people feel more steady and at ease‎‎If you are tired of trying to fix yourself and ready to start trusting yourself – this conversation is for you. Growth is not a straight line. It is a spiral. You are not behind. You are exactly where you need to be.‎‎Connect with Dr. Leslie Newman‎Website: drlesliebnewman.com‎Book: A Daily Dose of Happiness‎Follow and rate the show ‎

Jessica Danel is a former childcare who built a million-dollar preschool business from the ground up. She is a mom of three, a wife of 25 years, and a woman who stepped away from her thriving business to focus on her daughter's special needs – then earned her Master's Degree.‎Now she has written a memoir: Bucket List from a Redneck Girl– a raw, hilarious, and deeply heartfelt collection of stories about resilience, chaos, and the power of laughter. She also hosts the podcast Jess Saying, exploring parenting, personal growth, and real-life conversations with a Gen-X twist.‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎- What inspired her bold memoir title – and what she hopes readers take away‎- The chapter that was hardest to write‎- How she balanced building a million-dollar business while raising three kids‎- The decision to step away from her business for her daughter's special needs‎- How parenting children with special needs shaped her as a person and writer‎- Seeing God show up even when she didn't know how to ask‎- What she would say to someone who feels too broken or too far gone‎- How podcasting compares to writing – and which feels more vulnerable‎- What's next – another book, fiction, or something new‎If you have ever felt overwhelmed, broken, or like life's messiest moments will define you – this conversation is for you.‎You are not too broken. You are not too far gone. And the chaos of your life might just be the raw material for something beautiful.‎Connect with Jessica DanelWebsite: jesssaying.net‎Book: Bucket List from a Redneck Girl (Available on Amazon)‎Podcast: Jess SayingFollow and rate the show ‎

Craig Parks has worked with kids for decades as a camp director, a kids musician, and a proud dad of two – including a son on the autism spectrum. He has trained hundreds of people how to effectively work with children to elicit their best and be lifted by the experience. ‎His A to E Parenting method helps parents lift the mundane into the memorable and increase the joy while reducing the stress of parenting. He even created a weekly show with his five-year-old daughter called Parks Party Central.‎‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- The valuable parenting advice a stranger gave Craig before his child's birth‎- What Parenting A to E is – and how it makes parenting more enjoyable‎- A real example of turning a stressful situation into a fun, connecting one‎- How music can impact families – even if you're "not musical"‎- How to make everyday moments special (without Disneyland)‎- Creating fun and play without screens or spending a fortune‎- What it's been like to raise a son on the autism spectrum‎- One simple thing parents can start doing today to make a difference‎‎If you are a tired, stressed parent who wants more joy and less chaos – this conversation is for you.You don't need Disneyland to create magic. You just need presence, playfulness, and a willingness to lift the mundane into the memorable.‎‎Connect with Craig ParksWebsite: parentingharmony.com( Free interactive song, lyric sheet, and video)‎Follow and rate the show.

Willie Blake grew up with dyslexia, diagnosed in first grade. For years, he believed he was broken. He spent most of his life trying to catch up, hide, and be someone he wasn't – chasing perfection, pleasing people, and constantly second-guessing himself.‎Then he got tired of surviving. He made a decision: if he was going to live with this, he was going to lead with it.‎Now Willie is a high-performance coach who helps dyslexic professionals and entrepreneurs turn self-doubt into confidence, overthinking into clarity, and stuckness into real momentum. He is the host of Light Beyond Limits, a speaker with over 500 stages, and the creator of the 2% Rule and GPS Goal Method.‎‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- What it was like growing up with dyslexia – and how it shaped him‎- The turning point from self-doubt to becoming a coach‎- What the 2% Rule is – and why it works for people who feel stuck‎- How 2% action beats the all-or-nothing mentality‎- The GPS Goal Method and how to create real clarity‎- How to turn perceived weaknesses into real strengths‎- The biggest mindset traps that hold people back‎- How to stay consistent when motivation fades‎- One step you can take today to stop overthinking and finally move forward‎‎If you have ever felt behind, broken, or stuck – this conversation is for you. You don't need to take a giant leap. You just need 2%. Small, consistent action beats perfection every time. And you are not behind – you are exactly where you need to be to start.Connect with Willie BlakeWebsite: coachwillieblake.com‎‎follow and rate the show

Renee Calhoun is a therapist who accidentally discovered that human trafficking was already sitting in her therapy room. She thought she was treating trauma, addiction, and toxic relationships. What she realized was that many of her clients were surviving coercion and exploitation that even trained professionals fail to recognize. That realization changed how she understands human behavior completely.‎Renee is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience in trauma, addiction, family systems, and human trafficking prevention. She speaks openly about the things people are thinking about but not saying out loud.‎‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎- What helpers don't know about human trafficking – and why that lack of education enables the cycle‎- Why smart, successful people stay in toxic relationships‎- Why families fight so hard to stay the same – even when everyone is miserable‎- The dysfunctional family roles that follow us into adulthood‎- Why so many moms feel like the unpaid CEO of their household‎- Is it anxiety – or are you just living in survival mode?‎- Why addiction makes sense when you understand the nervous system‎‎If you have ever felt stuck, judged, or misunderstood – this conversation is for you.‎Trauma doesn't always look like what you expect. Survival behaviors are not character flaws. And the family roles you never chose do not have to define you forever.‎‎Connect with Renee Calhoun‎Website: reneecalhounlmft.com‎

Sylvia Worsham is a warrior of light and faith. Her superpower is her ability to see the silver lining in challenges – not as toxic positivity, but as a genuine, hard-won perspective.‎She is a 3x bestselling author, spiritual transformation coach, and host of the Release Doubt, Reveal Purpose podcast. But her journey didn't start on a stage. She had a miraculous recovery from a medical complication that became the turning point to retire from a multiple award-winning corporate sales career and step into her divine purpose. She has walked through loss, grief, and a divine prompting that was louder than ambition. Now she helps corporate and professional women navigate deep spiritual change and align with their soul's purpose.‎‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎- Sylvia's miraculous story – and how it changed everything‎- What empowered her to write her books‎- How she transitioned from Corporate America to entrepreneur‎- The hardest lesson she learned along the way‎- How to turn tragedy into a story of transformation‎- The difference between belief and trust in God‎- How to experience joy during grief‎- What it means to drop the ego and live a life of joy‎- One small thing you can do today to start moving from surviving to thriving‎‎If you are in a season of grief, transition, or spiritual awakening – this conversation is for you. Your turning points are not just crises. They are invitations. The tragedy does not have to be the end of your story – it can be the beginning of a new one.‎Connect with Sylvia Worsham‎Website: sylviaworsham.com‎

Most trauma therapy keeps women stuck in their pain – talking about it over and over, reliving it for years. Anissa Hudak believes that is exactly what keeps them trapped.‎Anissa is a neuro-somatic therapist and a two-time sexual trauma survivor. She is also the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran and a military spouse. She helps women retrain their nervous systems – so they can finally feel safe in their bodies again. She doesn't work with the story. She works with the body and the unconscious – because that's where trauma actually lives.‎‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- Why talking about trauma can sometimes keep you stuck‎- Where in the body – and which part of the mind – trauma actually lives‎- What most PTSD advice gets completely wrong‎- Why traditional therapy doesn't always work for trauma‎- The difference between coping and healing‎- How to heal trauma without reliving it‎- What neuro-somatic therapy is – and how it's different from talk therapy‎- The hidden nervous system patterns keeping women in survival mode‎- One small thing you can do today to start shifting your nervous system‎If you have tried traditional therapy and still feel stuck – or if you are tired of surviving and ready to fully live – this conversation is for you. You don't have to keep telling your story to heal. You don't have to relive your trauma to release it. Healing happens in the body and the nervous system – and it is possible.‎‎Connect with Anissa HudakWebsite: phoenixwomenhealing.com

Why do so many high-achieving people – who are successful in every other area of their lives – keep attracting toxic relationships? Why do they tolerate what they would never accept in their careers? And why does the same destructive pattern keep showing up?‎‎Anutza Bellissimo is a behavioral skills coach, certified anger management specialist, and founder of the Stress & Anger Management Institute. For over two decades, she has helped high-achieving individuals break destructive stress and relationship patterns and build emotionally healthy lives.‎‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- Why high-achieving people struggle to choose emotionally healthy partners‎- The role stress and unprocessed anger play in who we're attracted to‎- The most common stress and anger warning signs of a toxic pattern‎- How unresolved relationship stress impacts physical health, work, and parenting‎- The first practical steps to break a long-standing destructive pattern‎- How to stop overfunctioning and people-pleasing‎- How to set and hold boundaries without guilt, blowups, or shutdowns‎- What an emotionally safe, sustainable relationship actually looks like‎- One small thing you can do today to start breaking the pattern‎‎If you are tired of the same toxic dynamics, exhausted from overgiving, or ready to finally choose emotionally safe relationships – this conversation is for you.‎The pattern is not your fault – but it is your responsibility to break. You can learn to set boundaries without guilt. You can learn to recognize the warning signs. And you can build relationships that feel safe, sustainable, and truly loving.‎Connect with Anutza Bellissimo‎website: thesamigroup.com‎instagram: Anutza Bellissimo ‎

Today's conversation is for men who feel lost. For men who feel like they're just going through the motions. For men who have achieved what they were supposed to achieve – but still feel empty, directionless, or disconnected from their own lives.Maxim Shapiro lived without direction for years. He thought he was on the right track, but still felt depressed and lacked pride in himself. Deep down, he knew he was not pushing himself and living on purpose.‎Then something shifted. Through the help of someone important to him, he connected to what it means to live fully to push himself, to go for everything, and to give everything to his life. Now he helps other men become the heroes of their own stories.‎‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎- What it feels like to live without direction – and what's missing‎- The gap between looking successful on paper and feeling empty inside‎- What it means to become the hero of your own story‎- Why so many men today feel lost, purposeless, or without a rudder‎- What men are missing most in today's culture‎- The role of challenge and pushing yourself in finding purpose‎- How to stop numbing and start feeling again‎- One small action a man can take today to start moving toward a directed life‎If you are a man who feels lost, disconnected, or like you're just going through the motions – this conversation is for you. You don't have to live without a rudder. You can become the hero of your own story. It starts with one honest look at where you are – and one small step toward where you want to be.‎Connect with Maxim Shapiro‎Website: forwardmotioncoach.ingSchedule an appointment‎Follow and rate Empowered Conversations

Melissa Schulz is a parenting coach and Board Certified Behavior Analyst recognized as the "Best Parenting Coach in the United States for 2025" by Evergreen Awards. She has a Master's in Psychology and spent 12 years running an in-home behavioral health company serving kids with autism. She is also a mom to three kids – two of whom are neurodiverse.‎In this episode of Empowered Conversations, we talk about:‎‎- The most common struggles parents face with strong-willed or sensitive kids‎- The biggest misconception parents have about "behavior problems"‎- Why strategies from books and Google often fall flat‎- How to uncover the root causes of your child's behavior – not just react to symptoms‎- What to do in the moment when a meltdown is happening‎- Why yelling feels like the only option – and what to do instead‎- How moms can regulate themselves and break cycles of yelling and guilt‎- Small but powerful habits that help moms feel calmer and more capable‎If you are tired, guilty, and ready for a different approach, this conversation is for you. Your child's behavior is not a reflection of your worth as a parent. There is always something underneath. And you don't have to figure it out alone.‎Connect with Melissa SchulzWebsite: melissaschulz.com /free-guide – "How to Get Kids to Listen with 3 Simple Strategies"Follow and rate the show‎