Soul Conversations with Z: Healing in The Raw

In this episode of Soul Conversations with Z, Zachyra Rodriguez and Christian DiMola address a deeply hidden and often unspoken battle many men face. With honesty and compassion, they explore the intersection of pornography, shame, and faith, and how silence within the church can intensify the struggle. This episode creates space for truth, healing, and accountability, reminding listeners that freedom begins where secrecy ends.   Additional Resources from Christian: Connect with Christian: Christian DiMola, Licensed Professional Counselor, Knoxville, TN, 37938 | Psychology Today Codependents Anonymous - Christian based support group https://coda.org/ Celebrate Recovery - need to be in a Christian based 12 step program, this groups covers all addictions, need to find a sponsor/accountability partner https://celebraterecovery.com/ Emotional Recovery Clinic - Christian based, this is not focused on porn, but it addresses the emotional/trauma issues that can trigger porn use https://emotionalrecoveryclinic.org/ Codependent No More by Melody Beattie  -  https://amzn.to/4uKfF82 Christian based, at the root of all dysfunctional and addictive behaviors is codependency. IMHO, if you do not deal with codependency you will not be truly sober, a foundational book. Boundaries by Townsend and Cloud -https://amzn.to/3ScAThn Christian based, addicts typically do not have boundaries, they need to learn how to create boundaries for themselves and their recovery, and within their relationships, a foundational book. The White Book for SA -https://amzn.to/4gtYNic  a must read for recovering addict  

In this episode of Soul Conversations with Z, Zachyra Rodriguez dives into the emotional roots of eating habits with Rekishia McMillan, revealing how food often becomes a coping mechanism for unresolved pain, stress, and trauma. Through an honest and insightful conversation, they explore how emotional eating is less about hunger and more about what’s “eating at you,” highlighting the connection between trauma, control, and the body’s response to stress . This episode invites listeners to reflect on their relationship with food, confront underlying emotional triggers, and begin the journey toward healing from the inside out Additional Resources: -Rock Your World Naturally: 7 Divine Keys to Unlock Extraordinary Health: https://amzn.to/3OQwuPX -Integrative Medicine for Energy and Health | Weight Loss, Energy, Natural Medicine, Hormones: https://tr.ee/aKdE6bMoen -Eat Right 4 Your Type: The Individualized Blood Type Diet Solution by Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo https://amzn.to/437tGRI

In this episode of Soul Conversations with Z, Zachyra Rodriguez explores how the responses of others can unintentionally complicate the grieving process. She unpacks the ways people minimize, rush, or misunderstand grief, and how these “grief blockers” can leave us feeling unseen and unsupported. This episode offers insight, validation, and gentle guidance on honoring your grief while navigating the expectations of others. Additional Resources: -Through the Eyes of a Lion: Facing Impossible Pain, Finding Incredible Power by Levi Lusko https://amzn.to/4v5IV9Z  -A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis https://amzn.to/3PV9sHZ -GriefShare Grief & Loss Support Groups: https://www.griefshare.org/  

Have you ever felt off but couldn't explain why — even when the bloodwork came back fine? In this episode of Soul Conversations with Z, Zachyra Rodriguez sits down with integrative medicine provider and Air Force veteran Rekishia McMillan, who shares her own seven-year journey of being dismissed, overmedicated, and unheard — until she found answers through both prayer and holistic health. Together they explore the connection between mental, physical, and spiritual wellness, unpacking what your body is actually trying to tell you when it speaks. From blood type nutrition to the overlooked power of sleep, this conversation challenges women to stop powering through and start tuning in — because healing the whole you means leaving nothing outside the room.   Resources mentioned in this episode: Rock Your World Naturally: 7 Divine Keys to Unlock Extraordinary Health: https://amzn.to/3OQwuPX Integrative Medicine for Energy and Health | Weight Loss, Energy, Natural Medicine, Hormones: https://tr.ee/aKdE6bMoen Eat Right 4 Your Type: The Individualized Blood Type Diet Solution by Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo https://amzn.to/437tGRI 

Are you reacting to your partner or to the younger version of them? In this episode of Soul Conversations with Z, Zachyra Rodriguez unpacks the deeper meaning behind relationship conflict, exploring the dynamic between the pursuer and the avoider and how past wounds shape present reactions. She reveals how our bodies respond to what feels familiar, not always what’s right, and invites listeners to look beyond the moment to what’s being protected underneath. Through the art of listening well, this episode challenges you to move from reacting to truly understanding.

In this episode, we celebrate women in social work and therapy, exploring the strength, compassion, and resilience it takes to carry both personal and professional responsibilities. Through heartfelt stories, the conversation reveals the unseen emotional labor behind the work and how identity, culture, and lived experiences shape the way women show up to heal others.

In this episode of Soul Conversations with Z, Zachyra Rodriguez introduces her powerful Relationship Basket Framework, a practical way to understand where people truly belong in our lives. She explores how misplaced expectations create heartbreak and how shifting relationships into the right “basket” can bring clarity, peace, and healthier boundaries.

In this episode of, Soul Conversations with Z, Zachyra Rodriguez and her husband Antonio open up about 33 years of love, loss, trauma, and the daily choice to stay committed through it all. With honesty and faith at the center, they share the real do’s and don’ts of marriage, the wounds that tested them, and the healing that brought them closer.  Resources from this episode: Night Light: A Devotional for Couples: https://amzn.to/4rj1m8N Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love: https://amzn.to/3N1TFWu

In this episode of Soul Conversations with Z, Zachyra Rodriguez sits down with BJ for an honest, faith-centered conversation about dating in today’s culture, emotional readiness, and what it truly means to prepare for marriage.

In this Episode of Soul Conversations with Z, Zachyra Rodriguez invites listeners to slow down, reflect, and approach the new year with intention, clarity, and faith. Through practical tools like SMART goals, vision boards, and prayerful reflection, she explores how small, realistic steps can align us with God’s timing and purpose.   Resources mentioned in this episode: -Bloom Journal: https://a.co/d/0pQFBys -YearCompass: https://yearcompass.com 

In this episode of Soul Conversations with Z, Zachyra Rodriguez sits down with guest Jo Torres for an honest, faith-centered conversation about the realities of marriage no one prepares you for. From trauma, to emotional intimacy, this episode offers real talk, wisdom, and hope for couples navigating hard seasons

In this raw and heartfelt conversation, Zachyra Rodriguez sits down with guest Kimberly Deatore to explore what it means to navigate deep grief during the holiday season. Together, they share personal stories of loss, identity, faith, and healing, offering space for honesty, compassion, and the complexity of missing loved ones in moments meant for joy. This episode invites listeners to sit with their own experiences of grief and find comfort in knowing they’re not alone.

In this heartfelt mother–daughter conversation, Zachyra Rodriguez sits down with her daughter to explore family roots, cultural identity, faith, and the transitions that shaped their bond. Together, they share tender memories, honest reflections, and the raw moments that strengthened their relationship. 

In Soul Conversations with Z – Episode 5: Love, Growth, and Real Talk: Navigating Relationships, Zachyra Rodriguez sits down with her husband and friends to have an unfiltered conversation about marriage, loss, and the resilience it takes to stay connected through life’s hardest seasons. From high school love stories to navigating grief and rediscovering each other after decades of marriage, this heartfelt discussion explores what it really means to grow together—with faith, honesty, and a lot of laughter along the way.

In Soul Conversations with Z – Episode 4: “Breaking Chains: Addiction, Healing, & Hope,” host Zachyra Rodriguez and guest clinician Edison Jaquez have a raw and heartfelt discussion about addiction, recovery, and the road to healing. Together, they explore the roots of substance abuse, the power of understanding and compassion, and how cultural and family dynamics influence recovery. Resources: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – www.aa.org Free, peer-led support groups for individuals recovering from alcohol addiction. Available both in-person and online globally. Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – www.na.org Support groups for individuals recovering from drug addiction. Offers in-person and virtual meetings worldwide. SMART Recovery – www.smartrecovery.org An evidence-based, CBT-inspired self-help program focused on empowerment and self-management. Ideal for those seeking a non–12-step recovery approach. Celebrate Recovery – www.celebraterecovery.com A Christ-centered recovery program that helps people overcome addictions, trauma, and other life challenges.

In this reflective episode of Soul Conversations with Z, host Zachyra Rodriguez explores the power and purpose of stillness through faith. Drawing from Exodus 14:14, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still,” she shares personal insights on surrendering control, trusting God in uncertain seasons, and finding peace amidst life’s chaos. A heartfelt reminder that sometimes, stillness is the most powerful act of faith.

In this episode of Soul Conversations with Z, Zachyra Rodriguez sits down with breast cancer survivors Antonia and Marissa for an unfiltered conversation on faith, survival, and strength. The women share their deeply personal journeys—from diagnosis and treatment to healing, self-esteem, and rediscovering joy—reminding listeners of the power of faith, early detection, and community support.  Resources:  Paula Basile Flory | Facebook Move Over Breast Cancer There is also NJCEED, which does outreach, education, and screening services (breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancer) for those at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level and who are uninsured or under-insured. Department of Health | Cancer | New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection (NJCEED) 

In this debut episode, Zachyra Rodriguez introduces the heart and purpose of her podcast: creating a safe, unfiltered space to explore trauma, grief, faith, and healing. She shares her personal journey of resilience, loss, and self-discovery, reminding listeners that while healing is messy, it is possible—and that none of us have to walk through it alone.