Surviving x Zo

At 18, Le-an survived Category 5 Typhoon Haiyan, when she realized that as she was about to drown in her childhood home, she decided to detach from the expectations of her family which was to become a lawyer and work abroad, to focus on building her remote career.Le-an Lai Lacaba is a serial entrepreneur, international keynote speaker, author, and certified AI consultant. Her entrepreneurial journey began at 15 as a ghostwriter. She chose to pursue a remote career and published her first books. By 20 she became a CEO, and at 23 co-founded 2xYou with a mission to create remote opportunities for 1 million Filipinos and help 10,000 entrepreneurs grow their companies.Named one of the Top 15 Most Influential Filipinos on LinkedIn (2024 & 2025) and a Business Woman of the Year finalist (2023), Le-an is a global speaker on entrepreneurship, AI delegation, and the future of remote work. She also hosts the Scale You podcast and is the author of Scale You.

Max Nijst is a Coach, Motivational Speaker, Published Author, and Podcast Host dedicated to helping individuals overcome life’s greatest challenges and step into what he calls a life of “Fearless Happyness.”As a recovering addict with 20 years of sobriety, Max brings powerful lived experience to his work, demonstrating how trauma, addiction, and adversity can become the very doorway to purpose. Through his coaching, writing, and podcast, he highlights stories of resilience and transformation — amplifying voices of those who have turned pain into power.Today, he joins us to explore addiction recovery, PTSD, mental health, and what it truly means to live fearlessly.

In this episode of Surviving x Zo, Zo sits down with LisaBeth “LB” Thomas, who opens up about losing everything after divorce and financial collapse -and how she rebuilt her life from the ground up.Now a speaker, author, and nonprofit founder, LB empowers women to turn trauma into strength, reclaim their confidence, and take bold action. She also shares her mission to protect children online and uplift women through education and community.A powerful reminder: your lowest moment can become your greatest turning point.

In this episode of Surviving x Zo, Zo sits down with Blanca E. Rodriguez, founder of Wounded Healer, LLC, who shares how she turned her own trauma into a powerful path of healing.With nearly two decades of experience across holistic wellness, coaching, and fitness, Blanca now helps others transform both emotionally and physically. From supporting survivors to mentoring and giving back through rescue work, her mission is rooted in healing from the inside out. A deeply grounding conversation about resilience, purpose, and becoming your own healer.

In this episode of Surviving x Zo, Zo sits down with Phyllis Leavitt, a psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience helping survivors heal from abuse and neglect.Drawing from both her professional work and personal journey, Phyllis shares how early trauma shapes our sense of belonging, relationships, and identity - and how awareness can be the first step toward real healing. We also explore her book America in Therapy and the idea that the same tools used to heal individuals can transform entire communities.A powerful, thought-provoking conversation about healing, growth, and rewriting your story.

In this episode of Surviving x Zo, Sunshine shares her journey from addiction to spiritual empowerment. A psychic medium, Reiki Master, High Priestess &  founder of The Sovereign Phoenix, she transformed her sobriety into a path rooted in ritual, magick &  radical self-love. We explore recovery as spiritual rebirth, reclaiming identity after shame & building sacred community. This conversation is bold, mystical & grounded in real resilience.

New York creative & Jo Beth shares her journey of growing up in a fundamentalist Christian environment untangling control, trauma &  perfectionism. Living with ADHD & a dysregulated nervous system, she speaks openly about rebuilding a life & career while still healing. This episode is about creative reclamation, authenticity &  rising while putting the pieces back together.

Certified life coach & mental health advocate Samantha DeMarco opens up about surviving sexual & narcissistic abuse, religious trauma, divorce, losing her mother, & being diagnosed with ADHD later in life. This episode dives into rebuilding identity, soft resilience &  learning that strength doesn’t have to be hard. Raw, honest, and deeply empowering- Samantha reminds us that healing can be both powerful & human.

In this raw and motivating episode of Surviving x Zo, Zo sits down with Kevin Palmieri, a powerhouse in the personal development space who knows what it truly means to hit rock bottom - &  then discovers there was a basement beneath it. Despite having external success in his mid-20s, he found himself battling anxiety, depression, & suicidal thoughts. That turning point led him to fully commit to holistic self-improvement, transforming not only his mindset but his entire life. Today, he hosts a globally recognized podcast with over 2,600 episodes, has built a $1M+ business, & has delivered hundreds of speeches & coaching sessions worldwide. In this conversation, he shares his heart-driven yet no-nonsense approach to consistency, habits, confidence, fear, & breaking limiting beliefs-  reminding us that real change begins within,& growth requires both honesty & commitment.

In this powerful episode of Surviving x Zo, Zo sits down with Dr. Zara Bain -writer, researcher, & social justice advocate with a PhD in Philosophy of Social Justice from the University of Bristol. As the founder of a disabled-led social enterprise providing accessible transcription & captioning worldwide, Zara is redefining what digital accessibility and inclusive employment truly look like. Together, they explore disability justice, neurodiversity, anti-racism, the impact of AI, & the importance of creating spaces where marginalized communities don’t just survive, but thrive. Blending scholarship with lived experience, Zara offers a deeply moving reminder that real justice is both systemic & personal - & that inclusion must be intentional.

In this raw & radically honest episode of Surviving x Zo, I sit down with therapist & Board Certified Clinical Sexologist Briana Bass for a no-BS conversation on modern relationships, emotional intelligence, & healing beyond the surface. Brianna brings her signature blend of deep insight & real-world impact as we unpack everything from dating burnout &  intimacy blocks to ambition, identity, & why high-functioning people often struggle the most. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing “everything right” but still feel stuck-this one’s for you.#inspirationalstoriesofsuccess  #podcast  #mindfulness  #interview #sexology #mentalhealth #relationships #intimacy

In this electric & soul-stirring episode of Soul Glow x Zo, I sit down in person with Adam LaSalle-actor, musician, & reinvention coach-for a powerful convo on passion, purpose,& the art of becoming. Adam shares how his background in education, performance, & coaching intersect to help people unlock their potential & build lives that actually light them up. We dive into what it means to reinvent yourself, how creativity fuels transformation, & why human potential isn’t just for the lucky few-it’s for you. If you’re craving a life that feels aligned, expansive, & deeply you-this episode will meet you right where you are.#inspirationalstoriesofsuccess  #podcast  #mindfulness  #inspirational  #interview #lifecoach #purposedriven #mentalhealth #secondact

In this deeply nourishing episode of Soul Glow x Zo, I’m joined by Katie Mackey-Certified Personal Trainer, Quantum Health Coach, and creator of the Marra Method-for a transformative conversation on somatic healing, nervous system regulation, and the power of movement as medicine. We explore how trauma gets stored in the body, what it really means to rewire limiting beliefs, & how reconnecting with your divine power starts from within. Katie shares her unique blend of quantum biology, spiritual wisdom, & trauma-informed movement to help women shift from survival to self-sovereignty. This episode is a glow-up for your soul, body, and spirit.#inspirationalstoriesofsuccess #podcast #mindfulness #inspirational #interview #marramovement #somaticmovement #trauma release #energy realignment #emotional healing #burnout recovery #purpose realignment

In this episode of Soul Glow with Zo, Zo sits down with Stacey Ray, founder of Sisterhood Travels-a transformative global travel community for women 45 and older. After the sudden loss of her husband in 2017, Stacey took her deepest grief and turned it into a powerful mission: to help women feel invincible, not invisible.With nearly 90 countries explored & a thriving community of over 45,000 women, Stacey is redefining what it means to heal, rediscover joy & boldly reinvent your life through sisterhood & soulful travel. We dive into her incredible journey from heartbreak to hope, how travel can be a tool for transformation, & why it's never too late to reimagine the life you truly want.She also opens up about her podcast, Life. Reimagined. with Stacey Ray & how storytelling and courage are the keys to navigating life's biggest transitions.This conversation is a love letter to second chances, soul work & the sacred power of women supporting women.#inspirationalstoriesofsuccess #sisterhood #sisterhoodtravels #podcast #mindfulness #inspirational #interview #traveling

In this episode of Soul Glow with Zo, Zo is joined by the one & only Clarissa Burt-former supermodel turned award‑winning actress, best-selling author, global speaker & true renaissance woman.From gracing international runways to captivating millions on Italian TV, Clarissa has built a dynamic career across media, production, podcasting & digital publishing. Her mission? Helping women reclaim their light through unapologetic self-worth.We dive into her transformative book The Self‑Esteem Regime-a practical, soul-fueled guide to building real confidence through step-by-step mindset shifts. Clarissa shares the truth about inner beauty, the behind-the-scenes of life in the spotlight & the empowering journey that led to her being knighted as a Dame in 2022 by the Royal Order of Constantine the Great & Saint Helen.This episode is your invitation to shine brighter, walk taller & remember the royalty that lives within you.#inspirationalstoriesofsuccess #podcast #mindfulness #inspirational #interview #mentalhealth #mindfulness #motivational #selfcare #selfesteem

In this episode of Soul Glow with Zo, Zo sits down with Sabrina Trobak, a registered clinical counsellor, public speaker, clinical supervisor & author of Not Good Enough: Understanding Your Core Belief & Anxiety. Based in British Columbia, Canada, Sabrina brings decades of wisdom & warmth to the mental health space, helping people break free from the limiting beliefs that quietly shape their lives.With over 20 years of experience in education as a teacher, vice principal & school counsellor, Sabrina transitioned into private practice to focus deeply on the root of emotional pain- those powerful, invisible core beliefs like “not good enough,” “not important,” & “not valued.”Now, through her agency Trobak Holistic Counseling, she helps clients transform those beliefs into healing affirmations of self-worth, confidence & peace. In this episode, we talk about the science & soul behind anxiety, the impact of childhood wounds, & what it really means to feel seen, heard & whole.Get ready for a compassionate conversation that will leave you reflecting, releasing & realigning with your worth.#inspirationalstoriesofsuccess #mindfulness #inspirational #podcast #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalstrength

In this uplifting episode of Soul Glow with Zo, host Zo Wild sits down with the multi-talented Dr. Shafer Stedron-a musician-turned-neurologist, certified life coach, author, publisher, and host of the podcast Talks with Dr. Shafer. Together, they explore the power of personal transformation, the importance of reclaiming our stories, & how healing can fuel purpose. Dr. Shafer shares insights from her bestselling book Cracking the Rich Code Vol. 16 (endorsed by Tony Robbins), & her new heartwarming children’s book The Boy and His Brightly Colored Blocks. With a deep passion for helping others build a brighter future, Dr. Shafer reminds us all-especially young people-of the power of their voice & vision.Learn more: drshaferstedronova.comWatch Talks with Dr. Shafer: YouTube Channel

Zo sits down with Dr. Loretta Breuning- founder of the Inner Mammal Institute & author of Habits of a Happy Brain, to explore how our brains are wired for survival, not constant joy, & why that matters. Together, they unpack the science behind dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins, and how simple, intentional habits can reshape the way we think and feel. With warmth, laughter, & real talk, this episode will help guide your inner mammal with compassion. If you want to understand your brain, build better habits &  approach yourself with curiosity and kindness- this episode is for you! 

Zoe sits down with acclaimed NYC-based interior designer Kim Depole to dive into all things design, mindfulness, and travel. From Kim’s soulful approach to creating spaces that heal, to her early Oprah features and her signature Designing with Your Mind’s Eye method, the conversation flows with laughter, depth, and shared love for Oprah—and Zoe’s beloved chihuahua, Cleopatra Oprah Knowles. A warm, inspiring chat between two creative souls passionate about intentional living and beautiful spaces.For more on Kim, check out: IG: https://www.instagram.com/depoledesign/Website: https://depoledesign.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@depoledesign