Making Minds Matter Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Schafer — a neurologist, author, life coach, and founder of the survivor-led community We Don’t Tell Our Stories. Drawing from her own journey of overcoming domestic abuse, Dr. Schafer shares what it truly means to reclaim your story, heal from trauma, and step into your fullest potential.We talk about the moment she decided to take her life back, how her background in neuroscience and psychology shapes her work as a coach, and why healing isn’t linear — but it is possible. She also opens up about her growing platform for survivors, her upcoming book, and the mindset shifts that helped her rediscover her voice and purpose.Whether you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure how to begin your own healing journey, this conversation is filled with powerful insights, practical wisdom, and the gentle reminder that you matter — and your story does too.Connect with Dr. ShaferWebsite: www.drshaferstedronova.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shafer-stedron-4b7a19263/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talks_with_dr_shaferTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talks_with_dr_shafer?_t=8mtVgchyUm2&_r=1Out now, Dr Shafer co-authors the Cracking the Rich Code 16th Edition, endorsed by Tony Robbins. Check out Dr Shafer's chapter along with 20 other thought leaders' invaluable lessons on living a rich, fulfilling life! Get your copy at drshaferstedronova.comComing May 2025, Dr Shafer shares her children's book, The Boy and His Brightly Colored Blocks, about a young boy whose mother helps him through tricky transitions and the trouble of having to do anything other than play with his beloved blocks. Hosted by Caroline Haldeman, a passionate mental health advocate and the founder of Minds Over Matter NC, an organization dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting individuals on their mental health journeys. To learn more about Caroline and the work she does, please visit www.carolinehaldeman.com

In this episode of Making Minds Matter, I sit down with Zahra Adloo, a Licensed Therapist, Psychedelic Integration Specialist, and Partner at New Path Ibogaine. Zahra shares her personal journey with Ibogaine and how it transformed her approach to healing.We discuss the shortcomings of traditional addiction treatment, why many people struggle with long-term recovery, and how Ibogaine offers a groundbreaking alternative. Zahra explains what an Ibogaine session looks like, the science behind its effects on the brain, and how it helps people struggling with PTSD, addiction, anxiety, depression, and even conditions like Parkinson’s disease.We also discuss the importance of integration, why some clinics are unsafe, and what to look for when considering psychedelic-assisted therapy. Plus, Zahra shares her experience overcoming body dysmorphia and the profound psychological shifts that Ibogaine helped her achieve.If you're curious about the future of psychedelic medicine, how it compares to traditional therapy, and whether it's right for you—this episode is a must-listen!Connect with Zahra AdlooWebsite: www.zahraadloo.com Instagram: @zeeshirazi Email: [email protected] by Caroline Haldeman, a passionate mental health advocate and the founder of Minds Over Matter NC, an organization dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting individuals on their mental health journeys. To learn more about Caroline and the work she does, please visit www.carolinehaldeman.com

In this episode, we sit down with Mendi Baron, LCSW, a pioneering mental health expert and founder of several innovative treatment centers. Mendi shares his personal story of transformation, from overcoming the challenges of his adolescence to becoming a nationally recognized figure in teen mental health. He talks about the power of family-centered care and its ability to reshape the recovery process. Mendi also addresses pressing issues such as navigating the complexities of insurance, the burnout facing mental health professionals, and the importance of authentic, continuous support for lasting change. Tune in for a rich conversation full of valuable insights on mental health, healing, and the future of teen treatment.To work with Mendi, please visit www.mendibaron.comHosted by Caroline Haldeman, a passionate mental health advocate and the founder of Minds Over Matter NC, an organization dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting individuals on their mental health journeys. To learn more about Caroline and the work she does, please visit www.carolinehaldeman.com

In this episode of Making Minds Matter, I sit down with Sean Robinson, an electrician, project manager, and firefighter with over 20 years of service. While his career has been shaped by high-pressure environments, his personal journey is one of even greater transformation—one that took him from struggling with food addiction, toxic masculinity, and habitual drinking to finding lasting change through sobriety, self-reflection, and endurance running.By the end of 2020, Sean had reached his lowest point—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Weighing 320 lbs and stuck in a cycle of negativity, he realized he needed to take control of his life. What began as a journaling practice soon became the foundation of a radical transformation. He committed to a year of sobriety, immersed himself in personal development, and documented his experience, which eventually led to his book, Going Dry: My Path to Overcoming Habitual Drinking. Since then, he has lost over 100 lbs, developed a passion for endurance running, and has shared his story on over 40 podcasts, helping others recognize their own ability to change.In our conversation, Sean opens up about the societal pressures that kept him trapped in unhealthy cycles, what it truly took to shift his mindset, and how his journey has evolved since publishing his book. His story is a powerful testament to the impact of self-awareness, patience, and the willingness to challenge deep-rooted habits.Connect with Sean:Website: https://seanrobinson.ca/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-robinson-161723a9/Get his book: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1778181716?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_P13V291CH6MPYBY1RG8GHosted by Caroline Haldeman, a passionate mental health advocate and the founder of Minds Over Matter NC, an organization dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting individuals on their mental health journeys. To learn more about Caroline and the work she does, please visit www.carolinehaldeman.com

In this episode, we’re diving into gut health, goddess energy, and holistic healing with Lauren Callahan—gut health expert, Reiki master, ultrarunner, IronMan athlete, and owner of Goddess Health.Lauren shares how she helps women reclaim their energy, eliminate inflammation, and achieve peak health by addressing the root causes of imbalance. We’ll explore the powerful connection between gut health and mental well-being, how Reiki and holistic healing can transform your body, and what it truly means to embody "Goddess Energy" for long-term vitality.Lauren also opens up about her own healing journey—from burnout and survival mode to thriving as an athlete, author, and advocate for deep health. Whether you're struggling with fatigue, chronic stress, or simply want to optimize your well-being, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!Connect with Lauren Callahan:Website: https://goddesshealth.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenbcallahan/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555953958282Hosted by Caroline Haldeman, a passionate mental health advocate and the founder of Minds Over Matter NC, an organization dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting individuals on their mental health journeys. To learn more about Caroline and the work she does, please visit www.carolinehaldeman.com

In this episode, I sit down with Robert Colón, U.S. Air Force veteran and founder of Revive Ministries, as he shares his personal journey with mental health and his mission to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness. Robert talks about the unique challenges veterans and service members face when it comes to mental health, the barriers they encounter in seeking help, and how his faith-based ministry aims to provide support and create safe spaces for open discussions.Robert opens up about his own mental health struggles, the lessons he's learned throughout his recovery, and the importance of community in the healing process. His commitment to suicide prevention, mental health advocacy, and providing a platform for those who feel unheard shines through in this candid conversation.Join us as we explore how we can all play a part in reviving hope for those affected by mental health challenges, especially in the veteran community.Connect with Robert Colon and Revive Ministries:Website: https://www.reviveministriesfl.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviveMinistriesFLPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/reviveministriesfl/Hosted by Caroline Haldeman, a passionate mental health advocate and the founder of Minds Over Matter NC, an organization dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting individuals on their mental health journeys. To learn more about Caroline and the work she does, please visit www.carolinehaldeman.com

In this episode of Making Minds Matter, we sit down with Eric Fisher, a master's-level counselor, martial artist, and author of the book The Martial Art of Recovery: Self-Mastery Practices to Subdue Addiction and Achieve Mental Wellness. Eric, who holds black belts in two martial arts styles, shares his unique journey from interning with the FBI to becoming a specialist in trauma and addiction recovery. With over 14 years of counseling experience in both the U.S. and Canada, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.We dive into Eric’s innovative use of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) to help clients overcome trauma and rewire their core beliefs. Eric also discusses how his martial arts background has influenced his therapeutic approach, offering insights into resilience, balance, and self-mastery.As a consultant for the Thumbs Up Foundation, a Canadian nonprofit dedicated to mental health and addiction awareness, Eric is passionate about breaking stigmas and expanding access to care. Tune in to hear his thoughts on the misconceptions surrounding addiction, the parallels between martial arts and mental health, and the transformative power of trauma therapies in helping individuals on their path to recovery.Connect with Eric Fisher:Website: https://www.recoveryartscounselling.comEmail: [email protected]: @ericfisherwriter | @recoveryartscounsellingLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/eric-m-fisher-5b83724aFacebook: Recovery Arts CounsellingHosted by Caroline Haldeman, a passionate mental health advocate and the founder of Minds Over Matter NC, an organization dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting individuals on their mental health journeys. To learn more about Caroline and the work she does, please visit www.carolinehaldeman.com.

In this episode of Making Minds Matter, I sit down with Jill Sitnick, who shares her incredible story of healing from PTSD. After years of struggling, Jill found hope in a groundbreaking approach: MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. After just three sessions, Jill experienced a transformation that changed her life.We dive into Jill’s journey—what it was like living with PTSD, how she discovered psychedelic therapy, and what really happens in those sessions. She also opens up about the emotions and breakthroughs she experienced, and how her life has evolved since. She wrote a memoir titled Rescuing Jill: How MDMA with a Dash of Mushrooms Healed My Childhood Trauma-Induced PTSD, along with a companion workbook to help others navigate their own healing journeys. In our conversation, she also tackles the stigma around psychedelics and offers advice for anyone curious about this form of therapy.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to walk the path of healing from PTSD or are curious about the potential of psychedelics in mental health treatment, this episode is for you. Jill’s story is raw, real, and deeply inspiring. This is a vital conversation for the future of mental health care, as psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is also being studied as a promising treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.Tune in for an honest conversation about resilience, hope, and the power of exploring new ways to heal.To learn more about Jill, her inspiring work, and her resources, be sure to check out her memoir, companion workbook, and social media links here:Rescuing Jill: How MDMA with a Dash of Mushrooms Healed My Childhood Trauma-Induced PTSDhttps://www.amazon.com/Rescuing-Jill-Mushrooms-Childhood-Trauma-Induced/dp/B09X7TTZT7Rescuing Jill Companion Workbook: Intention Setting Prompts for Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapyhttps://www.amazon.com/Rescuing-Jill-Companion-Workbook-Psychedelic-Assisted/dp/B0C7FBZV65?ref_=ast_author_dpWebsitehttps://thejourneysage.com/ Facebookwww.facebook.com/thejourneysage Youtubewww.youtube.com/@thejourneysage LinkedInwww.linkedin.com/in/jillsitnick/