Inner Freedom Podcast

Link to the YouTube video version of this episode:https://youtu.be/G_mN2VexJgQWhen Vanessa started her life coaching journey, she had 3 goals:1. Lose weight and get healthy2. Open herself up to love after 8 years of not dating3. Build a career with the flexibility she wants to live her best lifeBut she felt stuck -- held back by deeply held beliefs and patterns she inherited from growing up. Besides immigrating to the US alone from Peru at age 17, paying her and her brother's way through college by holding down 5 jobs, and raising her daughter as a single mom, Vanessa has had to overcome other challenges. But she is committed to her inner work and can feel deeply she is meant for a truly great life, not a mediocre one. That is her Quest.This is Episode 2 of Quest — a real-time coaching documentary following real people on their journeys of personal transformation. No scripts. No highlight reels. Just the actual work.If you feel drawn to participating in filmed coaching or Quest, you can learn more here:👉 https://www.mikekav.com/QUEST: THE FELLOWSHIP A small, intimate coaching fellowship for people in their 40s and 50s who are ready to finally start the thing they've been putting off — before they miss their chance.It isn't a course. It's a real process, with real people.I'm working with a small founding group — and there may be space for one or two more. If this is your season, learn more and apply here: 👉 https://www.mikekav.com/fellowshipSPIRITUAL WAYFINDERS: True Stories of Awakening and TransformationAn audio documentary in which 7 people share their stories of awakening and transformation in their own voice. Available everywhere that distributes audiobooks. Links and preview at:👉 https://www.mikekav.com/MIKE'S NEWSLETTER I share the raw breakthroughs happening inside Quest coaching sessions — the insights, the resistance, the moments that actually move people.If you want that kind of depth delivered directly to you: 👉 https://www.mikekav.comQUEST: THE SERIESThe real-time coaching documentary following real people’s journeys of purpose, self-discovery, and personal development. See what actually happens when someone decides to stop waiting. Watch every episode here: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6VuNi3Axd9ZJe9ClJnyhn682wq5KmnxfQUEST: BEHIND THE SCENESWatch behind the scenes content about Quest, the coaching documentary series. 👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6VuNi3Axd9aXg_CMZBjhvDVZtNjoYWL4Chapters:00:00 A painful memory00:26 About Vanessa's Life Coaching Journey02:30 Vanessa's reaction to one of my podcast episodes04:07 Life Coaching Session 1: Vanessa's relationship to her mom07:12 The first insight -- hiding because of weight gain10:40 How to fight 40 years of negative beliefs and low self worth13:13 Why do I subconsciously gain weight?15:27 The reason Vanessa is here doing this16:56 Mike's voice message to Vanessa17:27 Vanessa's dreams19:10 A big day -- the release of the first episode of Quest20:17 Life coaching session 2: Vanessa's core wound23:12 Vanessa's abandonment memory of her father leaving26:37 Healing the core wound29:28 Why is it so scary to sit with that difficult emotion?32:08 Vanessa's breakthrough

Vanessa is 44. She immigrated to the US alone at 17, put her brother through college, raised a daughter, and built a life through sheer force of will. By every measure, she has done remarkable things. And yet something has gone quiet. The greatness she knows is in her feels out of reach. The life she's living doesn't match the one she was meant for.This is Episode 1 of Quest — a real-time coaching documentary following real people on their journeys of personal transformation. No scripts. No highlight reels. Just the actual work.Here is the link to the full video episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/3UIamBMr2VcIf you feel drawn to participating in Quest or recorded coaching, you can learn more here:👉 https://www.mikekav.com/THE FELLOWSHIP A small, intimate coaching fellowship for people in their 40s and 50s who are ready to finally start the thing they've been putting off — before they miss their chance.It isn't a course. It's a real process, with real people.I'm working with a small founding group — and there may be space for one or two more. If this is your season, learn more and apply here: 👉 https://www.mikekav.com/fellowshipTHE NEWSLETTER I share the raw breakthroughs happening inside Quest coaching sessions — the insights, the resistance, the moments that actually move people.If you want that kind of depth delivered directly to you: 👉 https://www.mikekav.comQUEST: THE SERIESThe real-time coaching documentary following real people’s journeys of purpose, self-discovery, and personal development. See what actually happens when someone decides to stop waiting. Watch every episode here: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6VuNi3Axd9ZJe9ClJnyhn682wq5KmnxfQUEST: BEHIND THE SCENESWatch behind the scenes content about the coaching documentary Quest. 👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6VuNi3Axd9aXg_CMZBjhvDVZtNjoYWL4Chapters:00:00 A Real Life Coaching Journey Introduction01:13 How Vanessa feels stuck02:42 The midlife transition04:05 Kicking off Vanessa's Life Coaching Journey05:57 Vanessa's Weight Loss Journey - Life Coaching Session 108:33 The impact of past relationships and breakups09:43 When a father abandons you11:09 Do you believe?12:00 Mike's reflections15:11 A moment of realization17:06 About Beginnings and saying "yes" to our own Quest

As I was getting ready to launch my coaching documentary series Quest, I found an old notebook from 4 years ago. Inside was a message I'd written to myself that I'd completely forgotten about that would completely alter the direction of my life coaching documentary.The first official episode of Quest is being released on YouTube on April 25, 2026.If you have your own "thing" you've been wanting to do but putting off -- a new business, a creative project, a big life change -- Quest: The Fellowship may be your catalyst. Learn more at:https://www.mikekav.com

I WANT YOUR INPUT! Who would make the ideal candidate for Quest and what kind of transformation would you most want to see?Visit me on YouTube and...1. Tell me in the commentsOR2. Go to my community tab and answer the survey(Or both!)Here's the link: https://youtu.be/fJXWqfrn_LAIn this week’s episode of The Making of Quest (TMOQ), I experienced a significant turn of events. It’s exciting AND it introduces a new problem… one that I genuinely want your help solving. Hence my request for input.If you’re new here, welcome to The Making of Quest. This is my living documentary series about my attempts to launch a documentary coaching series on YouTube called QUEST.QUEST is a real-time life experiment where I’m inviting someone from the internet to join me on a journey of personal transformation. But even more than that, The Making of Quest is a series about building a life aligned with your calling. If you feel called to join us on this ride, welcome to the Fellowship. If you want to catch up, you can watch the full series here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6VuNi3Axd9ZJe9ClJnyhn682wq5KmnxfEpisode 1 — I need the right person for this.Episode 2 — I Asked the Internet to Join My Life ExperimentEpisode 3 — Choosing a Stranger to Join My Personal Growth Experiment QUESTI’ve decided to leave the window to apply for Quest open for a little while longer. If you’ve been on the fence waiting for your moment, this may be your last chance. You can apply here:https://www.mikekav.com/My guest today, A.K.A. “Fall Guy,” is Ninad Athale, M.D. I owe him many thanks for his appearance and his contribution. Methinks he’ll be back again. Despite the utter lack of compensation or incentive for doing so. Now that’s altruism. If you’re on your own Quest, or you feel called in the direction of something you aren’t yet fully living, I’d love to stay connected. If you feel called to join my email list, you can find that at:https://www.mikekav.comMay you walk your path with courage! 🙏🏼For the journey,MikeP.S. Don’t be a stranger. I’m a real human being. I actually talk to people. And I’m on a real mission. My calling is to help people find and live their true path. That’s what all of this is about. Start the full TMOQ series here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6VuNi3Axd9ZJe9ClJnyhn682wq5KmnxfAll my other creations live here:https://www.mikekav.comTime stamps:00:00 39 Second Recap00:39 Jerry and Renee01:48 Fall guy03:56 25,000 Foot Thoughts06:11 The Big Decision

You are a founding listener of The Making of Quest. Welcome to The Fellowship. I bow down to thee.This was originally made for video. You can watch on YouTube here:https://youtu.be/iBLT2SZcFisIf you’re new to Quest, this is a living documentary series about building a life aligned with your calling.I left my corporate job 5 months ago and I’m living off savings. My main goal right now is to launch Quest, a documentary coaching series following a real person’s transformation. I am looking for one Wayfinder to step into Quest.In the first episode, I started putting out the call. I posted about it on YouTube. I reached out to a few contacts. Episode 1 ended with one person responding “maybe.” This week in episode 2, I check back in on my applicant pool. And it forces me to grapple with the stark possibility that I may fail… and fail early… and fail very publicly.We call that “making mom proud.”Here’s the truth. My financial runway depletes by the day. This is real life. This matters to me more than you can imagine. I’ll share more in the future, but there’s history here.So join me on the journey. Subscribe and enable notifications so you don’t miss the updates. Or my email newsletter is a good place to stay in the loop:https://www.mikekav.comOh yeah, and at the time I’m writing this, applications for Quest are still open. For how long? I still don’t know. If you’re feeling “Quest curious” though, I wouldn’t wait forever to apply. You never know what destiny has in store.Here's the link to the application:https://www.mikekav.com/May you walk your path with courage! 🙏🏼For the journey,MikeWant to follow Jesse?https://substack.com/@jessedavis203904https://www.instagram.com/sym_plexP.S. This is the same Jesse who shared his incredible story of his near death experience in my audiobook Spiritual Wayfinders. Time Stamps:00:00 Previously on The Making of Quest00:46 Applications to Quest01:25 Why this matters to Mike02:22 The Dip03:47 Jesse06:34 Mike's failures08:18 Latest Update

You are a founding viewer/listener of The Making of Quest (TMOQ). Welcome to The Fellowship.  The best way to consume TMOQ is on YouTube here: The Making of Quest - On YouTubeBut since I have a passion for audio and since you're already here, we're going with it.Since you're new here (it's episode 1, everyone is), let me tell you about this series.The Making of Quest (TMOQ), is a living documentary series about building a life aligned with your calling.I left my corporate job 5 months ago and I’m living off savings. I am attempting to create and launch Quest, a documentary coaching series following a real person’s transformation. I'm documenting my own journey creating it here on The Making of Quest.I am currently looking for one Wayfinder to step into Quest. If you are interested in being considered, apply here:https://www.mikekav.com/opportunityJoin the Fellowship by subscribing on YouTube.You can also stay in the loop via my email list.https://www.mikekav.comThe show begins now.May you walk your path with courage! 🙏🏼For the journey,MikeWatch the full Making of Quest series here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6VuNi3Axd9ZJe9ClJnyhn682wq5KmnxfWant to follow Maria?IG, TikTok, Facebook: @momshungrykitchenYouTube:  ⁨ @momshungrykitchen5  

This one's a YouTube video. Click here to watch.Spiritual Wayfinders: The Audio Documentary. True Stories of Awakening and TransformationOn Spotify: Here (free if you have a premium subscription)On Audible / everywhere else: https://www.mikekav.com/Check out Jesse Davis' amazing work and story here:http://Jessedavispmp.substack.comListen to Heavyweight, episode #12, "Jesse" here:On Spotify: HereOn Apple Podcasts:  HereI think it's one of the best podcast episodes ever made. There's something pulling at you, isn't there?A creative project. A piece of art. A channel you want to start. Something that won't quite let you go.But you're not doing it. Maybe because it feels vulnerable. Maybe because you can't see how it will "succeed."A couple years ago, I followed one of those callings. I spent more money making it than I've ever earned back. By commercial standards, it wasn't a success.But that's not why I'm telling you this story.In this short message, I share what actually happened when I followed that call - and why the reason you're meant to create that thing probably has nothing to do with the reasons you think.This is your catalyst moment. Whatever's been pulling at you - it's time.

You can feel it — something deep inside you knows a new chapter is calling.You’ve released so much of the past… and now life is asking you to take one bold step forward — even before you can see the next one.This is a spontaneous intuitive message for anyone standing at the edge of transformation, ready to live the life your soul came here to live.🎧 Take a breath. Watch. Feel.-------Youtube Video Version Here: https://youtu.be/CMDWzT-A3Rc

What happens when you give up past and future completely... no goals, no plans, no attention on anything other than right here, right now for 30 days?And what happens when you do that when you're out of work and you have no idea what's next? This is the real life story of Mike's experiment following a midlife breakthrough. Watch the YouTube video version here: https://youtu.be/2yFS8Lky29s

This is a video episode. I encourage you to watch it on YouTube here. ...When I received the call that one of my closest friends from college, John, was dying and unable to speak, I thought I'd never talk to him again. What happened next defied all explanation and changed how I view life, death, and the connections that transcend both.This is the true story of a profound experience that just recently occurred in my life. I'm sharing this deeply personal story because it contains universal truths about friendship, being present for those we love, and the mysterious ways we remain connected beyond what we can explain.Your life is filled with synchronicities that are here to lead you to a life you never imagined if you open, trust, and receive. This experience taught me lessons I'll carry forever. Special thanks to John’s family for their blessing to share this story. Thank you also to hospice nurses and hospice care workers everywhere for the beautiful work you do.If this resonated with you, please consider sharing it with someone who might need to hear it.

This episode is like no other. It features the famous Tammi Janel, contributor to Spiritual Wayfinders and wonderful bestower of wisdom and joy. It also features an uncanny, perfectly timed cameo from a certain wildlife creature, the magic of which you will only fully understand if you have listened to Spiritual Wayfinders.If you feel like you're missing out on the inside joke, you can find Spiritual Wayfinders anywhere that sells audiobooks or at spiritualwayfinders.orgPeace and love,Mike

Today I'm sitting down with Jay Worthy. Jay has been an entrepreneur, the CEO of a $1 billion dollar fitness company, and is an advocate for the power of getting out in nature as a way to reconnect with our essential selves. In this conversation, we talk about midlife, and how it can either be an awakening, a transition, or a crisis. We talk about success, life satisfaction, healing from our personal traumas and challenges, and more. It's packed with actionable wisdom from a guy who truly walks the talk and lives it in all realms of his life... family, career, and more.https://www.mikekav.com

In today's conversation, Erica Barlow shares the discoveries that have led to her own greatest breakthroughs in inner freedom and a new kind of success in work and life. https://www.mikekav.com

Have you ever had a life-changing revelation? What is a strength you once thought was a weakness? How do you uncover and cultivate your strengths into superpowers that can change your life? What is the most liberating truth you've come to?Join me for another episode of Trading Truth with my guest, Adam Clark. The format is simple. Adam and I both bring questions for each other. Neither of us knows what the other is going to ask in advance. The only requirement is the questions be deep and the answers be totally honest.If you're tired of contrived podcasts and expert guests who act as though they have all the answers, I hope you enjoy this refreshing alternative. To watch the video version of this episode, here is the YouTube link.Check out the FREE mini audiobook: Side Hustle With PurposeIf you enjoy stories of personal transformation and spiritual awakening, check out Spiritual Wayfinders: The Audio Documentary. True Stories of Awakening and Transformation. COMING SOON... a free mini audiobook called 7 Questions That Shatter Cages. Sign up for my newsletter at mikekav.com to be notified.

How do you overcome fear and finally be your true self? How do you find true success? How do you overcome social anxiety? What role do cold plunging, gut health, red light therapy, and others fit into energy, overcoming fear and anxiety, and improving well-being?Today’s episode is a new format I’m calling Trading Truth, where my guest and I both bring questions for each other that we also answer ourselves. Neither of us knows what the other is going to ask in advance. The only requirement is the questions be deep or thought-provoking and the answers be raw and honest. For the video version of this episode on YouTube, click here: How to Overcome FearMy guest today is Anthony Schreiber. This episode is real and honest. Masks left at the door. Check out my FREE mini audiobook: Side Hustle With PurposeIf you enjoy stories of personal transformation and spiritual awakening, check out Spiritual Wayfinders: The Audio Documentary. True Stories of Awakening and Transformation. COMING SOON... a free mini audiobook called 7 Questions That Shatter Cages. Sign up for my newsletter at mikekav.com to be notified.

In this episode, I sit down with Kai Cox in her beautiful healing space, the home of her business, Awaken Innate Healing. Kai Cox is a fourth-generation healer. She became a licensed massage therapist in 2011 and has been working to help people heal through a variety of modalities such as Lomi Lomi, Bio-Touch and Vibration healing ever since.But Kai has other gifts as well. Since Kai was a child, she has been able to see spirits and energies and has honed her intuition to be able to communicate with them to help people heal on a spiritual and mental level. Kai uses these gifts to help people heal with intuitive readings and channelings. Kai and I were originally supposed to connect over a year ago, but through a series of events that we talk about in this episode, we were postponed for many months. But this was a reminder for me in the power of divine timing. My conversation with Kai was a lesson for me in intuition, embracing the mystery of our existence, and a beautiful reminder to follow your excitement and enjoy life. I hope you enjoy her infectious positive energy and amazing spirit. I strongly encourage you to connect with Kai, and especially if you're in the Chicago area, make your way to her wonderful healing sanctuary and experience her gifts. --------If you enjoy stories of personal transformation and spiritual awakening, check out Spiritual Wayfinders: The Audio Documentary. True Stories of Awakening and Transformation. And for anyone who has contemplated started a purpose-driven side business, download my latest mini audiobook for free:Side Hustle With Purpose

Here is a link to the audiobook:Spiritual Wayfinders: The Audio Documentary. True Stories of Awakening and TransformationIn Spiritual Wayfinders, Mike Kavanagh shares the journey he undertook after a spiritual awakening catapulted him into a period of significant personal struggle. Along the way, he is joined by six people who share their incredible stories of spiritual transformation, including near death experiences, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, life-threatening illness, meditative practices, and more."Spiritual Wayfinders is a moving audio documentary about purpose, awakening, and the transformative power of the human spirit."

One night, Lisa had a dream. When she woke up, she realized this was no ordinary dream. But it was months before she spoke about it to anyone.-----Link to Mike Kavanagh's new audiobook:Spiritual Wayfinders: The Audio Documentary. True Stories of Awakening and TransformationIn Spiritual Wayfinders, Mike Kavanagh shares the journey he undertook after a spiritual awakening catapulted him into a period of significant personal struggle. Along the way, he is joined by six people who share their incredible stories of spiritual transformation, including near death experiences, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, life-threatening illness, meditative practices, and more."Spiritual Wayfinders is a moving audio documentary about purpose, awakening, and the transformative power of the human spirit."

Jonathan was in his darkest hour. One morning, he woke up with his father's words from childhood echoing in his mind. Those words led him to a place where he met 4 strangers who, over the next 100 days, would change his life forever. Mike Kavanagh's new audiobook is now available:Spiritual Wayfinders: The Audio Documentary. True Stories of Awakening and TransformationIn Spiritual Wayfinders, Mike Kavanagh shares the journey he undertook after a spiritual awakening catapulted him into a period of significant personal struggle. Along the way, he is joined by six people who share their incredible stories of spiritual transformation, including near death experiences, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, life-threatening illness, meditative practices, and more."Spiritual Wayfinders is a moving audio documentary about purpose, awakening, and the transformative power of the human spirit."

When Scott Schmaren was young, he wasn't like other kids. His ongoing struggle with his weight was a tremendous source of pain and humiliation. Many years later, Scott found himself depressed and on the brink. One night, he had an experience that changed everything.For more from Scott, visit ultimatevisionarymind.comMike Kavanagh's new audiobook is now available:Spiritual Wayfinders: The Audio Documentary. True Stories of Awakening and TransformationIn Spiritual Wayfinders, Mike Kavanagh shares the journey he undertook after a spiritual awakening catapulted him into a period of significant personal struggle. Along the way, he is joined by six people who share their incredible stories of spiritual transformation, including near death experiences, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, life-threatening illness, meditative practices, and more."Spiritual Wayfinders is a moving audio documentary about purpose, awakening, and the transformative power of the human spirit."

What happens when an 'unwildernessy' guy wakes up one morning with the idea to starve himself alone in the woods for 4 days and bring along his microphone? Something extraordinarily different than he expects. This is the finale to the pilot season of VOICES, a show created by Mike Kavanagh. For more about the show or Mike's other work, visit www.voicesofparkridge.org.

Her analytical mindset drew her toward getting an advanced degree in mathematics, and she told her religious friends there was no way she would pursue studies in theology or spirituality. So how did she end up in retreat ministry? VOICES is hosted and produced by Mike Kavanagh. For more about the show, visit http://www.voicesofparkridge.org.You can find more about Sister Julia's work and the Christ in the Wilderness retreat center at citwretreat.com/

Challenging life experiences have the power to shape our destinies... for good, or for ill. And some of us turn them into a way to help others. This is the story of one woman's journey of personal growth and healing, and the unexpected place it ultimately led her.VOICES is hosted and produced by Mike Kavanagh. For more about the show, visit http://www.voicesofparkridge.org.Very special thanks to Andrea. To learn more about her work in stress relief and trauma recovery, visit www.retunehealth.com.

Depression, anxiety, addiction, and other such challenges with mental health and well-being touch almost everyone's life in some way sooner or later, whether it's difficult periods we personally face, or those of a friend or a family member. This is the story of one woman's glimmer of an idea for how to help... and how that idea came to fruition two decades later. This is the story of Dr. Mari.VOICES is hosted and produced by Mike Kavanagh. For more about the show, visit http://www.voicesofparkridge.org.Very special thanks to Dr. Mari. You can find more information about what she is up to at https://www.centerforauthenticliving.biz/ and on Instagram @drmaririchko_holistictherapist here: https://www.instagram.com/drmaririchko_holistictherapist/

As a baby, he was placed in a bassinet on a piano while his mother taught piano lessons. What unfolded after that is pure magic. VOICES is hosted and produced by Mike Kavanagh. For more about the show, visit http://www.voicesofparkridge.org.You can find all of Gordon's music at https://www.gordontebo.com/ including the songs in this episode, "I Keep Walking" and "My New Shoes."

Carlie received an unexpected call that changed everything. After answering it, she realized this was more than just an ordinary call, it was a call from the universe. VOICES is hosted and produced by Mike Kavanagh. For more about the show, visit http://www.voicesofparkridge.org.Very special thanks to Carlie. You can find more information about what she is up to at https://sunandmoonpr.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/yogini_carlie/