Today's episode I'm joined by Steve Jordan, a renowned fitness expert, podcaster, and author. Steve opens up about his traumatic brain injury, a life-altering experience that tested his resilience and ultimately paved his path to recovery. From being a top athlete and popular student to facing a near-death experience, Steve's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Steve discusses his new book, "Pickleball Power," and his holistic approach to health and wellness. As a...

In this episode I’m joined by  Paul Summers Junior, a recovering addict, author, and musician, whose journey unfolds as a poignant narrative of self-expression, resilience, and redemption. Thi episode we discuss the evolving societal perceptions towards individuality and creativity, highlighting music's healing role in nurturing connection and empathy. With raw honesty, Paul shares his personal battles with addiction, traversing the highs of performance to the harrowing lows of substance...

In this episode I have the pleasure of chatting with Jennifer Lasko, the founder of Very Nice Beauty and a fierce advocate for mental health. Jennifer's journey from studying chemical engineering to diving headfirst into the beauty industry is truly remarkable. Through her story, we discover a woman of incredible resilience and determination who faced rejection and toxic work environments with courage and grace. Jennifer's path was anything but smooth. She encountered numerous obstacles along...

In this episode, I'm delighted to be joined by Marie Quintana, a nationally acclaimed business leader, inspiring speaker, and author of the book "Last Flight From Havana." Together, Marie and I delve into the profound impact of childhood trauma, focusing on Marie's poignant journey of leaving her homeland, Cuba, at a tender age. Despite encountering discrimination and prejudice, Marie bravely embraced her cultural identity with courage and determination, showcasing the resilience of the human...

This episode I'm joined by, Fawna Asfaw. Fawna is a Recovery Coach, founder of The Good Work LLC, author and podcaster. In today's episode we emphasize the importance of bridging divides and fostering dialogue between different perspectives, recognizing the polarized nature of today's political climate. As well as the intersection of addiction, privilege, and healing. Together, they challenge societal norms and systemic injustices, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive recovery resources...

This episode is a re-visited episode of one of my favorite Guests: Addiction has always been an issue in the US. With the rise in fentanyl related deaths and increasing number of ads and commercials glamorizing alcohol and other substances addiction and substance abuse has become even more prevalent in today's society. This is why I am so happy to have today's guest addiction Specialist and interventionist Candy Finnigan. In this episode we’ll be discussing what has led Candy to where she is...

This episode features award-winning author Robin Finn, celebrated for her Hillarious essay "When Our Daughter Walked In on Us." Together, Robin and I explore her journey from stifled aspirations to the tumultuous path of parenthood, unveiling the transformative power of art and connection amidst life's trials. Robin shares candid stories of evolution and self-discovery, shedding light on the profound impact of parenthood while reflecting on her own path to overcoming societal expectations and...

This episode I'm joined by Stephanie Quayle, the renowned singer and author, who unveils her upcoming book, "Why Do We Stay?: How My Toxic Relationship Can Help You Find Freedom" in a candid discussion slated for release on April 30th via HarperCollins.com or Amazon Together, Stephanie and I explore the journey of resilience, diving deep into how past experiences shape our present paths.  As we unravel the complexities of self-acceptance and artistic integrity, Stephanie shares the struggles...

This episode I'm joined by guest Rachel Hart who recounts her heart-stopping encounter with a hit-and-run accident in Venice, California. Walking with her eight-month-old son, Rachel faced a life-threatening situation when a reckless 16-year-old driver in a stolen car careened towards them. Through Rachel's courageous retelling, listeners will explore themes of trauma, resilience, and the indomitable bond between mother and child as she navigates through the harrowing aftermath of the...

In this episode, I am thrilled to welcome award-winning hypnotist Kevin Lepine, acclaimed as the rock star of hypnosis, for a truly enlightening conversation. Kevin shares his encounters with criticism, both online and during live performances, shedding light on the corrosive nature of cyberbullying and its profound effects on mental well-being. Our conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Kevin opens up about his challenging childhood, marked by severe bullying and struggles with mental...

In this episode, I'm joined by my husband, Ron Melendez. We discuss a range of topics, from my surgery recovery, hormonal changes to parenting and our long time marriage. Ron and I delve into the phenomenon of “grey divorce”, reflecting on its implications and the unique challenges faced by couples as they age and experience changes in life. Additionally, I share insights into the complexities of hormonal changes and their impact on relationships and family dynamics. Throughout the episode,...

In this episode, I'm joined by James Francis, a Speaker, Entrepreneur, and author of the book “There's Coffee in the Fridge: One Man's Journey Through Anxiety and Depression.” Together, we delve into the journey of overcoming trauma, depression, and finding hope. From childhood struggles to navigating the complexities of masculinity and societal expectations, James candidly shares his own battles with depression and the transformative power of vulnerability. He champions the importance of...

Today’s episode is a heavier one as I go solo to reflect on losing my dad during my childhood. It's a topic that's been on my mind a lot, and until now, I haven't really shared much about it. Throughout this episode, I'll be opening up about the profound impact of his absence, which continues to resonate with me to this day. I'll share how I've carried the weight of this loss, and the reality that I've never truly processed that loss. And how it has shaped not only my present but also chunks...

In this episode, I'm joined by Nick Klingensmith, a four-time cancer survivor, recovering alcoholic, and author who defied all odds to become an obstacle course racer. Nick sheds light on the subtle yet profound impacts of parental neglect and the complexities of addiction and self-deception. From functional alcoholism to moments of reckoning, he recounts pivotal moments that propelled him towards seeking help and reclaiming his life. As we discuss our journeys through recovery, listeners...

In this captivating episode on the power of human connection and its impact on our brains. Dr. Mark Williams, an award-winning author and cognitive neuroscience professor, sheds light on the concerning effects of technology on mental health, well-being, and relationships.  Dr. Williams discusses the addictive nature of devices, how they rob us of our brain's full potential, and even increase the risk of early-onset Alzheimer's and dementia. He emphasizes the importance of monitoring...

In this episode, I'm joined by former California State Assembly member Mary Chung Hayashi, author of "Women in Politics: Breaking Down the Barriers to Achieve True Representation." Together, we delve into Mary's immigrant experience, navigating identity shifts, and linguistic challenges. We explore the complexities of grief, cultural expectations, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. During this episode, we sit down and explore a wide range of pressing issues...

In this episode, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Julie Payne joins the discussion on the complexities of modern childhood, addressing issues exacerbated by social media and academic pressures. The conversation explores the unrealistic expectations placed on children and the impact of societal norms on mental health, with Julie emphasizing the need for parents to prioritize their children's well-being over conventional notions of success. Julie advocates for creating a healthier...

In this episode, I'm joined by Reverend James Parker, the author of the newly released book "The Wealth Spark." Reverend Parker delves into the concept that societal expectations and the suppression of emotions are ingrained in the DNA of men, leading them to wear masks and grapple with authenticity. He emphasizes that breaking free from this pattern is crucial for genuine connection and finding a meaningful life. The episode highlights the transformative power of spirituality, the importance...

This week I'm joined by fellow podcaster Angela Pugh, whose podcast ‘Addiction  Unlimited’ touches addiction and recovery. In this episode Angela opens up about her past, navigating doubts about the future, and bravely shares her journey through addiction. Together, we reflect on the power of gratitude amidst life's challenges and discuss societal judgments, exploring the complexities of addiction with honesty and vulnerability. As Angela unfolds her personal narrative—from the hustle of...

Triumph Over Darkness with Best Selling Author Nina Sossamon-Pogue (Revisited) This episode, initially released in 2021, stands out as one of my absolute favorites. Nina's book has become my ultimate go-to, personally revisited numerous times. I consistently recommend it to others as an excellent resource when navigating life's inevitable challenges and triumphs. In this episode, I speak with a former member of the USA Gymnastics team, Emmy-winning television news anchor, former executive...

This episode features flower essences expert Dina Saalisi, who shares her transformative journey from trauma survivor to flower therapy advocate. The conversation explores nature's healing power and the significance of self-awareness, Dina opens up about her traumatic past, revealing her evolution from timidity and fear as a survivor of sexual abuse to a confident advocate. She attributes her transformative journey to the support of flower remedies and other healing modalities. The...

This episode I’m joined by Dr. Ken Druck, a Ph.D. and grief expert,in a conversation about navigating "what now" moments, both on a personal level and in the context of broader global challenges. He emphasizes the significance of turning challenging moments into opportunities for growth and positive change. Dr. Ken also shares insights on finding common ground, fostering compassion, and building unlikely friendships even in the face of differing perspectives.  The conversation also explores...

This episode features a conversation with Cassidy Novak, a public speaker, author, and mother of triplets. Cassidy reflects on her life journey, starting from her seemingly idyllic childhood in Florida to the challenges she encountered, including severe anxiety, eating disorders, and suppressed memories of childhood sexual abuse. The turning point comes with a life-threatening boating accident that leads to Cassidy's remarkable recovery, defying medical expectations and fueled by the...

This episode, I'm joined by author, publicist, and mental health advocate Diana Danielle. Diana details her journey of resilience against mental health challenges, sharing her battle with debilitating migraines and exploring unconventional paths to healing, such as leech therapy. From facing bullying and the loss of lifelong friendships to embracing unconventional treatments like leech therapy which is a process using leeches whose saliva is an anti-inflammatory and creates migraine relief....

In this episode, I’m joined by Andrea Vawda, a clinical counselor, teacher, author, and podcaster who shares a deeply personal journey of resilience and self-discovery. Following a breakup from a narcissist, Andrea began experiencing mini-strokes misdiagnosed as complex migraines. The strokes were eventually traced back to a rare tumor in the left atrium of the heart, a profound symbol linking to the emotional turmoil of a toxic relationship. While Andrea faced deep depression and...