From Chronic Pain to Passion

Welcome back, dear listener. Today, I have a guest who is all about helping ambitious women entrepreneurs step into their CEO Queen energy and build businesses with more ease, joy, and alignment.Michal McCracken is a Transformational Coach and the host of the Space and Grace Podcast. She helps women simplify their path to success through a mix of mindset shifts, intuitive strategy, and practical tools—so they can boost their confidence, trust themselves, and create the freedom-filled life they dream of.Michal has been on her own journey from burnout to transformation, and today, she's sharing her wisdom on how to balance structure with flow, ambition with ease, and strategy with intuition. If you've ever felt like you're pushing yourself to succeed at the expense of your well-being—or if you're craving a business that feels just as good as it looks on paper—you're going to love this conversation.Let's get into it!You can find Michal at:https://www.spaceandgrace.me/resourceshttps://www.spaceandgrace.me/podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/space_and_grace_coaching_/And you can find me at:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: anna@annaholtzman.comWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠

Welcome back dear listeners, today we're diving into a topic that so many of us wrestle with—visibility. The desire to be seen, to share our creative work with the world, and to make an impact… all while battling the fear of putting ourselves out there. If you've ever felt that tension, you are not alone.My guest today, Shelby Leigh, knows this struggle intimately—not just as a bestselling author and mental health advocate, but as someone who has helped thousands of creatives navigate the often-intimidating world of marketing and visibility. Through her work as a marketing coach, she's supported over 7,000 writers, artists, and entrepreneurs in finding ways to share their work with confidence—and even enjoy the process.In this conversation, we talk about:✨ Shelby's own journey with visibility and self-trust✨ How to market your creative work in a way that feels good (not cringey)✨ The biggest mindset shifts that help authors and creatives show up authentically✨ What Shelby is still learning and growing into when it comes to being seenWhether you're an author, a business owner, or simply someone who wants to trust yourself more as you step into your next chapter, this episode is for you.Let's get into it!You can find Shelby at:www.marketingbyshelby.comwww.instagram.com/marketingbyshelbywww.youtube.com/@marketingbyshelbyAnd you can find me at:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: anna@annaholtzman.comWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠

Welcome back, dear listener! Today, I'm joined by my friend Kate Bartley, founder of She Walks in Wellness and a powerhouse in the world of holistic health and transformation. Kate is a Master Holistic Health & Life Transformation Coach, a Physical Therapist, a cancer survivor, a surgical menopause warrior, and a self-described recovering over-giver. She works with exhausted caregivers and service-driven professionals who feel like they've tried everything but still don't feel better—helping them reconnect with their own personalized path to wellness so they can finally feel like themselves again.Kate's journey of healing, both personally and professionally, led her to develop The FREEDOM Formula, a unique approach where emotional health opens the door for physical transformation. And now, she's bringing that wisdom to the world through her new book, The Good Girl Rx, which explores how deeply ingrained "Good Girl Syndrome" keeps so many of us stuck in exhaustion, over-giving, and self-doubt.In our conversation, we dive into what "Good Girl Syndrome" is, how it erodes self-trust, and the tools Kate has discovered to help people break free from it. She also shares the personal challenges she faced while writing and releasing this book—because even when you teach this stuff, the old patterns can still show up.If you've ever felt trapped by perfectionism, people-pleasing, or the pressure to always be "good," this episode is for you. Let's dive in!You can find Kate at:Order the book! https://a.co/d/9cU5nGCBook sneak peek: https://www.subscribepage.com/goodgirlrxwaitlistwww.katebartley.comemail: info@shewalksinwellness.comIG @katebartleycoachingFB @ katebartleyAnd you can find me at:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: anna@annaholtzman.comWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠

✨ Episode Summary:If you've got a big heart and big ideas—but freeze up when it's time to be seen—this episode is for you.In this solo episode, Anna explores what it really means to own your voice as a sensitive creative, visionary, or entrepreneur. Based on her recent workshop, she shares stories, nervous system insights, and grounded tools for working with (not against) your fear of visibility.Whether you're procrastinating on that Instagram post, endlessly tweaking your offer, or feeling stuck in an imposter spiral, this episode will help you understand why your nervous system reacts the way it does—and how to gently shift from fear to connection. 

Welcome back, dear listener! In today's episode, I'm thrilled to introduce my dear friend and colleague from way back in my TV career—and now, my coaching colleague—Janis Vogel. Janis is a powerful pivot coach who helps people heal from toxic relationships and careers, guiding them to rebuild both their personal lives and businesses with confidence. Her work is deeply impactful, not just because of her expertise, but because she's lived through it all herself—healing from childhood trauma, navigating divorce, evolving her career, and learning to trust herself along the way to build an unshakeable foundation of self-partnership.With decades of experience in the film industry, working with directors like Ben Stiller, Celine Song, and Spike Lee, Janis knows firsthand what it takes to pivot and reinvent yourself. Now, she brings that invaluable experience to her coaching practice, helping others do the same.In our conversation, we dive into the concept of self-trust, exploring the tools and techniques that have helped Janis cultivate courage and confidence in her personal and professional life. She shares insights on money mindset, the courage to make bold pivots, and how taking a leap of faith can lead to life-changing growth.Whether you're just starting your journey toward self-trust or you've been on it for a while, Janis' wisdom is sure to inspire you. Let's dive in!You can find Janis at:www.janisvogel.comhttps://insig.ht/aqA798fIhRbhttps://www.instagram.com/janisvogelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/janis-vogel/https://janisvogel.substack.com/And you can find me at:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: anna@annaholtzman.comWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠

Imposter syndrome doesn't mean you're not ready.It means you're expanding.In this solo episode, I share a vulnerable look at how imposter syndrome shows up at the exact moment we're about to take up more space—whether we're launching a coaching business, sharing a new creative project, or stepping into deeper leadership.You'll hear real-life stories from my own and my colleagues' and client's experiences with imposter syndrome as examples of how fear masquerades as “not enough.”Inside this episode:What imposter syndrome really is (and what it's not)How to recognize it in yourself before it derails your momentumGentle, practical tools to move through itA powerful reframe: fear as a sign that your work mattersWhy you don't need to be more “ready”—you just need supportWhether you're pivoting into something new, doubting your value, or afraid to be seen, this episode is here to remind you:You're already enough. Let's help you share your voice. Ways to Connect:You're invited to a free workshop with me later this month!Own Your Voice is for sensitive creatives, entrepreneurs, and humans who want to be seen and heard without losing themselves or burning out.Sign up here: https://www.annaholtzman.com/ownyourvoice

Welcome back to the show! Today, I'm sitting down with Rachel Mooers, a brilliant psychotherapist who specializes in mindbody pain, chronic symptoms, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Rachel is the Clinical Director at the Better Mind Center and runs her own private practice, Mojave Wellness Counseling, in Nevada. She brings deep expertise in Pain Reprocessing Therapy and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy—and, more importantly, a deeply compassionate approach to healing.In this conversation, we explore a counterintuitive but essential truth: when it comes to healing—whether from chronic symptoms, emotional pain, or life's biggest struggles—the answer isn't to work harder or fix ourselves. Instead, it's about self-acceptance, ease, and moving toward what actually feels good. Rachel shares insights from her own healing journey, the tools she's found most transformative, and how this mindset shift applies to everything from relationships to career growth.If you've ever felt stuck in the cycle of trying to “fix” yourself, this episode is for you. Let's dive in.You can find Rachel at:www.mojavewellness.com/www.bettermindcenter.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelmooerslmft/And you can find me at:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: anna@annaholtzman.comWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠

Ever ridden the high of a creative surge… only to crash hard days later?In this solo episode, I'm sharing the raw and recent story of a nervous system crash I experienced just last week.I had been moving fast—excited, inspired, riding the momentum of new ideas and big dreams. And then… bam. My body hit the brakes, and I found myself wide awake at 1:30am, mid-panic, realizing something deeper was going on.In this episode, I walk you through:What actually happened during my crash (spoiler: it came after a period of massive creativity and overdrive)How I recognized the signs before things got worseThe tools and mindset shifts I used to support myself through itWhy this crash was actually a growth moment—not a failureThe sneaky ways urgency can masquerade as inspirationWhat to do when your nervous system says “enough”Whether you're navigating your own crash or just want to build your business in a more sustainable, soul-aligned way—this one's for you.✨ If you're a sensitive, high-achieving human who's learning to listen to your body and lead with your intuition, I see you—and I've got you. 

Welcome back, dear listener. Today's episode touches on different topics than we usually cover, but at its core, it's about the same themes: how to trust yourself, connect with your values, and stay authentic—even when it feels risky.My guest today is Hamze Awawde, a Palestinian activist and writer whose work focuses on peacebuilding.In our conversation, we explore what it means to build trust when it seems impossible, how to stay grounded in your values when faced with power imbalances and demands for unity, and how to move beyond the stuckness of fear into a deeper connection with our own humanity—and the humanity of others.We also talk about the discomfort of honesty—how speaking your truth can alienate some people, and even cost you friendships, but ultimately leads to more genuine and authentic connections.It's a conversation about courage, complexity, and the ongoing practice of seeing ourselves and one another fully. I'm honored to share it with you.You can find Hamze at:https://www.instagram.com/hamzeawawde/And you can find me at:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: anna@annaholtzman.comWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠

Have you ever felt like you're on the edge of stepping into a new version of yourself—one that feels more aligned, more authentic—but something keeps holding you back? That something is often an old identity that once served you but no longer fits. In this solo episode, I'm diving deep into what it really takes to let go of an outdated identity and embrace the next phase of your personal or professional journey.You'll learn:
✨ Why shedding an old identity feels so uncomfortable (even when you know you've outgrown it)
✨ The fears that keep us stuck—like worrying about what others will think or if we're "good enough" for the next step
✨ How these fears show up as procrastination, perfectionism, and self-sabotage
✨ Practical tools to navigate identity shifts with more ease, self-compassion, and confidence
✨ A simple first step you can take today to start moving forwardI'll also share my own experiences navigating major identity shifts—from design magazines to reality TV, from therapist to coach—and how I help creatives, coaches, and entrepreneurs step into visibility in a way that feels energizing, not exhausting.

Welcome back, dear listener. Today's guest is someone whose words have inspired hundreds of thousands of creatives to step fully into their artistic identity—and I know she's going to inspire you, too.Amie McNee is a writer, speaker, and creative coach whose mission is to dismantle the limiting narratives that hold artists back. Through her books, courses, workshops, and online community, she helps creatives build the courage to choose themselves and their art—without waiting for permission.Her new book, We Need Your Art, is a powerful call to action, reminding us that creative work isn't just a hobby or a luxury—it's essential. And yet, so many of us struggle with the fear of being seen, of not being "good enough," or of simply not knowing where to begin. In this conversation, Amie shares her own journey as well as practical tools that you can use for trusting yourself as an artist and building a sustainable creative practice.And … I'll be honest, I was ridiculously excited for this conversation. I've been such a fan of Amie's work for so long that I wasn't entirely sure I'd be able to keep my cool, so I might sound a little goofy.If you've ever felt the pull to create but hesitated because of self-doubt, this episode is for you. Let's get into it.You can find Amie at:https://www.amiemcnee.com/https://www.instagram.com/inspiredtowrite/We Need Your Art: https://www.amiemcnee.com/pre-order-we-need-your-art-book-amie-mcneeAnd you can find me at:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: anna@annaholtzman.comWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠

Ever find yourself stuck, overwhelmed, or endlessly distracted when trying to get things done? You're not alone. In this episode, I dive deep into why traditional productivity methods don't always work for sensitive nervous systems or easily distracted minds—and what to do instead.I share my own experiences, from struggling to write a book to my first day at MTV, and reveal the game-changing shifts that helped me move from stuck to steady progress. We'll talk about why willpower isn't the issue, how nervous system regulation plays a key role in productivity, and practical strategies to help you work with your energy instead of against it.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The real reason you feel stuck, distracted, or overwhelmed when trying to get things doneHow your nervous system state impacts focus and motivation (and why it's not about willpower)Why forcing productivity often backfires—and what to do insteadSimple, sustainable strategies to help you work in alignment with your energy levelsWhy conventional productivity advice (like strict timed intervals) might not work for you—and what doesHow embracing slow periods can actually help you get more done in the long runThe #1 small step you can take today to start working with your nervous systemResources & Mentions:Episode 56: The Melt-Through Method – A technique for working with fear and inner resistanceYou can find me at:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: anna@annaholtzman.comWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠

Welcome back, dear listeners. Today's episode is a powerful one! I'm joined by Elysia Skye—a motivational speaker, mindfulness facilitator, intuitive life and business coach, and host of The Brilliance Method podcast. Elysia has lived many lives—from Hollywood actress to award-winning video producer to the deeply insightful coach she is today. And through every transformation, self-trust has been her guiding force.In our conversation, she shares how listening to her intuition led her through major career shifts, how trusting herself quite literally saved her life as she navigated breast cancer in her 20s, and how she now helps high-achieving entrepreneurs stay grounded through the inevitable ups and downs of building a business.This episode is full of wisdom, heart, and actionable insights on deepening your own self-trust, and I can't wait for you to hear it. Let's dive in.You can find Elysia at:Website: https://elysiaskye.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elysiaskye/And you can find me at:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: anna@annaholtzman.comWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠

In this episode, I walk you through my personal journey of overcoming the fear of visibility, using my unique Upward Spiral Framework to navigate the emotional tension that often comes with stepping into the spotlight. Whether you're facing fears around sharing your creative work, starting a new project, or simply expressing your authentic self, this episode is for you.I dive deep into the three pillars of my framework:Clarity – Using the "Melt-Through Method" to uncover and meet the fear head-on.Action – How to take manageable, gradual steps with graded exposure to move through fear without overwhelming your nervous system.Modulation – Techniques for responding to triggers and staying attuned to your body's signals for a balanced approach to visibility.With real-life examples of my own fears and challenges around sharing vulnerable content, I offer actionable tools and a compassionate approach to help you move through your fears, gain clarity, and take empowered action in your life and business.If you've ever hesitated to take the next step because of fear, this episode will inspire you to move forward and stand in your power.Takeaways from this episode:How fear shows up in our bodies and minds and how to compassionately address it.The importance of giving your fear a voice and listening to it with empathy.How to create a step-by-step approach to facing your fears with graded exposure.Tools for emotional and nervous system regulation that support taking action toward your goals.Resources mentioned in the episode:My 1:1 Coaching: Apply now to work with me directly on overcoming your own fear of visibility and building the courage to share your voice with the world. More info at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠If you're ready to express yourself authentically and need support through the process, don't hesitate to reach out!You can find me at:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: anna@annaholtzman.comWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠

Welcome back, dear listener. Today, I have the absolute pleasure of sitting down with someone whose work aligns so powerfully with the heart of this podcast.Merrill Wood is a licensed therapist and co-founder of the executive coaching group Monday Wellness, who helps leaders and teams cultivate healthy workplace cultures by transforming traditional hierarchies of power into ecosystems of relational support. She's known for her ability to navigate difficult conversations with gentleness and to set boundaries with both warmth and clarity—skills that are so crucial, not just in leadership, but in every area of life.But today, we're going beyond workplace dynamics and into something deeply personal: how to trust yourself after being part of a high-control faith community. Merrill has her own lived experience in this realm, and in our conversation, she shares the insights, tools, and lessons that helped her rebuild self-trust — and that now inform the work she does with her clients.If you've ever struggled to reclaim your inner voice after being in a rigid system—whether it's a faith community, a workplace, or even a family dynamic—you're going to want to stick around for this one. Merrill brings so much wisdom and compassion to this topic, and I can't wait for you to hear her perspective.So, let's dive in. Here's my conversation with Merrill Wood.You can find Merrill at:Website: https://www.mondaywellness.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mondaywellness_/And you can find me at:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: anna@annaholtzman.comWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠

This episode is a little different from what I usually share. It touches on current events that may feel triggering, but at its heart, it's about something deeply universal: how to work through the shame that silences us and reclaim our voice when fear threatens to shut us down.In the aftermath of the events of October 7, 2023, I received an email from a non-Jewish former client. In this email, she claimed that, as an ethnic Jew, I had a moral obligation to publicly align with her political beliefs. The tone and content of her message felt like an attack on my personal identity and an attempt to weaponize my ethnicity as a test of my moral worth. And it shook me to my core.I felt instantly afraid, ashamed, and confused, and that swirl of emotions silenced me. I didn't tell anyone about the email—except for my husband—for months. I didn't even tell my life coach or best friend. I was so afraid that if this one person thought I wasn't a good person, maybe everyone thought the same. The email struck such a vulnerable place, dredging up layers of internalized anti-Semitism I didn't even know were lodged so deeply inside me. Looking back, I realize that because it touched on an unhealed wound carried through generations, through my grandparents' history of escaping the Holocaust, it triggered a core, primal fear: the fear of not being loved or accepted because of who I am.I want to share how I worked through this experience and used it as an invitation to heal this deep layer of fear and shame. And part of what helped me recognize what was happening was the timing: I received this email one week before stepping on stage to tell a different story that I had carried shame around for over 20 years, which you can hear in its entirety in episode 42 of this podcast.That story, about an experience with non-consensual touch in my teens, had silenced me for so long. The shame had stifled my creativity, my clarity, and my life energy. And as I prepared to share that story on stage, I realized how the email was triggering the same fear and the same impulse to silence myself again.But this time, I knew better, and I had tools. I wasn't going to let fear and shame bury me for another 20 years. Instead, I used my tools to turn this into an opportunity for inner healing and growth. And that's what I want to share with you today: how you can use the fear of rejection, judgment, or misunderstanding as a powerful invitation to heal yourself, build deeper self-trust, and free up the life energy you need to share your incredible gifts with the world.You can find me at:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: anna@annaholtzman.comWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠

Welcome to today's episode! I'm so excited to introduce you to my personal coach, Claudette Chenevert, who is also known as The Stepmom Coach. Claudette is a Master Stepfamily Relationship Coach with over 35 years of experience helping stepmothers and their partners build stronger, healthier stepfamilies—one STEP at a time.In addition to her coaching work, Claudette holds a degree in the Psychology of Communication and specializes in stepfamily dynamics and conflict resolution. She's also the host of the annual Stepfamily Summit, which has been running since 2020, creating a much-needed space for stepfamilies to find connection, support, and guidance.I first came to Claudette for support in navigating my role as a stepmom in a way that felt authentic to me. Instead of trying to force myself into stepmom stereotypes that didn't fit, Claudette helped me trust myself and carve out a role that works for my unique situation.While her work is focused on step-parents, Claudette's insights on self-trust, communication, and navigating complex family systems are truly universal. In this conversation, we explore themes that will resonate with anyone who's looking to create stronger relationships or move through life with more confidence and authenticity. Let's dive in! Here's my conversation with Claudette Chenevert.You can find Claudette at:Website: https://stepmomcoach.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stepmomcoachAnd you can find me at:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Email: anna@annaholtzman.comWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠

In this second part of my self-interview experiment, we're diving even deeper into the waves of fear that inevitably arise on the path toward meaningful goals. Whether you're dreaming big or just beginning to take the first small steps toward change, this episode will give you new insights and tools to ride those emotional swells without letting fear derail you.If you missed part one, be sure to listen to Ep 56 first!What You'll Hear in This Episode: Lessons from the Journey So FarI share some of the biggest lessons I've learned in this new chapter of my coaching practice, including why fear feels so intense, how it's survivable, and how riding through it strengthens your confidence instead of weakening it. “Afraid of Their Dreams”Many of my clients come to me with nervous systems that are afraid of their dreams. What does that mean? I break down this idea and share how I help people move past self-sabotage into aligned action. Patterns and BreakthroughsFrom thinking they're small and powerless to realizing they have untapped power, I reflect on the common breakthroughs I've seen in my work and share a surprising perspective shift that unlocks answers already inside you. Practical Advice for the Overwhelmed DreamerFeeling stuck between a big vision and the fear of how to get there? I offer simple, actionable advice to help you start building momentum while balancing exposure with recovery and leaning into supportive connections.Why You Should Tune In:This episode is about more than facing fear—it's about transforming it into fuel for your growth. You'll hear relatable examples, personal reflections, and practical tools to inspire your next step forward, whether you're starting a new chapter, navigating self-doubt, or pursuing a bold dream.Takeaway for Listeners:Fear doesn't mean you're on the wrong path—it's a sign you're doing something meaningful. When you balance courageous action with nervous system care, you can move forward with clarity and confidence, one wave at a time.Subscribe & Stay Connected:Don't miss future episodes! Subscribe to the podcast and follow me with the links below. Let's ride these waves together.You can find me at:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: anna@annaholtzman.comWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠

In this solo episode, I experiment with a new format: interviewing myself! As someone who's naturally more comfortable hosting conversations than delivering monologues, I decided to ease into solo episodes by writing interview questions and answering them myself. The theme of this episode is something we all face on the path to big goals—fear. Whether you're pursuing healing, building a business, exploring a creative dream, or embarking on any personal growth journey, fear is part of the process. Together, we explore how to navigate the inevitable waves of fear that arise along the way. What You'll Hear in This Episode: My Journey in Coaching: A brief introduction for new listeners about who I am and what brought me to this point in my coaching career. Pivoting with Purpose: Insights into my recent transition from chronic pain coaching to a new focus on helping sensitive high achievers reach their big goals. I share the fears and doubts that came up and how I worked through them. Journaling as a Fear Navigator: A practical look at how I use mind-body journaling to process fear, access my inner guidance, and stay grounded when the waves of self-doubt roll in. Why You Should Tune In:
This episode isn't just about my journey—it's about yours too. If you're facing fear as you move toward something meaningful, this episode will remind you that you're not alone. Plus, I'll share tools and insights to help you stay steady when fear tries to knock you off course. Takeaway for Listeners:
Fear is normal, and you can ride its waves without letting it drown your dreams. Journaling is one of the most powerful tools I've found to navigate those emotional swells—and by the end of this episode, you'll have a few prompts to try in your own journal. Subscribe & Stay Connected:
Don't miss future episodes! Subscribe to the podcast and follow me on Instagram. Let's keep riding those waves together. You can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠

Today's guest is someone incredibly dear to my heart: Ashley Haseotes. Ashley and I have worked together since 2020, and witnessing her transformation has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. Ashley is a mother of three, a healer, and a powerhouse businesswoman who wears many hats, including founder of a charity that supports kids with cancer and their families. But Ashley's story is so much more than her titles. When we first began working together, Ashley was confined by chronic migraines and pain, unable to travel or fully participate in her life. Over time, she not only healed her pain but also strengthened her marriage, regained control of her charity, and went on to head marketing for her family's multi-franchise businesses. And as if that wasn't enough, she wrote a memoir called The Unspoken, detailing her journey of healing from childhood trauma and chronic pain—and you can even read about our work together in the book!
 Ashley's story is one of resilience, healing, and rediscovering life's purpose. Whether you're navigating pain, stress, or a big life transition, Ashley's insights are sure to inspire and empower you. And I can't wait to share this conversation with you! You can find Ashley at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyhaslove/ Book: The Unspoken: A Soul's Reflection on Healing from Abuse, Neglect and Chronic Pain https://www.veda-healing.org/author-ashley-haseotes-the-unspoken/ And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠

In today's episode, I'm talking with Dawn Apuan, a copywriter and funnel strategist who helps entrepreneurs sell out their high-ticket offers with messaging that brilliantly captures their unique voice. But Dawn's journey to where she is today is a powerful story of learning to trust herself. After a life as a pastor in a tightly-knit faith community where her path seemed completely mapped out, Dawn made the bold decision to leave that life behind and follow her intuition into the unknown. We talk about how she navigated that scary transition, leaned into her inner guidance, and ultimately found a life and career that light her up. This conversation is a testament to the power of trusting yourself—let's get started! You can find Dawn at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawn.copyqueen/ Website: https://www.dawnapuan.com/ And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠

In today's episode, I'm talking with Dr. Jennifer Franklin, one of the first ‘gastropsychologists' in the U.S. Dr. Franklin specializes in treating neuroplastic symptoms and disorders of gut-brain interaction like irritable bowel syndrome and cyclic vomiting syndrome. Drawing from her own recovery journey, she's spent over two decades helping others heal through experiential, mindfulness-based, and somatic approaches. Dr. Franklin is also a teacher, speaker, and content creator, sharing her expertise on the brain-gut connection and how to foster lasting healing. You're going to get so much out of this conversation—let's get started! You can find Jennifer at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donthateyourguts/ Website: https://donthateyourguts.com/ And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠

In today's episode, I'm talking with Dr. Adrienne Stein, a board-certified naturopathic doctor on a mission to change the narrative around menopause. With over 20 years of experience treating thousands of women in perimenopause and menopause, Dr. Adrienne sheds light on the lack of resources and understanding many women face during this transition. She sees menopause not just as a health condition but as a pivotal opportunity for women to transform their health, step into their power, and embrace a new chapter of embodiment. It's a perspective you don't want to miss—let's get into it! You can find Adrienne at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dradrienne.nd/ Website: https://thrivemenopause.com/ And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.annaholtzman.com⁠

In today's episode, I'm talking with Christine Northrup, an LCSW, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and the owner of Take Root Counseling and Coaching, a group practice specializing in highly individualized eating disorder treatment. Christine also runs ED Recovery Coaching, where she helps individuals deepen their recovery journey. Drawing from her own recovery experience, she works through a somatically oriented, attachment-based lens and is an advanced practitioner of Embodied Recovery for Eating Disorders. We dive into her approach to healing and how she helps clients connect to their capacity for deep, embodied transformation. Stay tuned—it's a conversation you'll want to hear! You can find Christine at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/take_root_counseling Therapy: https://www.takerootcounselingandcoaching.com/ Coaching: https://www.edrecoverycoaching.com/ And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠

In today's episode, I'm talking with Jess Seitz, a trauma-informed pelvic floor occupational therapist and vaginismus recovery coach who helps women around the world break free from the pain and frustration of vaginismus so they can enjoy intimacy without fear. After overcoming vaginismus herself, Jess developed a unique program that's helped dozens of women turn pain into pleasure. We talk about her personal journey, her trauma-informed approach, and how nervous system regulation plays a key role in recovery. Stick around—you won't want to miss it! You can find Jess at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/painfree.intimacy/ Website: https://painfreeintimacy.com/ And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-chronic-pain-to-pass/support

In today's episode, I got to chat with a colleague who I got to meet in person for the first time recently, which was pretty magical. Lauren Garchow is a psychotherapist, mind-body coach, and chronic pain survivor based in Los Angeles, California. Her chronic pain healing journey revealed the mind's powerful ability to change and adapt, igniting her passion to support others in their mind-body healing. With over a decade of experience in the social work field, she currently owns a private practice where she focuses on helping women feel at home in their bodies.  She has successfully guided numerous clients through diverse chronic pain challenges and physical symptoms, with a focus on providing relief for those struggling with dizziness. She helps clients understand the connections between individual, family, community, and societal systems, empowering them to explore their minds and bodies with curiosity and compassion. Lauren deeply values balance in her life. In order for her to show up whole-heartily in this work, she prioritizes having a full life outside of it. She loves listening to live music and currently leads live music shows for up-and-coming artists in Los Angeles. A big part of her healing journey was learning to have more FUN and lighten up on herself, so making time for community, play, and creativity is crucial for her in maintaining her mind-body connection. When Lauren and I spoke, we covered all of the above, plus she shared her experience with a major relapse in chronic pain — and how that relapse, which is a very common experience by the way, actually taught her more about the healing process, which she's about to share with you in this conversation. You can find Lauren at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurengarchow/ Website: https://www.laurengtherapy.com/ And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-chronic-pain-to-pass/support

Welcome back, dear listener. In today's episode, I got to chat with someone I've admired from afar for a long time, Whitney Rydman.   I first came across Whitney some years ago, when I was early in my recovery from migraine and I was binging Nicole Sachs's podcast, which is called The Cure for Chronic Pain. Whitney was a guest who came on the podcast to talk about her own personal recovery from pelvic pain. She had such an engaging and inspiring voice that I wanted to know more, so I followed her on Instagram, as one does. And I eventually learned that Whitney is not only an incredible person who talks about her own healing in a relatable and uplifting way, she's also the amazing graphic designer behind the websites and social media branding of many well-known names in the chronic pain recovery world, including Nicole Sachs, Alan Gordon, the Curable app and more.   But she didn't start out in the mind-body world. Whitney studied graphic design at the California College of the Arts in San Francisco and shortly after college, she was recruited as the lead designer for Jamba Juice, applying her hand-lettering and illustration skills as part of her design work for all their in-store collateral. Other brands she's worked on include Pottery Barn, West Elm, and Williamns-Sonoma. But after working as a corporate designer in the retail space for over 15 years, she reached a point of burnout and her body let her know. She discovered what she was experiencing was TMS — or mind-body chronic symptoms — and she was amazed at the results of using neuroplasticity in her recovery. Since then, she became passionate about using her design experience to service experts in the mind body space.   Whitney also winds up coaching her design clients on what has become my favorite topic lately: How the entrepreneurship journey totally mirrors the mind-body healing journey, with all of its ups and downs, leaps forward and setbacks, and I can't wait to share with you our conversation about it!    You can find Whitney at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.design.remedy/ Website: https://thedesignremedy.com/   And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠ Journaling Course: www.annaholtzman.com/writingtorelease --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-chronic-pain-to-pass/support

Welcome back, dear listener. In today's episode, I got to chat about the intersection between nervous system regulation and sex with my wonderful guest Vanessa Blackstone.   Vanessa is a therapist, a citizen of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and she is the Executive Director of the Pain Psychology Center as well as a co-author of The Pain Reprocessing Therapy Workbook, which is available for pre-order now and comes out on November 1st, so I definitely recommend you grab a copy.   Vanessa earned her M.S. in Social Work from the University of Southern California and, following her own personal recovery from chronic pain, Vanessa began her career as a therapist in 2018. In addition to chronic pain treatment, she specializes in sex therapy, substance use and recovery, and mindfulness based relapse prevention, and she also works on film sets as an On-set Wellness Professional.   Outside of her professional roles, Vanessa is a former foster youth who advocates for current and former foster youth by sharing her personal experiences in public speaking events.   I have wanted to meet Vanessa for a while, but I was especially grateful to have a conversation with her about sex. Even in the year 2024, sex is STILL a taboo topic and it's hard to find useful information that centers our human experience around sex, which includes our emotions, our beliefs, and our nervous systems as well as our physical sensations. Sex is an area where many folks with chronic pain struggle and feel isolated in that struggle. So, I am honored to share this conversation with Vanessa, who brings such compassion and humanity to the subject of sex.   You can find Vanessa at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/that.therapist Book: https://www.newharbinger.com/9781648483769/the-pain-reprocessing-therapy-workbook/ The Pain Psychology Center: https://www.painpsychologycenter.com/our-team/   And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠Journaling Course: www.annaholtzman.com/writingtorelease --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-chronic-pain-to-pass/support

Welcome back, dear listener. In today's episode, I got to have a very interesting conversation with my colleague Katie LaCelle. We talked about using Internal Family Systems Therapy to recover from insomnia, we talked about detoxing from early childhood survival habits of urgency and overwork, we talked about so many nuances of the mind-body process that I'm almost sure you'll see yourself in at least some part of our chat.   Katie is a somatic IFS practitioner & leadership coach. She is passionate about helping her clients uncover their own internal wise leaders and reconnect with their deepest embodied intuition. IFS, or internal family systems, is a trauma-informed modality that can help you get present, rewire your brain, and regulate your nervous system. Katie regularly assists the IFS Institute in training therapists and practitioners, and she is currently pursuing her somatic experiencing practitioner certification. Fun fact: Katie has worked part time in the circus for 8 years, coaching and performing on the flying trapeze. I hope that's got you curious. Now, here's our conversation.   You can find Katie at:Website: https://www.cressanallc.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cressanallc/   And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠ Journaling Course: www.annaholtzman.com/writingtorelease --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-chronic-pain-to-pass/support

Welcome back, dear listener. In today's episode, I got to chat with another dear friend and colleague, Petra Schmider. And I'm so excited to have Petra on the podcast to talk about a condition that is getting a lot more attention lately, but that is also surrounded by a lot of confusion and conflicting information. Petra has a deep body of knowledge and understanding about Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, or EDS, because she herself was diagnosed with EDS. She's also a mind-body practitioner who has used mind-body techniques to recover from debilitating pain associated with EDS. And she's going to take us deeply into the complexities of how a genetic and incurable condition like EDS can be intertwined with neuroplastic pain, which very much can be reduced or even eliminated through the use of mind-body techniques. It's a fascinating conversation that can be applied to many other conditions as well, not just EDS, and I can't wait for you to hear this. You can find Petra at:Website: https://www.painawaycoach.com/our-story Email: painawaycoach@gmail.com Petra's recovery story on The Curiosity Cure podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2e29-petras-pain-recovery-dream-life/id1595415545?i=1000661834736   And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠Journaling Course: www.annaholtzman.com/writingtorelease --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-chronic-pain-to-pass/support

Welcome back dear listeners. Today, I have no guest because I'm going to share another talk that I gave recently. Using my voice is something that I've discovered I love to do. And something I'm particularly passionate about is breaking down the concepts of chronic pain recovery into very simple language. There are lots of different ways to communicate these concepts, and there are many very eloquent practitioners and researchers out there who use neuroscience terminology, facts and figures from research studies, and other lofty sounding language to communicate these ideas. And that is fantastic! That kind of language really speaks to people in a particular way and it serves a specific purpose in our society. And, my contribution to this conversation about mind-body healing comes in a very different type of language from that. Because my personal mission is really about encouraging people, like you, the listener, to develop trust in your own inner wisdom and your own innate understanding of your own lived experience.   And to encourage that, I make it a point whenever I can to use everyday language. And instead of using a lot of scientific jargon — not that it doesn't have its place — I prefer to use everyday metaphors to help you understand that, just by being alive, you already have all the tools you need to understand what's going on in your mind and body. It's really just about tuning in and paying attention, and leaning into what you already know about life based on other experiences that we can use as metaphors. That's what I do in all of my courses and programs, and it's why so many students who have taken my course, Writing to Release Chronic Pain, have told me that they finally understand this work, because I've broken it down so simply. I think it's also why members of my groups feel so empowered to speak their own truth, tell their own story and develop to their own unique path to healing that works for them! If that's something that's important to you, I welcome you to join us for the biweekly meetings of my membership group, where we get together to share, support each other, and continue to develop that sense of self-trust and confidence in our journeys. You can join by going to my website annaholtzman.com/writingtorelease where you can enroll in that course, and included in your enrollment is a two-month pass to my group coaching membership and the option to stay on and become an ongoing member. Again, the URL to enroll is annaholtzman.com/writingtorelease   And now, I hope you'll enjoy this talk in which I'll break down the process of chronic pain recovery into three simple concepts. Fair warning, this talk does include some mild bathroom humor.   You can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-chronic-pain-to-pass/support

Welcome back, dear listener. In today's episode, I got to chat with a dear friend and colleague, Phil de la Haye.   Phil is an Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner and mind-body coach based near Bristol in the UK. He has his own history of chronic pain, so he has a personal interest in this work and a great passion for supporting other people who are in recovery from chronic symptoms.    I personally find the IFS framework to be incredibly helpful with chronic symptom recovery and Phil did an amazing job of explaining that framework in our conversation, so I know you'll get a lot out of this episode.   Phil and I met about three years ago through some Facebook group I think — probably a group for mind-body practitioners, but I was already familiar with Phil's story after hearing him interviewed on a podcast called The Cure for Chronic Pain with Nicole Sachs. Anyway, somehow, we connected, and we've been meeting on Zoom together about once a month off and on.   In theory we meet to talk about client work and offer each other support with that. But quite often we wind up sharing our own personal experiences, how stress shows up in our bodies as we continue to be human beings, and just to generally connect. And I'm sharing this because developing friendships and connections with other people who “get it” has been such an important and enjoyable part of my own recovery from chronic pain — and my development as a person.   It's a big part of the reason that I created my monthly membership group, the Mind-Body Support Circle. We meet up twice a month on Zoom to talk about chronic symptom recovery, to journal together, and most importantly to share honestly and vulnerably with each other and give and receive support! It's such a simple, beautiful thing. I remember one group member recently saying, “we are changing the world by doing this together.” And I totally agree with that.   If you would like to join us, you can do so by signing up for my signature journaling course, Writing to Release Chronic Pain. When you sign up, you'll be invited to two months of complementary membership in the Support Circle so that you can experience it and see if it's for you. I'd love to get to know you there. To learn more, visit my website, annaholtzman.com/writingtorelease   And now, without further ado, please enjoy this conversation with Phil de la Haye.   You can find Phil at: Website: www.phildelahaye.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/phildelahayeifs/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/phildelahayeifs FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/901827657282916   And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠ Journaling Course: www.annaholtzman.com/writingtorelease --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-chronic-pain-to-pass/support

Welcome back, dear listener. Today's episode is a little bit different from what I usually do on this podcast. Because earlier this year, I did something quite a bit outside my comfort zone, and now I want to share it with you. I'll cut to the chase, the thing I did was I got on stage and told a very intimate and personal story about my own healing. It was an empowering experience, and I know that my story touched people and helped people, as I hope it will do for you too. Now, you might be wondering, how on earth did I get up the courage to step on stage and tell this story out loud, with microphone, like, how did I get to this point? And here's what I'll share with you. Now first off, I'm not suggesting that everyone needs to get up on stage and tell their story as part of your healing. I mean that might just not be your thing. But we all have something that we're yearning to do, some way that we are wanting to take our place in the world, some way that we're wanting to affirm being alive, and it's probably something that both calls to us and scares us a little. And for me, that was the case with speaking on stage. It was calling to me — and it also scared the crap out of me. And to make a long story short, the way that I gradually moved through my fear to follow my calling was by taking small steps in safe spaces with support that I trusted. I worked with a wonderful speaking coach named Chantelle Adams, shout out to Chantelle. And I practiced in a small group of the most supportive, kind and inspiring peers who were part of a coaching cohort.   I am such a strong believer in group coaching, because it has helped me overcome so many different fears, and it has helped me to step forward into my passions in life in so many different ways.   And that's also the reason why, this year, I have launched my own group coaching program to support people — perhaps like you — to heal from chronic pain so you can pursue your own passion. My group meets twice per month on Zoom and it is just the most wonderfully supportive, loving, kind, wise group of people. We come together, we talk about different topics in chronic pain recovery. We share struggles and triumphs. And we support each other. And if this sounds like something you'd like to experience, I would love to have you join us. And you can do that now, simply by enrolling in my signature journaling course, Writing to Release Chronic Pain, which you'll find on my website, www.annaholtzman.com/writingtorelease . And when you enroll in the course, you'll be invited to join us for two months of group coaching to test it out, and see if you'd like to become an ongoing monthly member. I would love to see you there, and if you have questions about the program, you can email me at anna@annaholtzman.com And with that, I'm now gonna to share with you an intimate story about my healing, that I told on stage.   You can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-chronic-pain-to-pass/support

Welcome back, dear listeners. In this episode, it was so fun to meet a kindred spirit who, like me, used to work in television and is now a mind-body practitioner. And also like me, this guest is a big proponent of self-compassion and self-trust.   Rebecca Tolin is a mind-body coach, educator and writer who comes to this field through a 13-year saga with chronic fatigue syndrome. After seeing 50 practitioners, Rebecca finally recovered through the mind-body model. This experience was so profound that she's devoted her work to helping people with chronic fatigue, long COVID and other neuroplastic symptoms. Rebecca is the creator of the Be Your Own Medicine course, which blends mind-body education with somatic meditation, emotional awareness, exposure therapy and nervous system regulation. She spreads science and story through her blog and YouTube channel. And prior to this career, Rebecca worked as a broadcast journalist for ABC, NBC and PBS affiliates.  Although this was the first time that Rebecca and I ever spoke, I felt like we had known each other for years, and I think you'll enjoy the energy of that connection while you receive Rebecca's messages of hope and recovery in this conversation.   You can find Rebecca at: Website: https://www.rebeccatolin.com/ Free somatic meditation: https://www.rebeccatolin.com/newsletter   And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-chronic-pain-to-pass/support

Welcome back, dear listeners. I'm so glad to bring you this conversation with my guest Amy Corfeli, about living with endometriosis and using mind-body tools to manage the symptoms of a physical, biological condition.   Amy, whose pronouns are she/her, is an endometriosis advocate who was diagnosed with endo at thirty-three, sixteen years after her symptoms began. She's the host of the podcast In Sixteen Years of Endometriosis, which explores endometriosis with a multidisciplinary focus, including interviews with excision surgeons, discussions on mental health, and more.   Amy is also the author of Finding Peace with a Devastating Disease. It's a beautifully raw and honest collection of seventy-six reflections on acceptance, meaning, and self-compassion. Amy's advocacy goals are to help empower patients to make informed decisions about their care, and to open discussions on how to improve our quality of life on both a physical and emotional level.   I think this conversation is important for so many reasons. There's far too little understanding and knowledge about endometriosis, and I personally learned a ton about it from Amy. But beyond this specific condition, we spoke about the limitations of black-and-white, all-or-nothing thinking when it comes to distinctions and intersections between our physical and our emotional experiences, which is something that I think every listener will relate to in some way.   You can find Amy at: Instagram: @in16yearsofendo  En español: @endo.en.lo.profundo   Website: www.insixteenyears.com Podcast: In Sixteen Years of Endometriosis  Spotify podcast link: https://open.spotify.com/show/5t49D3WuwGZjON2secRNAK Book: Finding Peace with a Devastating Disease (available on Amazon worldwide)   And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-chronic-pain-to-pass/support

Welcome back, dear listeners. I'm excited to share with you a raw and unfiltered conversation I had with my friend and colleague Deb Malkin, all about the beautifully messy reality of being a human being who is evolving and growing while also helping others to heal and grow.   Deb, whose pronouns are she/they, is a feminist, master certified mind-body pain recovery coach, specializing in using the tools of neuro + bioplasticity and consciously curious hypno-coaching to help people unlearn pain and emotional stress symptoms in order to feel better and pursue their amazing lives. Deb has helped clients recover from back pain, migraines, fibromyalgia, GI pain and more.   Deb and I are also part of a cohort of mind-body coaches who get together about twice a month and let it all hang out together, which has been so instrumental for my growth. And as we'll talk about, it's not always easy letting yourself be vulnerable, even in the most supportive of spaces. But what I find over and over again is that it's so worth it, because the healing and growth that comes from allowing ourselves to connect with one another through our vulnerability and honesty is really the only gateway to joy in life, as far as I can tell. So, here's me and Deb getting real with each other — and with you — about what it's like to be a beautifully messy human being who helps other beautifully messy human beings. And I hope this conversation serves as a permission slip to let your own beautiful messiness shine through. You can find Deb at: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/curiositycure.coach/ Website - https://www.thecuriositycure.com Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-curiosity-cure-mindbody-wellness/id1595415545   And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-chronic-pain-to-pass/support

Welcome back, dear listeners. In this episode, I got to go really deep with my friend and guest Leanne Rose, and we went to some places that you might not be expecting on this podcast. But I think you'll discover pretty quickly why and how Leanne's work relates the chronic pain recovery. Leanne is a trained mental health professional and interpersonal therapist who has transitioned into the realm of energetics and source trance channeling. Leanne brings a unique perspective on how energy impacts our well-being, which is especially relevant to chronic pain recovery. She believes, as I do, that pain is a message, an energetic signal from our deepest place of knowing that there's an underlying misalignment in our lives that needs attention and care. Leanne is also known for her work with high-level entrepreneurs, guiding them to achieve not just financial success but also a deeper connection to themselves and the world around them. More broadly, her insights into energy and its role in our lives can offer valuable lessons for all of us on the journey from chronic pain to passion. I felt so deeply connected to Leanne during this conversation as she shared openly and vulnerably about her own journey and I'm honored to invite you into the conversation with us.   You can find Leanne at: Website: https://www.thegalaylacollective.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamleannerose/   And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-chronic-pain-to-pass/support

Welcome back, dear listeners. In this episode, my heart was bursting with joy to have this sweet reunion with a former coaching client!   Courtney LaCaria is the farmer and fiber artist behind the company, Form and Function Creative. She lives with her family on an alpaca farm that focuses on regenerative practices and provides the fleece that she spins into yarn and weaves into fiber goodies. Finding inspiration in nature and stories, Courtney's work reflects her love for art as both product and practice, creating fiber art that embodies the elements of joy, connection, and gratitude. When she is not making art, she's in the kitchen baking or outside in the garden.   I met Courtney when she joined my journaling course, Writing to Release Chronic Pain, and we subsequently did some coaching together. She had already dipped her toes into mind-body medicine world, but she was still struggling with frequent and persistent migraine headaches at the time. It's been such a heart-warming experience to see her journey unfold into greater ease, self-trust, and a blossoming creative practice and business. When I get to do this kind of work with clients and students, yes it's about educating people on theories and practices of mind-body healing, but at the core, it's really about developing relationship and care and connection — both between practitioner and client, and between the various parts of ourselves. And I think that's really going to come through as you listen to this conversation.     You can find Courtney at: Website: https://www.formandfunctioncreative.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/formandfunctioncreative   And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-chronic-pain-to-pass/support

Welcome back, dear listeners. In this episode, I'm excited to share with you a conversation I had with my colleague Shaheen Jaffary.   Shaheen helps midlife women to be free from neuroplastic chronic pain or other stress-induced, persistent conditions in her capacity as a SIRPA Trained mind body coach and award-winning Holistic Therapist. She supports clients via her online coaching programs as well as through reflexology and other holistic treatments at her treatment center in the city of Leeds, in the UK. She pairs reflexology with mind body coaching for women suffering from an array of symptoms including anxiety, chronic pain, chronic insomnia, and perimenopause.   Like me, Shaheen came into this work through her own pain experience, and in our conversation, she shared the story of her recovery from persistent, long-term back pain. We also spoke about a topic that's certainly on my mind at this stage of my life, which is menopause and perimenopause. This natural, biological life phase has been considered taboo for way too long, and I was eager to hear Shaheen's take on how a mind-body approach can be applied to navigating these changes. Whether or not you have a uterus, I think this conversation will be relevant to anyone who feels frustrated by black-and-white thinking when it comes to acknowledging the biological aspects as well as the psychological and emotional aspects of physical symptoms. I hope you enjoy our chat as much as I did!   You can find Shaheen at: Website for in-person treatment: www.leedsholistichealth.co.uk Website for virtual coaching: www.painfreewithshaheen.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leedsholistichealth/   And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-chronic-pain-to-pass/support

Welcome back, dear listeners. In this episode I got to reconnect with a colleague I met in Canada in a program where we shared our stories and our work out loud on stage. Kristi McLeod totally blew me away when she did a demo of her work with an audience member. And I knew that I had to have her on this podcast — partly so that you could learn about the work she does, and selfishly, so that I could be her client for a demo, which you'll hear in this episode.   Kristi is a multidisciplinary healer, mentor, and teacher who is here to help shift the paradigm of how wellness and mental health is viewed. Kristi is on a mission to guide practitioners, entrepreneurs, and organizations to becoming regulated AF so that they can be more at ease, effective and efficient in their business.   With a foundational focus on nervous system regulation, she guides you to a felt sense of safety while teaching you about your nervous systems responses. And to take it a step further, she helps reveal and resolve the root of what is causing dysregulation, which, as we know, is often the underlying root of so many different kinds of symptoms.   In our conversation, Kristi shared about how she came to this work through her own journey of recovery from depression and how she uses the very same processes to work with chronic pain as well.   I felt so safe and supported by Kristi during the demo she did, where I sat in as the client, and there was some raw emotion that came up for me. Just a content warning, the subject matter that I shared about as Kristi's client has to do with a traumatic sexual experience in my teen years. We don't go into much detail about it, we were working mainly with present-time emotion, but if that could be a triggering topic for you, please use your own discernment when choosing to listen. With that said, I so enjoyed recording this episode with Kristi. I think you'll get a ton out of it, as I did, and I am honored to be sharing her work with you!   You can find Kristi at: Website: https://www.somaskyewellness.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somaskyewellness/   And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-chronic-pain-to-pass/support

Welcome back, dear listeners. On this episode, I sat down for a chat with Andrew. Andrew is someone I met through Instagram — it's funny that how that happens. Once you start sharing your own story, it's like you become a lighthouse and when other people who see the light you're shining resonate with your story or with the work you're doing, they will seek you out. And if you relate to their story too, you can wind up months later feeling like you know this person just from exchanging messages about a common experience that you share. And that was the case with Andrew. He first reached out to me when he was quite a bit earlier along in his journey, struggling with pelvic pain that was diagnosed as pudendal neuralgia, often known as cyclist syndrome, which was fitting in his case, because Andrew is an avid cyclist. So, you can imagine how much this type of pain interfered not only with his life in general, but also more specifically with cycling, an activity that he's passionate about. So, when Andrew reached a stage in his process where he's now sharing his recovery story with others to give them hope and direction, I really wanted to get him on this podcast to share his experience with you! And without further introduction, here is our conversation.   You can find Andrew at: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmbcyclist/   And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-chronic-pain-to-pass/support

Welcome back, dear listeners. On this episode, I had the pleasure of meeting up with Harry Macansh, a speaker and wellness coach who recovered from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) after initially being told that this condition was incurable. He now helps others to recover as well.    Over more than half a decade, Harry has spent upwards of a quarter of a million dollars in the US & Australia acquiring an arsenal of knowledge and modalities that he now affordably delivers to others, both from stage through 1-to-1 coaching.   When Harry reached out to me, I immediately jumped at the chance to connect and chat, because it just so happens that I was preparing to speak onstage about my own chronic pain recovery for the first time, and I'm fascinated by the connection between recovery and the pull to break through that nearly universal human fear of public speaking to share our stories out loud. Harry and I had a brain tingling conversation about this and I'm excited to share it with you. Here we go.   You can find Harry at: https://www.instagram.com/harrymacansh/   And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-chronic-pain-to-pass/support

Welcome back, dear listeners. It was so fun to record this chat with someone who's both a good friend and a colleague. May Flam is a leadership coach with nearly 10 years of experience helping busy professionals who are parents to curb their resentment and burnout at work and at home. She is based in Hoboken, New Jersey.   During our conversation, we talked about May's chronic pain recovery story and how that journey relates to the work she does as a coach, specifically in helping people learn the principals of a method called Fair Play, which shows parents and couples how to co-create a more equitable distribution of household work, so that they can free up space in their brain to let go, un-scrunch their shoulders and cut their nervous systems some much needed slack. I have personally benefited from May's wisdom in this area, and we talked about that too! So if you wanna pick up some truly useful tips and get a peek into both of our personal home lives, take a load off and join us!   You can find May at:   Website: mayflam.com Free Domestic Strengths Quiz: https://mayflam.lpages.co/domestic-strengths-quiz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayflam/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayflam/ TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@mayflamthecoach   And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-chronic-pain-to-pass/support

Welcome back, dear listeners, before we get into today's episode, I wanted to invite you to a live online workshop that I'm hosting called Journaling for Chronic Pain Relief. Journaling was a hugely important tool in my recovery, and I'm going to teach you how to release emotions, tension and pain from your body through writing in a way that's gentle and safe and won't overwhelm your nervous system. I hope that you'll join me, I would love to see and meet you there. The workshop will take place online on Thursday May 2nd at 12pm Eastern (and yes, there will be a replay, but it's only available to you if you register. And you can do that by going to: ⁠www.annaholtzman.com/WritingWorkshop   And now, I'm bringing you an epic episode today. I got to have a brain-tingling conversation with Michael Galinsky. Michael describes himself as an artist based in North Carolina who works as a father, dog walker, filmmaker, photographer, writer, musician and human.   He's also a co-creator of the 2016 film All The Rage: Saved by Sarno, which documents the work of Doctor John Sarno, a pioneer of mind-body medicine working both within and against the tide of the mainstream western medical system. The film also documents Michael's experience of recovering from chronic pain as Sarno's patient.   In our conversation, Michael and I talked about everything from his personal recovery story to the process of making the film to the sociology of chronic pain and how it maps onto historical and political movements. We talked about intergenerational healing and activism. Basically, our conversation bubbled into so many different areas, because the mind-body experience is not at all limited to our physical sensations. If you choose to enter the journey with us — which I hope you do — then buckle up and come along. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-chronic-pain-to-pass/support

Welcome back, dear listeners, before we get into today's episode I wanted to invite you to a live online workshop that I'm hosting called Journaling for Chronic Pain Relief. Journaling was a hugely important tool in my recovery, and I'm going to teach you how to release emotions, tension and pain from your body through writing in a way that's gentle and safe and won't overwhelm your nervous system. I hope that you'll join me, I would love to see and meet you there. The workshop will take place online on Thursday May 2nd at 12pm Eastern (and yes, there will be a replay, but it's only available to you if you register. And you can do that by going to: www.annaholtzman.com/WritingWorkshop And now, I have a really special episode for you today and you'll be interested to hear it if you have any teenagers in your life who struggle with chronic symptoms, or if you experienced chronic symptoms in the teenage years yourself. My guest today is Dr. Jin Lee, PsyD, MSCP, BCB, a licensed pediatric psychologist with a deep specialization in chronic pain and functional neurological disorder in children and adolescents. With extensive training, including a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) and Master's degree (MA) in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and a Postdoctoral Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Psychopharmacology from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Dr. Lee has honed her expertise to become a leading expert in the field. Her passion for pediatric psychology and dedication to improving the lives of young patients are evident through her clinical practice, teaching, and research endeavors. As a founder of her private practice based in Colorado, Your Pediatric Psychologist, Dr. Lee delivers direct clinical care to pediatric patients and collaborates closely with medical teams, school personnel, and community providers to ensure comprehensive care coordination and treatment. Moreover, as the founder of Teen FND Academy, Dr. Lee provides an innovative online psycho-education program and coaching support to adolescents and their families, focusing on resolving chronic pain and functional neurological disorders. Through evidence-based intervention approaches and compassionate care, she empowers teens and their parents to overcome challenges related to chronic pain and FND and achieve better outcomes. Dr. Lee's impact in the field extends beyond her clinical practice through her work as an educator, clinical supervisor and policy advocate in her field. I was so thrilled to have this conversation with Dr. Lee, so without any further intro, I'll invite you to listen in.   You can find Dr. Lee at: Website: https://www.yourpediatricpsychologist.com/ Group program: https://www.teenfndacademy.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeenFND   And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-chronic-pain-to-pass/support

In this episode, I tell three raw, personal stories about how the body can react to fear with a wide range of surprising symptoms — and how we can help our body feel safe again so that symptoms can subside. Story #1: How a gut renovation triggered a gut reaction. Story #2: How a bus driver's kindness was all the medicine I needed. Story #3: An allergic reaction to my own anger, and how I moved through it. I hope these stories help you normalize the ways that your body responds to everyday stress, and soothe your body back into regulation. With love, Anna You can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-chronic-pain-to-pass/support

Welcome dear listeners to this solo episode! It's been a while since I did an episode without a guest, and I wanted to chat one on one with YOU today about a topic that's been coming up in a lot of my groups, including my recent Healing with Purpose program, which just wrapped (thank you for all who joined, it was a fantastic group!) This topic is exposure therapy for chronic pain recovery. What I find is that many people on the chronic pain recovery path are familiar with the concept of exposure therapy, but might not realize that there are two very different styles of exposure therapy for chronic pain: Flooding and Graded Exposure. It's important to understand the differences between these two approaches so that you can better assess which one might be a fit for you. And that's what I'll talk about in today's episode, so I hope you'll listen and let me know what you think and what questions come up for you! You can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: anna@annaholtzman.com Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-chronic-pain-to-pass/support

Hello dear listener, welcome to today's episode, in which I was interviewed by my colleague Catherine Courtice about the importance of self-compassion in healing from chronic symptoms.   Catherine is a writer, speaker, advocate and educator empowering those facing chronic pain and life-altering diagnoses. Her background in Kinesiology, Education, mobility, therapy, and coaching provides deep insight into the human experience. Having journeyed through chronic pain herself, she brings empathy, insight, and resilience to everything she does. Her 'wholistic' approach combines practical strategies, spiritual principles, and mindfulness techniques, guiding clients to find hope amidst life's challenges. Catherine's inspiring debut book, Embracing Life After Diagnosis:When Life Gives You Lemons, Choose the Lime, invites readers to embrace their unique healing journey and discover their limitless potential to live a fulfilling life after a life-altering diagnosis. Catherine lives and works in Wolfe Island, Ontario.   I was honored to be interviewed by Catherine as part of her Overcome Chronic Pain interview series, and I hope you'll enjoy our conversation about the key role that self-compassion plays in healing.   You can find Catherine at: Website: https://www.catherinecourtice.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/overcomechronicpain/   And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-chronic-pain-to-pass/support

Hello dear listener, welcome to today's episode, in which I got to have a conversation with someone I've been a big fan of for quite a while.   My guest, Dani Fagan, specializes in the care of the chronic condition/mind-body medicine community, having healed from years of chronic pain and anxiety using these tools herself. She is a coach and teaches yoga, meditation and breath work to the self-healing community. Her approach harnesses the power of the nervous system to help folks recover from chronic symptoms by training the body-mind into a place of safety and authenticity, and out of fight-flight-freeze-fawn survival mode.   Dani has a fantastic website called mytmsjourney.com, which is a go-to resource for mind-body healing, and I highly recommend it. I couldn't get enough of our conversation, because Dani is so real and raw and truly herself, and that felt like a great big permission slip to be myself. It might just feel that way to you too, so take a listen.   You can find Dani at: Website: https://mytmsjourney.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytms_journey/   And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com

Hello dear listener, welcome to today's episode, in which I had the pleasure of speaking with my colleague and fellow seeker Daniel Atkins.   Daniel holds the title of Doctor of Psychology but is currently practicing as a channeler and intuitive psychologist. He guides individuals and group workshops to understand the lineages and layers of emotion and belief-based trauma they carry from early life, ancestry, and beyond. He combines the foundation of his trauma-focused clinical training with intuitive, heart-based wisdom, energy medicine, and access to higher forms of consciousness.   Daniel was trained as a clinical psychologist and personally navigated a more-than year journey with a misunderstood medical diagnosis. His personal journey led him to seek beyond the traditional bounds of western medicine in order to heal himself and develop the tools to guide others.   His exploration led him to various forms of intuitive knowledge, the mind-body connection, and the energetic chakra system, all of which he now uses to meet the holistic needs of sufferers. He acts as a bridge between the world of western psychology and the spiritual realm and he teaches from the philosophy that trauma, in all its forms, invites us into a deeper understanding of our human experience and opens a path to our highest selves.   In addition to serving clients, Daniel hosts a podcast called "Be The Vessel" and channels higher guidance for all who are ready to receive it, and he is writing a book on a new paradigm of healing.   During our conversation, at about 26 minutes in, Daniel tells the story of his recovery and unwinding from a wide variety of symptoms that were inadequately labeled as depression and chronic fatigue.   Our conversation took place during the summer of last year, so as Daniel's journey continues to evolve, you can check out what he's up to by visiting him at... Instagram: @DrDaniel_Atkins Website: DrDanielAtkins.com Patreon: @ patreon.com/BeTheVessel And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com

Hello dear listener, welcome to today's episode, in which I got to interview one of my all-time heroes in mind-body medicine. My guest, Dr. Howard Schubiner, is an internist and pediatrician, who attained the rank of full Professor at Wayne State University School of Medicine in 1999 and is now a Clinical Professor at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. He is a fellow in the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics. He has authored more than 100 publications in scientific journals and books, and he lectures regionally, nationally, and internationally. Dr. Schubiner is the author of Unlearn Your Pain, Unlearn Your Anxiety and Depression, and the co-author (with Dr. Allan Abbass) of Hidden From View. He maintains a virtual mind-body medicine practice at cormendihealth.com. During our conversation, Dr. Schubiner told a powerful personal story that I'd never heard before, despite listening to many of his talks, and you definitely don't want to miss it, because this story is a phenomenal demonstration of how this mind-body healing work actually works in real life.   You can find Dr. Howard Schubiner at...   Practicing at Cormendihealth.com Website: unlearnyourpain.com Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/reign-of-pain PPDA: https://ppdassociation.org/ And you can find me at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com