Here For Me

Writer Caroline Donofrio returns to Here For Me to discuss the significant life events she experienced over the last year and what she's learned about grief and burnout. She shares how she faced a decision to quit, pivot, or pause in her work and how it led to self-discovery and growth. She also shares insights on personal transformation, emphasizing the importance of quieting the noise to hear your inner voice, setting boundaries, and how saying no creates space for aligned, meaningful opportunities.

Lily Sais, a former school psychologist and founder of Peace From Within, shares her personal experiences with anxiety, panic attacks, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, detailing how her struggles led her to discover a simpler, more compassionate way to understand her feelings. Through the lens of the three principles—mind, thought, and consciousness—she learned to recognize her innate wisdom, the transient nature of thoughts, and that anxiety did not have to define her. Lily also emphasizes that the only thing wrong with us is the belief that there is something wrong with us.

Author, podcast host, and consultant Cavanaugh James shares his journey from a childhood steeped in evangelical Christianity to a more authentic expression of self, particularly regarding his faith and sexuality. Cavanaugh reflects on pivotal moments that led him to embrace his true identity, including a transformative conversation with the Lord that encouraged him to live authentically without abandoning his faith. He also shares more about his book, Read the Room, which offers tools for building relational equity and developing meaningful connections in life and business.   

In the premiere episode of Season 5, Nicole opens up about her journey of choosing herself and living with purpose, not just because trauma forced her to do so, but because it's what's right for her. She shares how recent experiences—from moving cities to a sudden health scare—have shaped what it means to be here for herself. Nicole also emphasizes that living purposefully isn't always about grand life-changing moments, but that it can simply be about living authentically, which also requires immense courage and patience.

Rabbi Cantor Judy Greenfeld shares her personal journey of overcoming tragedy, including the murder of her father when she was just 16 years old, the subsequent disconnection from her Jewish roots, and how her search for meaning ultimately led her to an integrated approach to Judaism, connecting people, and healing.  As a spiritual leader, Judy encourages everyone to embrace their imperfections, feel into their experiences, and explore spirituality beyond the confines of traditional Judaism. Known for her vibrant approach to integrating various healing modalities into Jewish rituals and traditions, and welcoming interfaith families as well as those who feel disconnected from Judaism, Judy's story is a testament to the transformative power of faith, self-discovery, and creating community.

Life coach and intentional living expert Catherine Andrews shares how she transformed her successful-on-paper life into a purposeful, spiritually attuned journey. She provides tangible tips and techniques for how we can all follow suit, pushing past deep fear, self-judgement, and shame—even embracing what feels delusional but is really a sign of true desire—to find inner trust, alignment, and live the life that's meant for us.

James Beard award-winning chef and author Renee Erickson joins Here For Me's first-ever live show, recorded in April 2023 in Seattle. Renee shares the story of how a part-time job at a Seattle restaurant turned into an unexpected, yet remarkable career as a renowned chef and restaurateur, and all the setbacks and challenges she's encountered along the way.

We're doing something a little different with this episode—Nicole is in the guest chair! Kelly Henderson, host of the Velvet's Edge podcast, and Nicole dive deep into Nicole's riveting personal story of overcoming narcissistic abuse, finding authenticity, and starting over. In addition to sharing her insights on the damaging effects of abusive relationships, Nicole also reveals how her battle with health issues, including a debilitating virus and eye cancer, led her to reassess her life and relationships. This ultimately led Nicole to leave her corporate career and her marriage, launch a business and podcast, and dedicate herself to healing through therapy, storytelling, and music. Kelly and Nicole also open up about their similar experiences with narcissistic abuse, emphasizing the importance of recognizing how others' behavior impacts us and sharing how these dynamics played out in their lives.

Parenting activist, best-selling author, and founder of Tilt Parenting Debbie Reber shares her story of raising a differently wired child and riding out life's many unexpected detours. From becoming an outspoken voice in neurodivergent parenting to discovering her own neurodivergence, Debbie shares her wisdom for letting go of control, being gentle with and accepting of yourself and others, and advocating for what you—and your family—need in your life.

Entrepreneur Lisa Ehrlich joins Here For Me on the heels of the release of “Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter,” the documentary film on her late ex-husband and business partner, sharing the twists and turns her life took from restaurant stardom to personal setbacks, reinvention, and reframing how she evaluates who and what is allowed in her world.

Kelly Henderson, celebrity hair and make-up artist, stylist, and host of the popular Velvet's Edge podcast, reflects on her experiences in the public eye, particularly her role on a reality TV show and the fallout of a public friendship. She shares how the aftermath of these events affected her perceptions of herself, but also was a catalyst for healing and growth that changed how she shows up for herself and in the world. Kelly highlights the significance of self-love and the journey inward as pivotal steps toward fostering a happier, healthier life and more fulfilling relationships. She also discusses the significant role that therapy, especially somatic work, played in her ongoing healing journey.

In this emotionally powerful and introspective episode, Nicole opens up about the upheaval, challenges, and profound lessons that unfolded after her move from Seattle to San Diego in the aftermath of a freak virus. She recounts her battle with ocular cancer, being declared cancer-free, leaving a 25-year career, the end of her marriage, and the realization that it was time to leave San Diego and embark on a new chapter. Through her candid storytelling, Nicole illustrates the importance of being here for me—the practice of choosing oneself and engaging in self-care during life's most tumultuous storms. As she prepares to bid farewell to San Diego, a city that has been both a safe haven and a catalyst for growth, Nicole reflects on the weight she has carried from the past five years. She shares her realization that some burdens are meant to be left behind, allowing for a newfound sense of freedom and alignment with the authentic self. Nicole's journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the courage to trust one's intuition, even when it means going against the grain.

Rabbi Cantor Judy Greenfeld shares her personal journey of overcoming tragedy, including the murder of her father when she was just 16 years old, the subsequent disconnection from her Jewish roots, and how her search for meaning ultimately led her to an integrated approach to Judaism, connecting people, and healing.  As a spiritual leader, Judy encourages everyone to embrace their imperfections, feel into their experiences, and explore spirituality beyond the confines of traditional Judaism. Known for her vibrant approach to integrating various healing modalities into Jewish rituals and traditions, and welcoming interfaith families as well as those who feel disconnected from Judaism, Judy's story is a testament to the transformative power of faith, self-discovery, and creating community.

Lori Reising is the founder of The Raw and Wild Hearts, a therapeutic practice and podcast where she supports and guides people into their inherent truth to magnetize the lives they came here to thrive from. She joins Nicole for a heartfelt conversation on the essence of human awakening and living as a spiritual being in this dense 3D world. She reveals how her personal struggles, including giving birth to a stillborn daughter and a near-death experience, led her to the profound realization that her path transcends traditional motherhood to include the divine nurturing of the collective. Lori's insights into self-mothering, unlearning societal constraints, destroying our culture of fear, and aligning with our “soul blueprint” highlight the power of inner trust and the importance of community in finding our purpose, or as Lori says, our own personal North Star, in this lifetime.

Jessalynn Biederstadt, host of the Invisible Scars podcast and survivor of complex childhood trauma, most notably sexual assault at the age of ten, joins Nicole to share her harrowing journey from experiencing neglect, turmoil, and abuse to finding strength in facing her trauma head-on and the deep healing that followed. They discuss the difficulties of processing and acknowledging personal trauma, the importance of therapy, medication, and self-care in healing, and the power of speaking out and choosing to prioritize oneself. Jessalynn's bravery in sharing her experience is a beacon of hope for others navigating their path to recovering from deep-seated trauma, emphasizing the enduring power of courage, self-awareness, and the continuous journey towards healing.

Nicole reflects on the nonlinear nature of grief, and how it comes and goes, during this heartfelt episode that coincides with the 10th anniversary of her dear friend Michele's passing. She talks about how grief never ends, but shape-shifts, and shares some of her cherished memories with Michele and the profound impact her friend still has on her life. Nicole also offers comfort and advice to listeners grappling with grief of their own. Her tribute to Michele underscores the lasting influence of loved ones and the significance of remembering them through the many facets of grieving.

Chad Bell, founder & CEO of Achilles Coffee Roasters, recounts his inspiring journey of overcoming drug and alcohol addiction and becoming a successful entrepreneur. He shares the story of his personal transformation and how he learned fear is a catalyst for growth, a sign he's challenging himself to reach his potential, and how following fear led to him becoming someone unrecognizable to his younger self. He also discusses his road to sobriety, filled with setbacks and steps forward, and how addiction prepared him for the wild ride of entrepreneurship. Chad's story is a testament to the transformative power of self-awareness, determination, and choosing to be present for oneself and others.

Suzie Clark, founder of Female Leadership Collective, shares how she left a seemingly perfect life in London—including a high-powered, yet unfulfilling, career as a banker—and moved to Bali to live a more purposeful life. She talks about the missteps and mistakes along her path to finding meaning and joy in online entrepreneurship, and how she's now helping other women leave their corporate careers to do the same. Suzie emphasizes the importance of aligning your values with your life and work, practicing self-care, and defining success on your own terms. 

In this powerfully candid and gripping episode, Nicole shares—for the first time—painful details of abuse she experienced in her marriage. She walks us through scenes and memories, illustrating how it chipped away at her sense of self, and how a traumatic, yet transformative Reiki experience released her ex-husband's grip on her. Travel with Nicole as she embarks on a post-divorce journey to Maui, a place laden with memories from her marriage and of her ex-husband, where she works with a Reiki master whose guidance aids the deep healing that set her free, and led her to reclaim herself, her voice, and her life. 

Mother of four, best-selling author, top-rated podcaster, and life coach Allie Casazza opens up about how personal struggles, setbacks, and a crumbling marriage pushed her to question everything. She shares her journey of rediscovery, from overcoming religious oppression and mental health struggles to ending her marriage and restructuring her business. As she moved towards healing, Allie wholeheartedly accepted her mistakes and built on the lessons learned. Allie also shares how she revived herself and her business, moved from an 'I have to' to an 'I get to' mentality, and the transformative process she calls ”Becoming Her.”

Kelly Henderson, celebrity hair and make-up artist, stylist, and host of the popular Velvet's Edge podcast, reflects on her experiences in the public eye, particularly her role on a reality TV show and the fallout of a public friendship. She shares how the aftermath of these events affected her perceptions of herself, but also was a catalyst for healing and growth that changed how she shows up for herself and in the world. Kelly highlights the significance of self-love and the journey inward as pivotal steps toward fostering a happier, healthier life and more fulfilling relationships. She also discusses the significant role that therapy, especially somatic work, played in her ongoing healing journey. 

Alexandra Ford, anti-trafficking activist and founder of The Laughing Survivor, shares her heart-wrenching story from victim to survivor to advocate. Alexandra candidly discusses her past as a child advocate, being groomed and sexually assaulted at a young age, falling into drug addiction, and her traumatic entanglement in human trafficking. Despite multiple degrees and working extensively in the helping field, it took her over a decade to recognize her experience could be classified as “trafficking.” Alexandra also discusses her unique approach to healing, the importance of self-compassion, challenging societal norms around abuse and trafficking (including changing the narrative around gender roles), and her quest to create safe spaces for difficult conversations.

We're doing something a little different with this episode—Nicole is in the guest chair! Kelly Henderson, host of the Velvet's Edge podcast, and Nicole dive deep into Nicole's riveting personal story of overcoming narcissistic abuse, finding authenticity, and starting over. In addition to sharing her insights on the damaging effects of abusive relationships, Nicole also reveals how her battle with health issues, including a debilitating virus and eye cancer, led her to reassess her life and relationships. This ultimately led Nicole to leave her corporate career and her marriage, launch a business and podcast, and dedicate herself to healing through therapy, storytelling, and music. Kelly and Nicole also open up about their similar experiences with narcissistic abuse, emphasizing the importance of recognizing how others' behavior impacts us and sharing how these dynamics played out in their lives.

In this deeply moving episode, writer Jane Ratcliffe recounts her life-altering brain and head injury from a freak accident, and the debilitating symptoms she has battled for the past 25 years. Despite experiencing chronic pain and medical struggles, Jane's determination, resilience, and self-advocacy have helped her surmount these challenges. She touches on how she discovered her inner voice and uses it as a compass for dealing with complicated relationship dynamics and societal pressures. She also stresses the importance of true self-love, compassion, and connecting with one's intuition. Jane's story is not only one of survival, but prevailing through adversity by choosing herself in unique ways.

Scout Sobel, founder & CEO of Scout's Agency, author, and podcast host, opens up about living with bipolar disorder and how she learned to manage it by finding safety in her emotional landscape, practicing rigorous self-care, and finding a path for herself as an entrepreneur. From sharing her struggles to function in society to the empowerment she found as a business owner, wife, and mother, and candidly discussing the struggles of early motherhood and the death of self it requires, this conversation is raw, emotional, eye-opening, and wildly inspiring.

Empowerment coach and spiritual guide Diana Min discusses how she prevailed over trauma, addiction, mental health challenges, and deep-seated wounds through the remarkable power of spiritual work and plant medicine. After hitting rock bottom at the age of 26, when she realized she didn't want to live anymore, one phone call landed Diana in the hands of a gifted shamanic healer, who changed her life and led her to find purpose from a lifetime of extraordinary hardship. Her journey led her to discovering multiple healing modalities, including ayahuasca, that she now uses to help others heal, too. 

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Indie Lee, founder of the leading clean beauty skincare company that's her namesake. Indie shares her incredible journey, from going through the motions of life to being told she may have as little as six months to live, a diagnosis that led her to zero in on her life's purpose in 15 minutes. Indie shares how this experience spurred her to build a successful brand while leading from her heart.

Nicole introduces a new season of Here For Me by sharing her powerful journey of prevailing over life's formidable “tower moments.” From battling health issues to leaving an abusive relationship, Nicole's story is one of triumph over darkness. Join her as she explores the profound art of letting go, confronting inner shadows, and fear of speaking her truth, ultimately emerging on the path that was meant for her, shining brighter than ever, and demonstrating that one can prevail with resilience and renewal.

(Re-release from May 2023) Nicole waves goodbye to Season 2 of Here For Me, recapping the key takeaways from the last six episodes and sharing what she's learned navigating her own detours over the last year—through her awakening and alignment, and the accompanying battles with self-doubt and self-worth. She also gives a preview of the theme and purpose of Season 3.

(Re-release from February 2023) Nicole ushers in a new season of Here For Me by discussing detours, and how veering off the path we had planned can be scary and beautiful all at once. In her most personal and vulnerable episode to date, she updates us on how she's fared through the break between seasons, during which she experienced a clearing in the grief after the end of her marriage, and shares the lessons learned from this time of going inward.

(Re-release from April 2023) Life coach and intentional living expert Catherine Andrews shares how she transformed her successful-on-paper life into a purposeful, spiritually attuned journey. She provides tangible tips and techniques for how we can all follow suit, pushing past deep fear, self-judgement, and shame—even embracing what feels delusional but is really a sign of true desire—to find inner trust, alignment, and live the life that's meant for us.

(Re-release from November 2022) Los Angeles-based marriage and family therapist Shirin Peykar shares her experience with narcissistic abuse, explains the spectrum of narcissism, and discusses how schema therapy aids in trauma and abuse recovery by putting our grounded selves back in the driver's seat.

e're halfway through our Audience Favorite summer season and, as promised in the Season 2 finale, we have a new episode for you! The audience that joined us for Nicole's live conversation with Renee Erickson in April 2023 asked such great questions during the Q&A segment of the evening—and both Renee and Nicole had insightful responses—that we captured them all in a special mini-episode. Enjoy the inspiration and laughs from that magical night in Seattle.

(Re-release from March 2023) Writer Caroline Donofrio discusses the unintentional, yet intuition-driven detours of her life and successful career. After an upsetting experience led her to abandon her voice as a writer and performer, she spent years helping others tell their stories, but constantly felt pulled to tell her own. Over time, she found the courage to do so, which led to deeply personal writing that resonates with a following of devoted readers, particularly through her successful Substack newsletter, Between a Rock and a Card Place.

(Re-release from November 2022) Acclaimed musician, sound designer, and re-recording mixer for film and television Derek Vanderhorst joins the show to discuss his own fight with head and neck cancer, and how it took losing everything to create a more purposeful life.

(Re-release from March 2023) Entrepreneur Lisa Ehrlich joins Here For Me on the heels of the release of “Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter,” the documentary film on her late ex-husband and business partner, sharing the twists and turns her life took from restaurant stardom to personal setbacks, reinvention, and reframing how she evaluates who and what is allowed in her world.

Nicole waves goodbye to Season 2 of Here For Me, recapping the key takeaways from the last six episodes and sharing what she's learned navigating her own detours over the last year—through her awakening and alignment, and the accompanying battles with self-doubt and self-worth. She also gives a preview of the theme and purpose of Season 3.

James Beard award-winning chef and author Renee Erickson joins Here For Me's first-ever live show, recorded in April 2023 in Seattle. Renee shares the story of how a part-time job at a Seattle restaurant turned into an unexpected, yet remarkable career as a renowned chef and restaurateur, and all the setbacks and challenges she's encountered along the way.

Parenting activist, best-selling author, and founder of Tilt Parenting Debbie Reber shares her story of raising a differently wired child and riding out life's many unexpected detours. From becoming an outspoken voice in neurodivergent parenting to discovering her own neurodivergence, Debbie shares her wisdom for letting go of control, being gentle with and accepting of yourself and others, and advocating for what you—and your family—need in your life.

Life coach and intentional living expert Catherine Andrews shares how she transformed her successful-on-paper life into a purposeful, spiritually attuned journey. She provides tangible tips and techniques for how we can all follow suit, pushing past deep fear, self-judgement, and shame—even embracing what feels delusional but is really a sign of true desire—to find inner trust, alignment, and live the life that's meant for us.

Writer Caroline Donofrio discusses the unintentional, yet intuition-driven detours of her life and successful career. After an upsetting experience led her to abandon her voice as a writer and performer, she spent years helping others tell their stories, but constantly felt pulled to tell her own. Over time, she found the courage to do so, which led to deeply personal writing that resonates with a following of devoted readers, particularly through her successful Substack newsletter, Between a Rock and a Card Place.

Entrepreneur Lisa Ehrlich joins Here For Me on the heels of the release of “Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter,” the documentary film on her late ex-husband and business partner, sharing the twists and turns her life took from restaurant stardom to personal setbacks, reinvention, and reframing how she evaluates who and what is allowed in her world.

Nicole ushers in a new season of Here For Me by discussing detours, and how veering off the path we had planned can be scary and beautiful all at once. In her most personal and vulnerable episode to date, she updates us on how she's fared through the break between seasons, during which she experienced a clearing in the grief after the end of her marriage, and shares the lessons learned from this time of going inward.

Nicole returns for a short season interlude to reflect on lessons learned during Season One of Here For Me, and share an announcement on what being here for herself looks like as a new year dawns.

Author, podcast host, and media mogul Zibby Owens shares her experiences with loss, finding love, wasting no time, and learning to trust her gut.

Film, TV, and theater actor Jay Huguley shares how losing sight in one eye led him on a journey to understanding the power of friendship, asking for help, and appreciating all life has to offer.

Los Angeles-based marriage and family therapist Shirin Peykar shares her experience with narcissistic abuse, explains the spectrum of narcissism, and discusses how schema therapy aids in trauma and abuse recovery by putting our grounded selves back in the driver's seat.

Acclaimed musician, sound designer, and re-recording mixer for film and television Derek Vanderhorst joins the show to discuss his own fight with head and neck cancer, and how it took losing everything to create a more purposeful life. 

Losing multiple layers of skin and all her toenails was Nicole Christie's first wake-up call, but not her last. Nine months after that harrowing incident, her body sent another alarm that helped her see how she was severely abandoning herself by allowing people to bully and belittle her to the point of losing herself. This time, the lessons were more painful and much harder won—but they stuck.    Once again, if gory medical photos are your jam, check them out at hereformepodcast.com.

In June 2019, a stress-induced autoimmune response in Nicole Christie's body sent up literal red flags in the form of target-shaped lesions that landed her in the hospital for a week, led to her losing multiple layers of skin and all her toenails, and took months to fully heal, yet gave her the gift of seeing how she'd abandoned herself throughout her life.   If you have the stomach and curiosity to check out the photos, visit hereformepodcast.com.